Whether it’s helping a member escape predatory lending, rebuild credit, weather an illness, save for a home, or simply be given a second chance, credit unions are uniquely equipped to provide a lifeline when other financial institutions can’t or won’t. Check out our collection of stories below–all submitted by Wisconsin’s credit unions. Have your own story you’d like to share? Submit your story here.

Dreaming of Life on the Farm
Viridiana and her family had always dreamed of living on a farm, and they found the perfect rehab opportunity, including several acres of land complete with three barns. After initially being denied/rejected for financing, they decided to apply with us.

Financial Success Through In-School Branch Education
Royal’s Rice Lake Branch Manager recently congratulated a Member on their great credit score. His response was, “I’ve had a great teacher since I was a part of the School $ense program in 4th grade!”
Story Collection
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Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness, But it Does Buy Freedom [Video]A couple was living paycheck to paycheck with substantial credit card debt. They were tired of getting nowhere making minimum payments and met with us after being told they were “un-bankable” by other banks.
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Observant & Knowledgeable“I called to get a payoff amount on a car loan due to it being totaled from an accident.”
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I was “Unbanked”“I was ‘unbanked’ due to credit issues and shenanigans from my youth.”
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Such a Difference Compared to Larger Banks“We were so happy with it that we’ve kept our checking account, even after paying off the loan.”
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Accommodating Our Unique Needs“After my husband’s car was totaled in a horrific accident, we needed to buy a new one ASAP, but our insurance company was dragging their feet on paying us for the totaled car.”
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Pursuing the American DreamWhen other financial institutions did not want to take the risk on this startup business, we carefully reviewed this member’s financial factors and business plan while also trusting in her knowledge, skills, and work ethic.
What’s a Credit Union?
What makes credit unions different from other financial institutions, and why does it matter?
Don’t Tax My Credit Union
Credit unions are different than banks. As not-for-profit financial institutions, credit unions put people first. That’s why more than 140 million Americans choose credit unions as their trusted financial partner.
Credit Unions vs. Banks
What’s the difference between a credit union and bank? Check out this interactive infographic!
Share Your Stories
From accounts of above and beyond member service, to granted second chances, to responses to disaster, to meeting community needs, to returning funds back to their members through patronage, and more—your stories educate policymakers and the public about their banking options and are vital to preserving The Credit Union Difference.

