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Annual Meeting Notification

Attend the 2021 Annual Meeting
WhenSaturday, March 27, 2021
9:30 am — Registration
10 am — Meeting
WhereClayton E. Hutcheson Exhibition Hall
559 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33415

IMPORTANT
Location and details are subject to change based on the Covid-19 Pandemic. More information will be forthcoming so please stay tuned for details.**

In accordance with the credit union's by-laws, the President is presenting to the membership the nominees for the three open Board positions.

Nominees for Open Board Positions
Seat #PositionsNomineeTerm
11John Deese
(Unopposed)
3 year term
21Herbert Kahlert
(Unopposed)
3 year term
31Ray Liggins
(Unopposed)
3 year term

There were no additional applications or petitions received by the November 30, 2020 deadline.

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Operational Schedule Update

As counties continue to issue reopening orders, our operational schedule may change. Visit our branch locations and hours online and monitor our social media channels for the most updated information.

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Take Advantage of CO-OP Shared Services

There's always a branch within reach!

Guardians Credit Union appreciates that you love 'banking' with us and that's why we provide you with access to a network of over 5,500 credit union branches nationwide. In other words wherever you live, work, or play. To find the nearest branch:

  • Visit Co-Op Shared Branch to find a branch.
  • Download the CO-OP Shared Branch App for iPhone or Android.
  • Text a Zip Code to 91989 to find nearby Shared Branch Locations (SB = Shared Branch SBX = Shared Branch Express).
  • Call 1-888-748-3266 for more info.
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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]