This fall, I participated in an interview with Credit Union Magazine regarding ALM as a mechanism for easing the pain associated with NCUA assessments.

With earnings for credit unions at an all-time low, share insurance fund assessments are causing additional difficulty, and the article explored how ALM may help.

While it’s true that a “hunker down” mentality is entirely appropriate, enough can not be said about the need for FIs of all types to continue to advance their product offerings. Without new products and services to generate revenue, more – and worse – trouble is inevitable.

As the economy warms up, the last thing you want is to be left out in the cold.

So, while you weather the storm, don’t forget to peek out the window every once in a while. It will pass, and the FIs that have kept at least some momentum will be the first to enjoy the fruits of an economic rebound.