Preliminary Steps for Credit Unions Acquiring Another Financial Institution

In the first part of this interview, Doug and Jeff Cardone discussed the process, requirements, and questions credit unions should address before entering into a merger or acquisition (M&A) transaction. In the second part of the “C.U. on the Show” episode, Doug and Jeff delve into the acquiring or buying side of M&As and what […]

Why Financial Planning is an Essential Executive Benefit for Credit Union Leaders

Traditional financial planning offers practical tools for rank-and-file employees; however, it simply doesn’t capture the full breadth of complex financial situations and compensation benefits a credit union executive has to manage in the C-suite. For example, beyond a standard 401(k), executives may also have a 457(b), 457(f), or split-dollar plan with different income distribution timings […]

Unlock 25% More in Assets With Personal Strategic Financial Planning

ACT Advisors is proud to release our white paper, The 125% Credit Union Executive, where we explain how financial planning is one of the least expensive benefits a credit union can provide its executives while significantly improving their financial outcomes — by as much as 25%. Executive benefits present many complexities that require personal financial […]

Executive Compensation Factors Credit Unions Should Evaluate Before a Merger or Acquisition

Has your credit union board considered partnering with a stronger credit union to expand your field of membership, improve the quality of your services, or mitigate financial concerns? Perhaps your board members and executives have already begun having informal conversations to see which institutions align best with your membership, employees, and community values. While it […]

How Credit Unions Can Partner With Fintech Companies and Stay Competitive

When we think about what draws members to your credit unions, we generally point out the low rates, accessibility, convenience, and trust as compared to your bank counterparts. However, when we consider that financial technology (fintech) companies such as PayPal and Square are coming onto the scene more rapidly and picking up more of the […]

Is Your CU Sub-Debt Approved?

Overlooking secondary capital in the subordinated debt (sub-debt) market could put your credit union behind when planned and unplanned investment opportunities arise. Jeff Cardone, Partner/Attorney at Luse Gorman, shares why your credit union may consider getting pre-approved for sub-debt sooner rather than later. Stream the Episode  What Subordinated Debt Is and How Credit Unions […]

Split-Dollar Versus 457(f) Plans and What Credit Unions Should Evaluate

When building an executive benefits package that seeks to recruit and retain top talent, the question arises: with multiple options, which benefits should we include? Popular choices that uniquely benefit credit unions are the collateral assignment split-dollar (CASD) and 457(f) plans. Both are retention tools that provide retirement benefits to executives—but which is better? As […]

Can—and Should—Your Credit Union Serve Cannabis-Related Businesses?

With the legalization of medical and adult-use, i.e., recreational marijuana spreading across the country, you may be considering how your credit union can begin providing services to cannabis-related businesses. Perhaps you don’t know where to start or if you even should. With more research demonstrating the positive benefits of medical marijuana, many credit unions view […]

When to Take Strategic Risk in Your Credit Union—Your ACTion Point

As a credit union executive, should you consider your personal financial success before the direction of your credit union? Yes and no. The reality of your position challenges you to lead your organization boldly into new initiatives, technology, and markets; however, every major decision you make comes with risk. Whether it will pose a financial […]