See how orsa credit union and the orsa foundation support healing through art therapy at the New Hope Center for Grief Support.

Healing Through Art at the New Hope Center for Grief Support

"We are so grateful to have received this grant so we can help the bereaved children we serve express their grief through art," said Laurel Neitling, the manager of the Center's Circles of Hope program.

New Hope Center for Grief Support

orsa, the credit union you knew as Community Financial Credit Union (CFCU)
orsa foundation, the impact champions you knew as the Relentless Care Foundation
Content before 2026 may contain references to our former name.

Foundation x Center's Circles of Hope Video Blog Content

Whether you’re new to giving or a seasoned donor, your support helps us award more grants to Michigan communities.

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Build Belonging

The orsa foundation believes in a future where all Michigan communities are just, thriving, and vibrant.

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Relentlessly Caring

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Looking to make your Impossible Dreams possible? Your membership can help make it happen!

You are Enuff™

Cybercriminals aren’t just after the big guys anymore. In fact, small and mid-sized businesses are now at the top of their lists—and your business accounts can be a prime entry point.

Payroll and vendor payments flow through your accounts.

Sensitive data—like employee and customer info—is stored or accessed through digital tools.

A single breach can damage both your finances and your reputation.

Simple security steps that make a big difference

Start with these basics—and treat them like essentials:

: It’s one of the strongest defenses you can enable.

: And change them regularly—no “admin123” allowed.

: Spotting phishing attempts and suspicious links should be second nature.

You don’t have to go it alone. Ask your financial partner what security measures they have in place, like:

Mastercard® ID Theft protection and Zero Liability Protection

Why choose a credit union for your business?

Startups and new apps pop up every day that make big claims about empowering small business. But when it comes to certainty in the bright spots AND the dark moments, it’s hard to know just how much an online partner is actually there for you.

As a for-impact financial institution, CFCU is here to walk with you through the thick and thin with everything from 

All with the kind of support and benefits you can only get from a trusted local business solution with 70 years of experience:

: When you need it, Michigan-based business professionals who understand both your goals and your market are here to pick up the phone.

: Our purpose is to build a stronger Michigan for us all, so you can rest easy knowing that we always put your success ahead of our own profits every day of the week.

Because Relentless Care isn’t just a value—it’s our promise. We’re here to help keep your business, your team, and your money protected.

 today to explore smart, simple ways to safeguard your business accounts.

orsa, the credit union you knew as Community Financial Credit Union (CFCU)
Content before 2026 may contain references to our former name.

Blog Content

Fuel the engine that keeps your Michigan business running with checking, savings, and money markets designed for the demands of any size business. 

Business Accounts

Looking to grow bigtime? Our experts in commercial real estate mortgages, equipment loans, commercial auto loans and working capital lines of credit can help bring your vision to life. 

Business Loans

From payments and lockboxes to payroll and HCM/HR automation, let us take the load off you, so you can focus on the big stuff. 

Business Services

Boost your purchasing power with rewards points and easy digital control. Our Mastercard® business credit card is built to keep your business moving.  

Business Mastercard

Boost your Michigan-based business to the next level.  

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Growing your Business 

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Ready for a better business card? Contact us to get started!

Apply for an orsa Business Mastercard®

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Cybersecurity and Business Accounts: What Every Michigan Business Needs to Know in 2025

Read how orsa credit union and the orsa foundation support the Living and Learning Enrichment Center in providing valuable therapeutic, social, vocational and community support for people with disabilities and their families.

Enriching the Lives of Our Neighbors with Disabilities

The Relentless Care Foundation awarded a grant of $8,000 to the Living and Learning Enrichment Center of Northville, Michigan as part of our Community Mobility philanthropic campaign. This grant will help fund the wages of vocational skills coaches and career development teams at the center, providing valuable job skills to teens, kids and adults with disabilities so they can secure meaningful employment across a wide range of industries.

