ADVOCACY UPDATE

Learn, Connect, Grow: The National Credit Union Foundation recently launched the FinHealth Hub, offering a comprehensive platform for individuals to embark on their journey towards financial wellness. Through resources, education, and support, the Hub aims to enhance the financial well-being of all through credit unions. It provides a master class-style environment where users can learn about financial well-being, connect with peers to collaborate and overcome obstacles, and access tools to take actionable steps toward growth. Join the community to start your journey to financial health today.

Open Lending Near- and Non-Prime Consumer Update: Underserved consumers need loan opportunities to jumpstart their financial futures. An automotive loan is often the first step to building good credit, but for many individuals in the near- and non-prime credit segment, vehicle financing is out of reach. If you offer auto loans, Open Lending can help you understand and include these borrowers in your portfolios. Access this report to learn how you can boost ROA and shield your portfolio from market volatility with help from Open Lending.

What soft skills are needed in the financial industry? When considering a career in the financial industry, you might think that mathematical skills and financial wisdom are all you need to achieve a successful career. However, employers consistently list "soft skills" as a necessary trait. Learn about crucial soft skills for the finance industry in this blog from our online learning partner OnCourse Learning.

Deliver core solutions to your small business members: Businesses want to make more money, save time, and reduce expenses. As a partner, NewtekOne provides leading business solutions that credit unions can offer, including SBA lending services, business financing, merchant processing, payroll, insurance, and website/technology services. Learn how NewtekOne can help you today.

Park Side CU has announced its 2024 Park Side Partners Program nonprofit organizations. Each of these area organizations will receive a significant monetary contribution, volunteers from the Park Side CU team for various events, cross-promotion, and more to help increase their exposure within their communities.

During the 13 years of the program, Park Side CU has partnered with over 65 nonprofits and contributed over $350,000 in shared funds. That's the #CUDifference!

Credit Unions Job #1? Financial Well-being for All

Think for a moment about a member whose life was positively changed because you or one of your staff members met the member where they were and offered the right solution at the right time. Montana’s credit unions do this every day, and many of you have invested in the FiCEP program to take your financial counseling to higher levels. Financial wellbeing is at the heart of the credit union movement. While we aren’t always good at telling our stories (we’re just doing our job, right?), those stories happen all the time.

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) is a convener and steward of the credit union philosophy, our “why,” if you will. They have dedicated time, people, and resources to champion financial well-being for all and showcase credit unions across the country that are finding new and innovative ways to meet members where they are. They just launched a new FinHealth Hub, an “online community of financial well-being practitioners who are passionate about sharing their journeys and learning from each other.”

I had the privilege of serving on the Foundation board when the CU FinHealth Fund was created to help launch this new industry resource. I am very excited to see its launch and the impact it will have on your credit unions as they serve the financial needs of your members.

Here is a brief description of this new resource:

• Learn: Take courses to learn about financial well-being for all;
• Connect: Engage in a forum to collaborate on solving roadblocks and sharing resources; and
• Grow: Tap into resources and tools to help take action.

Earlier this week, I created an account on the FinHealth Hub and have started taking some of the classes and reviewing the resources. I challenge you and your teams to do the same. You will find a wealth of resources including best practices, checklists, learning journeys for your staff, practical tools, and resources on community engagement through philanthropy.

Additional resources are continually added, and users are encouraged to engage in the Hub by connecting with others and adding their own tools and best practices. While you are at the Foundation’s site, check out their other resources and programs as well! They have many resources that you can leverage with your teams to showcase the credit union difference!

You are making a difference in our state. Montanans face many challenges, and you rise to those challenges every day to improve their financial lives. Together, we ensure a better future for Montanans. 

Cooperatively, Gerry 

Well, last week's survey saw the most participation of all previous surveys. You sure are passionate about the Super Bowl... or at least the commercials. 😉