PRESS RELEASE UPDATE
June 5, 2003

WEST COAST CUs JOIN FINANCIAL FITNESS PARTNER

SAN FRANCISCO (6/5/03)--Six California credit unions have partnered with San Francisco-based BALANCE Financial Fitness Program to offer members financial education and assistance--before members dig themselves in too deep with debts.

The credit unions are Telesis Community CU, Northridge; Chevron Valley CU, Bakersfield; Sacramento CU; Peninsula Postal CU, San Jose; San Francisco FCU, and Merced School Employees FCU, Merced.

The program provides financial education and counseling, budgeting, and assistance in planning a financial future for members who need help. Services include money management and housing counseling, a debt repayment plan, credit report review, and a toll-free information line. Services are free to members.

As of March 31, personal bankruptcies in the U.S. increased by 7.1% to record highs. The West Coast has been hit especially hard with economic slowdowns in almost all major sectors. The high levels of indebtedness, combined with income reductions, has led to financial difficulties for many people, including credit union members.