Sometimes, this first meeting with a financial advisor can feel overwhelming and to help you, we’ve outlined five key things you can do to prepare.

If you have ever applied for a loan or considered buying a vehicle, you may have heard the term credit score tossed around.  If you aren’t sure what that means read the article to learn more.

Whether you are just setting out on your financial journey, looking to reevaluate your long-term plans or adjusting for new circumstances, it’s important to consider what your financial goals are.

Just as there are countless exercises to choose from, there are many options to consider when it comes to getting financially fit. Read the article to find out our top five financial habits you can start today.

If you find yourself in a position where your credit score needs a boost, it may impact your ability to obtain a loan, a mortgage or even a job or an apartment application.

You have likely heard the term “investment” before but may not be sure how it fits into your financial plan. Well, to start, let’s talk about what an investment really is.

Saving is an important part of being financially healthy and stable. No matter your goals, CUA has an account to fit your needs. 

If used strategically, a credit card can be a powerful tool. It can help you stay on track of your finances, build your credit score, and potentially earn rewards such as points, cash back or frequent-flyer miles.

When it comes to banking products, the CUA team knows how important it is to choose products that can set you up for success. Credit cards are no exception. Learn more about our credit card features, rewards, and how to best make your card work for you.

Did you know there are forms of debt that can be considered ‘good’? These debts can help you build wealth, increase your net worth or finance something that will offer a good return on your investment or quality of life. Learn more by reading the article.

While credit cards can be a useful tool for day-to-day purchases, debt can be a slippery slope, especially when you're carrying a large sum at a high interest rate over an extended period of time. Read the article to learn the better way to pay off your debt.

When an individual or a business applies for a loan, the lender will typically assess your application using the Five Cs of Credit: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral and Conditions. Learn more about each C by reading the article.

Our team understands that discussing missing payments can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be. If you find yourself in a challenging financial situation, read the article for some helpful tips to get you back on track.

Debt accumulation can be a gradual process that leads many to eventually take stock of their finances and wonder, “How am I going to pay this down?” Read the article to find out how.

Many people associate cleaning with spring, a time of rejuvenation, fresh air and sunny skies. But when it comes to your finances, anytime of year is a great time to tidy things up. 

Helping others is a wonderful thing. But what happens when trying to help others takes a toll on your financial wellbeing? Read the article to explore the importance of setting personal financial boundaries so that you can keep your financial health in check, guilt-free.

The most wonderful time of the year can be expensive. In fact, groceries are a top expense for many families during the Holidays. Read the article to explore our tips for cutting back on the cost of food, so you can set yourself up for financial success in the New Year.

Are you considering a new career opportunity? Leaving your current job or changing your career path requires careful consideration, particularly when it comes to your financial well-being. Read the article to gain insight on what you should think about before a career change.

If you’ve been daydreaming about palm trees and warm beaches but aren’t quite sure how to turn those fantasies into a reality, look no further. Read the article to explore tips for taking care of all of your financial needs before, during, and after your next holiday.  

No matter your age, budgeting isn't for the faint of heart.  Regardless of your income, managing your personal cash flow plays an important role in achieving your full financial potential. Read the article to learn CUA's top three tips to love budgeting at any age.

Fall weather is a favourite for many, but between buying back-to-school supplies, shopping for seasonal attire, holiday gatherings and gifts, and purchasing winter tires, the expenses can add up quickly. Read the article to learn some tips to make the most of fall shopping.

If you don't already have a budget, now is a great time to sit down and create one. Your budget should reflect your income and all of your upcoming expenses. Read the article to learn more.

By creating a budget that accurately reflects your life, you’re doing yourself a favour and setting your finances up for success. Read the article for tips to help you budget for real life.

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”?  It can apply to customers who are struggling with putting money into savings, when they are concerned they should be paying down debt. Learn our tips for planning for the surprises in life.

Having confidence in your finances and understanding your options can make investing easy. In this article, discover how your money can make you money by learning about CUA’s low-risk investment options.

Communicating with your partner about your shared financial future is crucial to a successful marriage. So, whether you’re recently engaged, or you’ve just made your way down the aisle, here are some financial tips for newlywed couples.

When it comes to interest rates on term deposits, the number is not always as advertised. Read the article to learn about the three questions you should ask when comparing offers and choosing one that’s in your best interest.

