Tell Us Your Story

Meet Ric, member since 2011…

Ric was introduced to the Credit Union 8 years ago, while working for the Ohio Education Association (OEA). With approximately 120,000 members, the OEA is the largest teacher’s union in the state.
Ric was instrumental in arranging for Education First to be able to attend the OEA’s semi-annual convention. By regularly attending these conventions, the Credit Union was able to reach many Ohio teachers and help them financially.
“I’ve had many members thank me for bringing Education First into their lives; with each person speaking about their specific situation that [the Credit Union] was able to help them with,” says Ric.
Over the years, Ric has heard many positive stories about the Credit Union from OEA members ranging from Education First financing their tuition, to a new home, a car and even a retirement vacation.
“One individual spoke to me in detail about their mounting credit card debt,” says Ric. This teacher’s credit card had an alarmingly high interest rate and they were unable to keep their head above water financially.
“They were referred to Education First,” says Ric. Over the course of a few days the Credit Union staff worked creatively on a solution. This member was able to transfer their credit card debt to the Credit Union, close the old accounts and went on to establish a great, long-term financial relationship with Education First.
“Each story is a testimony to the professionalism, compassion and personal connection Education First employees strive for daily with their members. I see this every time I visit a branch or make a call and is why I continue to entrust Education First with my assets and financial future,” says Ric.
“Personally, Education First has helped me with refinancing and consolidating debt at lower rates while increasing my [credit] score… something banks were unwilling to consider.”
Ric says the biggest difference between a bank and a credit union is the credit union’s personable staff and how they are genuinely concerned and interested in how they can help.
“You do feel differently at Education First,” says Ric. “You feel welcomed as part of the family.”