Monday, July 13, 2015

Credit Unions Rock - Here's Why


Credit Unions Rock – Here’s Why:


I’ve been a member of U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union since I was just a little Coyote Kid. Back when I joined at the ripe age of ten years old, I had absolutely no idea just how much Credit Unions rocked. Now that I am an adult, I know how Credit Unions, in particular U.S. Eagle, can help me and you achieve our financial goals.
5 reasons why you shouldn’t join a credit union:
  1. If you do not like saving money, RUN.
  2. If you do not like working with a local business that maintains a heavy community footprint, RUN.
  3. If you do not like walking into your financial institution where friendly faces greet you, RUN.
  4. If you like high interest rates and low returns on investments (dividends), RUN.
  5. Lastly, if you do not like having a say in the way your money is handled, RUN.

It’s a pretty simple concept – Credit Unions really do rock.

Typically, a savings account and checking account at almost every Credit Union is free. That’s right – free. Once you open a savings account, you’re now officially a member. I like to think of Credit Unions as clubs. You’re a member of a club where your voice is heard and you decide how things go – you’re the boss. Depending on where you are employed or what organizations you are involved in will determine whether or not you can join a Credit Union. Fortunately at U.S. Eagle, everyone can join! Oh, and did I mention our savings accounts and checking accounts are free?
One of my absolute favorite things about U.S. Eagle is our huge community footprint. I have worked here for nearly a year and I am still discovering different organizations we support. The best part? Employees have the opportunity to contribute their time to charitable organizations. For example, U.S. Eagle has signups for employees to volunteer their time at Rio Grande Food Project, Casa Esperanza, and Meals on Wheels. We also have a whole committee dedicated to community involvement called, “Community Involvement Committee”. The purpose of this committee is to plan different fundraising events, discover organizations to sponsor, and assist with community service related projects.

I can think of some pretty important relationships I have made throughout my young life. One relationship that I have found essential is a good relationship with the individual who handles my money. When I started working at U.S. Eagle, I visited different branches to acclimate myself to the company. Staff that had helped with my finances at some point throughout my U.S. Eagle membership still remembered me! U.S. Eagle employees do their best to help you succeed financially. You will always find a friendly face more than willing to assist you.

Credit Unions are not-for-profit. This means that we do not operate with the intention of bringing in the dough. We return what profit we do make to our members through low interest rates on loans and credit cards, and higher returns on your investments. Score!

Guess what? We have some good news! Once you’re a member at U.S. Eagle you call the shots. How?
  1. Volunteer and be elected to our Board of Directors
  2. Attend our Annual Meeting and have your voice heard

Our Board of Directors work on a volunteer-basis. They are not compensated for their time and dedication to the Credit Union. They have monthly meetings where they discuss the state of the Credit Union and how we as a Credit Union can exceed our members expectations.  Once a year, we hold an Annual Meeting and invite all our members. This meeting is intended to address the questions and concerns of our members.

So why hasn’t everyone joined a Credit Union? Good question. Maybe people like paying fees and watching the banks profit. Plus, a lot of people don’t know just how great a Credit Union can be. Truth is that we aren’t just great, we rock.