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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Rewarding Our MembersWe thanked our members with a Member Loyalty Reward at the end of 2018 by paying a 5.81% dividend on all perpetual contributed capital (PCC) balances for the month of December
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Taking the TimeOne of our branch managers assisted a longstanding member with a $600+ loan that he needed to replace his tires in 2018.
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Even Small Loans Can Make a Big DifferenceA member had received a mailer from a finance company offering to lend her $750 for $70/ month on a 26-month term.
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The Power of Setting a BudgetA member had $1,700 in overdrafts and wasn’t keeping up with credit card payments.
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An Interest-Free Loan Option During Gov’t ShutdownOur credit union was prepared to offer any military or VA employee affected by a possible government shutdown a $5,000 interest-free loan.
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Nationally Recognized Financial Literacy EffortsWe interacted with 6,917 students in 2017, through more than 163 school presentations, youth camps and seminars, social media and even an app geared for members ages 2 to 12.
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.

