About a year ago, Cherie worked with a non‑member who wanted to refinance an auto loan from Santander with a monthly payment of $603. At the time, his credit score was low, and while he was approved, the interest rate came in at 15%. Rather than stopping there, Cherie took time to have a meaningful financial‑wellbeing conversation—educating him on how credit works, the importance of utilization, and practical steps to reduce debt and improve his score. That guidance made a lasting impression. Nearly a year later, the member returned to the branch asking specifically for Cherie. Unknown to her, he had followed through on every recommendation. His credit score had climbed to 723, and this time his auto refinance was approved at 7%—cutting his rate in half. His monthly payment dropped into the $200 range, saving him roughly $3,000 in interest over the life of the loan. But the story didn’t stop there. The member returned again—this time with a friend he referred, earning a $50 referral bonus. After seeing the savings Cherie helped him achieve, his friend also wanted help. One more Switch to Save conversation led to refinancing his loan from 10.7% down to 6.5%, saving him $75 per month and approximately $2,500 in total finance charges. This story is a powerful example of how education, trust, and follow‑through create ripple effects—helping one member improve their financial future, inspiring referrals, and delivering meaningful savings that truly change lives.
