Credit unions and their trade organizations made news--mainstream news--in 2007 as they never have before.

CUNA and the Consumer Federation of America's eighth annual survey of consumer holiday spending found that the rising cost of gas and home heating is the most common factor cited affecting holiday spending.

Consumers gearing up for the holiday season may have received a reason to think twice about using their credit or debit card at a retailer this year after the popular CBS news program 60 Minutes aired a story about retailers and card security.

After a few days packed with legislative and regulatory talk, CUNA's 2008 Governmental Affairs Conference will end on a lighter note with humorist and best-selling author Dave Barry.