“Just putting a little money away goes a long way.”
For Tracy, being a member of Derbyshire Community Bank has been about having somewhere local to save regularly, while also knowing that affordable borrowing is available when she needs it.
Tracy joined us in 2011 after searching online for different borrowing options. At the time, she was aware of doorstep lenders but found Derbyshire Community Bank offered a more affordable alternative.
She was also drawn to the community-based approach, friendly staff and straightforward application process.
Throughout her time as a member, Tracy has used Derbyshire Community Bank for both saving and borrowing.
One of the biggest benefits for her has been the ability to regularly put money aside. She previously used our Christmas Saver, helping her prepare for occasions such as Christmas and holidays without having to find all the money at once.
As Tracy puts it:
“Just putting a little money away goes a long way.”
It is a simple approach, but one that can make a real difference. Even smaller amounts saved regularly can build over time and help create a useful pot of money for future plans or unexpected costs.
Alongside saving, Tracy has also borrowed through Derbyshire Community Bank when she has needed additional financial support.
Being able to arrange payments around her Child Benefit has helped her manage her money, while using a standing order has made keeping on top of regular payments easier.
Having been a member for more than a decade, Tracy has also seen how our services have changed. She remembers when applications involved more paperwork and postal forms and says that being able to apply online has made the process much simpler and more efficient.
For Tracy, knowing Derbyshire Community Bank is there when she needs it provides additional reassurance.
Since joining in 2011, Tracy has built a long-standing relationship with us as both a saver and borrower.
When asked what she would say to someone considering joining, she highlighted the friendly staff, straightforward application process and quick turnaround on decisions.
Her experience also demonstrates something we encourage across our membership: you do not always need to save a large amount to start building financial resilience.
Putting a manageable amount aside regularly, whether that is for Christmas, a holiday, an unexpected bill or simply a rainy day — can help build a savings habit that lasts.
At Derbyshire Community Bank, we help our members save regularly and provide access to fair and affordable borrowing, subject to eligibility and affordability.
Whether you can save a little or a lot, getting into the habit of putting money aside can make a difference over time.
Are you a Derbyshire Community Bank member with a story you’d like to share? Whether we’ve helped you build your savings, supported you with a loan, or simply been there when you needed us, we’d love to hear about your experience.
Interested in taking part? Get in touch with us by sending a secure message through the DCBank app or by giving us a call.
Your story could help show others the difference that saving and borrowing responsibly with a credit union can make.
