Credit unions make a difference for their members every day, and at Hanscom FCU, the stories pour out constantly. A young woman gets her first car with a Hanscom FCU loan. A member can afford a desperately-needed washing machine because a Hanscom FCU loan officer helps her restructure her loans and create room in her budget. A paycheck-to-paycheck worker starts an emergency fund through small but regular deposits to a savings account with a great return. A high school student learns what his parents go through when he builds a real-life budget of his own. Young people go off to college with scholarships, reminded of the people back home who believe in them.

How is this different from any other savings institution? The philosophy behind these activities is written in our Statement of Commitment. It's built into our business plan.

Here are five areas we focus on to ensure the financial strength of our credit union on behalf of our membership. How many of the following examples resonate with you?

Service to members. Our goal is to improve the economic and social well-being of members and return value to members. In other words, when a member gets a 3% APR on deposits up to $500 with our CU Thrive account, he ends up a little better off than he was before. When a member gets a credit review and reduces her monthly payment without extending her term, she can redirect funds toward retirement. A credit card with no balance transfer fee or a home equity loan with no closing costs can make the difference between a good financial move and one that drains resources.

Member education. Smart borrowers are made, not born. Hanscom FCU offers guidance and advice beyond what it takes to close the loan. For example, a member came to us for a vehicle loan. Before the loan was completed, the car she was purchasing was totaled. Our loan officer led the member through insurance claims, renting alternative transportation and finally purchasing a great vehicle. We are passionate about giving members a path to better economics by teaching them. It feels great to sit down with a member and show him how to manage his credit to improve cash flow. We are thrilled to adjust a loan rate down after a member takes our advice and improves her credit.

Involvement and governance. Hanscom FCU benefits from a rich tradition of board activism. Our board and executives work to preserve democratic credit union principles. Not only do we have a flourishing member advisory group and supervisory committee, but nearly 1,000 members show up for our annual meeting. No matter what decision board members make about products, services or any of the challenges faced by a modern financial institution, they always see it through the members' perspective.

Commitment to the credit union movement. Hanscom FCU board members and executives regularly participate in national and state governmental affairs conferences. They meet with political leaders to advocate for credit unions in various public and government forums. We recognize events such as International Credit Union Day and Member Appreciation Day to emphasize our history and highlight the credit union difference.

Through advocacy, financial support and reaching out to our members, Hanscom FCU works to preserve the unique aspects of the credit union movement and educate lawmakers about credit unions and consumer financial issues.

Public service and corporate citizenship. Hanscom FCU strives to be an active partner in the communities we serve. We provide financial support for many activities within our member base with a special focus on volunteer groups.

All these commitments helped Hanscom FCU become a stronger institution, helped our members improve their lives and created a healthier community. We couldn't be prouder of the traditions we uphold every day.

Paul Marotta is chairman of the board for Hanscom FCU. He can be reached at 781-698-2277 or [email protected].