During the month of April, when workshops, classes, and seminars proliferate to help consumers of all ages connect learning with living, a renewed focus emerges on building financial empowerment. Although Financial Literacy Month presents an optimum opportunity for these gatherings, the efforts must extend far beyond and into the rest of the year to truly resonate with households that need more assistance.

In the United States, an estimated 60–70% of households fall into the low-to-moderate income (LMI) category. While numerous programs support low- to moderate-income families, few focus on unlocking each household’s potential for wealth-building, even within the constraints of limited income. Consequently, the pursuit of wealth often feels just outside of reach for this vast majority.

A significant contributor to this challenge is the lack of access to comprehensive financial education. Without this foundation, long-term financial insecurity persists, and generational wealth gaps widen. True financial wellness begins with empowering both hearts and minds—a goal perfectly aligned with the mission of credit unions.

Credit unions that lead by example

As a new resident of Texas, I’ve been eager to learn how credit unions in my new home state are addressing the unique financial needs of their communities. Texas Dow Employees Credit Union exemplifies this commitment. Serving the community for over 70 years, TDECU stands as Houston’s largest credit union, supporting more than 379,000 members with $4.8 billion in assets.

“We are following the example of TDECU’s founders and building a legacy of prosperity for our families, neighbors, and communities. TDECU is in a season of transformation. Each thoughtful decision is designed to yield remarkable growth for our credit union and significant benefits for our members,” said Isaac Johnson, TDECU President & CEO.

Michael R. Williams, the organization’s SVP of Commercial Lending and Greater Houston Market President, reinforces this proactive approach, noting, “We are focused on helping our members get from point A to point B—into a better financial position—rather than waiting until they have amassed a certain level of income before assisting them further. The better they do, the better we do, and then we have the ability to help even more people.”

Williams underscores the challenge posed by limited financial education: “When you are educated, you know what to look for, what to ask for, and how to manage your money. When we help our members and our communities, everyone benefits.”

Crystal Harris, Executive Director of the TDECU Cares Foundation, echoes this sentiment. “Financial education is a high priority for TDECU. That’s the very reason we created the TDECU Cares Foundation—to increase financial education, stability, and help communities prosper,” she shared.

TDECU’s commitment spans every age group—from young adults saving for a car to older adults pursuing homeownership—and even extends to educating school-aged children who bring newfound knowledge into their homes.

Build bridges together

Credit unions, with their member-first philosophy and community-centric approach, are uniquely built to bridge these systemic gaps. TDECU joins many credit unions across the nation, by sharing best practices, collaborating on initiatives, and working tirelessly to close financial divides. As positive change agents and credit union advocates continue launching impactful programs, I’m encouraged by the growing number of initiatives designed to support credit unions in meeting members where they are.

Each act of financial empowerment lays another stone—building bridges that carry communities from struggle to strength, transforming families from scarcity to sustainability. Together, credit unions are not just rewriting financial narratives—they’re lighting the path to lasting generational change.