How TCU Supports Local Families Through Education and Coaching
For many families, financial stress doesn’t come from a single moment. Instead, it builds quietly over time. Rising costs and inflation, emergencies, credit interest charges, and other unexpected expenses can add up quickly. This can leave people feeling overwhelmed and unsure of their next step.
However, almost everyone wants the same things: stability, options, and the confidence that they can weather whatever comes next. The good news is that financial resilience is achievable, with education, guidance, and support.
For more than seven decades, Travis Credit Union has maintained its community-first mission to help members achieve their financial goals. We bring that mission to life through a growing focus on education and coaching. The goal is to meet people where they are, empower them with practical tools, and help families build stronger financial foundations for the long term.
Knowledge Is Power: Turning Confidence into Action
In early 2025, Travis Credit Union introduced “Knowledge Is Power,” an initiative designed to reflect both its purpose and its promise to the communities it serves. The initiative was born from results of TCU’s own research – more than half of the members we surveyed reported moderate to high concern about financial challenges. These challenges ranged from saving for retirement to reducing debt and improving credit scores.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Knowledge Is Power is about giving people the information they need to make smart, informed decisions at every stage of life.
At the heart of the initiative is Knowledge Base, a robust financial education platform that’s both practical and accessible. It provides members with:
- A personalized financial wellness checkup
- Insights through a money personality quiz
- The ability to learn at their own pace using an extensive library of videos, interactive tools, quizzes, and articles
- Gamified elements that make learning engaging and approachable
The goal isn’t just financial literacy; it’s helping members build confidence to ask questions, make decisions that align with personal goals and family priorities, and take action.
Reaching Families Early: Generation Wealth in Action
Starting early is a critical aspect of financial resilience. Long before someone earns a paycheck, it’s important that they practice and understand the basics of building financial wealth. That belief is what drives our long-standing youth education efforts, including our award-winning Generation Wealth program.
Originally launched in 2009, the program was refreshed to reflect the values and realities of today’s students. TCU proudly unveiled the new program at Benicia High School in 2024 and has already reached more than 13,000 high school students across Northern California.
During the program, students participate in immersive, hands-on workshops that mirror real-life financial situations. Instead of sitting through lectures, they step into scenarios involving jobs, salaries, rent, family responsibilities, credit scores, and unexpected expenses. Through these experiences, students learn the four pillars of financial wellness:
- Plan: Make manageable decisions and prepare for the unexpected
- Save: Build habits that support long-term goals
- Spend: Manage everyday expenses with intention
- Borrow: Understand credit and interest to stay in control
Generation Wealth is especially powerful because it reframes the concept of “wealth.” Students are asked to define wealth in their own terms, whether it means stability, relationships, happiness, or knowledge alongside financial security. For many participants, it’s the first time money feels approachable rather than intimidating – and financial resilience begins with confidence instead of uncertainty.
Education That Meets Real Life
Financial resilience requires preparation for real-life events that may otherwise set you back. For families, that might mean having an emergency fund, understanding how credit works, or simply knowing where to turn for trusted advice.
Education and coaching play a critical role. When people understand their options, they’re better equipped to make decisions that reduce stress, protect their families, and create opportunities to build wealth over time. No two financial journeys are the same, and there’s no single definition of success – only progress, supported by knowledge and partnership.
Travis Credit Union’s mission has always been about people. Since 1951, we’ve grown alongside the communities we serve, guided by the belief that stronger families create stronger communities. To that end, we partner with nonprofits, schools, and local organizations, and support small businesses through chambers of commerce and community events throughout Northern California. We understand that financial health is deeply connected to the well-being of families and the strength of the communities they call home. By combining education, coaching, and genuine community engagement, we continue to be a trusted partner at every stage of life.
Here to Help You Move Forward with Confidence
TCU offers a variety of home loan options with competitive rates, along with mortgage loan consultants who focus on what matters most: your goals and your peace of mind. We take the time to explain your options and guide you through the process, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident about your next step. Contact one of our consultants to get started.