HFCU Holiday Finances

Navigate YOUR FINANCES This Holiday SEASON

By StoryStudio on December 12, 2023

Navigating your finances can be difficult and overwhelming, especially with the added stress of the expensive holiday season. Many people don’t really know where to start or how to begin moving forward to put themselves in a better financial situation. That’s where the Certified Financial Counselor at Houston Federal Credit Union (HFCU), Zulika Diaz steps in! If you’re ready to get your finances in order before the start of the new year and admit you need help, Zulika provides numerous financial services free of charge to HFCU members.

In a sea of countless financial institutions, where transactions are often impersonal and numbers-driven, Houston Federal Credit Union stands out with genuine support for its members. At the heart of this commitment is Zulika Diaz, a seasoned financial counselor with over 20 years of experience. Her journey into the world of finance began at the age of 13 when she started working at her family’s restaurant. The values of hard work, money management, and helping others that she absorbed during those formative years continue to shape her mission today. “I saw how my parents taught me the importance of saving and the difference between wants and needs,” Zulika reflects. This early exposure laid the foundation for helping others achieve their financial goals. “My passion is helping people,” she states. In her role at HFCU, Zulika helps members navigate a range of financial challenges. With a background in credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and budgeting, she takes a personal approach to financial wellness. “My goal is to help our members reach their financial goals, whether it’s to get out of debt or purchase a home,” she says. Many interactions went remote during COVID and remain that way out of convenience. That shift has only strengthened Zulika’s ability to connect with members. Through Zoom calls and phone conversations, she can help set short-term and long-term goals, create budgets, and devise action plans as part of the comprehensive support the credit union offers.

The Houston Federal Credit Union Difference

My goal is to help our members reach their financial goals, whether it’s to get out of debt or purchase a home.

Amazingly, HFCU was the first credit union in the Houston area to provide this type of service – something that big bank chains still don’t give their customers. “Having a financial counselor just shows how much they care about their members, that they want to hire somebody to educate their members, to help them with their credit and their financial stability,” Zulika says. “You're not a number at HFCU, we’re here to help. If we deny you a loan, guess what? That denial comes to me, and I’m there to help you fix it and turn it into an acceptance later. What bank can say that?” HFCU’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond language, reaching into various communities across Houston. Being bilingual, Zulika also plays a crucial role in supporting the Hispanic community in Houston. Many may be unfamiliar with financial services or feel intimidated by the language barrier. Zulika’s presence ensures they know there is someone dedicated to helping them.

Addressing those who feel their personal finances are hopeless, Zulika underscores the significance of seeking help. If you’re on the fence, just take a quick look at two HFCU members whose financial situation was transformed with the help of counseling. For example, Arnulfo Moreno recently expressed his enormous appreciation for the credit union. Raised in a household lacking a strong financial perspective, Arnulfo failed to find any form of stability. His immigrant parents had made significant sacrifices that instilled in him a sense of obligation due to his bilingualism and legal status. “My credit was bad and my bank account could only pay for a hot and spicy from McDonald’s,” Arnulfo recalls. “I desired change and wanted it taught to me the right way.”

Encouraged by a friend, Arnulfo turned to HFCU for guidance and was soon introduced to their financial counselor, Zulika Diaz. Despite past skepticism, Arnulfo was motivated by the dream of a good life for his future family. “Zulika immediately took me under her wing and pointed me towards the first steps of financial stability,” Arnulfo says. “In [the] course of a year, my debt minimized and my credit skyrocketed. Typing this without tears is nearly impossible. HFCU and Zulika, thank you. Gracias. For everything you’ve done for me and my future wife and kids. I can’t stress enough how much you’ve changed my life.” On a similar note, Taji Henley has also had a phenomenal experience at HFCU.

Despite so many financial institutions feeling cold and distant, HFCU recognizes the unique financial goals of every member and is committed to helping turn those dreams into a reality. As the holiday season unfolds and financial challenges appear increasingly daunting, Zulika Diaz’s message is clear: there is hope, there is help, and there is a community at HFCU ready to stand by you. To become a member and start building a personal plan alongside a Certified Financial Counselor, completely free of charge, visit www.houstonfcu.org. You can also contact Zulika directly at (281) 243-0570 to schedule an appointment today. *Credit Union membership is required before utilizing any product and/or service by establishing a savings account with $5. Must be eligible for membership.

Become a Member Today

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“Zulika brought me in as a young man, 21 years old,” Taji remembers. “I had no idea how to manage my finances, nor had I built my credit profile. She walked me step by step with managing my expenses/bills and helped me get my first credit card. She spent countless hours helping me understand how these things work. Zulika has truly impacted my life and financial education more than anyone I’ve met. I’m forever grateful.”

Zulika Diaz

n a sea of countless financial institutions, where transactions are often impersonal and numbers-driven, Houston Federal Credit Union stands out with genuine support for its members. At the heart of this commitment is Zulika Diaz, a seasoned financial counselor with over 20 years of experience. Her journey into the world of finance began at the age of 13 when she started working at her family’s restaurant. The values of hard work, money management, and helping others that she absorbed during those formative years continue to shape her mission today. “I saw how my parents taught me the importance of saving and the difference between wants and needs,” Zulika reflects. This early exposure laid the foundation for helping others achieve their financial goals. “My passion is helping people,” she states. In her role at HFCU, Zulika helps members navigate a range of financial challenges. With a background in credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and budgeting, she takes a personal approach to financial wellness. “My goal is to help our members reach their financial goals, whether it’s to get out of debt or purchase a home,” she says. Many interactions went remote during COVID and remain that way out of convenience. That shift has only strengthened Zulika’s ability to connect with members. Through Zoom calls and phone conversations, she can help set short-term and long-term goals, create budgets, and devise action plans as part of the comprehensive support the credit union offers.

By StoryStudio on December 6, 2023

NAVIGATE YOUR FINANCES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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No Financial Situation Is Hopeless

- Arnulfo Moreno, HFCU Member

Zulika immediately took me under her wing and pointed me towards the first steps of financial stability.

- Zulika Diaz, Certified Financial Counselor at HFCU