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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Meeting Members Where They’re AtA member’s daughter visited a Guardian branch, asking how she could access her mother’s account, as her mother was hospitalized and unable to withdraw the money necessary to pay her bills.
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Setting up a Savings PlanA teacher suffered financial hardships including a car accident, vet bills, and car repairs.
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A Service Dog for Self-SufficiencyA member was in need of assistance to get a service dog to help their child become more self-sufficient.
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“Arrive as a Stranger, Leave as Family.”A member’s husband died suddenly at age 40, leaving her behind with two young children.
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Saving You TimeWe shortened members’ wait times for service to 18 seconds by offering personal teller machines–similar to ATMs with audio and video access to a live teller.
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Helping You Get Taxes BackOur Processing Supervisor noticed there were a lot of members (over 100 mortgages) that were not claiming their Lottery Credit.
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.

