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Vacation Loan

Plan an epic vacation with a Vacation Loan from Guardians.

Create an unforgettable vacation for the entire family. Guardians can help make this possible with our unique vacation loan. With flexible terms and low rates, creating a vacation of a lifetime is even easier. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon or ask a Guardians representative.

A grandmother standing at the head of a kitchen table with grandkids eating chocolate cake.

Grandmas will be Grandmas

Every day is a celebration when you're with Grandma. Cake for breakfast. A new toy. Or three. Pizza for lunch. Ice cream. Movies. Clothes. Upping the grandma-game can be tough. But a Guardians Credit Union Visa credit cards makes spoiling the grandkids easy as pie.

You don't have to be a grandma to love our cards! Besides our low rates, no annual fees, and free balance transfers, you can also earn rewards points or cash back on every transaction.

Other benefits include:

  • Travel protection
  • Emergency card replacement
  • $500,000 Common Carrier Travel and Baggage Insurance
  • Auto Rental Insurance

Grandmas will be Grandmas.

Meanwhile, Guardians will be on duty for you.

Valiant Checking logo

Valiant Checking

Finally, a checking account designed exclusively for 13-17 year-olds.

We are proud to introduce Valiant Checking designed just for to our younger members ages 13-17. There's no minimum balance required, and these accounts are covered by free overdraft protection from savings. Each member receives one free box of 50 checks and will be able to easily manage this account via mobile devices.

(Valiant Checking requires joint ownership of the account with a parent or guardian over the age of 18.)

A screenshot of the Guardians One Mobile Banking app on a smartphone.

Go Far With Guardians One Mobile Banking

Never worry about running out of time to get to a branch. The Guardians One Mobile Banking app offers convenient banking right from your phone, including making transfers and obtaining instant balances.

Keep an eye out for the Guardians One Mobile Banking app, available in the App Store and in the Google Play Store. As your financial institution, we're encouraging you to go far, and we're promising to be with you every step of the way. Guardians Credit Union, On Duty for You.

A close up of dollar bills spread over each other.

Why Do You Need a Will?

It may not sound enticing but creating a will puts power in your hands.

Provided by Jack Ramsay

According to the global analytics firm Gallup, only about 44% of Americans have created a will. This finding may not surprise you. After all, no one wants to be reminded of their mortality or dwell on what might happen upon their death, so writing a last will and testament is seldom prioritized on the to-do list of a Millennial or Gen Xer. What may surprise you, though, is the statistic cited by personal finance website The Balance: around 35% of Americans aged 65 and older lack wills.1,2

A will is an instrument of power

By creating one, you gain control over the distribution of your assets. If you die without one, the state decides what becomes of your property, with no regard to your priorities.

A will is a legal document by which an individual or a couple (known as "testator") identifies their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death. A will can typically be broken down into four parts:

Executors

Most wills begin by naming an executor. Executors are responsible for carrying out the wishes outlined in a will. This involves assessing the value of the estate, gathering the assets, paying inheritance tax and other debts (if necessary), and distributing assets among beneficiaries. It is recommended that you name an alternate executor in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the obligation. Some families name multiple children as co-executors, with the intention of thwarting sibling discord, but this can introduce a logistical headache, as all the executors must act unanimously.2,3

Guardians

A will allows you to designate a guardian for your minor children. The designated guardian you appoint must be able to assume the responsibility. For many people, this is the most important part of a will. If you die without naming a guardian, the courts will decide who takes care of your children.

Gifts

This section enables you to identify people or organizations to whom you wish to give gifts of money or specific possessions, such as jewelry or a car. You can also specify conditional gifts, such as a sum of money to a young daughter, but only when she reaches a certain age.

Estate

Your estate encompasses everything you own, including real property, financial investments, cash, and personal possessions. Once you have identified specific gifts you would like to distribute, you can apportion the rest of your estate in equal shares among your heirs, or you can split it into percentages. For example, you may decide to give 45% each to two children and the remaining 10% to your sibling.

A do-it-yourself will may be acceptable, but it may not be advisable

The law does not require a will to be drawn up by a professional, so you could create your own will, with or without using a template. If you make a mistake, however, you will not be around to correct it. When you draft a will, consider enlisting the help of a legal, tax, or financial professional who could offer you additional insight, especially if you have a large estate or a complex family situation.

Remember, a will puts power in your hands

You have worked hard to create a legacy for your loved ones. You deserve to decide how that legacy is sustained.

Jack Ramsay may be reached at
561-686-4006, ext. 1120 or
jack.ramsay@cunamutual.com

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution.

Citations

  1. https://news.gallup.com/poll/191651/majority-not.aspx [4/24/18]
  2. https://www.thebalance.com/wills-4073967 [4/24/18]
  3. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/naming-more-one-executor.html [12/3/18]