Leah’s Journey to Finding Her Credit Union Community
Leah’s introduction to the local credit union
Leah encountered a major life transition in her early 30s when she moved back home to support a family relative who needed help. With this change came a small amount of inheritance she hadn’t been expecting, and she suddenly had to decide the most responsible and meaningful way to look after it. Through researching ethical finance options, she came across credit unions and what they do. Leah wanted her savings to do something purposeful, so she searched for a credit union in her area. That is when she discovered Hoot Credit Union.
Why Leah wanted her savings to create social good
When we asked Leah what drew her to us rather than a traditional bank, she explained:
“This money arrived at an unexpected period in my life, and I wanted it to sit somewhere that aligned with the way that I think. When I read that credit unions reinvest savings back into the local community, it just clicked for me. I wanted my money to help others and not just sit there.”
From the moment that Leah joined, she felt reassured and supported. She told us that the joining process was “simple, warm, and human – exactly what she was hoping for”.
How does Credit Union Membership strengthen her connection to the community?
For Leah, the biggest reward of being part of a credit union is the sense of belonging.
“I care so much about the place I live. Knowing that my savings help local families and projects feels like being part of something bigger. You don’t always see the impact when you put money into a bank, but with a credit union, you can actually feel it. Being part of my local credit union makes me feel like I am contributing to something meaningful”
Leah shared that she loves seeing local people supported through smaller loans, financial guidance and community initiatives. Leah has also started to attend local community events and even volunteers at a community cafe once a month.
Leah’s Advice for anyone wanting to make a more socially conscious choice
When we asked Leah what she would tell someone wanting to take the first step:
“Start with things you can influence – your money, time and habits. Where you save or spend makes a difference. People often think supporting local means buying from local shops, but it can also mean saving with the local credit union. That’s a real community investment”
“It is easy to only think that large charities make an impact, but local organisations often need support the most. Look around you, there is usually something close to home that you can help”
At Hoot Credit Union, we are a member-owned Cooperative. We are here to benefit our members and the local community. If you would like to join today all you have to do is work or live in the Common Bond which can be seen here. Once you join you can start saving with us straight away.