ST. LOUIS — More than a dozen Missouri credit unions recently got together for the first time to discuss REAL solutions for serving low-wealth households.

The Sept. 15 meeting featured representatives from 14 credit unions to participate in Filene Research Institute's REAL or Relevant, Effective, Asset-Building, Loyalty-Producing solutions program. The solutions are designed to provide a better alternative for consumers who rely on check cashing and payday loan establishments for their financial business.

REAL Solutions features several key components, including payday lending and check cashing services, and consumer education services. Get Checking(TM), a national financial education initiative, helps consumers gain access to financial services and enhances the credit union's connection to low-wealth families. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA program provides free income tax preparation assistance to various people in need of assistance, including the elderly, disabled and those with limited English skills.