Discover the CCUA's Webinar Wednesday series, designed to bring educational insights, innovative solutions, and member-focused services directly to you. Held on Wednesdays of each month, this series features timely topics and expert perspectives to keep credit unions ahead in a dynamic industry.
What’s really driving consumer behavior in 2025? This data-driven webinar peels back the layers of consumer sentiment, revealing how people are thinking, feeling, and spending—and what’s influencing their decisions in an unpredictable economy. Explore the latest research to uncover shifting expectations, emotional undercurrents, and financial priorities that are shaping how consumers interact with financial institutions.
From inflation fatigue and cautious optimism to new loyalty patterns and spending habits, this session will credit unions with a grounded understanding of what members want heading into 2026—and how to meet them there.
Crissi Cole, Founder and CEO of Penny Finance
Crissi Cole is the Founder and CEO of Penny Finance, a Boston-based fintech startup on a mission to democratize financial planning. Crissi began her career at Goldman Sachs, managing ultra-high-net-worth investment portfolios before leading product for the firm’s private wealth trading and technology platforms.
After a decade on Wall Street, Crissi launched Penny Finance to bring accessible, digital financial advice to the 99%—those without millions in the bank. She bootstrapped the company from the ground up, later securing a milestone investment and incubation partnership with Pivotal Ventures, Melinda French Gates’ investment firm.
Today, Penny supports over 30,000 users on their path to financial confidence and long-term wealth. Crissi was named one of Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 Female Founders of 2025 and is a regular contributor to Forbes Finance.
Alex Valente, Director of Product Marketing
Alex Valente is the Director of Product Marketing at Penny Finance. She began her career at real estate startup Compass during its early growth stage, spending eight years there across content, product, and marketing roles. During her tenure, she was part of the company's expansion from a few hundred employees through to its IPO.
Alex joined Penny Finance when it operated as a direct-to-consumer platform and led the company’s go-to-market pivot to a B2B model. She has been instrumental in defining Penny’s strategic shift to partner with credit unions, guiding the company toward becoming a CUSO in fall 2024.
CCUA Webinar Wednesday virtual events are exclusive to member credit unions. Partners interested in engaging with our credit union community can explore sponsorship opportunities by emailing solutions@ccua.org.
