Purdue Federal Credit Union is celebrating its year-round commitment to financial wellness, offering education, accessibility and personalized support to help people achieve their financial goals.
“Our social mission is focused on getting out in front of all members of our community—even those who are not members of the credit union,” said Colleen Shepherd, community outreach director. “This commitment translates into a range of services, including financial empowerment presentations, one-on-one financial counseling and specialized programs designed to help individuals navigate every aspect of their financial journey.”
February 2-8 marked our national “Pay Your Own Bills Week”. During this week—and throughout the year—Purdue Federal invites the community to contact our financial wellness professionals to assess their financial health, regardless of membership status, and at no cost. Financial wellness counselors work with individuals on a variety of topics, including credit repair, debt management and saving strategies.
“We cover all different topics in the financial realm,” said Shepherd. “We pride ourselves on getting in front of individuals who need our services, who may not know we exist. We work a lot with nonprofits and schools in the communities we serve.”
Purdue Federal’s approach emphasizes personalized financial guidance. Trained counselors work with individuals to address specific needs, starting with personalized budget analysis and then tackling any financial barriers or challenges. Beyond budgeting and credit repair, Purdue Federal offers specialized support, including internal debt management and workout loans for members affected by fraud or difficult life events. These programs are designed to be accessible and affordable.
“Realistically, you cannot give financial advice to someone in good faith without having a full picture of what they have coming in and out,” said Shepherd. “It makes sense to find a solution for these members so we don’t cut ties and send them on their way.”
Purdue Federal also provides access to the Banzai (https://purduefed.banzai.org/wellness/collections/banzai-courses) platform, which provides valuable financial information to community members and students on a variety of financial topics.
“Banzai has been an incredible tool for us to extend our reach into the community,” said Shepherd. “Our partnership with Banzai reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive financial wellness services. It is not just about transactions – it is about empowering people to achieve their financial goals.”
Looking ahead, Purdue Federal is developing a personal financial management (PFM) tool that will integrate internal and external accounts to provide members with a comprehensive view of personal finances. In addition, Purdue Federal will continue to promote a 12-month Empowerment Program, which offers a checking account, savings account, and a secured Visa card to help individuals rebuild their financial stability after facing past challenges.
“We see firsthand the positive impact of our financial counseling and programs,” said Shepherd. “People come to us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, and they leave feeling empowered and hopeful.”
Purdue Federal’s commitment to financial wellness goes beyond traditional banking services. With branches in Lafayette, West Lafayette, La Porte and Crown Point, and expanding engagement with Purdue University Northwest In Hammond, Purdue Federal is dedicated to making a tangible difference for individuals and families in Northern Indiana.
For more information about Purdue Federal Credit Union’s resources, visit purduefed.com/financialwellness.
