Estate Planning
Although Estate Planning may be a difficult subject to talk about and plan, you will have peace of mind that your loved ones will be taken care of in the way that you intended.
Passing on a legacy to family and friends and avoiding unnecessary taxes and prolonged administration takes good planning and each plan is as individual as you are.  10 simple steps will ensure your estate is distributed in the most timely and tax efficient manner.
Estate planning can be simple or complex, but in all cases it is important to obtain professional advice and assistance.  Our Trust Services Representative will be pleased to meet with you to discuss your personal situation and how estate planning can assist in meeting your goals.

Facts to consider:
     Estate planning is a personal process and reflects your unique situation.  When working through the estate planning process you will be asked to consider a number of issues:

• What assets do you own and how are they registered?

• What debts do you owe and will there be sufficient assets to meet those obligations in the event of your death?

• Who has the time, knowledge and experience to act as your estate representative?

• What are the needs of your beneficiaries?

• How do you want your assets to be distributed?

• Do you wish to leave special gifts, such as family heirlooms, to specific beneficiaries?

• Are you aware of the tax considerations associated with your assets and the distribution you are planning?

• Who will be willing to accept the responsibility to act as guardian for those who are dependent upon you?

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Term Deposits

Looking for something safe and secure?

Biggar Credit Union offers term deposits with terms of 30 days to 5 years.  Available in non-redeemable or redeemable, we offer competitive rates and your deposits are protected by an unlimited guarantee through Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation.

Do you care if the companies in your retirement portfolio treat their employees fairly?  Does it matter whether or not corporations are working to reduce pollution?

Invest with a clear conscience when you purchase any funds in the family of Ethical Funds.

Ethical Funds is the oldest and largest socially responsible mutual fund family in Canada that invest in companies and securities that meet six Ethical® principles:

 1. Consistent performance

2. Cash flow                    

3. Volatility                      

4. Portfolio Size               

Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc.  Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments and the use of an asset allocation service.  Please read the prospectus of the mutual funds in which investment may be made under the asset allocation service before investing.  Unless otherwise stated, mutual fund securities and cash balances are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions.  Mutual fund securities and cash balances are not insured nor guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.  ®Credential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under licence.  ®Ethical Funds and Ethical are registered marks owned by Ethical Funds Inc. and are used under licence.

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Credential Direct®                                        
Trade On-line - Trades start as low as $25.00

Biggar Credit Union is pleased to make available an easy-to-use online brokerage to our members.

Credential Direct is owned by the credit union system, so you can expect the same level of service and support you'd receive from your credit union.  Plus a broad selection of tools to help you plan and implement your investing strategy.

On-line brokerage is offered through Credential Direct®, a division of Credential Securities Inc., operating as a separate business unit.  Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments.  Please read the prospectus before investing.  Unless otherwise stated, mutual funds and other securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions.  There can be no assurances that the fund will be able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you.  Mutual funds and other securities are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.  Credential Securities Inc. is a Member-CIPF.  ®Credential Direct is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under licence.

Full Service Brokerage                                    
Full range of wealth management products and solutions
In building the right portfolio for each client, knowledgeable and experienced Credential Securities Inc. Investment Advisors can choose from a full range of investment products through a variety of investment vehicles, such as cash and margin accounts (C$ and US$), self-directed RRSPs, Locked-in RRSPs, RRIFs, LRIFs, LIFs, informal trusts, and corporate accounts.

Each of these accounts can hold a variety of investment instruments, including:

Equities listed on Canadian and U.S. exchange, trust units (income, real estate, and business trusts), shares of approved Canadian Controlled Private Corporations, and Initial Public Offerings.

Money market instruments from a variety of issuers, including Government of Canada Treasury Bills, Canada Savings Bonds (CSBs), and corporate issuers.

Fixed income securities such as bonds issued  by governments, government agencies, high-quality corporations, and mortgage-backed securities.

1,200 mutual funds from more than 100 fund families.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) from various national issuers.  GICs issued by your credit union can be made available through a separate processing agreement.  This separate arrangement enables us to add your credit union GICs to those offered through Credential Securities Inc.'s Carrying Broker, Pinnacle Correspondent Services.

Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Securities Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments.  Please read the prospectus before investing.  Unless otherwise stated, mutual funds, other securities and cash balances are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions.  Mutual funds and other securities are not insured nor guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.  Credential Securities Inc. is a member-CIPF.

®Credential is a registered mark owned by Credential Financial Inc. and is used under licence.

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Now probably more than ever before the importance of retirement planning cannot be over stated.

Common questions that arise when the subject is discussed are:

• How much do I need to retire
• When can I retire
• Can I count on OAC or CPP
• What will the cost of Health Care be when I retire
• What are my options with my RRSP's and my pension plan
• How much can I expect to receive from my current and future savings?
• What will the impact of inflation be to me at retirement?

It is important to remember that a comfortable, enjoyable retirement involves goal setting and planning.  The old saying that "If you fail to plan you plan to fail" could likely never be truer.

For a personalized retirement plan call us at the credit union today.

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Walking in step with credit unions

Each member of our team is dedicated to playing a significant part in helping credit unions be successful.

Working together for the common good of your members, we will achieve success together.

Online Insurance Solutions
www.cumis.com

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Registered Retirement Savings Plans
A RRSP is a government approved plan through which you can save money for your retirement years.  Your contributions are tax deductible and the income earned is tax sheltered.  The savings plans are subject to the rules and regulations as approved by the government of Canada Tax Act.

Registered Retirement Income Funds
A RRIF is a vehicle designed to provide retirement income with funds accumulated in a RRSP and is an excellent alternative to an Annuity.  With a RRIF you can continue to defer taxes and maintain control over your retirement investments.

Registered Education Savings Plans
A RESP is an attractive way to enjoy tax free compounding interest while saving for the future post-secondary education of the child.  Money contributed to a RESP is not tax deductible, but interest earned accumulates tax free and is not taxable until withdrawn by the beneficiary when the student is likely in a low tax bracket.
The Canada Education Savings grant will provide an additional deposit up to 20% of your contribution to the plan.

For more information on any of our registered products contact the professional and knowledgeable staff at the credit union.