Leaders Learn, Engage, and Champion Financial Health & Wellbeing for Members

‘CU FinHealth24’ Spotlights Credit Unions’ Measurable Impact on Financial Insecurity

Nearly 200 financial education practitioners from credit unions and partner organizations came together this week for three days during CU FinHealth24 in Aurora, CO to learn, engage, and deep-dive into what it means to holistically serve members with financial health-and-wellbeing solutions that transform lives.

You can view conference photos here! Additionally, view daily event posts at #CUFinHealth24 (LinkedIn).

Co-hosted by the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF), and Cornerstone Foundation at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center from April 29 – May 1, this year’s eighth annual CU FinHealth24 delved into the credit union movement’s evolving philosophy and strategy when it comes to financial health and wellbeing at the organic, individual-member level.

Coming from credit unions and industry affiliates spanning the West Coast to East Coast, attendees absorbed insights as they immersed themselves in an enriching experience and exploration that brought together today’s “who’s who” in credit union financial literacy and education. This year, measurable data and comprehensive studies on the financial pulse of credit union members from all walks of life — representing different communities — were in focus as financial education practitioners increasingly take an integrative and inclusionary approach to solving financial insecurity in society.

Leveling-Up Service, Technology, and CUs’ Measurable Impacts

Credit unions have been committing to financial health goals for the past several years, assessing what’s working and what’s not, addressing specific financial wellbeing issues, and taking measurable actions to move the needle on community financial health.

“What began eight years ago as a small annual gathering has developed into one of the most highly educational and cooperative credit union industry conferences around the nation that focuses exclusively on the financial health and wellbeing of credit union members,” said Larry Palochik, executive vice president for the Leagues.

This year’s event spotlighted the fruits of that progress as credit unions and their partners in the educational and digital-service realms continue cultivating an ongoing, shared responsibility for the financial consumer at a micro level. Recurring attendees and newcomers alike shared how their eyes have been opened. They realize how financial wellbeing is part of a broader tapestry incorporating economic, lifestyle, and health problems that are highly intertwined.

Conference attendees have continued to level-up their service and technology outreach in financial education, as well as incorporate a more holistic understanding of their members’ lives. The conference hosts were proud to see credit unions growing in this important and sometimes under-looked space in financial services that receives increasing attention each year as credit union members are taught what it means to live financially healthier lives.

National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Gigi Hyland said she was thrilled about the success of this year’s CU FinHealth conference. “Bringing together top industry leaders to delve into the crucial role of credit unions in enhancing financial-wellbeing-for-all shows our collective commitment to driving positive change,” Hyland said. “The insightful discussions, innovative strategies, and collaborative spirit showcased during this event reaffirm our dedication to empowering individuals through strengthened financial health.”

Cornerstone Foundation Executive Director Courtney Moran said it was “incredibly inspiring” to be surrounded by credit union professionals and practitioners who all share the same vision of achieving financial wellbeing for all. “From understanding how to successfully mine your data to sharing meaningful financial coaching tips and techniques, the event offered crucial takeaways for credit unions in various stages of their financial wellness journeys,” Moran said. “I am honored to be part of an event that ignites such passion.”

Full Recap of All Three Days and Sponsors

To view a recap of all three days — including Committing, Assessing and Learning, Planning, and Acting, “Financial Wellbeing for All,” and Ideation Into Action — click here. Presentations, breakout sessions, and spotlighted discussions include (but were not limited to) the following speakers:

• Brenton Peck, director of financial services solutions for Financial Health Network.

• Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation.

• Adrian Alejandre, senior vice president of lending for Education CU.

• Victor Corro, CEO of Coopera.

• Andy Bandyopadhyay, CEO of Attune.

• Seth Brickman, CEO of QCash.

• Samira Salem, vice president of diversity/equity/inclusion for America’s Credit Unions.

• Zach Christensen, executive director of CU Pride.

• Dennis Paul, vice president of government affairs and strategic partnerships for Elevations CU.

• Jenna McFarlane, vice president of marketing for Bellco CU.

• Dr. Maria Castro Barajas, director of the Bridge Scholars Program at the University of Colorado—Boulder.

The hosts of this year’s conference would like to thank all CU FinHealth24 sponsors! They include:

• Presenting Sponsors: Attune and VISA.

• Focus Sponsors: The Community Impact Fund, PSCU + Co-op Solutions, iGrad Enrich, and Zogo.

• Educational Sponsors: Knowledge of Financial Education (KOFE)/Consolidated Credit, Green Path, Credit Mountain, and Cashy.

• Contributing Sponsors: Balance, Broke to Blessed, Far Well, Integra, Life Cents, Salus, TruStage, and Zest.