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Foundation x LLEC Video Blog Content

Nancy Pieske shares an emotional story about her work with the First Step program, highlighting the program's ability to help women in Michigan overcoming abusive and unhealthy relationships.

First Step Testimonial

Content warning: This article contains references to domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and economic abuse.

Walking with abuse survivors when they need it most

As a people leader here at CFCU, Nancy has plenty of stories of Belonging and positive impact. To her, some of the most impactful stories come from her frontline work helping survivors of economic abuse and domestic violence pivot their trajectories for the better.

Don’t take our word for it. Hear, firsthand, her emotional stories of women taking their first steps to rest of their lives thanks to 

Taking the First Step with First Step Blog Content

Choose The Bear Nancy Testimonial Video

Choose The Bear

Donate to help economic abuse survivors

Dedicated to helping pivot survivor’s financial trajectories for the better, Choose The Bear™ is our way of supporting women experiencing economic abuse across the state of Michigan. 

Explore More

As a supporter of Choose The Bear™ , the orsa foundation believes in a future where all Michigan communities are just, thriving, and vibrant.

As advocates and supporters of survivors, the mission of First Step is to eliminate both domestic and sexual violence and to provide comprehensive services to individuals and families impacted by these crimes.

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Taking the First Steps with First Step

Whether you're planning for growth or staying lean, managing cashflow wisely can make all the difference for your business. Here are a few tips to help you clean up and optimize your cashflow. So you can make the most of it when you need it.

Minimize cash drains: Keep more of what you earn

Little fees can add up fast. Here’s how to plug those completely unnecessary leaks:

Choose accounts with zero maintenance fees

 – No monthly fees means more money stays in your pocket. Period.

 – Avoid extra fee hits. Look for business accounts with no minimum balance requirements.

 – Flexibility matters, especially when things are unpredictable.

 – A built-in overdraft buffer gives you peace of mind when timing and cash on hand are tight.

 that keeps your money in your hands with:

No international or foreign transaction fees

Maximize your returns: Let your money work for you

You’re putting in the hustle—your cash should too.

Earn interest AND dividends on your balances

 – Choose accounts that reward your deposits in two ways, not just with interest.

 – If you have more cash on hand, you can make it work harder with higher APYs, zero upkeep fees, and more growth potential. All with the ability to write checks and access your funds when you need them.

 – Leave nothing on the table. Look for points, rebates, or statement credits that actually help your bottom line.

Lower your risk: Protect your business and your balance

In an unpredictable economy, being cash confident is more than a perk—it’s essential. Doublecheck to make sure that your accounts and cards are giving you the greatest confidence possible:

 – Rest easy knowing that your deposits are protected up to $250,000.

 – Added peace of mind for higher balances.

 – Your funds stay steady and secure with guaranteed returns, not dependent on the rollercoaster of the market.

 – Prevent unexpected and unpredictable loses by making sure your business credit card offers:

Cleaning up your cash flow doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right account, card, and partner by your side, you can feel confident even when the market’s a little uncertain. We’re here to help you make smart moves, save more, and protect what matters most.

Let’s talk about how to get your cash working smarter.

 a chat with a Michigan-based CFCU business expert today.

Save your money faster with 10.00% APY** on your first $1,000!*** Pair it with your CloseEnuff™ Checking using Grow Your Change and make the most of your cashflow! 

High Yield Savings Account

High Yield Savings

10% APY High Yield Savings

Save like a CD, spend like checking! With higher returns and the ability to easily access your cash, our Money Markets give big savers like you the flexibility to reach your Impossible Dreams! 

Money Market

Money Market Accounts

Get paid for making good financial moves with our app partner, Debbie! 

Meet Debbie

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From Business Checking and Savings accounts to specialty services, like payroll and more, we’re here to help your Michigan business grow. 

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Let’s boost that cashflow even more

Cashflow Clean-Up: How Small Businesses Can Make the Most of Their Cash in an Uncertain Economy

With every purchase made on our new debit cards, orsa credit union provides a one-cent donation to your choice of three charities: the Art Foundation, the Ruth Ellis Center, or the orsa foundation. The first-year results blew us away. Thanks to your swipes, we gave an incredible $120,000 to support these Michigan charities. 

