Through independent research and innovation, the Filene Research Institute explores issues vital to the future of credit unions and consumer finance.


Philosophy and Values

  1. Is Bank of America More Consumer-Friendly than Your Credit Union?

    Bofacreditunions

    Loan terms may not seem very hard to understand for people like you. Chances are you work in financial services. Lingo like points, APR, balloon, FHA, piggyback, PMI, and escrow rolls off of your tongue. You can compare mortgage offers quicker than Snooki can spray on a tan.

    Want to know a secret? Most people can’t.

    Want to know something else? It’s our fault.

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    categories » Innovation, Marketing, Consumer Behavior and Market Research, Philosophy and Values

  2. Drops of Jupiter: CU Armageddon

    Jupiter-phil

    As 2012 begins the superstitious among us may be worried about ancient Mayan predictions of armageddon. Credit unions have heard it all before. In my short 32 years on this planet the years 1989, 1998, and 2008 also (supposedly) signaled the end of days for financial institutions of all shapes and sizes.

    Alas, we are still here.

    Still, it is easy to look at economic data and conclude that the Mayans may have been onto something. The optimist in me, however, suggests that financial institutions should be more concerned about another ancient myth: the story of Philemon and Baucis.

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    categories » Philosophy and Values

  3. Potential vs. Kinetic Energy

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    categories » Philosophy and Values, Podcasts and Videos