News & Advice
Check out our News & Advice Blog for the latest tips, tricks, advice, and information from our team of trusted financial advisors. We cover saving and investing, budgeting, financial planning, borrowing, business ownership, and more.
How to Reset Your Finances After the Holidays
With the holiday season now in the rearview mirror and credit card statements starting to arrive, your finances may be feeling a little stretched. The good news? By adopting a few simple money habits, you can ease the post-holiday squeeze and reduce the chances of facing the same situation next year.
4 Ways to Protect Yourself From Tax Fraud
Tax season can create anxiety for many Canadians, especially when it comes to safeguarding against tax-related fraud. Scams during this time can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and even legal trouble. To help you stay secure, here are four key tips to prevent tax fraud.
The Money Questions Keeping us up at Night
We’re taking a closer look at four key financial questions keeping Canadians up at night — along with practical ways to help you feel more confident about your financial future.
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Responsible Investing for Values Driven Investors
Canadians are more committed than ever to building a more environmentally and socially equitable world. If you have money set aside for investing, but want your capital to support your personal values, responsible investments could be the perfect solution.
Guide to Buying Your First Ride
Purchasing a first car marks an exciting step toward independence and freedom for many Canadians. But while it’s a big milestone, it can also be an expensive and intimidating process.
How to Pay off Student Loans While Saving for a Down Payment
For many young Canadians, one of the biggest milestones after graduating from post-secondary school is purchasing a home. Yet, with rising housing costs, inflation, and the weight of student loans, the path to homeownership can feel overwhelming—almost like the finish line keeps getting pushed further away.
Alberta Finance Minister, Nate Horner, Approves ABCU Credit Union (ABCU) to Continue as a Federal Credit Union
Alberta’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Nate Horner, officially approved ABCU’s application to seek federal continuance. This decision solidifies ABCU’s move to become federally regulated, followed by an immediate amalgamation with Innovation Federal Credit Union (Innovation).
5 Ways to Bring Homeownership Within Reach
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone for many Canadians—one that marks the end of renting and the beginning of owning a space to truly call your own. But in today’s climate of rising housing prices and economic uncertainty, many young people are finding it harder to see that dream as realistic.
ABCU Credit Union Ltd. Members Approve Historic Merger with Innovation Federal Credit Union
ABCU Credit Union Ltd. (ABCU) members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of becoming a federally regulated credit union and merging with Innovation Federal Credit Union (Innovation).
How New Grads Can Enter the Workforce With Confidence
With summer in full swing, many recent post-secondary graduates across Canada are ready to transition from the classroom to the workplace. Entering the job market can feel overwhelming, especially in today’s competitive environment.
Should I Buy Or Rent a Home?
The answer depends on a number of personal factors — like your lifestyle, financial situation, and long-term goals. Everyone needs a place to call home, but what that looks like might be different for you than it is for your neighbour.
AB Government Approves Amendment to Credit Union Act
The Alberta Government announced on April 29, 2025, the approval of amendments to the Credit Union (Principal) Regulation, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the regulatory framework governing credit unions in the province.
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Save Green While Going Green: a Practical Shopping Guide
More Canadians are embracing conscious consumerism, looking for ways to make choices that support both their communities and the planet. As you reflect on your own shopping habits, there are countless simple, eco-friendly shifts you can make that not only benefit the environment—but can also save you money.
How to Stomp Out Student Debt
The average Canadian graduate carries nearly $15,000 in student loans. Whether you’re a recent graduate or well into your career, the financial burden from those years of study can linger long after graduation.
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ABCU Credit Union and Innovation Federal Credit Union Merger Update
ABCU Credit Union (ABCU) and Innovation Federal Credit Union (Innovation) are diligently progressing towards the first inter-provincial credit union merger in Canada. Check out the press release for further details.
A Guide to Preventing Identity Theft
You may not think you're at risk, but identity thieves are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal financial and personal data. While identity theft may not be entirely preventable, staying alert and taking proactive measures can help reduce its impact on your financial and personal security.
5 Tips For 20Something Investors
Embarking on your investment journey before turning 30 can significantly enhance your financial future. Here are five essential tips to guide you.
Mastering Personal Finance as a New Canadian
Relocating to a new country is both exciting and overwhelming. From navigating a new culture to securing a job and finding housing, every aspect of settling in comes with its own challenges. One of the most important things newcomers need to get a handle on is their finances.
Saving For Your Child's Future With RESPs
As your child grows, so does the cost of higher education. To ensure they have the financial resources to pursue their academic dreams, a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a powerful tool.
Canada Post Service Disruption Notice
You may have heard that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has initiated a service disruption, which may impact mail delivery. Not to worry—there are plenty of secure ways to stay on top of your day-to-day banking while we wait for things to return to normal.
Buy Now, Pay Later: A Closer Look
As the cost of living continues to rise, many consumers are turning to Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) programs as a way to manage their expenses. These programs allow you to purchase items immediately and pay for them in installments, often interest-free.
Mastering Money: 7 Budgeting Habits of the Financially Savvy
Navigating today's economy can be challenging, but with a solid financial foundation, you can achieve your goals. One crucial habit is budgeting. By understanding your income and expenses, you can make informed decisions and save for the future.
