When I walked into Patelco Credit Union three years ago, my credit score was 540 and I had 11 accounts in collections. I had no financial literacy. I didn’t know what ‘credit’ meant, nor did I know how to effectively repair my credit to attain my financial goals. At that time, my knowledge base as it regarded money extended only to knowing how to save money, which is a good discipline, but I lacked the savvy to understand how to maximize the money I was saving.
Lyn Walker was paramount not only in giving me strategies to reinforce credit repair, financial growth, and stability, but also in doing so with a high level of patience and compassion. She created a safe space during our meetings where I didn’t feel judged for what I didn’t know. She showed me tools such as the ScoreUp loan, secured credit cards, money market accounts, interest-yielding certificates, and credit tracking apps. She also provided financial guidance for paying off accounts in collections and assisted with refinancing my car through Patelco. The list goes on. Lyn educated me on the value of each of these tools as it applied to me, right then. I sometimes felt discouraged in those meetings when I looked at my credit damage on paper — I had 11 negative marks, all in collections — but Lyn’s calm and reassuring disposition toward my situation made me feel validated and accepted for what I was dealing with while also giving me hope that it would turn positive with the implementation of products offered from Patelco.
Today, I have a 710 credit score and more than $30,000 saved in various accounts with Patelco. My future looks brighter by the day. This wouldn’t have been possible without Lyn’s expertise, Patelco’s products to help me reach my goals, and my willingness to execute a sound financial planning strategy. I now know the meaning of credit and how to build and maintain it. I now know the meaning of money and the difference between money and finances as it relates to building wealth and equity. I got this from Patelco but would have never received it if it wasn’t for Lynn Walker.
This story was submitted on behalf of a Patelco member by Jennifer Mink, Director of Member Experience & Financial Wellbeing, Patelco Credit Union.
