DURHAM, N.C. – Latino Community Credit Union had 508 participants in its Spanish-language financial education workshops during January 2006. The $22 million CU began the new year with a series of free workshops that show immigrants and low-income families how to improve their finances. Topics included the benefits of a checking account and Visa debit card, saving and developing a budget, knowing about credit history, selecting and using a credit card, advice on how to buy the ideal car, and preparing to buy a home. "The majority of our members are recent immigrants who have never had a bank account in the U.S. or in their home country," said Erika Bell, director of financial education at LCCU. "Educating our members about the U.S. financial system is a key part of our mission." LCCU has branches here and in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Fayetteville and serves more than 40,000 members.