Demystifying Student Loans
by Mark Arnold Loan growth—every credit union is seeking new ways to grow their loan portfolio. In an effort to offer new loan products, some credit unions are turning to private student loans. But [...]
News Archives
FED Peers Over Fiscal Cliff
by Henry Meier Today and tomorrow the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee holds its last meeting before the American economy is either saved from or tossed over the fiscal cliff. So it shouldn’t [...]
Many Small Businesses Left Crippled in Sandy’s Wake; MBL Cap Increase Could Spur Recovery
by Paul Gentile, NJCUL Another year and another showdown between banks and credit unions, but this time two things are different. First, the economy is still struggling to recover, so pro-business legislation is more vital [...]
Time To Reassess
By Michael E. Fryzel, NCUA The end of the year is usually the best time to look back, review accomplishments, reevaluate goals and objectives and reassess a game plan as you move forward. 2012 has [...]
The Difference, In a Nutshell
by Anthony Demangone With the fiscal cliff looming, the issue of taxation and credit unions is getting more attention. I'm a firm believer that Congress was pretty smart back in the day. They conferred the [...]
Aite Group’s Ron Shevlin on Credit Unions’ Online- and Mobile-Channel Strategies
Always an entertaining and highly informative time when Aite Group's Senior Analyst Ron Shevlin (also author of the popular blog Snarketing 2.0) visits the show. Ron's wit and wisdom keep you on your [...]
How Can Reduced Member Outreach Result In Better Relationships? It Can’t!
By Mark DeBellis, PSB Integrated Marketing About this time of year when budget numbers are being wrestled over and compromises are being negotiated in the board meetings, marketers are holding their collective breath as they [...]
Does the ‘Free’ Model Work For Your Bottom Line?
Better—and often free—checking accounts remain a strong selling point for credit unions competing with banks for new members. Consumers are more likely to find free checking at credit unions and small banks than [...]
The Un’der’banked Don’t Need Banks Anymore
by Brett King Traditionally, if you wanted to move money around, save cash, pay a bill, purchase something at a store, or otherwise have some sort of systemic access to your cash as you moved [...]
Business Lending Idea Worth Stealing
By Theresa Witham A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about American Express’s program to connect small business card holders to other AE business card holders in the marketing field for a [...]
You’re Not in Kansas Anymore
by Gene Blishen It does seem that innovation is being constantly pounded as a key factor in how to make our credit unions resilient and alive. We have an ample number of innovation consultants now [...]
What’s the Greatest Threat to Your Credit Union?
by Henry Meier To me, the two greatest threats to the credit union business model are the virtual bank and the inevitable competition we will face as big-box retailers offer more and more banking services. [...]
Compliance Isn’t the Problem — People Are the Problem
by Joe Swatek If you’ve worked in marketing for a few years, I’m sure this has happened to you. You send your marketing materials to your compliance person and they come back with [...]
Tax Foundation Says Taxing CUs Among the Least Harmful Revenue Raing Options
by Keith Leggett Taxing credit unions is among the least harmful revenue raising options, according to The Tax Foundation. According to the December 5 Fiscal Fact, "[i]f lawmakers decide that new revenues must be [...]
People Make the Difference – How to distinguish your credit union with outstanding service
by Tom Kazar, Transamerica Known for providing first-rate service and a decidedly personal touch, community and regional banks and credit unions traditionally do well in troubled times. And when the economy starts to improve, financial [...]