No, Xtreme Financial Makeover Challenge is not the latest reality show to hit television. The program is an example of how
USE Credit Union does more than deliver great products and services -- it helps members manage their finances in a way that enables them to make their dreams come true.
"We help people take a comprehensive look at where they spend and what they get in return," said Linda Baughman, president and CEO of USE Credit Union. "It's always nice to make more money. But what you keep is as important as what you make. The makeover is an opportunity to help people improve their financial future. That's really what we're about."
Xtreme Financial Makeover Challenge participants who don't see an improvement in their finances of at least $2,500 in 25 minutes receive $25. They can also enter a drawing for a chance to win $25,000 and other prizes.
Like other credit unions, USE is committed to building personal, lasting relationships with its members. According to Baughman, this is one of the most important ways that credit unions differ from banks.
"Our relationship is to people, not profits," she explained. "We're here to serve our members, not shareholders."
This philosophy is exemplified in USE's President's Hotline, which allows members to e-mail comments directly to Baughman.
"People can tell me what they like or dislike," Baughman said. "I've been brought to tears by some of the messages I've received. I've had people tell me 'You saved my home' or 'You paid my bills while I was in the hospital.'"
USE also responds quickly to customer complaints, and will deposit $6 in the account of any member kept waiting longer than five minutes for service in one of its branches.
Headquartered in San Diego, USE is the fifth largest credit union in the county. It was established in 1936 and originally served the financial needs of university and state employees. Today, USE is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in San Diego or four other California counties: Alameda, Sacramento, Santa Clara and Yolo.
Always committed to providing its members with innovative services and technology, USE was the 13th financial institution in the world to offer Internet banking in 1995. It was also the first financial institution to offer banking via cell phones.
To learn more about the credit union difference and USE, go to www.usecu.com.
