How to Prepare for What’s Next: A Simple Guide for Community Banks and Credit Unions
- purlinhorizons
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 11
What to do now to stay strong through market swings, tariffs, and economic changes. The rest of 2025 may feel unpredictable. The stock market is up one day and down the next. Tariffs and global trade are shifting again. While inflation may be easing, prices still feel high for many people.

This kind of uncertainty makes it hard to plan. But local banks and credit unions don’t have to wait and react. You can now take simple steps to stay steady and support your customers.
1. Help People Understand Their Money
When the economy feels shaky, people get nervous. Now is the time to make money simple. Use your website, emails, and staff to share easy savings, borrowing, and budgeting tips. Give your business customers the tools to plan. People trust you, so make sure they know you’re here to help.
2. Take a Fresh Look at Risk
Not every borrower is the same. Some businesses are strong but facing new challenges, while others may be struggling quietly. Don’t rely only on old credit models. Talk with your members or customers. Use your local knowledge. Adjust your lending approach to be careful but supportive.
3. Watch for Tariff Impact
Tariffs affect global companies as well as small businesses, especially those in farming, manufacturing, and retail. Ask your commercial customers how their supply costs are changing. Help them plan and be ready to adjust loan terms if needed. This will build loyalty and keep your loan book healthy.
4. Be Smart About Rates and Deposits
Interest rates may shift again, and some depositors may shop around. Please don’t wait until you lose them. Review your deposit strategy. Stay connected with your large accounts. Remember, how you handle rates is part of your brand. Clear, fair communication builds trust.
5. Use Digital to Stay Personal
People use digital banking more but still want to feel seen. Use your digital channels to check in, not just send alerts. Offer short, helpful advice. Make it easy for people to reach a real person when needed.
How Can Purlin Horizons Help?
Purlin Horizons helps community banks and credit unions turn change into opportunity. We bring hands-on experience in banking, technology, and operations to help you build simple, innovative plans that work in the real world. Whether you need support with risk, digital banking, or helping your teams lead through change, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you're open to a short 20–30-minute call, here’s a link to pick a time that works for you:https://calendly.com/purlinhorizons/30min.
Feel free to email me at purlinhorizons@outlook.com or call at 612-202-7756.
You can also visit purlinhorizonstech.com to learn more about what I offer and how I help.
Let’s move forward confidently and together.
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