Consumer debt is on the rise and recent statistics report that the average household has over $18,000 in debt. Because of this high level of debt, credit unions are seeing more and more members experiencing financial problems. These problems are the direct result of members not having the needed knowledge or understanding of how to manage their finances, as well as, managing the level of debt.

Through this program you will discover ways to help members prevent and resolve financial problems. Understand the underlying causes of financial difficulties for members and examine different ways members can control and monitor expenses. You'll also have the opportunity to earn your Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) certification. Or you can simply attend the programs to expand your knowledge and skills in financial counseling.

Throughout this school you will:

• Examine different methods members can use to control and monitor expenses
• Understand consumer credit
• Discuss education planning & savings

Earn national recognition for your financial counseling expertise
At Part I and Part II Schools, testing is provided for those pursuing their Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) certification. You can review and test at the end of each day or choose to take the exams at a later date at a proctored exam site. To achieve certification, you must successfully complete the exams for both Part I and II of CUNA Certified Financial Counselor Schools. You may attend Parts I and II in any order; there are no prerequisites. Upon completion of both parts, you will receive a "Certified Financial Counseling" certification.

You may also receive your certification through FiCEP, a self-study financial counseling certification program. Learn more about FiCEP.

Earn college credit. The American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service has recommended college credit for CUNA's Certified Financial Counsleors School: Part II. Two semester hours in Personal Finance or Financial Planning in the lower division baccalaureate/associate have been recommended. Contact your advisor to determine if your college or university will accept these credits.

CUNA Certified Financial Counselor School: Part II: March 14–18, 2010

CUNA Certified Financial Counselor Schools: Part I:  March 14–18, 2010

CUNA Certified Financial Counselor Schools: Advanced:  March 14–18, 2010

Preview the schedule

Controlling Living Expenses

• Establish 10 ways for members to save money on living expenses
• Learn cost cutting options for housing, whether renting or purchasing a home
• Discuss ways to cut insurance, utility, and telecommunication costs
• Learn how to change spending habits for food, clothing, and gift expenses

Understanding Consumer Credit

• Understand the five categories comprising a credit score
• Learn how to help members build a better score
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using credit
• Discuss the risks and rewards of using home equity as a solution to financial problems
• Determine the best options in restructuring debt and repayment

How Taxes Affect Income & Decisions

• Learn how taxes impact financial decisions
• Discuss the different types of taxes
• Learn how pre-tax or post-tax savings may affect retirement income decisions
• Gain a better understanding of the Earned Income Tax Credit

Investment Basics

• Understand basic investment terms and concepts
• Understand the concept of time value of money
• Discuss investment options and risks

The Basics of Insurance

• Understand the basic concepts of insurance
• Learn the different types of insurance needs and coverage
• Understand how to reduce and control insurance costs

Money Related Values & Beliefs

• Explore the sources and power of values and beliefs about money
• Understand member sensitivity in money matters
• Examine the impact of lack of money management training in schools
• Explore the impact of parents as financial role models
• Identify how financial anxiety and apathy can lead to problems and financial insecurity

Education Planning & Savings

• Examine the importance of savings for financial solvency, stability, and progress
• Identify ways of making savings automatic and habitual
• Discover the impact of employer matching savings programs
• Explore the use of Independent Development Accounts (IDAs)
• Examine the power of interest and the “Rule of 72”
• Evaluate different ways of planning for college expenses

Consumer Fraud

• Learn about current consumer fraud issues
• Know how to protect your members and credit union from fraud

Money Conflicts

• Examine how family issues can be the cause of money conflicts
• Learn to identify and assist your members to work through money conflicts
• Discuss the challenges involved with separation, divorce, and blended families
• Explore the money conflicts associated with members who are self-employed
• Understand the money challenges for members who rely on tips, commissions, or seasonal employment as their main source of income

Dealing With Members Who Have Addictions

• Explore the financial consequences of addictions
• Identify the signs of various addictions
• Examine the implications of working with members who have an addiction
• Help your members achieve financial stability when spouses have an addiction

Retirement Planning

• Identify current myths regarding retirement planning
• Examine retirement planning alternatives including 401(k), 403(b), IRA, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA plans

Affiliation with CUNA/League is required for attendance.

CPE Credits

"This is a very professional and well planned educational experience. Every credit union needs a certified financial counseler on staff."

"I have benefited with a new knoweldge of credit scoring, sneaky credit cards (and we know who they are), fraud, money conflicts, etc. to share with our lending staff as well as members who need counseling. The overall program was outstanding."

Wendy Harp, Duke University Federal Credit Union

"I have learned so much by completing both parts of the Certified Financial Counselor program. I am able to take this information back to my credit union and start a financial counseling program. Thank you!"

"This has been a great experience for me. It has confirmed my expertise and yet allowed me to gather information on topics that I have little knowledge about (Investments). The part I value the most is the networking, and the new friendships I have made. Gathering people with the same focus, people helpng people is what our jobs are all about, and it makes us an asset to our credit unions or place of employment. Thanks CUNA for having this type programs, it is a excellent tool for us to share with our co-worker and membership."

"Having very little knowlegde of financial counseling, this school was excellent in laying the foundation for me to institute a counseling program to our membership. I would recommend this school to anyone who is thinking about starting a counseling program or even has one that is up and running. The material, discussions, and interaction with instructors fellow classmates and the CUNA staff is invaluable."

Tom Mosser

"I just feel better about myself, passing the tests and gaining the knowledge that was given to us through the instructors and other credit union colleagues. I feel I can really help members in need because of this program."

Kathryn Greiner, AFC

Connie Kilmark

Ken King

Jim Rechel

Scholarships Now Available!