Filene Fill-In Ep. 77: Financial Well-Being with Michelle Christie

Filene Research Institute

Today’s conversation is about Financial Well Being… well actually to be more specific, financial well being for all. For a substantial portion of households, day-to-day financial struggles remain profound in the face of persistent financial fragility and inequity. According to the Financial Health Network’s U.S. Financial Health Pulse, 2 out of 3 Americans are not financially healthy and stark disparities remain across gender, race/ethnicity, and income. This is not new information, and it is frustrating to feel like this persistent problem will only continue to persist or worsen in today’s social, economic and political environment. But there are things that credit unions can do and are doing to make a difference in people’s lives, one member at a time. Putting this consumer sentiment at the center of credit union decision-making and product and service delivery not only supports a credit union’s business goals and mission around advancing financial health and well-being through responsible lending products, higher savings rates, and financial education – but it also helps credit unions navigate supercharged digital transformation in a financial industry where fintechs have completely changed the competitive landscape. Today's expert is Michelle Christie, Senior Manager, Financial Inclusion and Impact, at the National Credit Union Foundation—she brings a wealth of knowledge and boots on the ground tangible experience on how credit union are, and can continue to, advance financial well-being for all whom they serve. Follow along with this interview by downloading the guide we reference at filene.org/557