Moving the numbers: Dupaco impacts members through financial education

Many families are struggling to be financially secure.

A Prosperity Now study found that more than one in four Iowans have virtually no savings, according to Radio Iowa.

Deb Schroeder, vice president, community outreach and education at Dupaco, is not surprised that Iowa has fallen from seventh to 14th place in overall financial security.

“As we go out, we are finding it to be more and more common that people are struggling to understand what impacts their overall financial status,” she says.

Placing an emphasis on the power of financial education, Dupaco is working to empower more members to have financially secure futures.

“What we are trying to do as a credit union is focus on that principle of thrift and teach the importance of saving,” Schroeder says. “If we can arm our members and potential members with knowledge, it’s going to help them get ahead in life.”

Dupaco is making a difference, thanks to services and products like these:

Credit History Lesson

Members learn what goes into their credit—and how to improve it. “What we focus on is awareness first,” Schroeder says. “Know where you’re at and what your score is. Then we can teach you ways to improve that score.”

Money Makeover

When members review their entire financial picture side by side with Dupaco, they learn how to cut costs and build systematic savings into their budgets. “We are really teaching our members that every penny you earn needs a home,” Schroeder says.

Credit Coach Loan

The Credit Coach Loan helps those with no credit or damaged credit drive up their score. The money borrowed is secured in the member’s savings account during the term of the loan. “Not only does it help you improve your score, but at the same time it’s teaching the habit of saving,” Schroeder says.

MoneyMatch

The matched savings program helps low-income members purchase a specific wealth-building asset, such as a home or vehicle. The participant’s savings are matched by a grant.

Bright Track credit monitoring

Through Shine Online and Mobile Banking, members have free access to both their credit score and credit report. Bright Track teaches members how to drive up their credit score and alerts them to potential identity theft.

eNotifier Alerts

Members can easily keep tabs on their account activity, including transactions, withdrawals and low balances, through email or text alerts.

On-site financial education

In workplaces and community spaces, Dupaco connects with non-members too. “For many, it’s their first exposure to financial literacy,” Schroeder says. “We’ll have people say, ‘My credit’s shot. You don’t even want to talk to me.’ And we tell them there is a second chance. There is a do-over.”