Meridian Credit Union

Do you know where your money is going each month? Or, how much money you actually have? Let’s break it down - here’s how to create a budget in 7 simple steps http://ow.ly/kKbB50D3A1x

Is saving money one of your 2021 goals? Take the 52-week challenge! This challenge will help you get into the habit of saving and show you that every dollar counts #SavingMoney #SaveMore #52WeekChallenge

Happy New Year! 2020 has proven to be a very eventful year. As we look forward to 2021, we wish you a year full of happiness and new memories. A friendly reminder of our holiday hours:... December 31: Branches and BBCs are open until 2:00 PM. Contact Centre is available from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Our Brampton - Bramalea City Centre branch will be open 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. January 1: Branches, BBCs and Contact Centre are closed. As usual, online banking and ABMs will be available.

Many people think that saving is related to retirement, or budgeting, or being able to buy a home. The truth is that saving isn’t one goal, or a finish line - it’s a set of habits that are key to your financial and mental well-being. To better explain this, let’s take a look at key saving strategies for different stages of life. Learn more: http://ow.ly/HkG450CWeeB

Member Money Matters - where we talk money with our community, our Members, and advisors. In this installment, we talk saving for retirement and trips to Italy with a 55-year-old TTC driver. Learn more: http://ow.ly/9Xla50CVt4F

Should you make changes to your portfolio because of events related to COVID-19? In a volatile market, it can be stressful to see your savings go down, which is why a financial plan is so important - it can help you stay calm and focused. Learn more about how financial planning and diversification can help you weather stressful times.... #FPW2020 #FLM2020 http://ow.ly/Twwt50Cn64s

What better way to spend the weekend than sipping wine from today’s SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: @goodearthfoodandwine in Beamsville, Ontario Like many craft wineries across the country, the pandemic has affected business. The dwindling hospitality industry has negatively impacted wholesale revenue, while on-site cooking classes have been cancelled and the remote location of the winery has made curbside pickup difficult. If you’ve ever visited @goodearthfoodandwine you would k...now that their gardens, orchards and vineyards provide a spectacular backdrop for the wine and culinary experiences they offer. The name Good Earth was chosen to celebrate the notion that everything good comes from the earth. This year we encourage you to support local businesses like @goodearthfoodandwine. Whether it’s ordering their wine for dinner at home, or buying a bottle to gift, your choice to support local can make a big difference. #SupportLocal #MeridianSMB https://goodearthfoodandwine.com/

It’s Financial Planning Week! This week, we’re reminding Canadians about the importance and benefits of professional financial planning, and encouraging people to take control of their finances and make strides towards their financial goals. To celebrate #FPW2020, watch Dilys D'Cruz, VP of Wealth at Meridian, explain the importance of creating a financial roadmap and how it will help you plan for major life events.

I remember one day during lockdown, I’d run out of toilet paper at my house, so I went to the salon to get some, Rhianne recalls. Driving away after, seeing the salon all closed up and empty I started crying. It was emotional, especially the not knowing. Our #MeridianSMB Member Bark Of The Town is today’s SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Rhianne Chalmers, owner of Bark of the Town in Komoka, found herself dealing with a very unexpected two-month shutdown in her first year of... business. During the shut-down she used social media to stay connected with customers and guide them as they did at-home grooming. Once restrictions were lifted, a lot of people were looking for a groomer who could fit them in. Rhianne found herself working seven days a week to make up for her two-month losses, and it ultimately paid off she’s hired her first employee, paid off her business loan, and is bringing in new clients and more income. According to Rhianne, the key is to stay positive and re-adjust your goals. Business owners across the province have been hit hard by the pandemic, but together we can #SupportLocal Follow Bark Of The Town and tag a dog owner who lives in the Kilworth-Komoka region. http://barkofthetown.ca/

I think if we all work together and just feed off each other we’re all going to make it. Today’s SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT is our #SmallBiz Member Johnny K Sports - For the Love of the Game in Hanover! Johnny K Sports has been supporting sports players since 1996. When COVID-19 forced this shop to find new ways to connect with customers, owner John was quick to adapt. Not only has the company started leveraging social media to demo new sports equipment and show the cleanl...iness of the store, they now offer deliveries as far as Owen Sound and St. Mary’s! Shopping local, especially during the pandemic, can make a BIG difference to the small businesses in your community. Join us in supporting local by following Johnny K Sports - For the Love of the Game on social media, or tagging a friend who you know can benefit from their services! https://www.johnnyksports.com/ #MeridianSMB #ShopLocal

