As this column was being written, Hull and East Yorkshire Credit Union (HEYCU) had just completed a successful week of 'meeting the people' in partnership with Hull City Council's customer service centres.
It was all part of National Customer Service Week. The theme was 'managing your money well' and HEYCU was able to tell Hull residents how it is helping thousands of people to access:
Safe and convenient ways to save
Affordable credit
A range of other ethical, user-friendly financial services
In the run up to Christmas we all need help to make our money go further, but do think carefully about the different options before you borrow money.
Many of you will have read about the Government's plans to crack down on the loan sharks and illegal moneylenders that make life a misery for families on low incomes.
A better option would be your local credit union. And because credit unions, such as HEYCU, are owned by their members - the people who use the services – customers do not get ripped off.
With a HEYCU Freedom Loan of £300 over a year you pay £154 less interest than with a typical doorstep lender – saving you £3 a week.
Credit unions are a great way to save up as well.
All savings are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and are covered by free life insurance.
