For members looking to grow their savings while supporting the continued success of their credit union, Investment Shares can be an attractive option. Unlike traditional savings accounts, Investment Shares offer the potential for higher returns through dividend payments when declared, while helping strengthen the financial foundation of a member-owned institution.

By purchasing Investment Shares, members become more invested in the future of their credit union and the communities it serves. These investments help support growth, innovation, and the ability to provide competitive products and services for members. It’s an opportunity to align your financial goals with an organization that shares your commitment to local communities and member-focused banking.

Investment Shares may be suitable for:

1. Members with a long-term investment horizon.

Investment Shares may be a good fit for members who are focused on long-term financial growth and can commit to keeping their investment in place for an extended period.

2. Individuals looking to diversify their investment portfolio.

Investment Shares can help broaden an investment portfolio by providing an alternative to traditional savings products and other investment options.

3. Investors who are comfortable accepting some level of risk in exchange for potentially higher returns.

For those willing to accept some investment risk in pursuit of potentially higher returns, Investment Shares offer the opportunity to earn dividend payments when declared.

4. Members who want to support the growth and success of their credit union.

Investing in Investment Shares allows members to contribute to the continued growth and success of their credit union while pursuing their own financial goals.

I’m often reminded of Alex when I talk about Investment Shares.

At 45, Alex was a relatively new Member at WFCU and had already built a solid investment portfolio, making steady progress toward retirement. Most of those savings were tied to public markets, however, and Alex wanted to set aside a portion for the long term in an option that was not directly exposed to day-to-day market movements.

Being new to WFCU and never hearing about Investment Shares up till now, Alex was curious to learn more. After reviewing the available options and considering the majority of funds would stay invested for the next 20 years at least, and taking on a modest amount of risk to earn better returns was a worthwhile trade off, Alex ultimately chose to move about a fifth of the portfolio into Investment Shares. The potential to receive the historically higher dividends over prevailing GIC interest rates was appealing, as was the opportunity to diversify beyond conventional market-based investments while supporting the strength and growth of the credit union.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in Investment Shares at WFCU created a more balanced mix of investments aligned with Alex’s long-term goals, while keeping enough savings accessible for emergencies and shorter-term priorities.