Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
It's easy to get lost in all of the hype of your big day and it's especially easy to lose sight of the long-term: your financial well-being. That's why, when we met with the experts at Libro Financial Group, we knew we had to share their services with couples in The Ring. We love that amidst all of the wedding chaos, they are there to help ensure that your finances stay on track.
We talked with the team at Libro Financial Group and found out how you can set a budget for your big day and plan for a smart financial future. Here’s what we found...
Built on community
Libro was started in 1951 in southwestern Ontario when a group of Dutch immigrant farmers took a model known to them for a co-operative financial institution from back home and transplanted said model here in Canada. From there, it only grew as other families and businesses from an array of backgrounds joined Libro’s ranks. It is now the largest credit union in the southwestern region, with its head offices located in London, Ontario. So, as they say, being a part of this credit union entails that you, as a customer, are an “owner. They add, “This means that you actually own Libro and share in the profits.”
Since its beginnings over sixty years ago, Libro has developed a reputation for providing local, personal service for anyone, including a newly engaged couple ready to begin their lives together. And while it may not be the most exciting thing on your “wedding to-do list,” it is something that should be done, and in many cases, ahead of all the rest.
Getting started
After the hoopla of your engagement has subsided (a little, at least), in keeping with the theme of your engagement, you and your partner should look into planning your lives together. And while you may be excited to find your dress or that perfect venue, make sure you know where you stand financially. As the experts at Libro told us, “The wedding itself and the joining of two lives have a lot of financial impacts.” Although many couples may overlook this mammoth detail, it is very important. After all, as the folks at Libro say, you’ve got to take into account things like “paying off student debt, merging your chequing accounts, saving for the wedding, and buying your first home.”
Jennifer Zenger was married on September 24th 2011 and says that she would recommend Libro Financial Group to anyone planning their financial future, "They were so helpful and knowledgeable and I could tell right away that this is a great company. My favourite thing was that when you walk through the doors, they actually remember who you are. You really are a name, not a number."
What they do
Just like setting up a bank account, you first have to contact Libro to get things started. In fact, one of the things they pride themselves on is that they are accessible. “We do everything possible to make it convenient and simple to use Libro for all of your banking.” Whether it’s in-person, by phone, through e-mail, or via your Blackberry, you can easily get in touch with the team at Libro to find out more.
Among a long list of services that they offer, the team at Libro will help with set-up plans that automatically take money from your account and put it in another, say, for your wedding. Or, they can find you a suitable mortgage and a good rate so that you can set down some roots in your dream home. Or, if you have to work with student debt or car loans, they’ll help you find the best option to deal with debt.
They do this through what they call “Coaching.” This is a method of their own invention, and, as they explain, “is more than advice.” They add, “Coaching is when you talk with an expert who becomes accountable for helping you improve your financial well-being. They help connect the dots, support you, and educate you.” They believe it is this approach that really sets them apart and makes them “different and worthy.”
Dennis and Melissa Smith were married October 15, 2011. They told The Ring, "We liked that Libro had not only a variety of options but that they were able to explain the options and what might work best for us. Our coach, Joanne, took the time to ask us about our future plans and helped us understand why certain options may be a good fit."
What made us even more impressed at The Ring is that their coaches are often designated experts. They have Certified Financial Planners, Lending Specialists, Account Managers, and Financial Service Reps on staff. What’s more, they add, “Many on our staff have been with us for twenty years or more!” So on top of the friendly service, you’ve got people with solid backgrounds in the banking business.
Once you’ve contacted Libro, you’ll be paired with a coach, who, they say, is a person who is “genuinely committed to you and your needs, especially since they aren’t paid on commission.” After discussing your plans and wishes, they’ll offer their advice and from there, set your financial plan in motion. “We’ll have you well-prepared ahead of time—at least financially—so you’re not worrying about money on your big day—or as newlyweds!”
Helpful extras
Beyond their advice and support, Libro also offers useful tools that can help with other details. For example, they offer online Calculators, including ones that are specific to Life Events like getting married, as well as helpful videos about banking, investing and more that can be found on their website and on their YouTube channel.
They’re also very dedicated to community, offering sponsorships, donations, and youth programs—a good thing to have when you’re looking for sponsorship for say, a little league team (something to think about for your future little ones, maybe?).
Details, details, details
- Consider contacting Libro before you begin the wedding planning process. This way, you can see where you and your fiancé are situated in terms of finances, which will help you plan a wedding with a budget suited to you.
- Libro offers no obligation appointments at no cost.
- Libro says they have no target bride as they’re “open to everyone.”
- They have over 57,000 owners being helped by Libro Coaches.
- They don’t really have a “most-popular” service or product as they tailor to each couple’s needs.
