Ep. 104 | Credit Unions vs. Banks: Which is Right for Your Money?

Teaching Tax Flow: The Podcast

About the Guest: Chrissy Siders
Chrissy is a seasoned professional in the credit union industry, having begun her career in 1998. A degree holder from Michigan State University, Chrissy has developed a deep understanding of the financial industry through her extensive work in compliance, fraud, security, and internal audit. Since 2017, she has served as the President and CEO of True Community Credit Union, headquartered in Jackson, Michigan. Under her leadership, the credit union has expanded significantly, undergoing mergers and converting from a federal to a state charter, illustrating her commitment to strategic growth and technology enhancements.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Teaching Tax Flow podcast, co-hosts Chris Picciurro and John Tripolsky delve into the intriguing world of financial institutions, focusing on the distinctions and similarities between banks and credit unions. Joining them is Chrissy Siders, the knowledgeable President and CEO of True Community Credit Union, who shares her insights and expertise accumulated over a career that spans more than two decades.

Through engaging dialogue, the episode sheds light on how credit unions and banks differ in their structure, membership requirements, and community involvement, drawing attention to how credit unions operate as not-for-profit cooperatives versus the for-profit orientation of banks. Chrissy Siders elaborates on the evolutionary path of credit unions, detailing their increased involvement with both personal and business banking, and highlighting the notable technological advancements that make credit unions competitive in today's digital-first landscape. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of these financial institutions and be encouraged to consider the best fit for their personal and business banking needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Credit unions differ fundamentally from banks in their not-for-profit cooperatives structure, with volunteer boards elected by members, contrasting with banks' profit-driven models with shareholders.
• Credit unions are deeply embedded in community engagement, often extending beyond regulatory expectations to deliver impactful local support and services.
• Technological innovation is a priority for credit unions like True Community, with significant investments in digital tools to facilitate banking processes and enhance member experience.
• The eligibility for membership in credit unions involves specific qualifications related to community ties, unlike banks that open accounts to any prospective customer.
• Credit unions are increasingly competitive in offering business, home, and specialty loans, often personalizing services to ensure comprehensive member financial support.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Credit unions are not for profit. We operate with the intent not to make some gigantic profit margin, but to invest back in our members." – Chrissy Siders
2. "It's inherent in our DNA and our business model to be deeply ingrained in the community." – Chrissy Siders
3. "Your money is just as safe in a credit union as it is in a bank, backed by adequate insurance." – Chrissy Siders
4. "We want to partner with you in writing a life story that stretches beyond your imagination." – Chrissy Siders
5. "We can't cookie-cutter approach to everybody. Every individual human is different." – Chrissy Siders

Resources:

• True Community Credit Union

Episode Sponsor:
Integrated Investment Group

www.integratedig.com

• (00:04) - Comparing Banks and Credit Unions: Differences and Similarities
• (03:44) - Credit Union Industry Insights with Chrissy Siders
• (07:49) - Differences Between Credit Unions and Banks in Structure and Community Impact
• (18:27) - Credit Unions' Technological Investments and Fintech Competition
• (22:13) - Credit Unions' Unique Approach to Banking and Risk Management
• (30:06) - Exploring Credit Union Benefits and Community Engagement in Michigan