Community Choice Credit Union Finds Success with Financial Education

Online, August 4, 2011 (Newswire.com) - New data suggests that credit unions are making impressive strides in improving the financial knowledge of members. This data supports local efforts by Community Choice Credit Union, who is achieving success through their educational Accel Seminars.

The Accel seminars are hosted by experienced financial counselors and explore various financial topics. The remaining Accel seminar topics for 2011 are "Teens and Money" and "Understanding Your Credit Report". Open to both members and non-members, the next Accel Seminar is scheduled at Community Choice's New Hudson branch on Thursday, August 18 at 5:30 p.m.

A recent article by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) highlighted a 2010 National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) survey that found:
• Credit unions provided informal financial counseling to 788,000 members
• Credit unions provided 7,300 classroom presentations to 182,000 students
• Credit unions operated 161 in-school branches with 14,000 student members, $5.9 million on deposit, and 850 student workers
• Credit unions provided formal financial counseling to 225,000 people through 199 certified in-house professional counselors

"The Accel Seminars have been a positive experience for both Community Choice and the communities we serve," said Chief Operating Officer, Phil Cooper. "We are empowering our communities by providing opportunities to learn important financial information. As an organization, we set ourselves apart from the competition by providing multiple opportunities for our members to become better educated about their finances."

"Teens and Money" provides information for parents and teens on how teens can get a headstart managing checking accounts, using credit, and saving for the future. Parents are encouraged to bring their teenagers to the seminar so they can ask questions about future finances.

The next "Teens and Money" seminar takes place Thursday, August 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Community Choice's New Hudson branch. Another "Teens and Money" seminar will take place September 22 at Community Choice's Livonia branch. Members and non-members are encouraged to attend and learn valuable information about planning for their teenagers' financial future.

"Understanding Your Credit Report" explains the importance of a credit report, how a credit report affects people, and how to obtain a credit report. This crucial seminar illustrates how a person can monitor their credit history to guard against identity theft and ensure interest rates on their financial products are appropriate. The next "Understanding Your Credit Report" seminar takes place Thursday, November 10 at 5:30 p.m. at Community Choice's Redford branch.

For detailed education offerings, times, and dates access Community Choice's website at www.communitychoicecu.com.

Community Choice Credit Union is an industry leader in providing an innovative member experience. In 2009, it became the first banking institution in Michigan to introduce the Personal Teller Machine - an electronic banking terminal that connects the user to a live credit union representative. Community Choice also offers a full line of business banking and lending services to businesses of any size.

Community Choice Credit Union was established in 1935 and now serves individuals who live, work, or worship in Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw or Wayne County. In addition to the Farmington Hills headquarters, the credit union offers branch locations in New Hudson, Milford, Redford, Warren, and two locations in Livonia.