How to Avoid Holiday Scams

When shopping online this holiday season, and every other time of the year, be on the lookout for scams.

Fraudsters are using more sophisticated tricks to scam you such as sending requests from fake charities, various online shopping scams and fraudulent communications about shipping problems on your purchase orders.

Protect your money and your personal information all year round with these tips to stay scam-free.

Practice good cybersecurity hygiene

• Don’t click any suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or on social media
• Don’t disclose personal information like your name, password, and bank account number

Know who you’re buying from

• Check each website’s URL to make sure it’s legitimate and secure. The site you’re buying from should have -https -in the web address - if it doesn’t, don’t enter your information on that site
• If you’re purchasing from a company for the first time, do your research and check the reviews
• If you’re using an online marketplace or auction website, verify the legitimacy of the seller and check their feedback rating

Be careful how you pay

• Use a credit card when shopping online and check your statement regularly. If you see a suspicious transaction contact your credit card company to dispute the charge 

Monitor the shipping process

• Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online, so you can make sure they have been shipped and can follow the delivery process

Tips for Managing your Holiday Spending

The holiday season is in high gear with eagerly anticipated family celebrations just around the corner. Christmas gift buying, entertainment expenses and the cost of travel can add up and holiday spending can easily get out of control.

Before you begin your Christmas shopping consider these tips to manage your holiday spending.

Create a realistic budget

The simplest and most efficient way to keep your holiday spending under control is to create a budget. Start by determining the total amount you can afford to spend - then set a hard spending limit to ensure you stay on track. There are many tools available to help you generate a budget. You can use a spreadsheet, or go high-tech and use one of the many budgeting apps available on your phone.

Look at all your holiday expenses

Gift buying is a major expense during the Christmas season but it is not the only expense you need to keep track of. Take into account all of your holiday spending needs when creating your budget - such as the cost of decorations, food and even travel expenses. Having an overview of your total expenditure will help you stay on track and keep your spending within your budget.

Set a per-person spending limit

To keep your spending under control set a per-person spending limit for everyone on your list. If your budget is tight consider talking to your family members to set spending limits for each person. Also, pooling your money with others to buy a larger group gift may be an alternative cost-effective option this holiday season.

Shop with a list

To keep impulse buying at bay make a separate list for each holiday spending category and carry each list with you when you shop. Take the time to research gift prices and shop at stores with the lowest prices. A detailed shopping list will keep your shopping organized and on budget.

Buy with a UCU Collabria Rewards Credit Card

Shopping with a credit card gives you more security from potential fraud than using a debit card or paying with cash. And if you have a UCU Collabria Rewards Credit Card you can earn reward points on everyday purchases – turning each dollar spent into a reward point. UCU Collabria Centra Gold Mastercard is a great credit card option offering both a low rate and reward points. You can learn more about UCU Collabria credit cards here.

Track your holiday spending

When you start your holiday shopping don’t forget to keep track of all your expenses. Tracking your spending is the best way to ensure you stick to your budget. Each time you make a purchase, subtract the amount from your holiday budget total. This running calculation will let you know if your spending is within your budget – making it easier to make adjustments between your budget categories if needed.

Plan for next year’s holiday spending

Set a plan for next year’s holiday spending to ensure you stay on track and not become overwhelmed by the high cost of the holidays. Build better year-round spending habits by setting aside monthly savings earmarked specifically for holiday spending. Consider opening a ucublu higher interest savings account where you can earn more interest while saving for next year’s holidays.

More information about ucublu can be found on our website.

  

Ask UCU

 We’ve launched Ask UCU, a new feature that will make banking with us even easier.

Ask UCU is our new digital banking assistant that answers a range of day-to-day banking questions and is available 24/7 on our UCU website and UCU Online banking.

If you have a question about any of our products and services, online and mobile banking, credit cards, loans, investing and business banking, our new Ask UCU Chabot will sift through our website to locate the answer quickly and efficiently.  

Your question will be answered in seconds, saving you valuable time and you won’t have to call your local branch or our Contact Centre for help.

Look for the Start Chat icon on the bottom right-hand corner of our website and online banking platform.  Click the icon and ask us about our products and services. You can also choose from a menu of topics that will direct you to the specific webpage for the information you need.

Visit our website or online banking platform and give Ask UCU a try. It’s easy to navigate and you will quickly get the information you’ll need to manage your finances.

UCU Debit Card is Going Mobile

Your UCU Debit Card can now be added to the mobile wallet feature on Apple, Google and Samsung smartphones.

If you carry a smartphone with you then you are also carrying a mobile wallet.  A mobile wallet is a fast, convenient and more secure way to pay with your debit or credit card using your smartphone.

What is a Mobile Wallet?

A mobile wallet is a digital version of a traditional physical wallet. It is an app on your smartphone, tablet and smartwatch that digitally stores your debit or credit card information.

Once the payment card information is added to your mobile wallet - you can use your smartphone, tablet or smartwatch to pay for purchases made in-store, through mobile apps, or on e-commerce websites.

How to add a card to your Mobile Wallet?

