“They go over pretty well,” says Kathy Breaux, the credit union’s consumer lending director. “Our members call for it. They wait for it every year.”
But the credit union doesn’t just dispense money. It’s also ready with advice.
Ann Solomon, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Inclusiv
“When we talk to members about the loans, we also let them know about our financial counseling program,” Breaux says. “We offer to help them with their budget, to help them create a savings plan and set aside money for school supplies and all those things you can expect every year.”
NOFFCU also tries to be there to help with the unexpected. The 25,000-member credit union, which serves multiple SEGs and parishes, offers a Rescue Loan as a payday lending alternative. The $300 or $500 loans are for 60 days maximum at 15%.
NOFFCU has made 1,866 of them in the past four years for a total of $669,600.
Gigi Hyland, Executive Director, National Credit Union Foundation
The Louisiana credit union also is working with a Baton Rouge hospital, community improvement organization, and Catholic Charities to offer another alternative loan through the new Faith Fund. Those loans can be up to $1,500 for 12 months at 5.99%.
The Gift Of Financial Wellness
“The holidays are a big time for personal loans but not a big time for financial education and counseling,” says Ann Solomon, strategic initiatives director at Inclusiv, the recently re-named National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions.
Solomon says data from the 16 credit unions participating in her organization’s Pathways to Financial Empowerment data analytics program show a December-January dip in counseling sessions then a rebound in February and March when the bills come due and tax time arrives.
3 Tips For Holiday Help
Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation, suggests ways to spread holiday cheer.
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Start With Employees — Foster the holiday feeling among employees with a savings contest or a toy collection.
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Acknowledge The Blues — The holidays are tough. Show members you’re there for them with resources like a Christmas Club account that help them sock away money by gift-buying time.
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Take Time To Celebrate — Thank members for being members and show whatever good will the credit union can extend.
Of course, financial wellness is a year-round concern, so it’s a good idea to talk with members about how to build financial security when they take advantage of holiday loans or savings programs.
“While you’re getting the word out about your offerings, encourage folks to think about planning for next year,” Solomon says. “Align that holiday energy with your products and the support you can give them.”
Financial wellness is a 24/7/365 issue, but holiday stress puts the issue in stark relief.
“We know the economy appears to be doing well, but credit unions know the struggle many face,” says Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation.
Hyland urges cooperatives to put their creative minds to work to come up with products and promotions that save members money and show them a path to better money management.
“What better time of year than this to celebrate being a cooperative?” says the NCUF director and former NCUA board member. “And what better way to celebrate than by recognizing members might be struggling and finding creative ways to meet them where they live?”
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