New Debit Cards Give $120k for Charity

A change that empowered change… once cent at a time

 featuring art by Michigan artists and the highly requested Tap-to-Pay feature, creating a seamless and more secure experience for our members.

And what’s even more beautiful than art by Plymouth’s own Tony Roko…

Or even more awesome than Detroit-inspired photos by Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas of Nine Design + Homes…

Or even more spectacular than tapping for purchases—fast and worry free?

With every purchase made on our new debit cards, Community Financial provides a one-cent donation to a charity of your choice: the Art Foundation, the Ruth Ellis Center, or the Relentless Care Foundation.

Every single swipe helps to create stronger, more vibrant communities in Michigan.

The first-year results blew us away. Card usage soared to an all-time high. Thanks to your swipes, we gave an incredible 

 to support these Michigan charities. That’s an average monthly total of nearly 

We believe in building up our communities here in Michigan, so we made sure to give members a choice of deserving charities that focus their efforts here in our home state:

Relentless Care Foundation: Strengthening communities across Michigan

The Relentless Care Foundation builds on our legacy of giving by working to tackle Michigan’s largest barrier to economic prosperity: housing affordability. Alongside our grant partners, we’re funding what makes housing attainable for more Michiganders—all while strengthening our workforce and fostering community mobility.

Tony Roko Art Foundation: Supporting the arts in Metro Detroit

A 501(c)3 non-profit established by Tony Roko in 2017, the Tony Roko Art Foundation works to provide art and entrepreneurial training for Metro Detroit’s most underserved communities. Their goal is to encourage individuality, support creative growth, and reinforce self-worth through artistic expression.

Ruth Ellis Center: Empowering Michigan LGBTQ+ youth and young adults

The Ruth Ellis Center is a nationally recognized organization that provides supportive housing, clinic access, and educational opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in our local area. Their work is centered around supporting young people of color who are experiencing homelessness, involved in the child welfare system, or who are struggling with barriers to health and wellbeing.

Beauty isn’t just plastic deep, because your debit card can make donations with our money! Pick one of our local partner organizations, and we’ll donate one cent every single time you swipe. That’s more change in our communities—and in your pocket. To choose or change the organization linked to your card, call our Care Center at 

2024 Debit Card Donations Blog Content

Beauty is in the Eye of the Cardholder: New Debit Cards Give $120k for Charity

As a for-impact financial institution, we’re not here to make a profit off you—we’re here to show up for you. As your financial best friend, we work every day to make bringing your Impossible Dreams to life easier, more rewarding, and less expensive.

And last year? We helped members across Michigan keep more of their hard-earned dollars through better rates, lower fees, and smarter tools. From flexible lending options to monthly fee-free accounts and Rewards cards, your wins are our wins.

Here’s a look at just how much we saved our members in 2024—because when we say we’ve got your back, we mean it.

Want in on these savings? Let’s talk about how we can help you keep more of what you earn—this year and every year.

1 "Number of New Homes" is defined as number of mortgages closed in 2024 that are non-refinance loans (purchases).

2 "Number of New Homes - H-Ope!" are the number of mortgages closed in 2024 that are H-Ope!

 Loans (previously known as Path to Homeownership) and are also included in the total Number of New Homes.

3 "Estimated $$ Members Save by Saving with CFCU" is the difference between the Share Dividends Paid in 2024 by CFCU and the Estimated Dividends if Banked with Competitors in 2024. Competitor rates are based on the average of our local and national competitors by category (Savings, Checking, Money Market, CD) as of 12/31/2024 per Curinos.

How much did we save members in 2024? Millions. Blog Content

How much did we save members in 2024? Millions.

Tips for freelancers and entrepreneurs to pursue financial stability—what to know, what to do, how to do it, and what to avoid. 