Credit cards are convenient and easier to carry than cash, while allowing you to build credit as you make daily purchases and often offer rewards and benefits. But it’s important to be aware of the risks of credit card fraud, what your liability is and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Free public Wi-Fi is available to anyone within range and is often an unsecure connection. This means that anybody can access it, including fraudsters who may attempt to access your device and personal information.

Online shopping can offer a great deal of convenience, however it can also expose us to security risks with the information we provide. Read the article to learn some tips on how to stay cyber-safe to ensure a protected online shopping experience this holiday season.

If you have a phone number or an email address, you’ve probably been on the receiving end of a tax season fraud attempt. To keep our members safe, we’ve compiled the top tips to help you recognize fraud attempts if you receive a suspicious communication. 

For many Canadians, home ownership feels out of reach. As such, buying your first home might feel like a dream rather than a goal. If this sounds familiar, the recently introduced First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be the tool to help you save for your first home. Learn more about the FHSA in this article.

For most of us, buying a home will be the largest purchase we will make in our lifetime. The process can be stressful, but don’t worry – there are steps you can take to make it easier. Read the article to learn more

Your goals have likely changed since you first bought your home or since the last time you renewed your mortgage. This means that when you renew your mortgage, it may be time for a change. Learn more by reading this article.

Do you dream of owning a home in Nova Scotia, yet feel like saving a 5% down payment is an impossible goal?  Owning a home is within your reach. Read the article to learn more about CUA's No Down Payment Mortgage.

Buying a house is likely one of the largest purchases (and decisions) that a person can make. At this exciting time, you want to be able to enjoy the process. Read the article to learn how to assemble the right team of professionals to take the stress out of buying a home.

You’ve found your dream home. What makes your dream home special to you will be as unique as choosing the right mortgage payment schedule. Learn more by reading the article.

Do you own a home that you’ve been making regular mortgage payments on for the last several years? Do you have financial goals that you aren’t sure how to make a reality? Read the article to learn how your home may be able to help make them happen.

At some point in our lives, we are faced with an important question: should I buy or rent my next home? Read the article to review some important considerations to help determine whether buying or renting your next home is right for you.

Being your own boss is an adventure – just ask the 1 in 10 Nova Scotians who were classified as being self-employed in the last Canadian Census. If you are self-employed and thinking about home ownership, read this article to learn about five key areas to consider when it comes to getting lenders to say ‘Yes!’

The Purchase Plus Improvements Mortgage is a flexible solution for those who wish to make improvements as soon as they take possession. With as little as a 5 per cent down payment, all costs - including the renovations - will be rolled into one monthly mortgage payment at a reasonable interest rate. Read the article to learn more.

Your house will likely require at least one renovation while living there and to ensure a smooth experience, it is crucial to have a plan. Read the article to learn five things to consider before you start any home improvement project.

With every home sale, there are upfront costs in addition to having a minimum 5% for the down payment. In fact, when saving for your next home, you may want to have around 8% of the sale price saved to cover all of the purchase and moving related expenses.

Taking steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency will not only reduce your environmental footprint but it will also help reduce your utility bills. Read the article to learn ways to become more environmentally friendly.

Owning a home comes with many benefits. Aside from pride of home ownership and an ability to personalize your living space, homes also typically increase in value which allows you to build equity. With enough equity, you can consider accessing cash for whatever you need by using products like CUA's Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC. 

A question CUA often receives is what are property taxes and how do they differ from other housing related costs? You or someone you know may be planning to purchase property soon, which means understanding property taxes is a necessity. That’s where CUA has you covered.

Planning to purchase a home is a very exciting time, but the process can be marked by feelings of anxiety for many Nova Scotians who question if this is the right time to buy a home. Thinking about moving? First, read this article for some important concepts related to interest rates and what considerations you should make.

In general, there are two main types of mortgage interest rates, fixed- or variable-rate. One is not necessarily better than the other, but there are clear differences that should be considered. Read this article to learn the difference between fixed- and variable-rate interest.

Home insurance is a great way to protect yourself from life’s unexpected surprises and avoid the risk of financial loss. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of home insurance and what coverage options CUA offers its members. 

If your child has opted to join the workforce directly after graduation or starts school and doesn’t finish, you may be left wondering “I’ve saved in a RESP for the last 18 years… what happens to that money now?” Read the article to learn your options for accessing the money.

While student loans are extremely helpful to students struggling to cover the cost of attending school, repaying the debt after graduation can be stressful if you don’t have a plan in place. In this article, learn about student loan debt and the best ways to repay so you can reach your financial goals sooner.

