Financial wellness doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of research, discipline and, of course, hard work.

That’s not something Community Choice Credit Union members have to navigate alone.

“Choice Map is the credit union’s financial wellness program,” Community Choice Credit Union Product Design Manager Cat McMacken said. “We’re really proud of it for a couple of reasons, primarily because it’s a comprehensive approach to financial wellness for our members wherever they are on their financial journey. It’s about overcoming hardship and also optimizing your financial outlook when you’re thriving.”

Choice Map is a complimentary service offered to all Community Choice Credit Union members.

“Our members are always welcome to enroll in the Choice Map program and get started on that journey,” McMacken said. “It’s always free for members of the credit union.”

That’s unique, McMacken said, as opposed to services at other financial institutions that come with fees.

“We provide this free to our members because we want to make it accessible to everyone,” McMacken said. “Members can sign up at any time by contacting one of our 24 member centers across the state, where they are paired with a personal advisor.”

All personal advisors at Community Choice Credit Union are certified credit union financial counselors.

“They bring an extra level of credibility to be able to provide that top notch financial guidance to our members,” McMacken said.

From finding ways to save by making small adjustments to building financial strength by cutting interest or simplifying debt reduction, the solutions found through Choice Map are in line with Community Choice Credit Union’s guiding purpose.

“Part of the credit union movement is people helping people,” McMacken said. “We know we want to be a positive force in the community and help improve the financial wellness of our members. It’s something we’re excited about and something we’re eager to be able to provide.

“We’ve always been, as a credit union, our members’ best partner in their financial journey. We’ve been delivering this program in our member centers for about a year, and we already have about 1,000 members enrolled,” McMacken said.

What they’re seeing are improved credit scores, consolidated debt, better ways to borrow and smarter ways to save.

“Having a simple, clear money management program to offer our members is needed now more than ever,” McMacken said. “A lot of the financial wellness programs out there in the market are on one end of the spectrum: saving, budgeting, overcoming hardship or wealth management. We think of it more like an all-encompassing circle: save, borrow, simplify and protect. It is a truly unique approach.”

To become a member, or to learn more about Choice Map if you’re already a member of Community Choice Credit Union, go to communitychoicecu.com/choice-map. For more information, stop by your local branch or call (877) 243-2528