Lawyers participating in the Estate Planning Essentials program are not employees or agents of Credit Union (SECU, LGFCU or NCPAFCU), MEMBERS® Trust Company or any affiliate. SECU Trust representatives are not employees or enforcement agents of the lawyers involved. Credit Union and MEMBERS® Trust Company do not provide 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 of hiring a lawyer participating in the program or choosing their own lawyer. Trust services provided by the MEMBERS® Trust Company, a federal economy regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Mint. Trust products are not credit union deposits, are not insured by the NCUA or any other federal agency, are not obligations or guarantees of the credit union, MEMBERS® Trust Company or any affiliate, and involve investment risks, including potential loss of principal. The above material is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice in relation to your situation. For legal or tax advice, please contact your lawyer and/or tax advisor. Jessica Evans, Senior Vice President of Trust Services at SECU, said: “SECU`s Estate Planning Essentials programme has grown significantly since 2014 in particular, from almost 17,000 to nearly 34,000. We are pleased that more and more members are recognizing the need to plan ahead and ensure that their family`s needs are met as they wish in the event of death. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our employees across the state, Credit Union continues to work to help members prepare for a strong financial future. About SECUA SECU is a member-owned non-profit financial cooperative that has been providing consumer financial services to North Carolina employees and their families for 80 years.

Credit Union also offers a diverse range of financial advisory services, including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate services, and investments through its partners and affiliates. SECU serves 2.2 million members through 258 branches, nearly 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 member services by phone, and a www.ncsecu.org website. August 7, 2017 11:48 AND | Source: State Employees` Credit Union (SECU) State Employees` Credit Union (SECU) RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2011, State Employees` Credit Union (SECU) launched its Estate Planning Essentials program to provide an affordable option for members who require basic estate planning services such as a will and power of attorney. Recognizing that most assume estate planning is reserved for the wealthy, Credit Union`s goal was to offer the service to members regardless of their economic status. In just over six years, the Estate Planning Essentials program has helped nearly 34,000 members strengthen their financial image through a high-quality estate plan. Dan Hess, SECU member from Garner, North Carolina, recently took advantage of this helpful service, noting, “I was grateful for the opportunity to take advantage of the Estate Planning Essentials program. I found the process insightful and cost-effective, and something I might have taken care of if it wasn`t for Credit Union. It is a very valuable program and I recommend it to all members regardless of age. The credit union offers its members the opportunity to consult certain legal documents electronically. Please select a document from the following list for review: The program underscores Credit Union`s commitment to providing comprehensive financial planning services that complement its other financial advisory services such as insurance, investments and tax preparation options. SECU members have access to 450 SECU Trust Authorized Representatives nationwide, who, through the MEMBERS® Trust Company, discuss a will with possible trust arrangements, a continuing power of attorney (POA), a health power of attorney (HCPOA) and living will, HIPAA authorization and other aspects of end-of-life planning.

Members can then make an appointment at the branch with an experienced estate planning lawyer to have their documents prepared at the same time at a cost of only $275 for individuals and $375 for a couple with similar plans.