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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Consolidating DebtA member was a victim of fraud and came to the branch in Oshkosh to open new accounts.
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Financial Counseling after Loss of Loved OneOver the past several years, we’ve increasingly provided free counseling for members who have lost a spouse.
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Revitalizing Wausau’s Eastern Riverfront DistrictUpon moving to a new corporate headquarters, we donated our former mortgage center to Wausau’s YMCA Capital Campaign so they can construct a new wellness center in downtown Wausau.
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Making Members Feel Welcome & SpecialOne member went out of their way to write us a thank you note for the many times we helped their family.
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Not Hounding, Harrassing, or ThreateningOur member fell on hard financial times, resulting in the charge off of her loan. Now, she includes a handwritten note with each monthly payment thanking us for not hounding, harassing, or threatening her.
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Incentivizing SavingWe offer an in-school savings program for elementary students.
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.