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MoneyWise
The Fall 2024 edition of our MoneyWise newsletter is here! Check it out for updates on merger discussions, mortgage rate news, info on protecting against indentity theft and cyber attacks, and a few cute puppy photos.
Investing Strategies: The Importance of Diversification
Investing can be a powerful tool for Canadians looking to grow their wealth over time. One effective way to mitigate the inherent risk of investing is through diversification. By spreading your investments across various asset classes, you can reduce the impact of any single investment's poor performance.
Gen Z Money Woes: Breaking Bad Habits
Gen Z is diving headfirst into adulthood, and it’s a splash of cold water. Fresh out of school and into the real world, they're juggling everything from grocery bills to rent, while also dreaming of vacations and big purchases.
Business Case Approved to Pursue Approval of a Merger!
ABCU Credit Union (ABCU) and Innovation Federal Credit Union (Innovation) are pleased to announce that their respective Boards of Directors have approved the business case to apply for regulatory approval of a merger.
Tips for Getting a Small Business Loan
Small businesses make up 98% of all enterprises in Canada, yet only about half of them survive beyond five years. Starting your own business involves many steps, and applying for a loan is a critical one. The additional funds can offer the boost your business needs to thrive well beyond the initial years.
How to Protect Your Information
In our increasingly digital world, safeguarding personal information has become a critical necessity. Cyber threats, data breaches, and privacy invasions are ever-present dangers. Here’s how you can take proactive steps to protect your information, your privacy, and your funds.
Registered Accounts at a Glance
Which registered account should you invest in first? Or should you invest in registered accounts at all?
There’s no universal answer, as it depends on your debt levels, your savings purpose and timeline, your tax situation, and more. To get you started choosing a registered account, we’ve summarized and compared the RRSP, TFSA, RESP, RDSP, RRIF, and FHSA below.
SPRING 2024 EDITION
MoneyWise
The Spring 2024 edition of our MoneyWise newsletter has arrived! Check it out for updates on our AGM, digital banking, our charitable initiatives, and more.
Exploring First-Ever Interprovincial Merger
The Board of Directors of Innovation Federal Credit Union (Innovation) and ABCU Credit Union (ABCU) are excited to announce their intention to explore a merger. The proposed partnership would bring ground-breaking changes to the credit union landscape, being the first-ever interprovincial merger.
Introducing Self-Serve Password Reset
Self-Serve PAC Reset is a digital banking feature that allows members to reset their Personal Access Codes (PAC) whenever they need to, at the time they need to. Without Self-Serve PAC Reset, members must contact ABCU Credit Union to request a password reset during the business hours. Self-Serve PAC Reset functionality relies on 2-Step Verification to authenticate members before they can reset a PAC.
Introducing 2-Step Verification
ABCU will be implementing 2-Step Verification (2SV) to login to online and mobile banking in early 2024. With cyber-threats such as “malware” and “phishing” attacks becoming more and more sophisticated, 2SV strengthens online and mobile banking security. This article provides an in-depth explanation of what 2SV is and how it works.
First Home Savings Account offers new way for members to save for their first home
It’s no secret that home ownership has become increasingly unattainable for many Canadians over the last decade, with many would-be homeowners feeling deeply discouraged. There may be a glimmer of hope in the form of the new First Home Savings Account that aims to bring home ownership within reach of more Canadians.
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Fall 2023 Edition
Money Wise
Check out the latest edition of our Money Wise newsletter for Simply Better Advice!
New Website FAQs
Members will notice a brand new look and feel and improved user experience. This includes more intuitive navigation that makes it easier to find the information you're looking for quickly and seamlessly.
How to Protect Yourself Against Inflation
Inflation is when prices go up, and as a result, the value of money goes down. It’s a term we’ve become all too familiar with as inflation in Canada hit a 40-year high of 8.13% in 2022. Learn what you can do to protect your assets from inflation.
5 Credit Mistakes You Should Never Make
Your credit score is a number typically between 300-900. Credit scores from 660 to 900 are generally considered good, very good, or excellent. If you plan on borrowing money, you’ll want to avoid these 5 things to ensure your credit stays in tip top shape.
4 Financial Hacks for New Entrepreneurs
If you’re like most new entrepreneurs, you’ll rank “managing finances” firmly near the bottom of your “enjoyable tasks” list. It’s a daunting task, but it’s crucial for the success of your business. Check out our four top tips to help new business owners better manage their finances.
5 Financial Products Every New Business Needs
There is a lot to organize when you’re starting a business. Between getting a license, registering your business, and securing the right equipment, it’s easy for some tasks to fall through the cracks. To help you out on your new business journey, we’ve compiled a list of five financial products every new business needs.
How to Plan For Retirement as a Single Person
Many brochures for retirement planning feature a smiling silver haired couple taking sunset walks into their sunset years. However, if you’re sailing solo into your golden oldies, you may be alone in your house, but you’re not alone in your demographic.
Getting The Most Out of a Charitable Donation
As a value conscious consumer, you’re strategic about how you spend your hard earned dollars. So shouldn't you apply the same philosophy to your charitable giving? Of course you should! When you're strategic about donating, your dollar works harder for causes that are important to you.
