GRANDVILLE, MI (August 7, 2014) -- First United Credit Union is presenting a comprehensive financial literacy seminar in Spanish entitled, “Take Control of Your Finances.” This free workshop will take place on September 25, 2014 at 6:30pm at the Kent District Library (KDL) Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
The seminar, conducted entirely in Spanish by the staff of First United, will provide the basics of budgeting, saving, and money management. Participants will also learn first-hand how credit unions operate within the community. Other topics include setting short and long-term goals, understanding credit, and navigating the home buying process. Bi-lingual staff from First United Credit Union will be on-hand throughout the evening to answer questions.
Because of its proactive approach to serving the Hispanic community, First United was recently awarded a $4,000 grant from the Michigan Credit Union League to expand its efforts. “The league believes in our work with the Hispanic population and the importance of providing financial education,” says First United Credit Union CEO Mark Richter.
Funds will be used to expand the educational programs offered to the Hispanic market and Spanish-speaking members of First United. “Introducing affordable banking options and encouraging financial literacy is our first step to helping the Hispanic community.” The credit union also plans to partner with area Hispanic businesses to offer further outreach programs.
First United is a firm believer in being a community resource to members and residents. “We’ve served this community since 1937. Providing financial education is part of our people helping people philosophy,” continues Richter.
First United also supports a number of other KDL initiatives including its recent Genre Derby fundraiser. “Our local library is one of our most valuable assets and deserves our support,” continues Richter.
KDL Development Manager Linda Krombeen echoes Richter’s sentiments. “We wouldn’t be able to offer our wide-ranging programs without the support of partners like First United.” Presented in a uniquely personal way, this is the second workshop the credit union has offered to KDL Spanish-speaking patrons.
First United also offers a full-time bi-lingual staff to assist with members with their daily transactions. Staff can open new accounts and loans entirely in Spanish for members who prefer. “Meeting the needs of our members is the bottom line,” concludes Richter.
Anyone interested in attending this financial literacy seminar, “Take Control of Your Finances,” on September 25, 2014 at the KDL Wyoming branch should RSVP to: info@FirstUnitedCU.org or call 616-532-9067. Presented in Spanish, the workshop is free to the public.
About First United Credit Union
Headquartered in Grandville, Mich., First United Credit Union is a full-service financial institution offering mortgages, home equity loans, vehicle loans, savings, CDs, business services, checking, and an array of online banking services. Originally chartered to serve the Leonard Refrigerator Plant, the credit union has been providing exceptional personal service to its members since 1937. Today, First United can serve anyone who lives or works in Kent and the surrounding 22 counties in Lower Michigan. Learn more at www.FirstUnitedCU.org.
About Kent District Library
Kent District Library (KDL) is a public library system comprised of 18 branch libraries in 27 governmental units throughout Kent County, Michigan. It is supported by millage dollars and private donations. KDL serves 395,660 people in all areas of Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, the village of Sparta, and Solon and Sparta townships. The Kent District Library is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. Learn more at http://www.kdl.org/.