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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Helping Our Communities RecoverAfter the floods of 2018 devastated our serving area from Coon Creek to Kickapoo Valley to the Baraboo watershed, WCCU committed to the recovery of our communities.
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Viridiana and her Family Had Always Dreamed of Living on a FarmWith our expanded services, we are able to accept alternate forms of identification including ITINs. We helped make her family’s dream a reality.
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Loan Extensions, No Payments, & Waived Interest During Cancer TreatmentWe have a self-employed over-the-road trucker who has his semi financed with us. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer and will be unable to drive for six months while receiving chemo treatment.
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Single Dad Seeks More Quality Time with FamilyA single dad who drives a truck for a living came to us seeking a way to find more time with his kids and aging mother.
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Refinancing a 30% Interest Rate, Paying Off Collections, & Saving a Member $250/monthWe had a member apply for a $5,000 loan to pay off some collections and credit cards. Looking at his credit report, we noticed that he was paying almost 30% in interest on his vehicle at a different institution.
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Helping When No Other Local Financials WouldA non-member with children was forced from her home due to flooding in town and lost everything. Her employer had a relief fund, but no other local financials would cash the check.
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.