It's easy to get lost in all of the hype of your big day and it's especially easy to lose sight of the long-term: your financial well-being. That's why, when we met with the experts at Libro Financial Group, we knew we had to share their services with couples in The Ring. We love that amidst all of the wedding chaos, they are there to help ensure that your finances stay on track.
We talked with the team at Libro Financial Group and found out how you can set a budget for your big day and plan for a smart financial future. Here’s what we found...
Built on community
Libro was started in 1951 in southwestern Ontario when a group of Dutch immigrant farmers took a model known to them for a co-operative financial institution from back home and transplanted said model here in Canada. From there, it only grew as other families and businesses from an array of backgrounds joined Libro’s ranks. It is now the largest credit union in the southwestern region, with its head offices located in London, Ontario. So, as they say, being a part of this credit union entails that you, as a customer, are an “owner. They add, “This means that you actually own Libro and share in the profits.”
Since its beginnings over sixty years ago, Libro has developed a reputation for providing local, personal service for anyone, including a newly engaged couple ready to begin their lives together. And while it may not be the most exciting thing on your “wedding to-do list,” it is something that should be done, and in many cases, ahead of all the rest.
Getting started
After the hoopla of your engagement has subsided (a little, at least), in keeping with the theme of your engagement, you and your partner should look into planning your lives together. And while you may be excited to find your dress or that perfect venue, make sure you know where you stand financially. As the experts at Libro told us, “The wedding itself and the joining of two lives have a lot of financial impacts.” Although many couples may overlook this mammoth detail, it is very important. After all, as the folks at Libro say, you’ve got to take into account things like “paying off student debt, merging your chequing accounts, saving for the wedding, and buying your first home.”
Jennifer Zenger was married on September 24th 2011 and says that she would recommend Libro Financial Group to anyone planning their financial future, "They were so helpful and knowledgeable and I could tell right away that this is a great company. My favourite thing was that when you walk through the doors, they actually remember who you are. You really are a name, not a number."
What they do
Just like setting up a bank account, you first have to contact Libro to get things started. In fact, one of the things they pride themselves on is that they are accessible. “We do everything possible to make it convenient and simple to use Libro for all of your banking.” Whether it’s in-person, by phone, through e-mail, or via your Blackberry, you can easily get in touch with the team at Libro to find out more.
Among a long list of services that they offer, the team at Libro will help with set-up plans that automatically take money from your account and put it in another, say, for your wedding. Or, they can find you a suitable mortgage and a good rate so that you can set down some roots in your dream home. Or, if you have to work with student debt or car loans, they’ll help you find the best option to deal with debt.
They do this through what they call “Coaching.” This is a method of their own invention, and, as they explain, “is more than advice.” They add, “Coaching is when you talk with an expert who becomes accountable for helping you improve your financial well-being. They help connect the dots, support you, and educate you.” They believe it is this approach that really sets them apart and makes them “different and worthy.”
Dennis and Melissa Smith were married October 15, 2011. They told The Ring, "We liked that Libro had not only a variety of options but that they were able to explain the options and what might work best for us. Our coach, Joanne, took the time to ask us about our future plans and helped us understand why certain options may be a good fit."
What made us even more impressed at The Ring is that their coaches are often designated experts. They have Certified Financial Planners, Lending Specialists, Account Managers, and Financial Service Reps on staff. What’s more, they add, “Many on our staff have been with us for twenty years or more!” So on top of the friendly service, you’ve got people with solid backgrounds in the banking business.
Once you’ve contacted Libro, you’ll be paired with a coach, who, they say, is a person who is “genuinely committed to you and your needs, especially since they aren’t paid on commission.” After discussing your plans and wishes, they’ll offer their advice and from there, set your financial plan in motion. “We’ll have you well-prepared ahead of time—at least financially—so you’re not worrying about money on your big day—or as newlyweds!”
Helpful extras
Beyond their advice and support, Libro also offers useful tools that can help with other details. For example, they offer online Calculators, including ones that are specific to Life Events like getting married, as well as helpful videos about banking, investing and more that can be found on their website and on their YouTube channel.
They’re also very dedicated to community, offering sponsorships, donations, and youth programs—a good thing to have when you’re looking for sponsorship for say, a little league team (something to think about for your future little ones, maybe?).
Details, details, details
- Consider contacting Libro before you begin the wedding planning process. This way, you can see where you and your fiancé are situated in terms of finances, which will help you plan a wedding with a budget suited to you.
- Libro offers no obligation appointments at no cost.
- Libro says they have no target bride as they’re “open to everyone.”
- They have over 57,000 owners being helped by Libro Coaches.
- They don’t really have a “most-popular” service or product as they tailor to each couple’s needs.
