RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2011, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) debuted its Estate Planning Essentials Program to provide an affordable option for members needing basic estate planning services, such as a will and power of attorney. Recognizing that most assume estate planning is only for the wealthy, the Credit Union goal was to offer the service to members, regardless of economic status. In just over six years, the Estate Planning Essentials Program has helped nearly 34,000 members strengthen their financial picture with a high-quality estate plan.
The Program underscores the Credit Union’s commitment to providing comprehensive financial planning services, which complements its other financial advisory service offerings such as insurance, investments and tax preparation options. SECU members have access to 450 licensed SECU Trust representatives statewide who, through MEMBERS® Trust Company, discuss a Will with possible trust provisions, a Durable Power of Attorney (POA), a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) and Living Will, a HIPAA Authorization and other aspects of end-of-life planning. Members can then schedule an in-branch appointment with an experienced estate planning attorney to have their documents prepared at a cost of just $275 for individuals and $375 for a married couple with similar plans completed at the same time.
SECU member Dan Hess of Garner, North Carolina recently took advantage of this beneficial service and noted, “I was thankful to have the opportunity to use the Estate Planning Essentials Program. I found the process to be enlightening and inexpensive, and something I might have put off taking care of if it wasn’t for the Credit Union. It’s a very valuable program and I recommend it to all members regardless of age.”
Jessica Evans, Senior Vice President of SECU’s Trust Services department, remarked, “SECU’s Estate Planning Essentials Program has grown tremendously, particularly since 2014, nearly doubling those served from 17,000 to almost 34,000. We are happy to see that more and more members are recognizing the need to plan ahead, ensuring their family’s needs are met as they intend in the event of their death. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our staff throughout the state, the Credit Union is working continuously to help members prepare for a sound financial future.”
Attorneys participating in the Estate Planning Essentials Program are not employees or agents of the Credit Union (SECU, LGFCU or NCPAFCU), MEMBERS® Trust Company or any affiliated entity. SECU Trust Representatives are not employees or agents of the participating attorneys. The Credit Union and MEMBERS® Trust Company are not providing legal services and are not responsible for the services provided by these independent professionals. The Estate Planning Essentials Program is an optional program for members. Credit Union Members have the option to use an attorney participating in the program or select their own attorney.
Trust Services offered through MEMBERS® Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Trust products are not credit union deposits, are not insured by the NCUA or any other federal government agency, are not obligations of or guaranteed by the credit union, MEMBERS® Trust Company or any affiliated entity, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of principal. The material above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice regarding your situation. For legal or tax advice, please consult your attorney and/or tax professional.
About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for 80 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves 2.2 million members through 258 branch offices, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org.