Get a guaranteed return on your investment

DON’T LEAVE YOUR INVESTMENTS TO CHANCE

Certificates are a safe short- and longterm investment choice because they are a guaranteed way to earn a good return on your money. Share certificates from credit unions often pay more than certificates of deposit (CDs) issued by banks because credit unions are member-owned and do not have to earn a profit for shareholders.

Becoming a member of a credit union, to take advantage of better rates, is easy these days. Anyone is welcome to join most credit unions as long as they live or work in the market area. If you live anywhere in the Bay Area you can join Meriwest Credit Union.

Meriwest Credit Union is currently paying a guaranteed 2.00 percent APY*1 (annual percentage yield) on a short 10-month certificate. Those interested in longer-term investment can be certain that their money will earn a solid 2.70 percent APY*1 in a 36-month certificate. In today’s volatile market, it’s a great way to protect and grow the money you’ll need in the years to come. Both of these certificates can be opened with as little as $1,000. And for those who need a little more flexibility, Meriwest offers an8-month liquid certificate-paying 1.75 percent APY*2 which allows unlimited additional deposits and up to six withdrawals per month as long as the balance does not fall below $10,000.

Unlike stocks, these yields are guaranteed for the term of the certificate, and your money is federally insured for up to $250,000 by NCUA, the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. government agency similar to the FDIC that insures bank deposits.

Certificates are easy to buy and hold. In fact, you can even buy Meriwest certificates online. You do need to agree to keep your funds on deposit for the specified time to earn according to the certificate parameters. With the exception of the liquid certificate, where you can make six withdrawals per month as long as you maintain the minimum balance, withdrawing funds prior to the preselected length of the term does incur a penalty.

The investment process is simple. While guaranteeing the investment of a fixed sum, or principal, Meriwest will pay a guaranteed dividend. When the certificate matures, the investor cashes in the principal plus dividends. The investor can also “roll over” the current certificate to another certificate.

How to choose the right share certificate

While the rates are certainly appealing, how does a consumer decide the best certificate investment choice? With a shortterm option, your investment is more available to you quickly, with limited penalties for early withdrawal — if an emergency situation occurs. Of course, a liquid certificate is the most flexible.

But if you’re more interested in saving for a longer-term goal — such as children’s educations, retirement or an investment property — a longerterm certificate is a better approach. The annual percentage rate will be higher for a longer term. The potential to use the funds for impulse buying will also likely be reduced because of increased penalties for early withdrawal.

For additional details and advice on which certificate best fits your needs, contact Meriwest at 877-637-4937 or visit Meriwest.com/certificates.

About Meriwest Credit Union

Meriwest Credit Union, one of Silicon

Valley’s largest and most well established financial institutions, has been providing proactive, personal, convenient and innovative financial services to over 82,000 businesses and families throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Tucson, Arizona, for more than 57 years.

Meriwest is committed to making banking, and life, easier with the kind of service you just don’t find anymore — people helping people with checking and savings accounts, consumer loans, smallbusiness loans, mortgages, plus investment and insurance options. You choose what is easiest for you: Meriwest’s convenient branch network, online banking, or their robust mobile app.

See theMeriwest ad in this section for a special rate on Premier Savings for New Members.

**APY is Annual Percentage Yield. APY is valid for the stated term of each certificate ( thirtysix ( 36), ten ( 10) or eight ( 8) months) as of 08/ 06/ 18. The promotional APYs are available only for new money balances to Meriwest Credit Union. Balances transferred from existing Meriwest accounts do not qualify. Certain restrictions apply. Contact the Credit Union for complete details and terms applicable. Consumer accounts only. Limited time offer may be withdrawn or modified at any time without notice.

1. The minimum balance to open the accounts and earn the stated APYs is $1,000. Penalty will apply for early withdrawal.

2. The minimum balance to open the account and earn the stated APY is $10,000. Up to six (6) withdrawals and unlimited deposits allowed per month as long as the balance does not fall below the $10,000 minimum balance. Penalty maybe imposed for early account closure.

Membership is required with a one-time, non-refundable $5 fee.