DFCU Blog

Financial Literacy is the secret weapon of the financially savvy. At its core, it is about understanding the ins and outs of budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.

Economic challenges have pushed the need for financial education for both individuals and institutions. Here at Dannemora Federal Credit Union, we know that being financially literate is the key to making smart money moves and achieving everyone’s common goal of financial stability.

Understanding the DFCU Difference

Credit unions, like DFCU, stand out from traditional banks because of our commitment to our members and our community. Dannemora Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution that is 100% member owned.

Unlike profit driven banks, credit unions have a unique advantage when it comes to focusing on financial literacy. We have the freedom to pursue community outreach and educational initiatives rather than focusing on profit maximization.

Check out all the free financial education tools that Dannemora FCU offers our members.

Personalized Financial Counseling

Dannemora Federal Credit Union is proud to offer personalized financial counseling.

Our Live Well Financial Wellness Program is operated by our own CUNA Certified Financial Counseling Team, Codie Peryea-Parnaby and Danielle Branham.

These two have dedicated themselves to helping our members achieve financial wellness. By scheduling a 1:1 appointment with either of our two financial counselors, they can help you:

• Set clear financial goals
• Develop a healthy budget
• Set-up and emergency savings
• Provide a smooth transition to GreenPath

Our Financial Counselors are currently located at our Tom Miller Road and New York Road branches. To schedule an appointment with Codie or Danielle email us directly at [email protected] or contact us at 518-825-0323.

Dannemora Federal Credit Union has partnered with GreenPath to give you free access to money management and financial education services. GreenPath is a non-profit company that partners with you to achieve your financial goals.

You can receive assistance with:

• Personal and family budgeting
• Understanding your credit report and how to improve your score
• Money management
• Debt repayment
• Avoiding bankruptcy, foreclosure and repossession

Keep Track of your Credit Score

Keep tabs on your credit with Credit Sense! Credit Sense is a free tool available to DFCU members within Online Banking and the Mobile App.

Credit Sense gives you the freedom to check your credit score as often as you like and view your credit report to see account details, payment history, and inquiries. Gain control of your finances and find ways to improve with the included financial literacy tools.

Financial Education Made Easy

One of the valuable resources we provide is Zogo. Zogo is a gamified mobile app that offers interactive modules and quizzes to educate users on various financial topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management.

With Zogo, members can learn at their own pace, wherever and whenever is convenient for them.

In addition to Zogo, we now offer Banzai, a premium online financial literacy program offered exclusively by DFCU to local educators and students for free!

Banzai’s games and resources allow kids to make mistakes, learn, and succeed from the safety of their classroom.

Some of the life literacy skills they develop include:

• Budgeting
• Saving
• Managing Debt
• Internet Safety
• Career Planning
• Soft Skills

Education Center and Workshops

Other tools that Dannemora FCU provides for our members and community is our online education center and local in-person workshops.

Our online education center is the hub for all our online tutorials and interactive demos on many of our digital products and services. There you can learn how to do anything from how to access your online banking to learning more about the NCUA.

Sometimes, learning directly from the source is the most effective educational tool. That is why we started planning in-person workshops. Our most recent workshop for First-Time-Homebuyers, offered invaluable information from a team of panelists that included:

• Dannemora FCU’s Mortgage team
• Broker/Realtor: Gaelan Trombley – Kavanaugh Realty
• Attorney: Gary Favro – Favro Law Firm
• Home Inspector: Scott Sterling – Tri County Inspections

Be sure to check our website and social media pages for upcoming workshop dates!

Financial literacy serves as the foundation of a thriving and resilient community. It is DFCUs mission to help our members achieve their financial goals and we are proud to provide these free and easy tools.