Dutch Point Credit Union Introduces Free Financial Counseling by Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors

Dutch Point Credit Union has begun offering free financial counseling to its members from certified credit union counselors on staff at the credit union. The staff members received their certifications through a national program offered by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The purpose of Dutch Point’s new counseling program is to help make a difference in our members’ lives by providing financial guidance and skills to members experiencing financial difficulties. It also aims to increase financial literacy among our members so they can make informed financial decisions. Dutch Point Credit Union sees this program as an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the financial lives of our members and community residents. “Americans need financial counseling now more than ever with the current state of the economy,” said Dutch Point Chief Member Experience Officer Anthony Sacchetti. “As prices continue to rise while wages stay the same, many people are having difficulties making ends meet. Our certified financial counselors can provide the guidance our members need to regain control of their finances, improve their overall financial well-being and achieve financial security.” Dutch Point’s certified credit union financial counselors are trained in everything from helping people create a budget to controlling living expenses, and from getting out of debt to understanding insurance, investments and retirement planning. They also are trained to understand and identify money attitudes and behaviors of those they are counseling. The credit union hopes this expertise provided by its counselors will empower its members to improve their overall financial well-being and close the large gap that currently exists with financial literacy in America. “Financial literacy is severely lacking in our country,” said Sacchetti. “We have students graduating high school who don’t have basic money knowledge. They don’t understand the basics of a checking account. They don’t realize they are borrowing money every time they use a credit card. College students are filing for bankruptcy before they even get their degrees. The majority of young people get their financial knowledge from their parents, so we have a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of entire families with our financial counseling services.” Dutch Point’s certified credit union financial counselors are available by appointment, both in person and by video conference. People not currently members can join the credit union to take advantage of these counseling services. Appointments can be made and accounts can be opened online at dutchpoint.org or in person at any branch location.

About Dutch Point Credit Union

Chartered in 1960, Dutch Point Credit Union is headquartered in Wethersfield, Connecticut, and has community branch offices in Berlin, Newington, Bloomfield, Middletown and Niantic. DPCU has assets over $465 million and serves more than 23,000 members. The Credit Union offers lifetime and family memberships with services that include savings, checking, loans, mortgages, credit cards, online access, and more. For more information, please visit the company website at dutchpoint.org.