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.
10 Ways Credit Unions Support Back-To-School Season
August 25, 2025
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As students head back to campus this fall, the nation’s financial cooperatives jump to the head of the class with creative community partnerships, classroom-ready resources, and real financial support.
Stocking Every Aisle With Financial Opportunity
August 20, 2025
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Publix Employees FCU turns everyday moments into lasting financial impact. Through on-site support and a vibrant wellness program, the credit union is building trust, offering guidance, and forging financial confidence one associate at a time.
U.S. Consumers Present A Mixed Bag Of Future Financial Sentiment
August 18, 2025
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Recent studies reveal a slight uptick in optimism, but a growing share of Americans expect their finances to worsen during the next year.
Financial Wellbeing Isn’t What You Think It Is
August 18, 2025
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Financial wellbeing isn’t about budgets or education; it’s about trust, confidence, and a sense of control.
How A Financial Wellbeing Strategy Offers Less Stress And More Success
August 18, 2025
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Affinity Federal Credit Union redefines financial success by focusing on emotional confidence, community impact, and member trust.
How A Credit Union Foundation Builds Equity And Access
August 11, 2025
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Park Community Credit Union Foundation reimagines local philanthropy through transparent practices, grassroots partnerships, and trust-based giving.
The New Retirement Reality Reveals Startling Facts
July 28, 2025
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A 2025 BlackRock survey presents a snapshot of retirement readiness and shows Americans are saving, struggling, and still working.
Build Resilience, Not Road Maps: 5 Strategic Planning Priorities For 2026 And Beyond
July 14, 2025
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From employee engagement to community impact and beyond, these are the initiatives credit unions must focus on to stay aligned and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Virtual Cards: More Than Just A Trend
July 7, 2025
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The next evolution in consumer payments — and credit unions that wait risk falling behind.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Building Vibrant Communities
June 30, 2025
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A midyear look back at how credit unions are lifting up their communities in ways that go beyond just banking.
10 Ways Credit Unions Support Back-To-School Season
As students head back to campus this fall, the nation’s financial cooperatives jump to the head of the class with creative community partnerships, classroom-ready resources, ...
Stocking Every Aisle With Financial Opportunity
Publix Employees FCU turns everyday moments into lasting financial impact. Through on-site support and a vibrant wellness program, the credit union is building trust, offering ...
U.S. Consumers Present A Mixed Bag Of Future Financial Sentiment
Recent studies reveal a slight uptick in optimism, but a growing share of Americans expect their finances to worsen during the next year.
How A Financial Wellbeing Strategy Offers Less Stress And More Success
Affinity Federal Credit Union redefines financial success by focusing on emotional confidence, community impact, and member trust.
How A Credit Union Foundation Builds Equity And Access
Park Community Credit Union Foundation reimagines local philanthropy through transparent practices, grassroots partnerships, and trust-based giving.
The New Retirement Reality Reveals Startling Facts
A 2025 BlackRock survey presents a snapshot of retirement readiness and shows Americans are saving, struggling, and still working.
Build Resilience, Not Road Maps: 5 Strategic Planning Priorities For 2026 And Beyond
From employee engagement to community impact and beyond, these are the initiatives credit unions must focus on to stay aligned and prepared for the challenges ...
Virtual Cards: More Than Just A Trend
The next evolution in consumer payments — and credit unions that wait risk falling behind.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Building Vibrant Communities
A midyear look back at how credit unions are lifting up their communities in ways that go beyond just banking.
Browse Topics
The Numbers That Matter Most To Credit Unions
Aaron Passman
A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.
The Affordability Crisis Is Reshaping Credit Union Balance Sheets
Sherry Virden
Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Asset Quality Takes An Uncomfortable Turn In 2025
Andrew Lepczyk
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The American Budget Squeeze
Tony Waltrich
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
Flexibility In The Earnings Model Matters More As Rates Turn
Omar Shalabi
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
Credit Unions At A Crossroads: Shifts, Risks, And Opportunities
Callahan & Associates
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
Aaron Passman
How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.
Financial Wellbeing Isn’t What You Think It Is