Money Management for Gig Workers

Freelancing and entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to pursue your passions and shape your own destiny. Whether you're a writer, designer, consultant, or startup founder, being your own boss can be exhilarating and liberating. But with that freedom comes great responsibility: the responsibility of managing your finances.

For many freelancers and entrepreneurs, the financial stability a steady paycheck brings can often diminish with uncertainty from fluctuating income and irregular expenses. This can make it challenging to plan for the future and achieve long-term financial stability. But fear not! There are plenty of strategies and tips you can implement to help you stay on top of your finances for your financial future.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of money management for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

As an independent contractor or business owner, one of the first things you’ll learn is that there’s often an absence of stability. Without a salaried W2 position, your income becomes uncapped but uncertain—prone to fluctuate depending on market conditions, client relationships, and a slew of other stimulants that can change instantly.

That’s why it’s critical to have a strong foundation beneath you, to help you withstand the winds of uncertainty coming your way. How do you achieve that, though?

 when you don’t know what your income will be in any given month. Nevertheless, letting this keep you from budgeting would be a grave mistake. As a self-employed person, your budget should account for all your fixed expenses while leaving the ambiguous, discretionary ones up to what happens that month. Ultimately, your goal is to achieve a progressively higher income that can absorb all of those monthly discrepancies without flinching.

The median savings balance for Americans under 35 was 

 in 2022, a lackluster amount that wouldn’t support most of us for long. 

 for those self-employed, especially at the beginning. Because of the inconsistent nature of your income, savings are a vital fallback you should anticipate needing at some point. Consider a cash cushion of 3-6 months of living expenses before diving into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship.

Self-employed individuals don’t have the luxury of having an employer-sponsored retirement account, employer match, health insurance, or other benefits that come with having a normal W2 position. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t stop us from 

. We understand that at times, especially early on, there might not be room for retirement savings in the budget, but having a goal is the key here. If you don’t make enough to contribute to a retirement account quite yet, plan how to get there. Outline the details of how much you’ll need to contribute once you get started.

In the U.S., self-employed people and small-business owners get to experience the joys of paying self-employment taxes, which is, of course, an excellent experience (we’re joking). Those who fit this description may not only pay more in taxes but also be expected to make quarterly, estimated payments to the IRS based on their expected income. Falling behind on something like taxes is a real pain, so it’s important to read up on this, fill in any knowledge gaps you might have, and start budgeting for them ASAP.

 becomes even more difficult if your income is unpredictable, and this can have negative implications on your credit. If you have bad debts hanging around as a freelancer (think: high-interest credit card debt), this can really hamper your personal financial growth and your business. So, make any payments you can, when you can, after you’ve paid your essentials and established an emergency fund.

One of the perks of working at an established company is usually 

. Why? Because the average monthly health insurance premium in the U.S. is 

. That’s an expensive burden that an employer-sponsored plan can make much lighter. As a self-employed person, you’ll need to do some hearty shopping and budgeting to make sure you can find a plan that works for your needs and budget.

Don’t neglect your personal or business-related goals throughout your gig-working journey. If you’re already saving and investing—and still have leftover funds every month—it might be time to consider allocating more funds to your other goals.

Without a solid plan, routine, and infrastructure, your finances can quickly and easily fall into disarray as a freelancer.

 to form a habit. The good news? While it might be difficult for a bit, your consistency will give way to simplicity as you ingrain those habits into your daily routine. What habits are we talking about? Tracking expenses and income, transferring money for taxes, investing for retirement, setting aside savings, paying down debts, and anything else that helps you run a smooth business.

As a self-employed individual, you’re the emperor of keeping up with stuff. You’ll need to keep track of your own income and expenses, business expenses, client relations, estimated tax payments, and a lot more. This might seem finicky and arduous at first, but doing this habitually will make your life so much easier at the end of the day.

Sure, there’s a lot to keep up with, and jotting it all down on a sticky note just isn’t going to work. You need to develop an infrastructure, both online and offline, that works best for you and your organizational styles. Whether it’s spreadsheets, documents, photos, little notes, or whatever it may be, the key is to find something that works for you and stick with it.

