If you need extra special attention for personal financial developments impacting your future, then there’s nothing like talking to an experienced member consultant at your local WSECU branch. WSECU recognizes that major life changes prompt important questions and conversations. “Branches continue to play an important role in how we deliver services to members,” says WSECU Vice President of Public Relations Ann Flannigan in describing the credit union’s brick-and-mortar presence in local communities, including at new Lacey branch in Hawks Prairie.
“It is no accident that our WSECU branch staff are titled ‘member consultants,’ versus loan officers or tellers, and are trained, coached and empowered to provide financial consultative services,” adds WSECU Director Southern Region Branches Michelle Curts. “We understand that what works for our members is a balance between robust online offerings and a strong branch presence in their community.”
Credit Union’s Expertise at Local Branches Delivers Personalized Service to ‘Every Member, Every Time’
The saying is, nothing is more constant than change. And life’s ups and downs can arrive when expected and unexpected. Should you open joint accounts when getting married? What is the best way to create a new grandchild’s savings account? How do I remove a deceased spouse’s name from accounts? Can I get assistance in using today’s banking technology?
While online banking is great for many tasks, if you need additional guidance especially with life changes, you can meet an experienced WSECU member consultant at a local branch. “Our service philosophy is, ‘Every Member, Every Time,’” Flannigan says of their member-centric approach that strives to save a member time, stress or money in every interaction with the credit union
While digital transactions dominate banking activity in sheer numbers, Flannigan notes that members might want to confer with a member consultant in person for several reasons, including navigating life changes. “It’s intimidating buying your
first house or your first car,” she says. “It can be harder to answer questions online, to explain options and conditions and give advice through big financial decisions.”
“And if you are newer to a process, or younger, you can get counsel at a branch in a nonjudgemental way,” she adds. “It takes away the intimidation factor.”
Reviewing your accounts to optimize their benefits is another reason to visit a branch. For example, when cashing a check, the member consultant can also spot if you are maximizing your savings options and identify new opportunities. That conversation can inform members of beneficial options they might not have considered.
WSECU’s Branches Assist Members in Tackling Incidents Like ID Theft and Fraud
Unfortunately, sometimes you can be a victim of identity theft, fraud, stolen checks or other financial crimes. When that happens, it can be calming to walk into your local WSECU branch and meet with a member consultant to walk through next steps, taking a load off your mind.
“When the not so great things happen, it can make members feel discombobulated or worried,” says Flannigan. “Here is where branch staff really soar. They can say, ‘Hey, let’s sit down and let’s talk through it.’ It takes the stress off a difficult situation.”
Flannigan says fraudsters constantly develop new ways to attempt to target consumers, like sending fake texts appearing to come from your financial institution. Or an elderly member’s transactions might indicate concerning signs of online financial victimization. To help members protect themselves, WSECU branches can help with information about today’s banking technology, such as showing members how to use mobile banking services to monitor transactions, set up genuine text alerts and take other fraud prevention steps.
“A branch can help and provide a little extra support if you want to get online,” Flannigan says. “You can go in and get technical guidance, like how to reset your password.”
WSECU Teams Support Members’ Big Dreams Like Buying a Home or Planning for Retirement
Big dreams like buying a car, purchasing your first home or planning for retirement involve lots of decisions, and Flannigan suggests you include your bank in these significant conversations. Plus, many milestones are emotional, so it can be comforting to talk to a real person.
An in-person visit with a WSECU member consultant can provide just the extra support you need as you steer through challenging moments, like establishing an estate account and managing banking decisions following the death of a spouse who handled everything. And the credit union’s teams are there for members’ exciting moments as well, like opening a child’s first bank account. WSECU is ready to assist in all such financial journeys. “We do that all the time,” Flannigan says.
The Hawks Prairie branch’s opening means you can find that personalized help in even more locations. “While digital tools are a great option for many, we continue to see that members value the branch experience for the personal connection, deeper guidance, and peace of mind it provides,” says Hawks Prairie Branch Manager Meghan McDonald. “Especially when something feels complex, urgent or unfamiliar.”
The WSECU provides a friendly place for your money, with responsive expertise. Visit the credit union’s website to learn more.
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