At Northern Shores Credit Union, we believe that financial knowledge is financial power. That’s why we go beyond traditional banking services to offer personalized financial education and counseling. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or navigating a major life transition, we’re here to equip you with the tools, resources, and one-on-one support you need to make confident, informed decisions.

We understand that no two financial situations are alike — and no one should have to face theirs alone.

Why Financial Education Matters

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming financial environment, the right guidance can make the difference between debt and prosperity, stress and security. Our program is designed to:

• Help you set and achieve financial goals

• Improve credit scores and borrowing power

• Build sustainable budgets

• Eliminate unnecessary debt

• Prepare for homeownership, education, or retirement

• Increase financial resilience during hardship

We’re not here to judge — we’re here to support and empower.

One-on-One Financial Counseling

All members of Northern Shores have access to free, confidential, one-on-one financial counseling provided by trained and certified professionals. Our counselors take the time to understand your situation and tailor their guidance to your specific goals and challenges.

We help with:

• Budget creation and cash flow management

• Debt repayment planning

• Credit report analysis and improvement strategies

• Emergency fund strategies

• Loan & mortgage preparation

• Life-stage planning (marriage, parenthood, retirement)

Appointments can be conducted in person, by phone, or virtually, depending on your preference.

Credit Score Review & Coaching

Understanding your credit is critical to accessing affordable financing and financial opportunities. We offer:

• Free credit score checks (soft pull, no impact)

• Line-by-line review of your credit report

• Identification of inaccuracies or red flags

• Personalized tips to improve your credit rating

• Coaching on managing credit responsibly over time

Whether you’re building, rebuilding, or optimizing your credit profile, we’re here to guide you.

Debt Management Assistance

Overwhelmed by multiple credit card payments or high-interest loans? Our debt counseling program helps you evaluate options and make informed choices, including:

• Debt consolidation recommendations

• Payment prioritization strategies

• Working with creditors to reduce interest or fees

• Evaluating balance transfer and refinancing options

• Avoiding predatory lending and payday traps

Let us help you break the cycle of debt and build a more manageable path forward.

Student Financial Coaching

Are you a college student or recent graduate? We provide specialized financial coaching tailored to young adults managing education costs, limited income, and starting credit:

• Understanding student loans and repayment options

• Managing part-time income and budgeting

• Avoiding overspending and debt accumulation

• Building credit while minimizing risk

• Financial aid and scholarship guidance

We also offer virtual workshops for high school and college students covering “Money 101,” budgeting apps, and credit basics.

Homebuyer Education Program

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make — and we want to help you do it wisely. Through our Homebuyer Education Program, we help first-time (and repeat) buyers prepare with confidence.

Program includes:

• Mortgage pre-qualification guidance

• Understanding down payments, closing costs & escrow

• Mortgage options: fixed vs. adjustable, FHA vs. conventional

• Calculating affordability

• Avoiding predatory practices

• Access to first-time homebuyer grants (where available)

Successful completion of our course may also qualify members for reduced mortgage fees or special interest rates.

Retirement & Long-Term Planning Guidance

It’s never too early — or too late — to plan for your future. Our long-term planning guidance helps members understand their retirement options, prepare for healthcare costs, and transition from earning to spending.

We assist with:

• Estimating retirement needs and timelines

• IRA and Roth IRA education

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.)

• Social Security and Medicare basics

• Planning for income distribution and taxes in retirement

When needed, we can connect you with vetted financial advisors and certified planners within our partner network.

Financial Literacy Workshops & Events

Throughout the year, we host free in-branch and virtual workshops designed to educate and inspire our members. Popular topics include:

• Building a Budget That Works

• Understanding Credit and How to Improve It

• First-Time Homebuying Basics

• Debt-Free Living

• Smart Saving & Investing

• Avoiding Identity Theft and Financial Scams

Workshops are open to individuals, schools, community groups, and nonprofits. We also partner with local organizations to bring financial education to underserved neighborhoods and at-risk populations.

Tools, Calculators, and Self-Guided Resources

Prefer to explore on your own time? Our online Learning Center is packed with interactive tools and resources, including:

• Budgeting calculators

• Debt payoff planners

• Credit score simulators

• Retirement savings estimators

• Downloadable guides and financial checklists

• Articles written by certified credit union educators

We’re always updating our resource hub with fresh content to keep you informed.

Fraud Prevention & Financial Safety

Part of education is also protection. We teach members how to protect themselves from identity theft, phishing scams, online fraud, and financial abuse.

Included in this program:

• How to spot and report suspicious activity

• Creating strong passwords and protecting devices

• Setting up transaction alerts and multi-factor authentication

• Credit freeze and fraud alert education

• Supporting vulnerable populations (seniors, students, caregivers)

Financial Literacy for Families

Teaching financial responsibility should start early. We help parents, guardians, and educators build smart habits into children’s lives through:

• Youth savings programs with goal-setting tools

• Family budgeting sessions

• Age-appropriate financial workshops

• Partnerships with local schools and PTAs

• Educational games, journals, and booklets

Our “Money Smarts for Kids” program includes fun activities and reward-based savings programs to encourage early engagement.