Explore our Money Matters section for more helpful student resources.

As a busy business owner, planning for your own retirement may feel relatively low on the priority list. In fact, for many small business owners, selling their business is their retirement plan but that doesn't have to be the only option. Read the article to learn more.

RRSPs are a safe and easy way to contribute to your retirement today, so you can relax tomorrow. Plus, they offer some great tax incentives, so you’ll feel the benefits of contributing before you retire. Learn more by reading the article.

No matter when you decide to withdraw your savings, there are three main options associated with using the funds in your RRSP. Read the article to learn more.

If your shopping habits focus solely on convenience or keeping your spending to a minimum, consider ways to spend with intention and make your money go further for yourself and the provincial economy. By making conscious spending decisions to support small businesses within your budget, you may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

For those who have received or expect a refund, the first instinct may be to make a fun or spontaneous purchase. Instead, this is a great opportunity to consider an alternative approach that might have an even bigger payoff. Read the article to learn five ways to spend your refund wisely.

How intentional is your spending? Many of us budget our funds to ensure we’re spending wisely, but we don’t always consider how our routine spending can have a wider impact. By making a conscious decision to spend money at small businesses, you’ll give the Nova Scotia economy a big boost.

Whether you're a new or experienced small business owner, cash flow challenges can happen at any time. This month, we'll talk about why credit cards are useful in helping to manage cash flow.

Whether you're opening a new location, renovating a current space, looking to expand you client base, offer a new product or service or looking into a new geographical area, there are a number of things to consider first. Read this article for our advice.

Technology is an integral part of many businesses in today’s modern age. We can use technology for many different tasks in many different capacities – one of the most common places you will see technology in a business is point of sale (POS) systems. 

Whether you’re a seasoned small business owner or are just starting out, the importance of having the right people work for your organization is critical to your business’ overall success. Read the article for our expert tips to help simplify the hiring process to ensure you bring the right people on-board.

Our team understands that your borrowing needs are as unique as your business. Read the article to learn about the features of a microloan and how it may be able to help you.

Engaging students in your business can not only earn you new customers, but by doing so, you'll also be supporting members of the local community. Read the article for some tips on how you can engage students in your business.

As a small business owner, you’re likely no stranger to the concept of cash flow. One product that can help you access money for your business is the Operating Line of Credit. Read the article to learn more.

When it comes to running a business, you’re probably no stranger to planning. You created a business plan, organize your day-to-day operations and plan for the unexpected. But are you planning for the future of your business when you are no longer running it?

Incorporating a business means the formation of a new legal entity with numerous financial implications that may be either an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your business. Read the article to learn more.

As a business owner, each year you likely review your annual results, gathering your tax paperwork, and set goals. Why not add “increase productivity” to that list? Not only can your goals be reached faster, but your profitability can also increase.

Taking steps to improve energy efficiency with your business can positively impact your company’s bottom line, can increase staff morale, demonstrate an environmentally responsible attitude to the public and of course, benefit the environment. Learn how by reading the article.

Part of owning or managing a business involves deciding whether to lease or own your space. The answer may not always be clear. Read the article to learn the right questions to ask yourself when making this decision.

What comes to mind when you think of your business's year-end? Gathering receipts for tax purposes? Business planning? Whatever your mindset, this article has some helpful tips on how to prepare your business for its year-end, so you can transition into the new year with ease.

Here at CUA, we know that there's nothing small about the impact you’re making in our community. In this article you will find some helpful tips and resources to help you make the most of your ideas, planning and reach.

If you have a business, you’re probably aware that there are several types of financing available to help meet your needs. What you may not be aware of is that each type of financing has a best practice that goes along with it. Read the article to learn more.

Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth.  Much like a garden, your business can benefit from a little bit of extra care this time of year. Read the article for a few things to keep in mind while tending to your business.

Read the article to learn why term deposits can be a helpful tool to manage cash flow.

Starting a business is exhilarating. Running a business is as tough as it is rewarding. Read the article to find out how to get that spark back.

As defined above by the Canada Revenue Agency, NPOs work to support others, not to earn a profit. This fact sets Non-Profits apart from other businesses and it is why CUA has expert resources available to specifically support their needs.

When looking for ways to save for your child’s education, the method our team suggests is the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Read the article for some common questions asked around RESPs.