The economic basis of credit unions - finances of a household. The main objective of the credit union - to ensure financial stability of a household, to ensure the priority of their shareholders' financial interests. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. Credit unions base their activities on savings of shareholders, their shares and savings contributions, which make up the fund of mutual financial assistance - a source of cash loans to shareholders. To increase the number of credit unions in 1979 was adopted the corresponding law that serves as the legal basis of their activity. Worldwide credit union movement is represented by regional confederations and national organizations within the World Council of Credit Unions.