SAFE Credit Union enjoys celebrating International Credit Union Day as it provides a time to commemorate where credit unions started and what we have become today.
Fun fact: Credit unions everywhere have celebrated International Credit Union Day the third Thursday of October since 1948. It’s a chance for credit unions to show off all of their tremendous accomplishments and the work they put in for their members.
This year International Credit Union Day falls on October 21 and features the theme, “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow." This presents a wonderful opportunity for us to share all the ways we help improve the financial well-being of our members and our community.
SAFE, like other credit unions, are member-owned and not-for-profit, which means we give back to our members and community.
“While credit unions are indeed financial institutions, they approach the business of providing services far differently than banks do,” says SAFE Credit Union President and CEO David Roughton.
Supporting our community’s financial health
SAFE supports our community’s financial well-being through philanthropy, direct donations, volunteerism, and scholarships for high school and college students. SAFE’s educational initiatives were recently honored with the Sacramento Business Journal Corporate Citizenship Award for Education. The Sacramento Business Journal highlighted our $400,000 in direct donations, the 16 hours of paid time each employee receives a year to volunteer for their favorite causes, and the effective ways we stepped up to meet the expanded needs of our members and the community during the pandemic.
Helping young people gain financial skills
Ensuring young people have the skills and know-how they need to start on strong financial footing is key to SAFE’s mission of building financial health. One of our favorite ways of doing that is through Bite of Reality fairs. Our financial educators present these fairs to Sacramento-area high school students, allowing them to learn about real-world expenses and a taste of what their financial lives might include once they graduate.
SAFE also hosts branches on three high school campuses. These branches are operated by students for students. Branch staff gain important work skills and they share their financial insights with their peers. High school branch staff take part in a two-week internship program at SAFE, where they learn about banking principles and the credit union mission as well as craft their own marketing campaign!
Educating members and the community
We’re proud to announce the launch of our new Perfect Cents podcast coming on October 21, 2021! Each episode will feature a new theme centered around financial education and wellness. Guests will include external industry experts, nonprofit champions, SAFE leaders, and more. The podcast is designed to inspire listeners and empower them to take control of their finances and become a greater source of good for the community.
Did you know that SAFE offers a wide variety of no-cost financial education options? Our financial educators are busy providing webinars on topics that matter most to you, including creating and managing budgets, building credit, trusts, and home-buying. You can find our latest at safecu.org/events.
You can also learn more about personal finances at your own pace with our Financial Wellness Hub. Answer a few short questions to create your own playlist on topics you’re most interested in.
Assisting area employees with financial health services
Many U.S. employees cope with financial stress at work at one time or another, which reduces their productivity and even increases the number of sick days they take. Through the Workplace Financial Wellness program, SAFE brings quality financial wellness services to employers in the Greater Sacramento region. Employees receive financial insights through in-person workshops and webinars, and they can also access SAFE’s Financial Wellness Hub.
Helping you make your future brighter
Visit our website to learn more about SAFE Credit Union’s dedication to financial education webinars and workshops in the community and why a local credit union is the right fit for you and your business. SAFE welcomes you to become a member if you live, work, or worship in the counties of Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties.
So, celebrate credit unions along with us today, this month, and every day!
Learn More
Attend a financial wellness webinar.
See our impact within the community!
Start your career with SAFE.
