Foundation Impact: Enhancing Financial Health with FiCEP

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Wichita, Kan.-based Meritrust Credit Union is making strides in promoting financial well-being by embracing the Financial Counseling Certification (FiCEP) program.

In 2024, the credit union certified 44 employees, with plans to enroll 30 more per cohort through 2026. This ambitious effort will ensure that approximately half of their staff is FiCEP-certified, strengthening their ability to support members effectively.

“In 2023, the credit union decided to take a more holistic approach to financial health,” said Chris Wolgamott, CCUFC, CUDE, and director of financial well-being at Meritrust. “We’ve always been mission-driven toward financial health, and FiCEP has deepened the financial education knowledge for employees across the credit union.”

FiCEP certification equips credit union staff with the skills and confidence to have impactful conversations with members, identify financial hardships, and provide meaningful solutions. Wolgamott noted that the certification’s influence extends beyond member interactions: employees also become better financial resources for their friends, families, and communities.

“This investment in employee education doesn’t just enhance member service; it transforms credit union staff into financial first responders, equipped to guide members through both opportunities and challenges,” Wolgamott said.

By embedding financial counseling into its culture, Meritrust Credit Union is setting an example of how credit unions can advance member relationships and improve community financial health. Interested in adopting a similar approach or pursuing FiCEP certification yourself? Learn more and take the next step today.