Memorial Day: Honor Service Through Financial Resilience

As Memorial Day approaches, we at Public Service Credit Union pause to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. While we remember the fallen, we also recognize the ongoing challenges faced by veterans and military families in our community. Today, we explore how the values of service, discipline, and planning that define our armed forces can be powerful allies in building financial security.

Military Values in Everyday Finance

The discipline instilled through military service provides a strong foundation for financial success. Just as service members follow structured protocols in their duties, applying that same disciplined approach to personal finances can yield remarkable results.

Planning with Purpose

Military operations require meticulous planning, contingency strategies, and clear objectives. These same principles apply perfectly to financial management:

  • Set clear financial objectives – Whether saving for retirement, education, or a home, defined goals guide better decisions

  • Develop actionable strategies – Break larger financial goals into manageable steps

  • Prepare for contingencies – Establish emergency funds to handle unexpected situations

  • Execute with consistency – Regular financial check-ins, like reviewing budgets monthly, maintain momentum

Resourcefulness and Adaptability

Veterans know that circumstances can change rapidly, requiring quick adaptation. This resourcefulness translates directly to managing personal finances, especially during challenging economic times. Being able to adjust budgets, find creative solutions to financial obstacles, and maintain focus on long-term objectives are skills that both military training and financial wellness share.

PSCU's Financial Counseling: Your Strategic Ally

At Public Service Credit Union, we're committed to supporting our members' financial journeys with the same dedication our veterans have shown in service. Our financial counseling services are designed to help you build financial resilience and security.

Free Financial Counseling

Our Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) provide personalized guidance to help you:

  • Create practical budgets tailored to your specific circumstances

  • Develop strategies for debt management and reduction

  • Implement plans to improve your credit score

  • Design comprehensive financial plans for future security

These consultations typically last 45 minutes to an hour and are available to all members at no cost. We can schedule sessions as frequently as needed to help you achieve your financial goals.

Practical Tools for Financial Success

In addition to one-on-one counseling, we offer several practical resources to support your financial journey:

  • Online financial calculators at publicservicecu.org that help you make informed decisions about loans, savings, and more

  • Side Shares accounts for building dedicated savings for specific goals

  • Powerhouse Money Market Accounts to maximize your savings growth

  • Kwik Cash lines of credit with interest rates approximately half of typical credit card rates

Our newly launched Surge Checking Account offers an industry-leading 10% APY on the first $1,000, allowing you to earn while maintaining ready access to your funds.

“Public Service Credit Union is proud to stand alongside our veteran members, offering the tools, resources, and personal guidance needed to build strong financial foundations.”

Local Veteran Resources in Central Wisconsin

Financial wellbeing is just one aspect of supporting our veteran community. Marathon County offers several resources specifically designed for veterans:

Marathon County Veterans Service Office

Located at 1100 Lake View Drive, Suite 300 in Wausau, the Veterans Service Office assists eligible veterans and their dependents with accessing benefits and services including:

  • VA loans and financial programs

  • Education and retraining grants

  • Assistance with pension and compensation claims

  • Health care enrollment and benefits

Contact them at 715-261-1141 or by email at mcvets@co.marathon.wi.us for personalized assistance with navigating available benefits.

Veterans Support Organizations

Several local organizations provide additional support for veterans:

Employment and Financial Resources

Veterans seeking employment assistance can connect with Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development, which offers specialized veterans employment services. Additionally, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) provide free financial counseling services specifically for veterans.

The Veterans Benefits Banking Program also offers free consultation with certified financial counselors to help veterans manage debt and improve their financial situation.

Honoring Service Through Financial Education

This Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave their lives in service, we can pay tribute by helping ensure veterans and their families achieve financial security. Public Service Credit Union is proud to stand alongside our veteran members, offering the tools, resources, and personal guidance needed to build strong financial foundations.

We invite all members, especially our veterans, to schedule a free financial counseling session by calling (715) 842-9865 or emailing info@publicservicecu.org. Together, we can apply the values of service, discipline, and planning to create financial resilience that honors the legacy of those who served.

Contact Information

If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (Press 1) for immediate assistance.

Personal FinanceKyle Turner