Self-Help Shares

Kathryn Beach (left), financial coach for OnTrack, with Self-Help member services representative Kenya Jackson.

Self-Help branches in the Asheville area have teamed up with OnTrack WNC Financial Education and Counseling to offer free financial wellness coaching to Self-Help members. These coaching services give members an opportunity to meet individually with a trained counselor to get a financial check-up and make an action plan to help reach specific financial goals. Sessions are available in two of our branch locations, Hendersonville Road and South French Broad.

Torey Thompson, City Executive of our new Rocky Mount branch office.

As a child Torey Thompson remembers downtown Rocky Mount, North Carolina as the heart of his community. Today Torey is leading Self-Help's new Rocky Mount branch office, which has been a leader in revitalizing an area that is seeing a surge of new enterprises.

A brand new year provides the perfect opportunity to make meaningful life changes, including improved financial wellness. These five financial resolutions can help get your year off to a promising start.

Every year we are inspired by our members' remarkable accomplishments, and 2017 was no exception. Cheers to our new homeowners, creative entrepreneurs, resilient neighborhoods, determined students and all of our members and partners. 

Thanks for all your trust and support this year. From us at Self-Help, this tribute is for you.

When I received the assignment to produce the DuPont Employees Credit Union legacy video, I was excited but somewhat overwhelmed with the challenge to fit their story in a seven-minute video. How could I tell the history of the credit union without first telling the story of the unique employee group who started it?

The DuPont plant brought a diverse group of individuals together who made the best of a work-life balance. Forming a credit union was just one of the ways they helped each other. They also formed other associations that intertwined their lives. These relationships continue today as a reflection on this unique employee group. This video is but a glimpse into their story.  

It’s a pleasure to offer weekly news here at “Self-Help Shares,” and we always have lots to cover. Topics include items like money management tips, special credit union events, financial policies that affect working families and profiles of members and community leaders who inspire us.

Charlene Watson at the closing of her new home

For years, Charlene Watson had the goal of becoming a homeowner. She wanted a house in a safe neighborhood where she and her 15-year-old son could thrive. She also knew that by owning, she could build a stronger financial future.

David chats with Tracy Cox, a colleague on Self-Help's Development team.

Hearing loss often comes gradually, at least mine did. It started with an increase in how often I would ask people to repeat sentences. Over time, the problem worsened. When a colleague asked me to turn off my beeping watch—which I couldn’t hear at all—I had to concede that my hearing needed a boost. I started looking into hearing aids.

Self-Help Credit Union Staff at a recent meeting. Photo by Ricky Leung

This is the season with a lot of emphasis on giving. Holiday shopping has begun in earnest, and many of us are stepping up our efforts to volunteer, donate and help make this a better holiday season for the many people—far too many—in need.

Twenty20 Stock Photo

It takes more than a great idea and entrepreneurial spirit to be your own boss. But if you follow the right path, that dream can be within reach. Here’s what you need to do to start a small business.