You're on the front lines. You're someone who is making a difference in the lives of members. Maybe it's budgeting advice to help a struggling member, or something more drastic - but it's you who is taking the time to know your members and work toward healthier financial futures.

Have you ever asked yourself, 'Can I do more'? Or, 'How else can I make a difference'? Click here to read an article about advocating for the credit union difference, written by CUNA President & CEO Jim Nussle.

Empathy is a muscle that requires consistent exercise and training to ensure that when the time comes to use it, you’ll be ready. Now and in the coming months, people in America will need empathy more than ever. Using empathy takes a conscious effort but lucky for credit unions, empathy is one of the greatest and most reliable tools in our cooperative toolbox.

Consider attending this training opportunity offered by CUNA and the National Credit Union Foundation to learn not just what empathy is, but how credit union leaders at all levels can put it into practice. Click here to learn more and register.

We also recommend you check out the Practicing Empathy handout.

The National Financial Educators Council surveyed more than 60,000 people across the nation to measure participant's abilities to learn, save and grow their money. The survey report allows for you to view the breakdown of test scores, scores by age, the most commonly missed questions and more.

About two-thirds of the U.S. population struggles to spend, save, borrow, and plan, yet those households contribute 84% of total spending on interest and fees for everyday financial services like credit cards, auto loans, remittances, and overdraft charges, and spend a greater share of their income compared with those who are financially healthy. 

The Financial Health Network has put together a 2021 spending report, with insights to the everyday financial services that coping and vulnerable Americans pay for.