SECU helps nearly 34,000 members with estate planning needs!
RALEIGH, NC (August 7, 2017) — 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.”
About State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU)
SECU ("see-Q"), Maryland’s largest state-chartered credit union, serves 250,000 members across the state. As a member-owned, not-for-profit, SECU puts its members first and remains responsible solely to its member base. SECU seeks to serve all of its member needs in one place with most Marylanders qualifying for membership. Headquartered in Linthicum, Md., SECU has 25 financial centers and provides access to over 50,000 free ATMs through the CO-OP network. With more than $5 billion in assets, SECU ranks among the top 60 credit unions nationwide based on total assets in the U.S. Insured by NCUA. For more information, visit www.secumd.org or follow SECU on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
