JetStream FCU Turns CDFI Funding Into Lifelines After Hurricane Maria
A pair of CDFI grants allowed the Florida-based credit union to help members restart their lives on the island or relocate to the United States.
Impact/Purpose
Our Purpose page is your central resource to explore strategies that elevate products and services from run-of-the-mill commodities to powerful tools that support members and communities and set credit unions apart from competitors.
Top Impact/Purpose Articles
Wright-Patt Turns Purpose Into Property For First-Time Homebuyers
The Ohio credit union’s Sunshine Community Fund is backing new homes in Dayton, combining financial support, education, and cross-team collaboration to empower first-time buyers.
First Alliance Debuts Mission-Driven Deposits
The Minnesota-based cooperative invites high-dollar depositors to turn private prosperity into shared possibility through a savings product designed around social impact.
From Service To Stability: Exploring Veterans’ Financial Wellbeing And Opportunities For Credit Unions
November 11, 2024
No Comments
Veterans reported higher levels of financial wellbeing than the average U.S. adult in a CFPB survey, but credit unions have room to help those experiencing hardship.
Physical Branch, Digital Service
November 3, 2024
No Comments
Affinity Plus builds member engagement by focusing equally on a modern brick-and-mortar network plus the latest technologies for members and staff alike.
Why Do Banking Deserts Exist? How Can Credit Unions Fix Them?
November 3, 2024
No Comments
Understanding what constitutes a banking desert can help credit unions determine branching and outreach strategies for underserved communities.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Consumer Sentiment?
October 28, 2024
No Comments
Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of Americans’ economic opinions, habits, and more.
Empathy Is A Credit Union’s Secret Weapon
October 27, 2024
No Comments
A mix of quality people and customizable services help members through economic uncertainty.
7 Ways To Gain A Wider Reach With A Narrow Field Of Membership
October 14, 2024
No Comments
Niche credit unions don’t let eligibility requirements hinder innovation or growth.
Are Community Charters The Key To Relevancy?
October 14, 2024
No Comments
Two credit unions from Nebraska and Michigan have adapted their membership models to serve a broader, more diverse base.
How To Help Gen Z Combat The ‘Vibecession’
September 30, 2024
No Comments
The economy feels pretty bleak to young consumers, with homeownership seeming permanently out of reach. Some credit unions are taking steps to combat that pessimism.
Transcend’s Teen Account Banks On The Future
September 30, 2024
No Comments
A mix of account features, parental involvement, and financial education are all helping the Kentucky cooperative narrow its generation gap.
What’s In A Name: Member Care Specialist
September 30, 2024
No Comments
Jay Hall’s role at Fortera Federal Credit Union helps families properly settle accounts after a member has passed away.
From Service To Stability: Exploring Veterans’ Financial Wellbeing And Opportunities For Credit Unions
Veterans reported higher levels of financial wellbeing than the average U.S. adult in a CFPB survey, but credit unions have room to help those experiencing ...
Physical Branch, Digital Service
Affinity Plus builds member engagement by focusing equally on a modern brick-and-mortar network plus the latest technologies for members and staff alike.
Why Do Banking Deserts Exist? How Can Credit Unions Fix Them?
Understanding what constitutes a banking desert can help credit unions determine branching and outreach strategies for underserved communities.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Consumer Sentiment?
Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of Americans’ economic opinions, habits, and more.
Empathy Is A Credit Union’s Secret Weapon
A mix of quality people and customizable services help members through economic uncertainty.
7 Ways To Gain A Wider Reach With A Narrow Field Of Membership
Niche credit unions don’t let eligibility requirements hinder innovation or growth.
Are Community Charters The Key To Relevancy?
Two credit unions from Nebraska and Michigan have adapted their membership models to serve a broader, more diverse base.
How To Help Gen Z Combat The ‘Vibecession’
The economy feels pretty bleak to young consumers, with homeownership seeming permanently out of reach. Some credit unions are taking steps to combat that pessimism.
Transcend’s Teen Account Banks On The Future
A mix of account features, parental involvement, and financial education are all helping the Kentucky cooperative narrow its generation gap.
What’s In A Name: Member Care Specialist
Jay Hall’s role at Fortera Federal Credit Union helps families properly settle accounts after a member has passed away.
Browse Topics
AI Adoption Is Growing. Are Credit Unions Keeping Pace?
Andrew Lepczyk
New data from Gallup shows half of all employees who work for companies that pay for AI tools use them. Credit unions are building their own momentum.
A Credit Union Bond Beyond Bloodlines
Aaron Passman
For Mike and Dave Valentine, the family business just happens to be credit unions. The father-son duo talk leadership styles, cooperative values, and the lessons they’ve learned from each other along the way.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources
Chris Howard
People who are truly financially thriving have both means and a sense of security that comes from confidence about the future. Building that kind of emotional engagement requires a deliberate design of everyday interactions.
Markets Flip From Pricing Cuts To 50% Chance Of Hikes
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
Savana Morie
A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
Home Is Where The Heart (And More) Is
Aaron Passman
Where is mortgage growth coming from right now? This week, CreditUnions.com covers a mix of home equity campaigns, targeted affordability programs, and niche lending strategies that are bringing borrowers back into the market.
3 Ways To Market For HELOC Success
Aaron Passman
Home equity lending is a winning option for credit unions in today’s mortgage environment. Learn how three different shops meet members’ needs.
Small House, Big Opportunity: 2 Takes On Manufactured Home Loans
Aaron Passman
Manufactured home loans can provide members access to affordable housing, including those in rural areas. Two credit unions share how they approach the niche product.
Mortgage Lending Is Back, But It Looks Different
Tony Waltrich
After a prolonged slowdown, signs of life are returning to mortgage lending. Growth is uneven, with first-time buyers and shifting rate dynamics driving activity in select segments.
MSUFCU Turns A Break In Payments Into A Member Experience Moment
Aaron Passman
The Michigan cooperative keeps everyday payments working and members happy by using a common friction point to build brand loyalty.