Not all financial companies are the same. When you're seeking financial advice, it's worthwhile to take a step back and evaluate what's available and your preferences. Many firms offer some type of financial advice, but it's important to be clear on what you're looking vs. what each firm provides.
Compare Financial Planning Services Below
| Service/Benefit | AmeriCU | Traditional Brokerage/ Investment Firm | Online/Discount Brokerage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Held to fiduciary standards for advice | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can place trades & investments: | |||
| Stocks, bonds + mutual funds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Retirement accounts (IRA/401(k), etc.) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Education accounts (Coverdell/529, etc.) | Yes | No | No |
| Online trading through brokerage account | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gives you a dedicated advisor who is available in person, via email, and phone | Yes | May require minimum investment | Rarely |
| Offers comprehensive financial planning & portfolio management that considers all aspects of your finances (cash and liabilities, protection, investments + taxes) | Yes | Not generally; may require minimum investment | No |
| Comprehensive planning services: | |||
| Retirement planning | Yes | Generally | Rarely |
| College planning | Yes | Varies | Rarely |
| Estate planning | Yes | Varies | Rarely |
| Offers Insurance (life, disability, long-term care, etc.) | Yes | Varies | No |
| Offers Banking (checking & savings, etc.) | Yes | Varies | No |
| Offers Lending (home equity, mortgage, student loans, credit cards, etc.) | Yes | Varies | Rarely |
| Works on commission | No | Generally | Yes |