Member Stories - Roberto Maya Sánchez

Roberto Maya Sánchez, a professional painter, was born in Mexico City, Mexico. He is married, with 3 children. He has been living in North Carolina since 1995.

Roberto is one of the first member owners of the credit union since it first opened. He joined the credit union in September 15, 2000. “It benefited me a lot. Before I had an account, I was robbed twice. The robbers took $850 and $400 respectively. Now I don’t carry cash. I opened an account because I needed a place to answer my questions. At the beginning, one doesn’t know what to do. When the [Latino] credit union opened, it was something we needed.”

“It’s better if people open an account and use their [debit] card and checkbook. I never had any problems. I get a report every month. Wherever I go I use the debit card .”

LCCU’s reasonable car loans attracted Roberto. “I applied for a car loan. I wanted to buy an Explorer 98. I found what I was looking for. When I got to the credit union, I didn’t even have an appointment. The seller came from Raleigh and I got the loan on the same day. It was great.

I’m not a fan of loans because I don’t like debt. But I decided to apply because it’s good to have credit history .”

A key element of Latino Credit Union’s mission is financial education and Roberto took advantage of it before buying a home. “I attended the workshops on how to buy a home. We were given a book and they explained how to buy a home very well.”

After the workshop Roberto got his first mortgage loan with LCCU. “This is my first home. I didn’t find buying a home difficult, but I never planned to do that. But one gets here and then ends up staying.”

Providing service in Spanish to Spanish-speakers is welcomed by the immigrant population. “For me it is more convenient and clear to work with the Latino Community Credit Union. In the past, I tried to get loans with other financial institutions, but, even though I speak some English, I had problems understanding the whole process.

Here, at Latino Community Credit Union, I understand everything. I felt more comfortable. I could apply with another bank, but the truth is that I would prefer to apply at Latino Community Credit Union.”

Roberto Maya Sánchez (Mexico) – Durham branch member

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