CUA - Money Matters: Planning for Emergencies

Planning for Emergencies

We never know what life may throw at us, so we do our best to expect the unexpected and prevent and plan for an emergency before it happens. Sometimes, we aren't able to prevent bad things from happening, so we take measures to protect ourselves by saving in an emergency fund, being vigilant when it comes to protecting our financial information and by keeping our assets insured.

Be prepared for any situation:


If you find yourself in a costly situation, look into your insurance(s).	Having emergency fund savings can help protect you from things like unexpected car repairs.	You are your best defense to protect yourself from fraud: Recognize, reject, report.	Losing a loved one hurts but settling their estate doesn't have to. Learn more.

Questions?

Review our FAQ below, contact our team by phone 902.492.6500, info@cua.com or by visiting one of our eight convenient branch locations. Do you have questions that aren't here? Let us know! We're here to help.

Q: How much should I have in an emergency fund?

A: The amount you have in an emergency fund depends on your monthly expenses. A good rule of thumb is to work toward a goal of saving six months worth of expenses. That way, whether you are dealing with job loss or an unexpected expense, you will have time and money to tide you over until you figure out a more permanent solution.

Learn more about emergency funds »

Q: What should I do if I can't afford to save that much?

A: In a perfect world, we would all have six months or more worth of expenses squirrelled away just in case. In reality, saving a large amount of money just in case can be tricky. If you’re just starting to save in an emergency fund, set an initial goal of saving $500 in your budget and work toward that. Once you have that saved, keep on working toward your larger emergency fund goal.

Q: What do I do if I have been a victim of fraud?

A: If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud or have lost your debit or credit card, we want to help you. Contact a member of the CUA team as soon as you find out.

Lost or Stolen Cards

MemberCard Debit card: 1.888.277.1043

Collabria Visa (Canada and U.S.): 1.855.341.4643

Collabria Visa (International Collect): 1.647.252.9564

Fraud Prevention

Report suspicious emails/calls to alerts@cua.com.

Q: What should I do if I experience a sudden change in my finances?

A: Job loss, unexpected expenses, an accident or injury, a change in marital status and several other things could influence a change in your finances. Check to see if you have an insurance that can help you. For other next steps to take, give us a call at 902.492.6500. We’re here to help.

Planning for Emergencies

Questions?

Planning for Emergencies Q&A