Arsenal Credit Union makes a difference in the lives of many young people, evidenced by what members of our Advantage Point Teen Club told us in written essays.

My personal experience with Arsenal Credit Union has been a very pleasant one. When I first established my account with Arsenal, I had a very informative conversation with a personal banker. On another visit to Arsenal, I needed assistance with my transaction and, fortunately, an extremely patient and kind teller was able to ‘walk me through’ the proper procedure. I greatly appreciated her help, and it showed me that Arsenal Credit Union is a place where my money is respected, even though it is only the humble savings account of a teenager.

Elizabeth B.

Credit unions have great online setups such as Arsenal and provide the same services and more than banks, usually at a higher quality. Although banks may be the standby that people are used to, if everyone had the chance to try out credit unions, I believe the majority of people would make the switch because credit unions are more devoted to serving the customers instead of turning a profit.

Curtis I.

One of the best things about a credit union is that they try to have better service over making a profit. ... When I go in, the employees are nice and always help me, especially when I don’t exactly know how to do something.

Ashlyn H.

…I have found myself involved with both a bank and a credit union. ... I have noticed that it is easier for me to access my accounts and I feel more welcome to walk into Arsenal Credit Union than my bank… I receive more information and eligibility to obtain better interest rates at the credit union than the bank, which helps me feel as though my presence in the credit union is actually visible and important. In the bank, I often wonder if I even matter. …

Stephanie M.

When I first opened an account with Arsenal Credit Union, I had no idea what a credit union was. However, in the years since, I have learned firsthand what sets a credit union apart from a bank, and today I am a proud member of the  local Arsenal Credit Union. … A credit union’s main goal is not to maximize profits, but to lend a helping hand, which makes me feel financially safe and part of a community. … Arsenal Credit Union has helped me understand my financial options and opportunities, which is extremely important because as a soon-to-be freshman in college I will have many financial choices that are going to impact my future. However, I am confident in the choices that I will have to make because I know that Arsenal Credit Union will be by my side every step of the way.

Ashley L.

A credit union is considered by most people to be the same as a bank. The thing they may not realize is that they are two very different in how they are operated. ... When my parents used a bank, it took more time to get answers when they needed them, the tellers did not know them, and they would have to wait a long time to talk with someone. When they moved from the bank to the credit union, I also opened an account. I have Aspergers Syndrome (high functioning autism) and I was not sure how I would feel as I learned about everything I needed to know about finances. The people have been very nice and understanding with
me. …

James P.

Belonging to a credit union is like being part of a family. Whether you are my father (who has lots of money and has been a member of the credit union for 38 years) or me (who does not have so much money and has only been a member for a few years), you are treated with respect at Arsenal Credit Union.

Brad S.

Credit unions provide many benefits to their members because they are not-for-profit, member-centered financial institutions which exist to serve their members and help them make sound financial decisions. … Banks have reputations to suck new [customers] in with deceitful promises and perks, but the benefits of credit union membership last much longer.

Victoria H.

Credit unions have a long history of listening to the needs of their members and going the extra mile to provide the financial tools and services necessary for their members to succeed financially in their communities. Banks have a loyalty to their stockholders first and foremost. Would I recommend credit unions to my family and friends? You bet I would. ... Those reasons being competitive rates, member ownership, a helping environment for the member, volunteer boards and committees, and mostly because my loved ones would have a say in how their funds are managed and used by the credit union.

Danielle P.

I am grateful to Arsenal Credit Union for the services you offer and the dialogue I have had with my parents about good money management.

Meghan L.

At Arsenal Credit Union, I am currently using a savings account, have a few certificates of deposit, and I have a credit card through the [credit union]. Each of these services has helped me learn how to handle my money responsibly.

Last year, I took a personal finance class at my high school. During this class, there were things that I did not fully understand and the book made it difficult to understand as well. Every time this happened, I went onto the Arsenal Credit Union Web site and looked up the information. This Web site not only allowed me to pass my class but it also taught me some very valuable lessons that I can take with me for the rest of my life.

Michelle M.

Arsenal Credit Union clearly makes an effort to create awareness in their younger customers about the need to practice financial responsibility. I have received brochures and other correspondence from Arsenal Credit Union advertising the different services offered to help encourage and educate youth.

Colleen C.

