Consumer Thinking

Led by Filene Fellow Hope Schau, the Center for Consumer Decision Making uncovers consumer preferences, trends, and behaviors in money management to help credit unions understand how people make decisions in the face of financial needs and challenges.

Ignacio Luri, Doctoral Student, Department of Marketing at the University of Arizona, and co-author on the latest report on consumer confidence, discuss results of the survey.

Filene Fellow

Hope Schau

Eller Professor of Marketing at the Eller College of Management

University of Arizona

Consumer Thinking Research

Consumer Thinking / Aug 30 2019

Can Behavioral Economics Increase Savings and Member Loyalty?

Why is it so hard for people to save money—and why do so many initiatives to encourage saving fail? Research...

Consumer Thinking / Mar 22 2019

Who Do Credit Unions Belong To?

The United States is polarized, socially and politically. This study finds that most people in the US admire credit unions...

Consumer Thinking / Dec 28 2018

Keeping Pace with Expectations: The Quest to Attract Younger Credit Union Members

What Filene’s research says about understanding young adults’ financial needs.

Consumer Thinking / Mar 07 2019

Nature vs. Nurture: Research Event Recap

Supporting members in making good financial decisions throughout every stage of their lives is no small task. Filene hosted a...

Consumer Thinking / Community Impact / Jan 30 2019

Domestic Violence Recovery (DVR) Loan Program - Year Three Report

Survivors of domestic violence face unique financial challenges. This report provides an update on the Domestic Violence Recovery Loan program...

Consumer Thinking / Sep 11 2018

Fostering Digital Clout in Credit Unions

An analysis of credit union Yelp reviews provides actionable insights to better manage social media influence.

Consumer Thinking / Aug 27 2018

From Debt to Mindfulness

Participants in debt management programs (DMP) participated in research exploring the effects of mindfulness on consumer spending. Insights from this...

Consumer Thinking / Jun 26 2018

Consumer Insights on Autonomous Vehicles as an Impending Market Disruption

Rising consumer ambivalence toward vehicle ownership and the rapid pace of technological advances are converging to bring new opportunities and...

Consumer Thinking / May 31 2018

Confidence in Borrowing Spring 2018

Filene's annual report on consumers' confidence in borrowing relies on recurring national surveys to measure consumers' attitudes about debt and...

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Research Council

Thomas Boos

President/CEO

Billings FCU

Robert Chavez

President/CEO

Sandia Laboratory FCU

Eric Hansing

VP, Multicultural & Corporate Strategy

CUNA Mutual Group

Kyle Markland

Chief Operating Officer

Bethpage FCU

Brandon Michaels

President/CEO

JSC FCU

Ray Springsteen

President/CEO

Fort Knox FCU

Doug True

CEO

FORUM Credit Union

In Action

i³ Concept / Consumer Thinking / Business Strategy / Technology

Debt Dragon

Debt Dragon guides students through relatable, interactive scenarios that show real-time financial implications about their investment options with clear action items, next steps, and checklists.