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Serious brains, zero snooze—The Credit Union Connection dishes hot takes on fintech, compliance, strategy, politics & member magic for credit union leaders who get it.

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Why Most Credit Union Strategic Plans Fail Before the Ink Dries (And What the Best Ones Do Differently) 

Finding Your Voice After A Promotion 

The Leadership Gift of Belief

The Case for Active Portfolio Management at the Credit Union

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The Career Gluttony Trap

a horizontal sketch cartoon style of a man walking down a side walk in a town carrying a brief case that is hand cuffed to his wrist and the brief case is wrapped in a chain with a lock. he is waring an oversized Halloween mask that looks like the attached photo. he has a word bubble above him that says "I HOPE WHEN I JOIN THE CREDIT UNION THEY CAN HELP ME PROTECT MY IDENTITY BETTER Than THIS GET-UP THE BANK GAVE

Cartoon Of The Week: Identity Protection

A modern stock market and investment scene portrays the excitement and strategy of long-term investing in a sleek financial environment. In the foreground, polished bronze bull and bear statues stand opposite each other, symbolizing rising and falling markets. Between them are neatly stacked gold coins, representing wealth accumulation, portfolio growth, and investment returns. A tablet rests on the desk, reinforcing the use of modern technology for investment management. Dominating the background is a large digital market display featuring: Upward-trending stock price charts Candlestick market graphs Performance lines illustrating long-term growth Major market indexes including: S&P 500 Dow Jones Nasdaq Russell 2000 VIX Gold Oil Several of the displayed indexes show positive gains highlighted in green, while others reflect normal market fluctuations in red. To the right of the display, large motivational words reinforce an investment mindset: INVEST PLAN GROW WEALTH A softly blurred city skyline in the background suggests a global financial district and modern capital markets. The image conveys themes of: Stock market investing Wealth management Portfolio growth Long-term investing Financial planning Market analysis Retirement investing Bull and bear markets Capital appreciation Investment strategy The overall design uses a sophisticated blue color palette with glowing financial graphics and metallic investment symbols to create a professional, forward-looking image focused on building long-term wealth through investing.

Desert Financial’s New Digital Investing Tools Let You Buy Into the Stock Market for Less Than a Latte

A welcoming credit union office is shown during a loan consultation between a Hispanic couple and a friendly loan officer. The scene conveys trust, financial guidance, and personalized member service in a modern, community-focused environment. Seated across a desk, a smiling Hispanic couple attentively reviews loan documents with a professional credit union representative. The loan officer gestures toward paperwork while discussing financing options, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. On the desk is a countertop sign promoting Personal Loans, listing common borrowing purposes such as: Debt Consolidation Home Improvements Major Purchases Competitive Rates The sign concludes with the reassuring message: "We're Here To Help." A computer monitor beside the loan officer displays a member-friendly presentation highlighting loan benefits such as: Low Rates Flexible Terms Local Decision Making The office features warm wood finishes, soft lighting, indoor plants, and prominent Credit Union branding on the wall, reinforcing a welcoming, community-oriented financial institution. A branded coffee mug and neatly organized paperwork contribute to the professional yet approachable setting. The overall image communicates: Credit union personal loan services Member-first financial guidance Personalized lending experience Home improvement and debt consolidation financing Local loan decision-making Trustworthy financial counseling Community banking relationships Financial empowerment through accessible lending The mood is optimistic and reassuring, emphasizing how credit unions work one-on-one with members to help them achieve their financial goals through personalized loan solutions.

Agencies Issue Guidance on Lending to Individuals Not Legally Authorized to Work in the United States

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Auburn University Credit Union Taps Samuel Washington to Lead Financial Strategy as New CFO

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Your DC Cheat Sheet: Housing Wins, NDAA Drama, and What’s Actually Happening This Week

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CapEd Credit Union Brings Finance Veteran Nick Sanzana on Board as New CFO

