A series of success stories from members like you
Not all success stories come from overcoming financial hardship or major setbacks. Some of the most impactful transformations happen when people make small, strategic changes that lead to big rewards.
Whether it’s fine-tuning a budget, optimizing savings, or streamlining expenses, every financial opportunity is worth exploring.
Room for growth is everywhere
No matter the size of the obstacle, having a plan can make all the difference—and with the right guidance, those wins are well within reach.
Small changes, big returns
With a little help from our Credit Union Certified Financial Counselors, members can uncover new ways to make their money work harder. Often, it’s the small, overlooked opportunities that lead to the biggest rewards. Whether it’s optimizing savings, paying down debt more efficiently, making smart use of loans, or planning for future goals, our financial counselors provide the guidance and tools to help you get the most out of every dollar.
Angela, a Credit Union Certified Financial Counselor at Community Choice recently met with the Jacobs family. They’re a young family who, at first glance, may not seem in need of financial guidance. They have a combined income of $250,000 annually, contribute the maximum amount to their 401(k), have minor savings accounts for their children, and enjoy an incredibly low mortgage rate of 3.375%. Mr. Jacobs also runs a side business, through their personal accounts, which is a nice addition to their standard income. They’ve made lots of smart choices to help them now, and in the future.
As their family grows their needs do too – and right now they need more space! While they have saved and planned, they need to protect themselves and preserve their savings for emergencies and the like. Good news is they have nearly $200,000 in equity in their home, with a balance of $334,000 on their mortgage. However, they have $25,000 in credit card debt that they’d like to tackle before taking on more debt.
With Angela’s guidance, they found a new financial path, where small adjustments will lead to big rewards and significant savings along the way.
Discovering ways to save
Uncover opportunities to save more and make your money work harder for you. From optimizing your finances to simplifying your everyday money management, we’re here to lighten the load. Small changes can lead to big rewards, and together, we’ll map out a plan that fits your life and goals.
Digging deeper for hidden opportunities
Angela took the time to explore every option to help the Jacobs family, and together they discovered new ways to simplify their finances make their money work even harder.
They applied for a $95,000 Home Equity Line of Credit to pay off their credit cards, fund their renovations, and build a financial safety net — without touching their savings. By redirecting the $2,000 they had been paying toward credit cards into the HELOC, they set themselves up to pay it down more quickly and efficiently. A great example of how borrowing can save you money, now, and in the long run.
They also learned how to grow their savings. Angela suggested moving the kids’ $8,000 savings into 3.50% APY 25-month CDs, since they wouldn’t need the funds for a while. They also shifted $10,000 from their personal savings into a 15-month CD earning 4.00% APY, boosting their returns.
To keep Mr. Jacob’s side business organized, Angela helped him open a business account and a business credit card, making it easier to track and manage expenses. This will save him time and money, especially come tax season.
With just a few simple changes and Angela’s guidance, this family turned their solid foundation into a powerful plan for the future. It’s proof that anyone can achieve more with a little support and the right tools.
Maybe these stories feel familiar – or maybe you’d like to write your own? Let’s connect. We’ll meet you wherever you are today and chart a path toward a brighter tomorrow.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of our members.*