Arsenal Credit Union...helps me by sending quarterly literature that educates me with banking tips. As a member of the Advantage Point Teen Club, Arsenal Credit Union offers me great resources and opportunities to expand my knowledge of banking.

I believe that Arsenal Credit Union is doing a great job on educating today's teenagers about the importance of financial responsibility.

Amanda H.

Elizabeth N.

Learning financial responsibility now gives me a head start on my future. Maintaining a checking account with a debit card has taught me to track my savings and purchases. My finances, though small, are still treated with respect by Arsenal Credit Union staff. This has encouraged me to treat my account with responsibiliy and integrity.

Stephanie F.

I use the Personal Finance section to help me build a budget to track the different things I am required to pay for each month. The budget is my roadmap. It tells me if I am getting off the path I have established for myself. By using the financial tools that Arsenal Credit Union has to offer, I can get back on track before I get lost in financial debt.

Ardella D.

I feel Arsenal Credit Union is doing its part to educate today's youth on financial matters. The credit union's Web site provides a youth-friendly environment with tools such as the financial calculators and definitions of financial terminology to help them become knowledgeable and responsible consumers.

Thomas L.

Going away to college will be a challenge for me because I will be in charge of my own spending. I have had my checking account from Arsenal Credit Union for two years so it has been a learning experience on managing my income versus expenses. I have also been responsible in keeping a credit card through Arsenal. I have learned to pay off my balance every month. I am confident that I will be able to continue to manage my accounts effectively in the future.

Brittany C.

I am currently using a savings account at Arsenal Credit Union, which sends me newsletters in order to teach me about how to use and protect my money. In the future, I plan on purchasing a car and a house so Arsenal Credit Union can provide me services to acquire these items and help me along the way. Based on what my parents have used at Arsenal, I plan on opening an IRA. Although this will be far in the future, I know that Arsenal Credit Union can help.

Ravi N.

I believe that Arsenal Credit Union is doing its part to educate today's youth, teenagers, and anyone else on financial matters. Whenever I had a question regarding my checking, savings, direct deposit payroll, ATM/debit card, or online banking, I found that anyone I asked for help at Arsenal Credit Union was more than willing to assist me. I found Arsenal Credit Union's "Member's Edge" to be very helpful and informative. Arsenal Credit Union is committed to educating youth about financial responsibility before they develop any bad spending habits.

Patrick J.

Recently, in order to begin building my credit, my parents and I opened a Student Visa account through Arsenal Credit Union. With a relatively small limit, I am learning to keep track of my spending and have learned what happens when you go over your limit! Learning while still under the protection of my parents is a valuable experience. I am sure this will help prepare me for my college days when I will have to be responsible for my own spending.

Cassie R.

Currently, I have a checking account with checks as well as a debit card. This really helps to keep me on track and it makes it really necessary to manage my finances and know how much money is in my account at all times. The debit card is my favorite part of my checking account because while it gives me the ability to not have to carry money on me all the time, it also makes me more responsible about how much I am spending, if there is enough in my account, and really more responsible with my money overall.

Kathleen F.

I have used some of [Arsenal's] resources personally, such as the ones online. They have taught me about budgeting, buying a car and home, and planning for retirement and other things.

Jessica P.

For National Credit Union Youth Week in April 2007, we asked teens why they love their credit union. Here’s what they said:

Arsenal Credit Union gives high school kids like myself the opportunity to manage money and learn about different types of accounts. I am only 17 years old but, thanks to Arsenal, I now have a savings and checking account, ATM card, debit card, and a Visa credit card. Arsenal Credit Union teaches kids responsibility and important information on how to succeed in life by managing different finances. What really stands out in my mind about Arsenal is the courteous employees who always treat me like I am an adult.

Mark W.

Arsenal Credit Union is always an enjoyable place to visit. The staff is welcoming and always ready to answer any questions that I have about my account. When I got my first ATM card, they guided me through the process and did not make me feel as if I was not smart. They understood that I was new to the banking process and did not hesitate to help me.

Kristen F.

One of the many reasons why I love my credit union is because Arsenal Credit Union offers me free advice on ways to improve my current credit and teaches me to plan for my financial future. As a responsible teen, I know that I need to start thinking about how to pay for college. Arsenal Credit Union has helped me do just that. They have even informed me on ways to avoid credit card debt, which is something that can prevent me from making large purchases in the future, such as a car or a home of my own.

Thomas L.