Becker promotes CUs in holiday media tour

Nov. 23, 2009 – Using credit unions and following a few key rules can help consumers “avoid a holiday budget hangover,” NAFCU President Fred Becker emphasized in a media tour conducted over the past week.

Becker conducted the tour as part of NAFCU’s ongoing efforts to bolster consumer awareness of the benefits of credit unions and promote membership in credit unions.

“The holiday season is a great opportunity to educate prospective members and remind current members about the value of credit unions,” Becker said. He drew on a number of recent reports, including one in the November issue of Consumer Reports magazine pointing to credit unions as a good source of affordable credit. He also urged listeners to check out www.culookup.com to find a credit union near them that meets their needs.

“As people feel continuing frustration with other financial institutions, this is a great opportunity to let them know that credit unions are an excellent choice,” he said.

The NAFCU president also passed on helpful tips for consumers to keep in mind during the holiday season. Among them:

• create a budget to avoid outspending one’s resources;
  
  
• consider opening a Christmas club or savings account – a “gift that keeps on giving” – for a family member;
  
  
• use all available resources, including credit union rewards cards and special discounts;
  
  
• “shop smart” - protect account access numbers and credit card information, online and at the stores.

Becker conducted his interviews with outlets in major cities from Los Angeles to New York.