Katrina joined PCU over 6 years ago and shared why she loves being a member.

“As a Business Analyst with ICT, I make sure our new systems meet people's needs, and I enjoy knowing I’m making a difference to the community. I joined PCU because I love how it makes a difference to our Police whānau, and that it's owned by its members, for the members.”

Katrina had met with a Financial Advisor previously, who recommended having some savings separate from her main bank, making it an easy decision for her to join PCU.

“I love that with PCU I have a salary deduction come straight out of my pay into my savings. I don’t even notice it’s gone. I log in every couple of months and see the balance and think ‘Ooh, how lovely!’. I also appreciate the face-to-face support with the PCU team at their RNZPC Office; I miss that about mainstream banking.”

For Katrina, her regular savings with PCU turned out to be a game-changer.

“When I bought a house, I made sure I could afford it and structured my mortgage to pay it off before I retired. I knew that if anything went pear-shaped that I had money squirrelled away for a rainy day. I built up my savings so I could take a trip while I was still repaying my mortgage. It meant I could go overseas to see my family without needing to put the trip on a credit card."

“Earlier in my career, I was tired of living paycheque to paycheque. I liked having a bit of a cushion. When I changed from being on contract to being on a salary, my PCU savings on the side made a big difference. I also changed my expensive medical insurance over to the Police Association, so it really was the whole package!”

Now looking towards retirement, Katrina is thinking about locking in some savings into a term deposit and encouraging her family to do the same.

"A term deposit seems like a great way to earn more interest on my savings. I’m going to tell my brother that he can join PCU as he’s looking at his options too. It’s great that my family members can join PCU because of me.”