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Are my deposits safe at my credit union?

Dear Dr. Don,
Please advise. I have well over $100,000 in my IRA. It is all invested in CDs at my hometown credit union. The credit union carries a 5-star rating and has been in business for over 40 years. I feel safe, but I'd value your opinion.
-- Steve Savings

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Dear Steve,
I try to get compensated when I take on additional risk. You should, too. If your deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, the limit to that insurance is $100,000.

The NCUSIF maintains an insurance estimator on its Web site that will help you determine the insurance coverage on your share accounts. Your letter indicates that you're over the $100,000 limit in your IRA account, so it's clear that you're over the limit for the deposit insurance.

Your credit union may be well established and well capitalized, but you're still taking on the risk that things go wrong. My recommendation is for you to diversify your IRA investments across financial institutions.

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-- Posted: Oct. 29, 2003
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