Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors = Community Impact

Late last year, I was talking with a credit union employee who had just passed the exam following the Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP), earning him designation as a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC). He was excited to use what he’d learned with his members and wondered how to incorporate this knowledge into his work. Luckily, I had a few examples to share!

To start, simply having staff who are CCUFCs is a great look as a financial institution and fits in with the cooperative principles of education and helping. But more importantly, it can help your members in numerous ways. Credit unions are currently utilizing their knowledgeable CCUFCs by:

• Creating a team to handle inquiries for members who are close to getting loan approvals but just need a few financial tweaks
• Forming a peer group that meets regularly to discuss member issues and how they can help or develop a new financial tool to address an ongoing need
• Having them teach in schools and at nonprofits, such as at financial counselor tables during Financial Reality Fairs
• Establishing an annual check-in time for them to talk with members about their finances and offer guidance

I recently read an article about a credit union in Arizona where the CEO emphasized that their coaching was not just nice to have but a core responsibility. And he stated that with this core commitment, they saw a shift in their member relationships and in their team’s confidence and satisfaction working with members.

I believe our credit unions who are using their CCUFCs in unique and effective ways would agree with this CEO. I see this in programs being created in our CrossState network, and I hear of the credit unions’ excitement from staff and the impact they are making on their members’ lives. Your certification proves you’re committed to serving your members and now you’re set to put it to great use!