CU News (04-13-12) |
View 04-13-12 issue of The Pulse To effectively communicate these feelings of financial frustration, MnCUN has coined and trademarked a new word – Bankziety. This word is the foundation of the campaign and gets people thinking about credit unions as a smarter financial alternative in a fun, compelling and engaging way. The Bankziety campaign is geared toward consumers age 21-35 and uses a variety of online channels. This week MnCUN launched the Bankziety website, which is housed at www.SeeYouLaterBank.com. This site will be the "home base” of the campaign and will house the majority of the campaign's elements. The site encourages consumers to join the conversation about what makes them wary of their current banking relationship. The site features information about the credit union difference, tools and information on money management, and articles about financial issues facing Generation Y. The site also includes a national credit union locator that uses the search engine database from aSmarterChoice.org. Credit unions are encouraged to check out the site and promote it to their members. While the campaign is primarily geared toward non-members, current members can help in spreading the word to their family and friends. To assist you in telling your members about the Bankziety campaign, the Network has developed a sample newsletter article and sample website text. These downloadable materials, along with additional information about the campaign, can be found on the Bankziety page of the Network website. Support this statewide campaign and join us in presenting credit unions as the cure to Bankziety!
LSS financial counselors are certified in both credit and housing counseling and specialize in helping individuals avoid bankruptcy, foreclosure and debt settlement scams. Through LSS, credit unions can offer members education on how to develop positive money management skills, guidance on reading a credit report, budget and debt counseling, debt management planning, and foreclosure prevention counseling. LSS's customized financial wellness plans meet the unique needs of each credit union's field of membership and distinguish the credit union as a trusted financial partner. The services offered by LSS help to ensure that members choose reputable help, which minimizes write-offs and bankruptcy losses and fosters member loyalty. By offering financial information and resources, credit unions distinguish themselves as financial institutions dedicated to helping members meet and surpass their financial goals. "The services offered through LSS help to further differentiate credit unions as the smarter financial alternative,” said MnCUN Vice President – Network Service Corporation John Ferstl. "LSS has combined social responsibility with the need to minimize losses in order to develop financial services that are mutually beneficial for both credit unions and members. We are excited about this new partnership and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Minnesota.” For more information and to see how your credit union and its members could benefit from this service, visit the Lutheran Social Services page of the Network website. With questions contact MnCUN Vice President – Network Service Corporation John Ferstl by email or at (651) 288-5505.
This new CIF option will provide a unique vehicle to support financial education, professional development, community outreach and emergency assistance, not only in Minnesota, but across the country as well. "The new Community Investment Fund will provide credit unions a source of support that truly reflects the cooperative movement,” said Alloya CEO Charles Furbee. "This program provides real value for credit unions. Their investment dollars will work to support innovative credit union programs that strengthen education efforts and provide a safety net if an unexpected crisis occurs. I would encourage every credit union to look at participating in this program.” How does this new CIF work? Credit unions that are interested in adding a CIF investment for their portfolios can visit the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation website for additional information. To check rates, purchase a CIF investment or obtain additional details, contact a Balance Sheet Solutions Account Executive at (800) 342-4328 or mgmtmemsvcs@alloyacorp.org.
Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman will keynote the seminar and discuss the governor's new Interagency Work Group on Financial Literacy. Commissioner Rothman will address the need for non-profits, financial institutions, educators and local governments to work together to make Minnesota a nation-leading force in financial literacy. The afternoon will also include an educational tradeshow, featuring organizations that offer a variety of resources focused on financial literacy and personal finance. The Minnesota Jump$tart Coalition invites all individuals and organizations interested in financial education to attending this educational networking event. Admission is free; however attendees must pre-register by Wednesday, April 18. For additional information and to register, visit the Minnesota Jump$tart Coalition website.
To view the full free white paper, visit the Credit Union National Association website. |