CUNA Certified Financial Counselor School: Part II
Topics & Objectives

Please note that the Topics/Objectives listed below are subject to change.

The Basics of Insurance

• Understand the basic concepts of insurance
• Learn the different types of insurance needs and coverage
• Understand how to reduce and control insurance costs

Consumer Fraud

• Learn about current consumer fraud issues
• Know how to protect your members and credit union from fraud

Controlling Living Expenses

• Establish 10 ways for members to save money on living expenses
• Learn cost cutting options for housing, whether renting or purchasing a home
• Discuss ways to cut insurance, utility, and telecommunication costs
• Learn how to change spending habits for food, clothing, and gift expenses

Dealing with Members Who Have Addictions

• Explore the financial consequences of addictions
• Identify the signs of various addictions
• Examine the implications of working with members who have an addiction
• Help your members achieve financial stability when spouses have an addiction

Education Planning & Savings

• Examine the importance of savings for financial solvency, stability, and progress
• Identify ways of making savings automatic and habitual
• Discover the impact of employer matching savings programs
• Explore the use of Independent Development Accounts (IDAs)
• Examine the power of interest and the "Rule of 72"
• Evaluate different ways of planning for college expenses

How Taxes Affect Income & Decisions

• Learn how taxes impact financial decisions
• Discuss the different types of taxes
• Learn how pre-tax or post-tax savings may affect retirement income decisions
• Gain a better understanding of the Earned Income Tax Credit

Investment Basics

• Understand basic investment terms and concepts
• Understand the concept of time value of money
• Discuss investment options and risks

Money Conflicts

• Examine how family issues can be the cause of money conflicts
• Learn to identify and assist your members to work through money conflicts
• Discuss the challenges involved with separation, divorce, and blended families
• Explore the money conflicts associated with members who are self-employed
• Understand the money challenges for members who rely on tips, commissions, or seasonal employment as their main source of income

Money Related Values & Beliefs

• Explore the sources and power of values and beliefs about money
• Understand member sensitivity in money matters
• Examine the impact of lack of money management training in schools
• Explore the impact of parents as financial role models
• Identify how financial anxiety and apathy can lead to problems and financial insecurity

Retirement Planning

• Identify current myths regarding retirement planning
• Examine retirement planning alternatives including 401(k), 403(b), IRA, SEP, and SIMPLE IRA plans

Understanding Consumer Credit

• Understand the five categories comprising a credit score
• Learn how to help members build a better score
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using credit
• Discuss the risks and rewards of using home equity as a solution to financial problems
• Determine the best options in restructuring debt and repayment