CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle appeared on CUBroadcast this week to discuss how credit unions are responding to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the state of things after the passage of the latest relief bill and more. Nussle also delved into CUNA’s recent article on how consumers can exercise financial caution in the face of a global pandemic.

“Credit unions are financial first responders, whether tornadoes, hurricanes, the forest fires in California, hurricanes. When these things happen, it’s usually a credit union that’s first up,” Nussle said. “And usually money is one of the first things on the to do list for people who have been through a disaster of any kind they want to know is my money safe, do I need to access it do I need to pay my bills?”

CUNA’s article, released earlier this month as a consumer-facing resource, was picked up by 124 news outlets with an audience of nearly 100 million nationwide.

The article recommends consumers:

1. Contact their financial institution to ensure they’re up to date on the latest information on credit union operations.
2. Protect their data by being vigilant about protecting their digital identity and personal data.
3. Utilize online and mobile services, including mobile deposits, electronic money transfers and other digital payments.
4. Research local financial support, as credit unions across the country are extending low- and no-interest loans, offering fee-free loan deferrals, and finding other individualized solutions.
5. Remember their money is safest in a credit union, as unlike large amounts of cash, there is no risk keeping funds in an insured credit union account.