A credit union is a place to keep your money, take out a loan, purchase life insurance, get a credit card…. A place where you can take care of all your banking needs. Credit unions were established to provide the common working person with a place to save their money and a place to borrow money. Each member is required to deposit a share (ours is $5.00) and that share is then pooled with all of the other members’ shares. Your share is your piece of the credit union, meaning you’re not just a member… you are a part-owner. Credit unions can use that money to give loans to members who need them. A credit union is essentially a group of people who share a common bond like working at the same place, living in the same area, or going to the same school and share resources for their financial wellbeing.