Q1: For people who may not be familiar with Pathway to Financial Transformation, what is it all about?

A: Pathway to Financial Transformation is a free online financial education program designed to help adults build stronger financial habits and work toward a more secure financial future. Participants get practical tools they can use in their everyday lives, including around budgeting, saving, credit, lending and investing.

Q2: What made LAFCU want to create a program like this?

A: LAFCU is committed to helping people build stronger financial futures, and we know financial education can make a real difference. People are at different points in their financial journeys, so Pathway gives participants practical knowledge, guidance and accountability they can use to make informed decisions and work toward their own financial goals.

Q3: Who is this program for? Do you have to be an LAFCU member to participate?

A: No. The program is open to anyone in the country, regardless of LAFCU membership. It’s really for those who want to strengthen their financial knowledge or work toward goals such as improving their credit, reducing debt, building savings or preparing to buy a home.

Q4: What does the experience look like for someone who signs up?

A: Participants attend 16 one-hour virtual classes every other Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m., beginning Sept. 10 and continuing through April 1. LAFCU professionals and guest experts cover topics such as savings, budgeting, credit, lending, investing and first-time homebuying. Those who successfully complete the program will also be recognized at a cap-and-gown graduation ceremony in spring 2027.

Q5: What have you seen people accomplish through Pathway?

A: We’ve seen participants make some really meaningful changes in their financial lives. Graduates from previous cohorts have reported increasing their credit scores by more than 100 points, paying off significant debt, building emergency savings and creating long-term financial plans. That’s really the goal of Pathway — giving people the knowledge and tools to feel more confident about their finances and take steps toward their goals.

Q6: If someone is listening and thinking, “This sounds like something I could use,” how can they enroll? 

A: Enrollment is open through Aug. 31, and people can learn more and sign up at lafcu.com/pathway. It’s a great opportunity to invest some time in your financial future, and there’s no cost to participate.

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Virtual course helps Michigan adults build stronger financial habits and long-term financial stability

LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU is accepting enrollment for its free Pathway to Financial Transformation program, an eight-month virtual financial education course designed to help adults and young adults strengthen their financial knowledge, improve money management skills and build a roadmap for long-term financial success.

Open to all Michigan residents regardless of LAFCU membership, the program is free and will accept registrations through Aug. 31. To enroll, visit lafcu.com/pathway.

The program includes 16 one-hour virtual classes held every other Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m., Sept. 10, 2026, through April 1, 2027, excluding holidays. Participants who successfully complete the course will be recognized during a cap-and-gown graduation ceremony in spring 2027.

Course topics include savings, budgeting, understanding and improving credit, lending, investing, first-time homebuying, and how diversity, equity and inclusion can influence financial decision-making. Sessions are led by LAFCU professionals and guest experts who provide practical guidance participants can apply to their everyday financial lives.

“Financial education has the power to change lives,” said Shelia Scott, LAFCU community financial education and business development officer and program leader (left). “Whether someone is working to improve their credit, save for a home, reduce debt or simply gain confidence managing their money, this program provides practical tools, encouragement and accountability to help them reach their goals.”

Graduates of previous Pathway to Financial Transformation cohorts have reported increasing their credit scores by more than 100 points, paying off significant debt, building emergency savings, opening savings accounts for their children and developing long-term financial plans. Participants have also shared how the program helped them change spending habits, make more intentional financial decisions and pass those lessons on to family members.

“As a credit union, we’re committed to helping people build stronger financial futures, regardless of where they’re starting,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer and chief diversity officer (left). “The Pathway to Financial Transformation program equips participants with knowledge they can use for the rest of their lives, creating a ripple effect that strengthens families and communities for generations.”

Participants are expected to attend and actively participate in each class to maximize the program’s benefits and support their personal financial goals.

The Pathway to Financial Transformation program was launched in 2020 as part of LAFCU’s ongoing commitment to financial education and serving people of modest means. Since then, the program has helped hundreds of participants develop healthier financial habits and gain greater confidence in managing their finances.

About LAFCU

Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves nearly 73,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members’ financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For,’ LAFCU has also been recognized as a Best Place to Work for Women and an Inclusive Workplace, and is recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.

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