Why Credit Unions Need to Focus On Member Education Initiatives

Credit unions compete with banks in several ways, notably by offering better rates or more lucrative savings plans. But beyond the monetary benefits, credit unions are also known to offer more personalized services and help members make informed financial decisions.¹

Member education involves teaching things like how to manage your money effectively so members can become more financially literate. This way, they can make sound financial decisions based on balanced, well-rounded information. 

Let’s explore the reasons why credit union member education initiatives are so important. 

Why Money Management Is a Hot Topic

Since we live in a day and age where spending money is easy – think credit cards, online shopping, and one-click digital transactions – having real-world money management skills has become even more important than it used to be.

Financial literacy programs equip people with the tools and smarts they need to be able to create monthly budgets, understand their spending habits, and save for the present and future. These programs or workshops can also cover more complex topics, such as how to manage debt and plan for retirement.

How Do Financial Wellness Education Programs Benefit Credit Unions?

Having people become more financially literate positively impacts both credit unions and their members.

As we’ve covered, well-informed members can make smarter decisions with money, but the unique benefit of education programs is that members also become more loyal to their credit union. 

When members become increasingly well-versed in their finances, they tend to appreciate these educational benefits offered by their credit union. Financially literate members also help lower risk, as they are less likely to take out loans that increase the credit union’s risk factor.

Not only that, but they’re also more likely to use a broader range of financial products and services that they wouldn’t have ventured into previously.² That leads to increased revenue streams for the credit union and a diversified portfolio for members.

Credit unions that go the extra mile to help people through financial wellness programs also position themselves as leaders in financial education. New members will likely be attracted to these offerings, and they’ll help retain existing members, which makes them an effective investment in the long-term success of the credit union.

Content and Resources for Member Education

Engagement plays a crucial part in familiarizing members with financial literacy. That's why it's beneficial for a credit union to partner with other organizations to help its members.

By using interactive education resources, members can gain meaningful financial insights. For example, they can provide real-world examples and immersive modules to help them grasp concepts much easier.

Here are some resources unions can use for members of all ages:

Enrich for Financial Institutions

With Enrich, credit unions can craft bespoke financial wellness programs tailored to their members. The platform works as a co-branded service or white-label financial wellness program that your customers will actually want to use.

Through Enrich, credit unions can educate members on key financial topics using gamification, customization, and psychology for stronger, ongoing engagement. And with 100 configurations available on the platform, you'll have everything you need for a tailor-made program that will generate a positive ROI.

Calculators and Exercises

Financial literacy programs aren't complete without calculators and exercises.

In the credit union network, these tools are typically the most accessible. They help members understand all sorts of financial concepts in a practical way. With a good calculator, members can input their own figures and see potential outcomes.

Financial exercises also provide the opportunity to test out different financial scenarios (like budgeting) and simulate things like retirement planning or cash flow, to help them make independent decisions.

Personalization Tools

Credit unions can also personalize education programs for their members. With site-based messaging and things like personalized online portals, it’ll demonstrate that the credit union is invested in upskilling their members. 

For example, a financial wellness platform can offer interactive and customized financial education based on the specific member’s financial situation and goals. With the help of tools like AI and data analysis, they can enhance the learning experience.

Equip Your Credit Union With Targeted Resources, Training, and Professional Development Opportunities

Credit unions are often said to view their members in a special light. To these organizations, every member is a valuable part of the partnership – not just a consumer. With this in mind, credit unions should strive to cater to the needs of their members.

Providing comprehensive resources and training becomes crucial. Covering financial basics and complex niches, they can boost financial literacy among members of all ages and financial situations throughout their lifetime with the credit union.

Youth and Teen Financial Education Resources

Instilling financial knowledge starts at a young age. Credit unions can recognize this important demographic using guidebooks tailored for younger members, including high school students. When these young minds have a good grasp of financial concepts, they can step into adulthood with a solid financial foundation as a result.

Adult Financial Education Resources

Credit unions provide financial workshops, seminars, and in-person presentations. These programs cater to adult members, covering various personal finance topics. In contrast to youth and teen resources, adult resources are often more varied and in-depth, providing the knowledge they need to manage and grow their wealth effectively.

Financial Counseling

One-on-one sessions can uncover many unanswered questions for members. Here's what a financial counselor can cover:

• Spotting the best investment vehicles for you
• Understanding the complexities of an interest rate
• Setting realistic and significant financial goals
• Knowing the right way to pay for college
• Opening up the facets of bankruptcy and other sensitive topics

With this service available, members can feel more guided and supported in their financial journey.

Using Enrich as Your Financial Literacy Resource Center

When credit unions use Enrich, they can provide superior education sessions. The platform offers top-notch educational course content and advanced reporting for every stage of life – from paying off student loans to saving for retirement. 

With financial stress on the rise, Enrich’s tailored solutions produce results right away and help members feel more financially secure at your credit union.

Feel free to request a demo or watch our video demo to learn more.

The Value of Member Education: A Stronger Credit Union

Member education holds a fundamental role in credit union operations. It gives members the tools to make sense of financial concepts, and, in turn, credit unions reap the benefits through their bottom line.

Developing an education initiative strengthens the bond between a credit union and its members. Thus, producing a community of knowledgeable and confident financial decision-makers.

Through member education, you can inspire more members to become financially smart and loyal to your organization.

Credit Union Member Education FAQs

What are the problems facing credit unions?

Problems include technological changes and competition with traditional banks. To stay ahead of them, they can make use of external resources to continue evolving their strategies.

Does your financial wellness program take mindset into consideration?

Yes. Our programs understand that mindset impacts financial decisions. We make use of psychologically-proven techniques to get users to take action and learn.

What is the membership difference between banks and credit unions?

Credit unions focus on serving their members rather than generating profits. This member focus often leads to more favorable terms and rates compared to banks.

Financial information vs behavior change: Which is more important for a credit union's financial wellness program?

Both are important, but behavior change is what helps promote action. With behavior change, members can apply what they learned and make better decisions for their financial health.

1 - https://www.investopedia.com/credit-unions-vs-banks-4590218

2 - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4472569