Director of Credit Education, University of Michigan Credit Union

Kathryn has been helping people improve their budgeting skills since 1976, and has been called the "budget guru" by the Ann Arbor Observer. Through the University of Michigan Credit Union, Kathryn provides budget counseling as a free service to UMCU members.

Trained and certified as a credit counselor, Kathryn developed a credit education program to teach consumers the skills needed to establish workable budgets, avoid bankruptcy, and improve creditworthiness. In private counseling sessions, she teaches how to control spending, reduce debt, begin to save and still enjoy life! With her unique blend of compassion, realism, and humor she helps them find sensible, workable answers to their financial problems.

Kathryn hosted a call-in radio talk show called "Credit Line" on WAAM radio for two years, has produced four credit education videos and her articles have been published in several credit union newsletters. Kathryn is the editor of ON MY OWN, a newsletter on the wise use of credit by and for high school students.

Connie has developed an original approach to personal money management and has been dubbed the "Dr. Ruth of money" because of her appealing personal style and background in counseling and finance. She balances the emotional and psychological aspects of money with the financial facts and has helped thousands of clients achieve financial health. Connie is frequently interviewed by the local and national media concerning personal finance, psychologically sensitive money management and investment strategies, and the connection between money and emotions for individuals and couples.

Ken is the executive director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service and Family Service Association of Sheboygan, WI. Ken has a passion and commitment to financial literacy and the education of consumers. He believes we need to help consumers develop the skills necessary to provide financial stability and improve their quality of life. Ken has served as a board member of his credit union for 19 years, worked with the Wisconsin Credit Union League on various education and training programs, and was selected as the League's 2000 Volunteer of the Year.

Security and compliance "guru" Barry Thompson is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, writer, and retired banker with almost 25 years of service in the financial institution industry. He writes a monthly column for Thomson Financial Publications, the "Pratt Security Newsletter," and he is a contributor to Bankers Hotline, bankeronline.com, and other financial publications.