Alberta credit unions
350N, 8500 Macleod Trail SE T2H 2N1 Calgary, AB, Canada

First Calgary Financial, a division of Connect First Credit Union, has been helping Calgarians make their financial dreams come true for years. Always committed to providing sound financial services to its members and making a difference in its community, First Calgary always puts Calgary first. Whether through helping one of the city's most beloved farmer's markets make it through the pandemic or helping members achieve their goals of becoming homeowners, First Calgary is dedicated to showing up for its community and its members through the good and the bad. Find a First Calgary Financial near you: https://albertacreditunions.com/find-a-credit-union/

We're getting to the end of February, making it the perfect time to check in on those goals you made for the new year. Constantly reviewing your financial goals and checking your progress is a key step in achieving them. Take a look at your goals and compare them to your current financial situation. Perhaps you may find that you are able to contribute more towards your savings than you previously thought possible, or you learn that you are spending more in a certain area than you budgeted for. Reviewing your financial situation will provide you with the knowledge you need to either adjust your goals or adjust your plan to achieve them. Need advice on setting attainable financial goals? Call or visit a credit union near you to get advice on how to make your financial dreams come true.

As Alberta's largest credit union, Servus Credit Union is driven by its purpose to shape member financial fitness. With roots dating back to 1938, Servus has become a leading institution in our province by continuously striving to provide Albertans with the tools and knowledge to achieve their financial goals. By supporting its members and giving back to its communities, Servus is helping to create a lively and vibrant Alberta for generations to come. Find a Servus Credit Union near you: https://bit.ly/35scsOY

A leader in its community for over 75 years, Mountain View Financial strives to help connect the dots between your dreams, your goals, your community, and your financial wellness. Mountain View Financial, a division of Connect First Credit Union, believes that banking is the cornerstone of any vibrant community, and strives to uphold credit union values by providing its member-owners with financial services of the highest quality. Whether it be through its website or its work within the community, Mountain View is, and always will be, committed to being there for its community. Find a Mountain View Financial near you: https://albertacreditunions.com/find-a-credit-union/

Winners Announced // Congratulations to the winners of the first-ever Big Future Innovation Grant - Curiocity and Clinical Trial Hero! Each small business will receive $20,000 to help propel innovation and power growth. Find out more about the winners here: https://albertacentral.com/bigfuture

What is Inflation? Inflation is an increase in the price of goods and services over time, and an inflation rate is a measurement of how much prices have changed. Since February, the pandemic has dramatically affected the way in which we spend. For example, we’re buying more essentials, like groceries, causing their prices to rise, and not shopping for frivolous items like designer clothing, meaning those prices have dropped. And, until recently, there were some items, like f...itness passes, that we weren’t buying at all. In Alberta, inflation increased to 1.5% in September from 0.6% in August, primarily due to shelter and transportation costs. Shelter costs remain one of the biggest contributors to inflation, owing to increased home insurance costs, property taxes and higher utility prices, especially natural gas. Transportation costs because of higher insurance premiums, as mentioned in our previous posts. A decline in clothing and footwear costs compared to last year was the main factor on these rates. What's next? Our Chief Economist, Charles St. Arnaud, believes that weak economic activity and high unemployment will keep inflation low for some time.

So, how many times have you used trigonometry since you left school? Wondering if a lesson on RSPs & TFSAs might have been a bit more applicable? First Calgary Financial is Making Money Make a Difference through a number of financial literacy programs: 1. YMCA Achievement Program - Empowers 400 newcomer youth to learn about money skills and career opportunities, and build a sense of belonging, identity, confidence and leadership skills that will ensure their success beyond hi...gh school. 2. Each One, Teach One - This innovative financial literacy program trains credit union employees to deliver basic financial skills workshops in community settings. 3. Learn & Earn is a matched savings scholarship program designed for youth entering their last year of high school. The 10-month matched savings program helps youth learn how to save, plan for their future, and pay for their post-secondary education or trades programs. For more information on First Calgary Financial's programs, visit their website (we put the link in our bio for you!).

DYK? Between the beginning of 2019 and the middle of this year, the average monthly price for auto insurance increased by 24 per cent overall? In late 2019, the Government of Alberta lifted the annual five per cent cap on auto insurance rates, and while early reports this year showed that several providers were set to increase prices anywhere from one to almost 30 per cent for basic coverage, some believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has kept these rates low as Canadians strugg...le with job losses. How can you offset a rate hike if you are subject to one? Alberta has a competitive marketplace and consumers are encouraged to shop the market as insurance premiums vary from insurer to insurer. You can also ask your insurer about any discounts you might be eligible for and what you can do to reduce your premium, including making changes to your policy to help reduce your rate.

Alberta Central is sharing the credit union difference by giving two Alberta small businesses $20,000 each! When you bank with credit unions, you are banking with real people in real communities to achieve your real-life goals. And we want to help you reach those goals with the Big Future Innovation Grant. Apply online now: https://albertacentral.com/bigfutureapplication

Alberta’s credit unions know that personal finance can be a difficult subject to navigate for many people, but it’s important to gain a deeper understanding of our personal finances to protect our livelihoods and maintain financial security - perhaps more now than ever before. Share our blog "4 Easy Personal Finance Lessons" with anyone you know that can benefit from the basics! https://albertacreditunions.com//4-easy-personal-finance-/