Popular Traditions, Memories, and Charitable Giving Trends Revealed
MADISON, Wis. – MADISON, Wis. – TruStageTM, the consumer brand of CUNA Mutual Group, has released the results of a survey exploring the holiday celebrations and traditions that matter most to credit union members.
The survey of 750 members focused on questions related to the importance of the upcoming holidays, family traditions and memories of past experiences. While the survey found that 97 percent of credit union members consider Christmas as the main holiday to be with family members, it also found that Thanksgiving is the most important holiday to connect with multiple generations of family members. In fact, according to the survey, 50 percent of credit union members celebrate Thanksgiving with members of three different generations.
The full survey results have been summarized in a colorful infographic available for free use and distribution at www.trustage.com/holidaytraditions.
As Susan Sachatello, Senior Vice President of TruStage, explains, “Part of our new consumer focus is to surface the stories and emotional mindset of how credit union members are thinking and feeling. Every time we talk with members they tell us that the generations before them made decisions that allowed them to be where they are today. Since this holiday season is an important time of the year to get multiple generations together, we wanted to understand what traditions and celebrations matter most and are passed from generation to generation. This survey shows just how important it is for members to connect with multiple generations of their families.”
Even though Christmas was deemed the “most important holiday,” 79 percent of survey respondents said sharing a special meal is the most important part of a holiday. In that regard, Thanksgiving ranked highest.
Another interesting finding was that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of credit union members intend to donate to charities and organizations at the same level they did in 2011. In addition, Sachatello says, "Thirteen percent of credit union members actually plan to increase their charitable giving this year. That might be because of the economy stabilizing, but it’s remarkable to see that 77 percent of credit union members plan charitable donations at or above the levels they gave last year."
Sachatello says her consumer team is always exploring what’s on the minds of credit union members. “The election is over, the holidays are coming and this survey indicates credit union members are looking forward to the holidays as a respite from the noise and stress the rest of the year brings and returning to focus on what really matters most to them.”
For more information about TruStage, see www.trustage.com/intro.
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CUNA Mutual Group insurance, retirement and investment products provide financial security and protection to credit unions and their members worldwide. With more than 75 years of true market commitment, CUNA Mutual Group’s vision is unwavering: To be a trusted business partner who delivers service excellence through customer-focused products and market-driven insight. More information on the company is available on the company’s website at http://www.cunamutual.com/.
CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company. Property and casualty insurance products are issued by CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. Each insurer is solely responsible for the financial obligations under the policies and contracts it issues. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wisconsin.