financial wellness, which is key for a healthy and well-balanced life. Whether that’s wealth management or financial literacy, we use the term ‘financial well-being’ to capture everything.” The credit union understands that members have varying levels of financial knowledge. Some require primary education in managing finances, while others need assistance with retirement planning. JFCU has focused on certifying as many employees as possible in financial counseling to address these diverse needs. Robnett elaborates,“We’ve been taking that up, specifically for our folks in the branches, but even for our folks on the phone. When a member calls and needs help, we’re trying to take a holistic approach to look at their whole relationship with us—not simply sell them a product but position them in a better financial place.” The credit union’s efforts extend to those nearing retirement who may find themselves unprepared. Robnett highlights a recent initiative: “That’s where our recent effort into standing up a wealth management practice came from. We’re running that line of business to help our members with that without having to refer them elsewhere.” This initiative aims to assist members in setting and achieving their financial goals, creating budgets, and tracking their progress through digital banking platforms. Robnett shares the powerful impact of these efforts, describing how members experience a sense of accomplishment by saving small amounts consistently. “You can’t even imagine the power of someone saving maybe 50 bucks, just automatically transferring it to another account and seeing that grow. The feeling of accomplishment they receive when they look over and find $2,000 or $3,000 that they couldn’t save before is incredible,” he remarks. ADAPTING TO MARKET REALITIES The Justice Federal Credit Union is continuously seeking to adapt to changing economic conditions, always keeping the needs of its members at the forefront. With the current financial climate, Robnett acknowledges the challenges those looking to secure mortgages face. It recognizes that financial wellness is crucial for a balanced life. Through educational initiatives and personalized communication, the credit union strives to empower members with the knowledge and tools needed for financial stability and growth. Robnett underscores this priority: “Our focus is 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07
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