How the Credit Union Difference Helped Bill Rebuild, Reset, and Find Financial Peace of Mind

When Bill Wulff moved to Lincoln six or seven years ago, he was hoping for a fresh start. He found that fresh start. Bill grew to love the Lincoln Lancaster County Community and a financial institution that treated him like a person, not just another account number.

Today, Bill is retired and works part-time at AutoZone, and his story is one many Nebraskans know well. Bill was navigating financial challenges, trying to rebuild credit, and feeling like the bank options he found offered nothing more than frustration. Bill's financial experience changed the day he walked into LincOne Federal Credit Union.

A Fresh Start Begins with Someone Willing to Listen

Bill had been struggling with a bank when Cheryl, his partner who he met in Lincoln, suggested he visit LincOne. “Why don’t you come to LincOne and talk to them?” she told him.

Bill met Josh, a Relationship Advisor, and immediately felt something different. Bill felt that he was represented as a person, not just another account number. “I made a friend with Josh,” Bill said. “ He offered free advice, looked into my situation, and helped me out quite a bit.”

Bill’s credit score had taken a hit in the past, and he wasn’t sure how to navigate and see opportunities to improve. Josh showed Bill steps he could take, helped him strategize repayment, and offered tools that put him back in control. Within months, Bill began to see real, measurable improvement in his credit rating.

A New Experience: Service That Puts People First

For years, Bill struggled with overdrafts at banks. Even when he explained to the representatives that deposits would hit the next day, the bank still charged him overdraft fees. “It didn’t make a difference to them,” he said. “If I were a day late, I would receive overdraft fees.”

But at LincOne, it was different.

“LincOne works with me. Their employees know when my check is going to be deposited. LincOne set up my withdrawals so that overdrafts don’t happen.” Instead of being punished for when life happens, Bill felt supported.

“It shows they care more about the person than just the money.”

This is the heart of the credit union difference:

Local people. Real relationships. Decisions made with compassion, not corporate policy.

Rebuilding Confidence, One Step at a Time

For Bill, one of the biggest milestones was learning he could successfully use a credit card again. “I’ve never been one who should have a credit card,” he admitted. Josh worked with him to understand what affects your credit score, interest rates, repayment strategies, and how to use credit in a way that helps, not hurts.

“Paying more than the minimum, paying interest down faster, that’s something he walked me through,” Bill said. “Understanding how to use a credit card the correct way changed everything.”

These steps didn’t just repair his financial life; they restored something deeper: confidence and peace of mind. “It has made a difference when you know there are people who care enough to help you find a solution,” Bill reflected.

A Financial Partner for the Road Ahead

Because his financial foundation is stronger today, Bill is now looking toward the future with hope. “I’m able to plan ahead, like trading my vehicle in for something better, knowing LincOne will stand behind me.”

Bill doesn’t keep his experience to himself.

“I’ve given Josh’s card out to people. I recommend they call him and see what he can do. I’m sure he can do for them what he did for me.”

Like so many LincOne members, Bill’s experience reflects what makes credit unions unique: people helping people, not profits. They prioritize relationships, not transactions. And they measure success not by fees collected, but by lives improved.

Bill summed it up simply:

“It’s given me peace of mind. You don’t get that anywhere else.”