You can easily add your debit card to a smartphone’s mobile wallet. Each large smartphone brand has its own mobile wallet which comes as a built-in feature. Apple phones have Apple Pay, Samsung phones have Samsung Pay and Google phones have Google Pay.

Open the mobile wallet app on your phone and add your debit card information. It’s that easy.  

Add your UCU Debit Card to Apple Pay

Add your UCU Debit Card to Google Pay

Add your UCU Debit Card to Samsung Pay

How does a Mobile Wallet work?

Mobile wallets use tokenization – a technology that assigns a different virtual account number, or token, to your card with each transaction. Your actual debit card number and sensitive information are not shared with a merchant or sent over the internet.

Mobile wallets use NFC – Near Field Communication – to transmit data. The merchant’s credit card reader must be equipped with NFC technology to use your mobile wallet.

Is a Mobile Wallet safe to use?

Payments made using a mobile wallet have enhanced security features.

Tokens -Your debit card information is not stored on your smartphone or smartwatch. Instead, each card is assigned a virtual card number that’s only associated with the digital wallet on your device. This means your actual debit card information is never given to merchants or websites where you shop—adding another layer of security to the transaction.

Authentication – Depending on your phone type and setup – you can unlock your phone and authorize payments using your fingerprint, passcode, face ID or even your iris scan. This higher security threshold is not available on a physical debit card. Enhanced authentication makes it more difficult for thieves to steal your personal information.

Connection – NFC connection is safer than a Wi-Fi connection. NFC has a range of a few centimetres while Wi-Fi has a range of more than 45 metres. NFC makes it more difficult for a thief to eavesdrop and intercept transaction data.

What are the Benefits of Using a Mobile Wallet?

Convenience - No need to fumble for your debit card, just pull out your phone and open the mobile wallet app to pay for your purchase.

Contactless Payment – Just hover your phone over the payment terminal to complete your transaction. No-touch transaction means you avoid contact with money and the payment terminal keypad which will keep your hands cleaner.

Safer Shopping – Make simple and safe payments – more secure than your physical debit card.

 

 

How to Protect Your UCU Accounts from Online Scams

 

More and more of our Members are using UCU Online banking and the UCU app to conduct their everyday banking transactions.  

Having access to your accounts 24/7 gives you the freedom to move money or pay bills with just a few taps on your computer keyboard or phone. But this ease of digital access also allows fraudsters to target your money or steal your personal information.

Here is what you need to know to outsmart online scammers.

UCU Digital Banking is Safe and Secure

Our digital Online and Mobile banking platforms are safe and secure.

We take account security very seriously and use the most up-to-date security measures such as encryption, firewalls and two-step authentication to protect our Members’ financial information.

Be an Alert Consumer

You can improve your online banking security and protect your accounts by being an alert consumer.

While UCU secures your financial information on the back end of our online banking system, you can take steps to safeguard your accounts on the front end.

By working in partnership with UCU and following a few simple steps, you can help protect your accounts from fraud.

Beware of Online Scams

Online scammers are everywhere and their tactics are becoming more sophisticated. According to the Better Business Bureau, online scams have risen over 87% since 2015.

Follow These Steps to Protect Your Financial Information Online

You can protect your personal and financial information by taking these simple steps to safeguard your accounts.

Protect Your Devices, Systems and Data

• Protect your computer – Keep up-to-date with the latest updates on your operating system and web browser and install the updates when they become available.
• Create unique passwords - The best way to protect your account information is by choosing strong passwords that are difficult to guess. The strongest passwords include a combination of numbers, upper/lower case letters and symbols, and are at least 12 characters long.
• Keep antivirus software current – Install and update antivirus software that will safeguard your computer and mobile devices such as Sophos, Bitdefender or Avast. The antivirus software will detect and remove malicious malware. 

Protect Your Connections

• Avoid public Wi-Fi when banking – Public Wi-Fi networks are not generally encrypted and are not considered secure. Instead, use only secure Wi-Fi networks for your banking transactions, such as the password-protected Wi-Fi network in your home.
• Don’t use public computers for banking – Computers at libraries, airports and hotels are not considered safe devices for online banking – they are likely infected with malicious malware. Never store your passwords in the web browser of a public computer.
• Log out when done: Make sure to log out of your account when you are done, and close the tab or browser window on your computer.  On your phone, log out of the app, and close the app.

Protect Your Money and Personal Information

• Enable UCU Alerts – To help stay on top of your account activity, enable UCU Alerts. UCU will send you email or text message notifications only on the security alerts you select.  Learn more about UCU Alerts here.
• Protect your personal information from phishing scams – Fraudsters send fake emails or texts – known as phishing scams – claiming to be from legitimate organizations such as UCU. They will ask for your personal information to steal your identity and enter your bank account. Don’t click on the link of a suspicious email or text and never respond to unsolicited requests for your confidential information.
• Remember - UCU, other financial institutions and government agencies will never ask for your social insurance number, PIN or other banking information. Never give out that information if solicited.

Report Suspicious Account Activity Immediately

If you notice suspicious activity on your accounts, contact the UCU Call Centre at 1.800.461.0777 or email ucucentre@ukrainiancu.com.

