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Investment Accounts

If you are saving for long-term goals such as retirement or education and want to broaden your investment options, ask one of our Investment Representatives about investing in mutual funds. As a credit union member, you have access to low-cost, diversified stock and bond funds that can help you achieve your long-term financial goals through a consistent and regular investment plan.

Our Investment Representatives will talk with you about your goals and take into consideration your complete financial picture. After discussing potential risks and returns of stock market investing, we will help you choose the best mutual fund for your circumstances. We encourage you to contact your Investment Representative at least yearly, and whenever your goals or financial circumstances change.

What is a mutual fund?

A mutual fund pools money from many investors and uses the money to purchase securities such as stocks and bonds. One mutual fund can invest in hundreds of securities. Therefore, individual investors are able to achieve instant diversification which helps reduce overall risk of loss.1

Mutual fund investing provides the potential for returns that can outpace inflation over time. Therefore, if your money will be invested for a period of at least five years, then mutual funds may be a good choice for you.

What types of accounts are available?

Both tax-advantaged and taxable accounts are available as possible vehicles for your investment. The tax-advantaged accounts offered include Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), as well as Simplified Employee Pension IRAs. Our representatives will be able to assist you in understanding the characteristics of each of these accounts and discuss which vehicle may be most suitable for you.

What are the costs?

Credit Union Investment Services (CUIS) charges an annual asset-based fee collected quarterly in advance directly from your account. This advisory fee covers our services and provides access to an in-person, dedicated specialist. The annual asset-based fee is 0.25% for cash and individual fixed-income securities (including U.S. Treasuries & Brokered CDs) and 0.50% for all other securities (equities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, etc.).

Accounts opened prior to December 31, 2023 are currently charged an annual asset-based fee of 0.25% on all invested assets and will transition to the new fee schedule effective April 1, 2024.

Other fees from the clearing firm (Pershing, LLC) may also apply. Our representatives will present all potential costs to you upfront so you can be confident that you are choosing a low-cost program that meets your financial needs.

How do I get started?

Ask to speak with a CUIS Investment Representative today if you:

  • Are a resident of North Carolina
  • Wish to invest at least $3,500 in securities
  • Wish to invest the funds for at least 5 years
  • Have an e-mail address
  • Are willing to accept electronic delivery of account documents (statements, confirmations, etc.)

Can I consolidate my investments?

If you are interested in consolidating your existing investments into a CUIS account, simply bring your statements when you meet with an Investment Representative. Based on your preference and other considerations such as potential tax liability, you may be able to transfer your existing investments in-kind or liquidate them and use the proceeds to purchase mutual funds offered through CUIS.

Non-recommended investments

We understand that you may wish to invest in securities other than those specifically recommended by CUIS. Once you open your investment account, you can make your own purchases of non-recommended stocks, ETFs and mutual funds on an unsolicited basis. These trades can be placed online, by logging in to view your investment accounts.

About Credit Union Investment Services

Credit Union Investment Services (CUIS) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) and is an Investment Advisor registered with the State of North Carolina. Through CUIS, the memberships of SECU, the Local Government Federal Credit Union, and the North Carolina Press Association Federal Credit Union can take advantage of low-cost, well-diversified investments. All CUIS representatives are also full-time employees of SECU who receive no commissions for their services. Therefore, members can feel confident in knowing their representatives will provide unbiased advice.

Securities

  • Are not NCUA insured.
  • Are not obligations of, or guaranteed by, a credit union or its affiliates.
  • May lose value including the principal amount invested.

 

Investment advisory services offered through Credit Union Investment Services. Securities offered through SECU Brokerage Services. Member FINRA / SIPC.
 
1 Though diversification is an effective tool for decreasing overall risk of loss, it does not eliminate risk altogether.
 

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