The freedom and upside potential of being a business owner comes at a cost—taking full ownership over your personal finances and staying on top of your $h!t!

Luckily, this pathway will force you to become extremely proficient at money management, and those skills will subsequently improve your personal finances over the long run. It might be tough initially, but your labor will eventually bear fruit.

We’re here to help you reap the rewards of all that hard work. Consistency is required to get there, so here’s a friendly nudge to remember to 

 regularly, update your to-do list, keep an eye on your transactions, and stay en route to financial wellness.

Money Management for Gig Workers Blog Content

The complete guide to the difference between a health savings account (HSA) and a flex spending account (FSA)

HSA vs. FSA

Understanding your health insurance benefit plans

Whether you’re a young professional entering the workforce (and leaving your parents' medical plan), or you’re an already-established adult looking to better understand your medical savings, you’re in the right place.

First step? Evaluate your health insurance plan options offered through your employer or through the Marketplace.

FSA and HSA accounts are both tax-advantaged accounts, resulting in payroll tax savings. Essentially, putting money in these accounts typically leads to less income taxes due come tax time. But, be aware these plans come with some limitations and these funds are designed for healthcare costs.

We all have healthcare needs, some just bigger than others. We spend our "healthcare dollars" on everything from princess-themed band-aids and monthly prescription pickups to procedures and surgeries. HSAs and FSAs can help you better manage your finances when it comes to medical care for yourself and family. Whether you’re planning for a baby, helping aging parents with money, or just looking to better manage your finances, we're here to help!

More on the specifics of which healthcare costs are HSA- and FSA-eligible later.

At its basic level, a health savings account (HSA) is a medical savings account. You are eligible to open a HSA if you are a taxpayer in the United States and enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan. The funds you contribute to an HSA account are 

 subject to federal income tax at the initial time of deposit.

If you’re qualified with a high-deductible plan, you can open up your HSA on your own or with your employer. From there, you'll likely get a debit card to easily charge healthcare costs. You can make changes to your pre-decided contributions as long as the alterations do not exceed limits.

 Your existing medical insurance plan must have a minimum deductible and qualify as a high deductible plan. Also, you can neither be enrolled in Medicare nor declared as a dependent on someone else’s plan.

over-the-counter medications and products

You may use your HSA funds for healthcare costs for yourself, your spouse, and/or eligible dependents such as your children, siblings, or parents that are pre-approved by your tax information. This can be especially helpful if you’re helping aging parents with money.

The HSA money you save stays with you, but you can only spend money you have already saved and portioned into your account

Your HSA funds aren't affected if you change employers. However, some employers contribute to your HSA fund, so be sure you know which employee healthcare benefits you're leaving with your old job.

 The funds in your HSA roll over year over year and thus can be aggregated for long-term medical savings such as retirement. This lets you plan ahead!

Accrued savings can be withdrawn tax-free from your HSA after age 65.

HSAs can sometimes even help you contribute to life insurance, but be sure your plans are eligible.

 These plans come with annual contribution limits that can change year by year

Remember: non-approved expenditures or spending on non-medical goods or services must be declared on tax statements and may be penalized.

Get Inspired

News

Healing Through Art at the New Hope Center for Grief Support

Story

Cybersecurity and Business Accounts: What Every Michigan Business Needs to Know in 2025

News

Enriching the Lives of Our Neighbors with Disabilities

Story

Taking the First Steps with First Step

Story

Cashflow Clean-Up: How Small Businesses Can Make the Most of Their Cash in an Uncertain Economy

News

Beauty is in the Eye of the Cardholder: New Debit Cards Give $120k for Charity

News

How much did we save members in 2024? Millions.

Guide

Money Management for Gig Workers

Guide

HSA vs. FSA

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Empowering Young Innovators in Detroit

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Instilling Excellence in Westland's Young Athletes

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Budgeting for your Kids' College