Filene Research Institute

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


Filene's Ideas Grow Here

  1. CU Times Op-Ed: Three Gen Y Stereotypes Debunked

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    The CU Times awesomely asked me to write an op-ed piece on Gen Y misconceptions I’ve run into while working in the credit union industry. Here’s what I said (click here to view the slightly edited version at the CUTimes.com) –

    Sometimes being a young person in credit unions feels like being a monkey in a cage, or a leprechaun, or a unicorn that sneezes rainbows. A novelty to be poked and studied and questioned and dissected.

    For better or worse, our generation is no more mysterious than the previous and no more elusive than the next. But after working in the movement for a few years, I’ve noticed certain misconceptions continue to bubble up. Let’s talk stereotypes. One, two, three, ready, set, go…

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    categories » Young Adults and Families

  2. Exploring Ongoing Member Loyalty: Net Promoter in Credit Unions

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    It’s well established that credit unions tend to command more loyalty and satisfaction than banks. What’s interesting is how. In Exploring Ongoing Member Loyalty: Net Promoter® in Credit Unions, authors Laura Brooks, Satmetrix and Michelle Bloedorn, Member Loyalty Group, use Net Promoter Scores, credit union case studies, and a cadre of high-performing credit unions to illustrate the how and the why of credit union member loyalty.

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    categories » Market Structure and Field of Membership, Marketing, Consumer Behavior and Market Research, Performance Measures

  3. Fellow Weighs in on Credit Cards

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    Filene Fellow Bob Manning is a go to guy for the media on consumer credit issues.

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    categories » Filene News, Economic Issues - Credit Unions, Marketing, Consumer Behavior and Market Research

  4. Family Financial Security Symposium

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    The University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Human Ecology, is hosting a symposium on Family Financial Security on April 19th – 20th, 2010 in Madison, WI. The symposium will offer participants a better understanding of consumer behavior and financial decision making in our current economic environment. Speakers from the Federal Reserve Bank, Harvard, Columbia and University of Wisconsin will engage in discussions of how programs, policies, and products can best promote family financial security. There is a discounted rate for non-profit registrants.

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    categories » Filene News

  5. What is the sound of a window closing?

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    SInce the financial crisis commenced in September 2008, I’ve kept track of the number times credit union’ers have said, “We need to take advantage of this crisis and grow our business.

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  6. Bootstrapping: An essential innovation competency

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    Sramana Mitra’s recent Forbes.com article laments the overemphasis of fundraising and underemphasis of “bootstrapping” in business school entrepreneurship classes. Students learn the ins and outs of attracting venture capital to their idea, Mitra argues, but precious little about how to actually get that idea off the ground from an operational perspective. As a result, the argument continues, students are left with unrealistic expectations and the promise of little more than failure.

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    categories » Innovation, Innovation, Innovation, Innovation, Innovation, Innovation, Innovation

  7. Refreshing enough for the NY Times

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    Yesterday’s Times article on overdraft fees is noteworthy for two reasons.

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  8. Regulation’s Silver CU Lining?

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    The new strictures on credit cards landed yesterday. The Fed’s new overdraft opt-in rules are already causing ulcers among big banks and credit unions alike. And the debate continues over a proposed new Consumer Financial Protection Agency. (passed in the House, pending in the Senate). What’s the good news again?

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    categories » Regulation and Deposit Insurance, Economic Issues - Policy

  9. Road Trip

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    When your boss suggests you take a one week trip through the upper Midwest in February, there are three thoughts that run through your brain

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    categories » Filene News, Research in Motion, Filene News, Research in Motion, Filene News, Research in Motion, Filene News, Research in Motion, Filene News, Research in Motion

  10. Design Inspired Innovation

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    There’s nothing like a blizzard in New York City. Relax. I decided to watch an HBO movie. Did I relax? No. Instead I was inspired.

    I was moved by Temple Grandin and her journey with autism. I was inspired by Grandin’s story about how she invented humane livestock-handling equipment that is widely used today. Grandin says, “She thinks in pictures.” That’s what enables her to see what others can’t.

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    categories » Innovation, Research in Motion