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Guides To Independence
Course list
The Guides to Independence is designed to support your credit union’s products and services. Each course can have a customized message and link to your Web site. You can even link multiple pages from your Web site to Guides.
| Course | Topic | Suggested Links |
|---|---|---|
| 101 | How to shop for everyday savings | Checking account, check (debit) card |
| 102 | How to buy a used car | Vehicle loan |
| 201 | How to achieve financial goals | Saving options |
| 202 | How to save and invest short-term | Certificates, IRA |
| 301 | How to start a checking account | Checking account |
| 302 | How to balance a checking account | Checking account |
| 303 | How to use a check card | Check card, ATM card |
| 304 | How to budget income | Direct deposit |
| 305 | How to budget expenses | Electronic access |
| 401 | How to get a loan | Personal loan |
| 403 | How to manage debt | Credit card, loans |
| 404 | How to pay for school | School loans |
| 501 | My credit union…where I belong | Your history/philosophy page |
Future courses
103 How to shop for big-ticket items
203 How to invest long-term
402 How to choose and use a credit card
Features and benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Your credit union name appears on every course. | Keeps your products and services in mind as solutions to financial needs and brands your credit union as a source for valuable financial information. |
| Customize a message on the certificate of completion. | Increase product and service sales. Use the certificate as a “coupon” with an offer for free checks when a new account is opened, for example. |
| Brief text message on each course links back to your Web site. | Inform course users of current rates and promotions. For example, list “Visit ACME Credit Union for a x% rate on used cars.” |
| Report of number of members who complete each course is available 24/7. | Provides you with immediate feedback on how well your marketing efforts are reaching your young adult members. |
| Links from your Web site to Guides. | Connect as many pages as you want to Guides. Promote financial literacy along with your products and services. |
| Free eMusic® download with each course completed by an eligible visitor. | Teens love tunes. Promote this feature as an incentive for young adults to visit your Web site. |
Guides to Independence Frequently Asked Questions
1. "What will I get with a subscription to Guides?"
Customizable links
Place your credit union name and customize phrase/link to link to your Web site on every course.
For example: ACME Credit Union Check our current loan rates.
Tracking records
Go online and immediately track the use of each course. It’s a good way to check how well your
marketing works to drive teens to your Web site.
Tools to promote
We have prepared a variety of ready-to-use marketing materials and Web site tips for you to use
to easily promote Guides to Independence to your young adult members and their parents.
Our materials include:
- Graphics
- Linking Strategies
- Customizing
- Statement Stuffers
- Poster/Postcard
- Newsletter Articles
- On-Hold Message Script
- Letter to Parents
2. "Can I buy just one course?"
No. The courses are sold as a complete financial literacy curriculum. They are not available
separately.
3. "Can I link more than once from the credit union Web site to the Guides?"
Yes, you can link as many times as you want to. We encourage you to link from your pages that
describe car loans, checking accounts, debit cards, savings accounts, certificates, personal
loans…whatever you offer that applies to young adults.
4. "Do I have to be a programmer to customize the Guides?"
Nope. It’s easy. It takes less than 10 minutes and you can change the links anytime. The
hardest part is remembering your login name and password. The rest is all cutting and pasting.
5. "I’m having trouble viewing the courses. What’s wrong?"
Guides requires the latest version of Macromedia Flash Player to view. If you do not
have Flash Player already installed, you may
download a free copy here.
6. "What age group is this program aimed at?"
Guides was designed for high school and college students. Although younger teenagers (and
some adults) may find the courses helpful, we suggest you position it as education for high
school and college age members.
Return to Guides to Independence home page
If you have questions, or would like more information, send us an e-mail or call Darlene Brightbill at 800-356-9655, ext. 4344.
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Copyright © 2009 - Credit Union National Association, Inc.