A warm, inviting scene shows a U.S. military family preparing for a move, working together inside a bright, modern home filled with packing boxes. Sunlight streams through the windows, creating a hopeful atmosphere as the family packs their belongings for their next assignment. At the center of the image, a smiling service member in a U.S. military camouflage uniform carefully packs household items into a moving box alongside their spouse. Their two children enthusiastically help with the move—one sealing a box with packing tape while the other places books and personal items into another box. Cardboard boxes labeled "Kitchen," "Living Room," "Bedroom," and "Fragile" are stacked neatly throughout the room, reflecting an organized move. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and household items are spread across the work area as the family works together. In the background, a framed sign reading "HOME IS WHERE YOUR STORY BEGINS" symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter, while another sign thanking military families for their service adds a patriotic touch. A military duffel bag rests near the packed boxes, reinforcing the family's military lifestyle and frequent relocations. The image conveys themes of: Military family life Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation Teamwork and resilience New beginnings Family support Service and sacrifice Moving to a new duty station Homeownership and transition The overall mood is optimistic and heartfelt, portraying the challenges of military life while emphasizing the strength, unity, and adaptability of military families as they prepare for their next adventure.

DCUC Tell Congress: Military Families Need Better Fraud Protection and Smarter Financial Rules

A bright, modern credit union branch is shown from the teller's point of view, creating the perspective that the viewer is the employee assisting members at the counter. A smiling couple stands on the opposite side of the teller line, with the man handing a check across the counter while the woman stands beside him, both appearing happy and engaged during their transaction. In the foreground, a computer monitor displays a realistic member account summary, including checking and savings account balances, recent transactions, and account information, reinforcing the idea that the teller is processing the member's deposit. Positioned near the members is a professionally designed countertop sign facing them that reads: "Deposits Insured Up To $10,000,000" with a smaller line underneath referencing American Share Insurance (ASI), emphasizing deposit protection. The background features a clean, contemporary credit union interior with warm wood finishes, soft lighting, indoor plants, and a large wall-mounted Credit Union logo. Large windows allow natural light to brighten the branch, creating an inviting and trustworthy atmosphere. Overall, the image conveys: Friendly, personalized member service A welcoming community-focused credit union environment Confidence and security in financial transactions Deposit insurance protection Professional teller assistance Modern banking technology with visible member account information Trust, transparency, and financial peace of mind The composition places the viewer in the role of the teller, making the interaction feel personal and reinforcing the relationship between the credit union employee and the members.

Virginia Credit Unions Just Got a $10 Million Insurance Boost

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MnCUN Taps Kris Jacobsen as Chief Growth Officer

A modern office desk features an open laptop displaying a large "FINANCIAL FRAUD" warning alongside a red caution symbol. Behind the warning is a shadowy hooded figure, representing cybercriminals and online fraud. In front of the laptop sits a smartphone showing an incoming call from an "Unknown Caller" labeled "Potential Fraud," illustrating common phone scam tactics. A credit card, U.S. currency, and a magnifying glass are arranged on the desk, symbolizing banking, identity theft, and financial investigations. A yellow sticky note reading "THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK" reinforces the message of being cautious with emails, texts, and suspicious links. Security-themed graphics—including a padlock icon and digital network background—further emphasize online protection and cybersecurity. The overall design conveys themes of: Financial fraud prevention Identity theft awareness Phishing and scam prevention Banking and credit card security Cybersecurity and online safety Protecting personal and financial information The image uses a dark blue technology-inspired color palette with bold warning elements to create a strong visual message about vigilance against financial scams.

FinCEN Just Made It Way Easier for Credit Unions to Fight Fraud Together — Here’s What Changed

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Three Credit Unions Announce New Hires; Velera Board Appoints New Associate Directors

How Credit Unions Just Moved $4 Billion Through One Smart Platform

VyStar Credit Union Taps AI to Make Branch Banking Less Painful (Yes, Really)

Greenlight Just Hit 100 Credit Union Partnerships—Here’s Why That Actually Matters for Your Members

Credit Union Makes Cell Phone Bills Way Less Painful: MSUFCU Launches Members Mobile

This Georgia Credit Union Just Taught 10,500 Students How Money Actually Works

This Credit Union Just Made Member Experience a C-Suite Priority (And That’s Actually a Big Deal)

This Credit Union AI Training Program Actually Teaches You How to Use the Tech (Not Just Hype It)

Credit Union Turns a Two-Day Loan Process Into Six Minutes

These Credit Unions Just Made Forbes’ Best-In-State List — Here’s Why Members Love Them

VantageScore 5.0 Just Dropped — And It’s Reading the Room Better Than Ever

Got a Low-Income Credit Union? There’s $13 Million in Cheap Loans Up for Grabs

Eltropy Just Cracked Open Its AI Platform — And Fintechs Are About to Get a Fast Lane to 750+ Financial Institutions

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