Hone Counseling, Financial Management Skills

CUNA now offers two new financial counseling schools to give your staff guidance on helping members manage growing household debt. The schools also offer credit unions the opportunity to earn a Certified Financial Counseling certification.

Certified Financial Counselor School, Part I: The Financial Counseling Process covers finance basics, the role of financial counselors, financial problem analysis, spending plans, creditors' rights and remedies, and member relations.

The second part, Money Management Concepts and Skills, deals with consumer credit and fraud, money- related values and beliefs, savings and education planning, retirement planning, investments; and money conflicts.

You must successfully complete exams for both schools to receive certification as a financial counselor. The first school begins in December.

Other training opportunities ahead:

* Financial Management Schools offered in three learning levels. Part I is for volunteers and staff at all levels of credit union management interested in expanding their expertise in financial management.

The Part II curriculum is designed specifically for Part I graduates who are ready to undertake the challenge of advanced financial management.

The Financial Management Update is geared toward CEOs, chief financial officers, senior financial staff, and other credit union professionals who want a better understanding of investment securities and portfolio management.

Each section features a computer simulation to learn through teamwork and real-world case studies.

* Webinars. Third-quarter Webinars focus on incentives, credit card portfolio management, sexual harassment for front-line staff, ID theft, check fraud, business lending services, collections, and regulatory compliance.