Introducing Member Money Matters - where we talk with our community, our Members, and advisors. This series includes conversations that are essential to learning about your financial wellness, prioritizing your goals, and planning for the future. First up, Meridian Member, 21, from Ancaster, Ontario has ambitious goals for the future. At 21, she has over $16,000 saved towards a house, car, and travel plans. In this Q&A, learn about her money strategy and the expert advice offered by Meridian Financial Services Advisor, Derick Symonds. Read more: http://ow.ly/fCAp50C2Q5a

Do you want to feel good about your money? Learn why a simple conversation with an advisor is the best first step Learn more: http://ow.ly/8Cby50Cj3PT

Want to save more with Price Drop? Submit receipts when you shop at Lowe's Canada, Best Buy, The Home Depot, and Canadian Tire - this is where Members have been getting the most money back. And remember, we don’t price match receipts for groceries, gas, and entertainment. Check out all retailers. http://ow.ly/heJS50C1ivW

Happy Thanksgiving! Just a friendly reminder that branches and the Contact Centre will be closed today for #Thanksgiving, but as always you can access ABMs and online banking. Enjoy!

We're very happy to announce our October Small Business Month contest winner - Maryam, from Brantford, Ontario! We hope you enjoy your two-night stay at Explorer House in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Thanks to everyone who entered our contest and don't forget to support local small businesses!

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." #LestWeForget Our branches will be closed today in recognition of Remembrance Day, with one exception - Bramalea City Centre branch will be open from 11am - 7pm. The Contact Centre is open from 8am - 8pm, and as usual, online banking and ABMs will be available.

Watch our webinar recording on Breaking Money Silence. In this exclusive webinar, Dilys D'Cruz, VP of Wealth Management at Meridian partners with Wealth psychology expert Kathleen Burns Kingsbury to discuss great tips and tools to help you start difficult money conversations and show you how you can take control of your financial life! Learn more: https://youtu.be/iYyLGIro8sQ #FLM2020

COVID impacted my business and the entire wedding and event industry pretty drastically. At first it felt devastating, but it's been a blessing and a curse. The change in pace, when I'm used to a busy wedding season and a full calendar of events to plan, has been nice. I've been able to focus more on the business side of things and get processes in order. Our Small Business Member KJ and Co. is today’s SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT. This boutique event planning & design company... helps couples plan and enjoy the wedding day they’ve always envisions. Since 2012, KJ & Co. has planned over 50 events, and been featured on Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, Today’s Bride, Elle Magazine, and more. Like thousands of businesses across the province, KJ & Co. was impacted by the pandemic. To survive the dormant wedding industry KJ & Co.’s founder, Krista, has shifted gears, with her main focus being coaching and consulting for wedding professionals. Help us support small business by sharing this post with a friend who could benefit from KJ & Co.’s services #SupportLocal #SmallBusinessMonth #MeridianSMB Images by Jenn Kavanagh Photography.

Feeling good about your mortgage starts with a conversation! If you’re looking to purchase a home, or looking to renew, a Meridian Mortgage Advisor can help you find the mortgage product that works for you. Get in touch with us today!... Learn More: http://ow.ly/5qtI50BOK4r

Today's the day! Join us today for our Virtual Seminar at 6:30 p.m. with Wealth Psychology Expert, Kathleen Burns Kingsbury to learn about how talking money can change your financial life. Sign up at the link below. http://ow.ly/vPfe50BG663

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Nuts For Cheese is a Canadian, female-owned company that uses high quality ingredients to make gourmet, 100% dairy-free, plant-based cheese. What started in the back of a kitchen has grown into a nation-wide company that is sold in major grocery stores, health food stores and independent health retailers across the country. Fun flavours like Black Garlic, Red Rind and Smokey Artichoke Herb bring a savoury twist to the everyday kitchen, while flavour...s like Un-brie-lievable make the perfect dairy-free swap. We're proud to support our Small Business Members. This London-based company is just one example of the amazing businesses and entrepreneurs located in Ontario, Canada. Keep a look out for Nuts For Cheese in your local grocery store and join us as we #SupportLocal #MeridianSMB

