Education & Housing Counseling
Free services to help you make your best mortgage, rental, retirement, and money management decisions.
Financial Counseling
Looking to buy a home, reduce debt, or save for retirement? Whatever your goals are, we’re here to support you with free financial consultations thanks to our partnership with the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment. Our NCHEC and HUD-certified counselors can advise you on virtually every aspect of your finances and create a customized plan. You’ll learn proven ways to:
- Manage income and expenses
- Compare and choose financial products
- Review credit reports
- Increase your credit score
- Negotiate with debt collectors
- Compare and choose loan products
- Avoid fees and scams
Housing Assistance
Need rental or mortgage assistance? Our expert NCHEC and HUD-certified counselors can walk you through every step of the home buying, rental, or home maintenance process. We can also help with housing programs designed to help keep you in your home.
Assistance, Home Maintenance, and Foreclosure Intervention
- Receive your First-Time Homebuyer Certificate
- Assess rental or mortgage affordability
- Qualify for down payment assistance
- Know the fees, costs, and your consumer rights
- Prepare for future maintenance and repair
- Ensure household safety and energy efficiency
- Understand tax exemptions and homeowner insurance
- Evaluate loss mitigation options
- Negotiate with junior lien holders and homeowners associations
- Receive referrals to home maintenance programs
Rental Assistance
- Obtain referrals to tenant networks and legal aid
- Conduct rent versus buy analysis
- Access affordable rental resources
- Get referrals to rental assistance programs
Illinois Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP)
CBRAP provides funding to Illinois tenants and housing providers/landlords across Illinois who have pending cases in eviction court. Applicants may qualify for up to $15,000 in emergency rental payments that can can be applied to past due rent, up to $500 for court costs, and up to two months’ future rent to prevent eviction.
Take Charge of Your Finances
Great Lakes Credit Union is a trusted source of information and support within our community. Our confidential and certified housing and financial counselors can offer a range of services to help you achieve your goals.
Select your location to view rates.
It pays to be a member.
Showing rates for:
1 APY = Annual Percentage Yield. All dividend rates and APY may change at any time.
2 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Terms and conditions may apply.
2 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Terms and conditions may apply.
Do more than bank. Bank for a greater good. Join our membership and be part of the Great Lakes Credit Union story.
Debit Card Rewards
Debit Card Rewards
Enjoy exclusive savings on everything from apparel to travel, courtesy of our debit card rewards program – a small “thank you” for your membership.
Invite a Friend
Know someone looking for a not-for-profit financial institution that lets them bank for a greater good? Send them our way!
Testimonials
“I have always received great service over the years. I’ll never regret switching from Chase to Great Lakes. It’s more personal in every way for all the services that I have needed. I also feel more secure here.”
Education & Housing Counseling FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers. Don’t see an answer to your question here? Contact us, and a team member will be happy to help.
Not at all, and usually it’s the opposite. People who participate in financial counseling typically improve their financial situation and credit score.
Typically, a session or meeting lasts about 45-120 minutes. But all counseling sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs, so the exact length of the sessions varies.
No. If you participate in counseling through GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment there is no charge or cost. This is one of the benefits of being a Great Lakes Credit Union member.
Yes, absolutely. Everything you discuss is confidential. Our counselors are professionals who abide by the highest standards and are endorsed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC).
Maxmize your Membership
-
Estimate your auto loan, credit card, and mortgage monthly payments. Balance your budget. Ballpark your savings, and more. -
Get member-exclusive discounts on tax services from TurboTax® and H&R Block,® and estate plans from Trust & Will.
Disclosure:
1APY = Annual Percentage Yield. All dividend rates and APY may change at any time.
2APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Terms and conditions may apply.
Browse the latest headlines for news and advice.
Good Things Happen to Good People: First-Time Homebuyer Earns Grant
Read Article Good Things Happen to Good People: First-Time Homebuyer Earns Grant