Lending

In another effort to drive in more business, some auto lenders, including credit unions, may be more willing to be flexible with credit-challenged consumers.

While it may not be much of a surprise to credit unions that some banks are not eager to approve funding for small businesses these days, the rate of rejections might cause some alarm.

Major mortgage lenders appear to be continuing their strategic retreat from the U.S. housing finance market, leaving credit unions with a significant opportunity that they may not be willing or able to take.

The only certainty in 2012 is the uncertainty stemming from the financial challenges in the European Union, which are very likely to impact the U.S. banking system.

Zero-interest loans to finance purchase of shares in local Community Supported Agriculture farms.

Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) will apear at the March 18-22 conference in Washington, D.C.