This Thanksgiving week, our Board of Directors and employees are sending a big THANK-YOU for supporting the Meridian Donation Match Program. So far, the program has raised $71k against our goal of $250k. Your donations will provide healthy meals for underprivileged children and emergency relief, such as food and medicine, to vulnerable seniors across Ontario. We appreciate every donation we receive, especially this Thanksgiving weekend as we reflect on everything we’re thankful for. If you’d like to contribute, please follow the link to donate. Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving. #thankful #thanksgiving Food4Kids Hamilton, Ontario HelpAge Canada http://ow.ly/fXDV50BNrdI

In this week’s Q&A video, Sarah Taylor, Mobile Mortgage Specialist, gives THREE very important steps to getting a mortgage. Sarah discusses contacting a professional, getting pre-approved, and completing a budget. Over to you Sarah! #mortgage #advice

We’re spicing things up with today’s SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT, Troyer's Spices Despite their best efforts, the business was not immune to the effects of COVID-19. As owner Dan recalls, overnight, tourism sales disappeared and orders from restaurants stopped. Online sales were pretty much nonexistent prior to the pandemic anyway. We were only averaging about one online sale per month. The forced closure due to the pandemic made Dan and his co-owner Amie realize they neede...d to make some changes to their business. Right away they established a new online sales platform and implemented curb-side pickup and porch deliveries. They leveraged Canada Post for long distance orders and skillfully used their social media channels as an effective communication tool to engage, inform and show appreciation for their customers. If the pandemic has brought out your inner chef, check out Troyer's Spices online and join us in supporting #SmallBusiness by following them on social media #SupportSmallBiz #MeridianSMB

GIVEAWAY Enter to WIN a two-night stay at Explorer House in Niagara-on-the-Lake To celebrate #SmallBusinessMonth, we're showing support for one of our small business Members and giving away a two-night stay at their beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake! Tell us who you would take for a weekend away and list one activity you would do during your stay! To enter:... 1 LIKE this post 2 In the comments section, TAG who you would take for a weekend away and list one activity you would do during your stay (To tag please use the @ symbol then type who you would bring with you) 3 LIKE our page Meridian Credit Union and the Explorer House page 4 LIKE Explorer House most recent Facebook post Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. on October 30, 2020. One random winner will be selected and contacted via Facebook DM. This is not sponsored or associated with Facebook. Open to Ontario, Canada residents 18+. By entering you release Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Facebook’s terms of use. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Link to full rules: http://ow.ly/QiYV50BJUnz

TODAY ONLY: We’re tripling donations! To celebrate International Credit Union Day, we’re honouring all of our Members and employees who contribute to the credit union spirit every day. Today, when you give money to one of two great organizations helping people in need during COVID-19 - HelpAge Canada and Food4Kids Hamilton, Ontario, we’ll triple your donation! That’s a lot of money going to good causes. It’s all a part of our Donation Match Program - a perfect example of t...he community spirit embodied by credit unions like Meridian. To learn more and donate today, visit this link: http://ow.ly/uKhv50BSJSS

In honour of #NationalDessertDay, today’s SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT is dedicated to our small business Member Beechwood Doughnuts Beechwood Doughnuts is Niagara's first and only 100% vegan doughnut shop. On a regular fall day, you would find customers dining in or stopping by for a walk-in order. But the pandemic has forced this business to adopt a digital-only ordering system. To adhere to physical distancing rules, Beechwood Doughnuts created a pre-order system with specif...ic pickup time slots. Orders open on the website at 9am, the day before the desired pickup or delivery date and only a certain number of pre-orders are taken for each time slot to ensure physical distance. The company is also offering St. Catharines and Thorold delivery for $5. Though the pandemic has changed this company’s ordering process, their product remains the same delectable! Delicious seasonal flavours like Pumpkin and Salted Caramel Mocha continue to sweeten homes in Niagara. Join us in supporting Beechwood Doughnuts by following them on social media or pre-ordering their doughnuts #SupportSmallBiz #MeridianSMB

Buy a home WITHOUT a 20% down payment - get a Meridian High Ratio Mortgage! Does coming up with a 20% down payment seem like a distant dream? With a Meridian High Ratio mortgage and our great rates, home ownership is within reach. With a high ratio mortgage you can buy your dream home with a down payment as low as 5% - and with interest rates at historic lows, it’s a perfect option for first-time home buyers. Learn more: http://ow.ly/FExP50BSynS