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January is a natural fit for Financial Wellness Month, as credit unions have long treated financial literacy as a core part of their mission. Coming on the heels of the holiday spending season, the month offers an ideal opportunity for a financial “fresh start,” encouraging individuals to set meaningful goals and build healthy, lasting habits.

Access to fair, transparent credit is essential to financial wellness. Illinois credit unions often take a relationship‑based approach to lending, looking beyond credit scores to understand a member’s full financial picture.

Many credit unions also provide small‑dollar loans and alternatives to payday lenders, giving members responsible options during financial emergencies. These products help prevent cycles of high‑interest debt that can derail financial progress.

Financial Plus Credit Union’s Trent Threadgill discusses how credit unions look beyond the credit score:

Learn more at www.betterforillinois.org
Paid for by Illinois Credit Union League.