A few weeks after I returned from living in Japan, I turned 19 and I got my first job at a Trust Company. It was my first non-restaurant, non-clothing store job. A friend of my parents referred me but in reality… I got the job because my Dad designed all their branches and head office. It helps who you know!
I learned a lot from working at that little branch in White Rock, BC. It was my introduction into the banking world. Who knew I’d spend the next 16+ years of my life working for Trust Companies and Credit Unions across Canada?!
While still living in British Columbia, I also worked at Canada Trust and Surrey Metro Savings & Credit Union {now called Coast Capital}. When I moved to Ontario, I was blessed that I didn’t have to look for a job, I got work right away at a Credit Union for those in the educational field. I spent 11.5 years working there before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom in the fall of 2007.
When I first moved here, I was so surprised that Credit Unions weren’t as popular as they are in BC, there… everyone I know ‘banks’ at a Credit Union! It seriously is the #1 choice.
If you’ve never made a Credit Union your choice of financial institutions, you wouldn’t know that with them, you’re more than just another account number — you’re an owner. It’s a democracy where you have an actual say!
As a Canadian History buff… I found the following information VERY interesting.
Did you know that Credit Unions in Canada were responsible for:
- First loans based on borrower character.
- First payroll deduction service for deposits and loan payments.
- First open mortgages.
- First financial institutions to lend to women in their own names (in the 1960s if you can believe that).
- First to offer daily interest savings.
- First full-service ATM network.
- First home equity lines of credit.
- First debit card service.
- First registered education plans.
- First fully functional internet banking.
- First branchless bank (Citizens Bank).
- First cheque imaging service.
They’re not just for private groups or in rural areas either! Did you know that Credit Unions have been around since 1900?! They have some experience under their belt…
If it wasn’t for a Credit Union, my church would never have become owners of our own building. The regular “main-stream” banks didn’t want to touch a small church with no big-daddy financial backer. A Credit Union took a chance on us because they had a RELATIONSHIP with us. That’s truly the biggest difference for me… they KNOW me!
Every time I go in, it reminds me of an episode from “Cheers”, where everybody knows my name! 🙂
Just like how I got my first job… it wasn’t what I knew but who I knew – with a Credit Union, you’re someone they want to get to know.
You don’t have to be held hostage by your bank any longer.
I am someone who should never, ever own her own bank…lol
Great info, I didn't know all those facts!!
My brother uses a local Credit Union and he sings their praises – I've been considering opening an account! Thanks for the info!
I didn't know all those facts either!
I had absolutely no idea!!
Great facts, I don't think it'd be a good idea for me to own my own bank. :S LOL! It sure does help who you know though. Interesting post!
My Mom always used the credit union… 🙂 It has that personal kind of feel – I suppose that's why!
Thanks for Sharing Shannon
oh I've seen billboards that ask that. now I know more about it!
I think we should switch!!
Wow! Thanks for sharing this post. There is a lot of information I was unaware of! My friend works for our local Credit Union and I never even asked her about it.
I knew there were more reasons why I only use a credit union to bank with. They really are the best!
I am so not a numbers person so owning a bank would not be on the top of my list, but lots of great facts I never knew about.