UCU Credit Cards – Helping Students Build Good Credit

 

You turned 18 and you are about to start a new journey as a university or college student. Your area of study will set the stage for your career and the financial choices you make as a student you will lay the foundation for your financial future. Make the right choices early on and enjoy the many benefits for years to come.

Building a good credit history is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your financial future. A good credit score can help you get approved for a mortgage, car loan and credit cards – it will also help you when applying for certain jobs, a new apartment, car insurance, utilities and even mobile phone plans.

The sooner you start building your credit, the more time you have to build a great credit score.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Learn How Credit Scores are Calculated

Your credit history can reveal a lot about you to a potential financial lender, landlord or employer. A good credit score will help you get a loan with better interest rates and a bad credit score can hinder your chances of being approved for a loan.

Here is how your credit score is calculated

Payment History - 35%. Your payment history is just like it sounds – it’s your history of repaying your debts. This includes the number of times you made on-time monthly payments - and it also lists your late or missed payments.

Takeaway – Strive to make your payments in full each month or at least make the minimum payment and avoid late or missed payments.

Used Credit vs. Available Credit - 30%. This is the amount you owe compared to the credit you have available. Also known as the credit utilization ratio – it is the amount you are currently borrowing divided by your credit limit. As your credit utilization increases, your credit score can go down. Lenders view high credit utilization as a risk for defaulting on a loan because a significant portion of your monthly income is going towards paying your debts.

Takeaway – Keep your credit utilization below 30% to prevent your credit score from going down. For example – if your credit limit is $1000 then your monthly purchases should be typically below $300.

Credit History - 15%. This is how long you have credit – including how long your oldest and most recent accounts have been open.

Takeaway – A long credit history signals to creditors that you can responsibly handle your credit accounts over time.

Public Records - 10%. This is a list of bankruptcies or collection issues related to you not paying your monthly balances.

Takeaway – Strive to have this section empty as any recorded issue may have a significant negative impact on your credit score.

Inquiries - 10%. Anytime your credit file is accessed for any reason, the request for information is logged on your file as an inquiry. Too many inquiries for your credit information can lower your overall credit score. 

Takeaway – Limit the number of times you apply for a credit card or other credit.

Get a Credit Card

If you are enrolled in a post-secondary institution and have a source of income then getting a credit card is a great place to start if you want to build good credit.

UCU offers students a Mastercard with a relatively low credit limit - making it easier for you not to overspend. A lower credit limit will also make your monthly payments manageable.

The UCU Collabria Cash Back Mastercard® offers cash back for certain purchases making it an attractive first credit card for students.

More information about UCU Credit Cards can be found on our website.

Use Your Credit Card Responsibly

The key to building good credit with a credit card is to use your card wisely. Avoid spending near the upper credit limit on your card to keep your credit utilization ratio low. And try to use your card for purchases you can pay for right away – this will reduce the chance of you getting into debt.

Pay off Your Balance Every Month

If you can, pay off the entire balance of your monthly statement – this will help you maintain a solid payment history. Pay at least the minimum amount each month on time to avoid late or missed payments that will negatively impact your credit rating.

Make Regular Payments on Your Other Loans

Make regular payments on a student line of credit or student loan. The repayments of these loans show up on your credit report history and contribute to your overall credit rating. A late or missed payment can result in a lower credit rating,

Don’t Apply for Too Many Credit Cards at Once

Applying for several credit cards at once can lower your credit score since new credit inquiries make up 10% of your score.  

Check Your Credit Score

Monitor your credit score to check for any errors that could damage your credit rating. There are two main credit bureaus in Canada: Equifax and Transunion. Contact one to request your credit report.

For more information visit your local UCU Branch and speak with one of our loan experts.

 

 

UCU Student Line of Credit

 

University is expensive and the cost of post-secondary education is expected to rise year after year, outpacing inflation. As a student, you have to budget for tuition, textbooks, transportation, and in many cases, housing and food, all in pursuit of a degree. And the cost is even higher for students working towards their graduate or professional degrees.

What is a UCU Student Line of Credit?  

A UCU Student Line of Credit is a flexible, low-cost option to help you pay for expenses related to post-secondary education. You can borrow just the amount you need, when you need it, making interest-only monthly payments up to one year after leaving school.

How does a Student Line of Credit Work?

Qualifying UCU Student Members will be given access to a preset amount of money – with the option to borrow as little as needed, or up to the full amount of the Line of Credit.  While enrolled in school, the student will make interest-only monthly payments. Repayment of the principal borrowed will start one year after leaving school.

For Example:

If your Student Line of Credit is $10,000 and you only borrow $4000 to pay for expenses - you will be left with $6000 in remaining credit to use if needed.

While enrolled in school, you will make interest-only monthly payments calculated on the $4000 borrowed – not on the total $10,000 Student Line of Credit.

One year after you leave school your total monthly payments will be calculated on the $4000 borrowed plus interest. 

How Much Can You Borrow?

Once you are approved for a Student Line of Credit your limit is determined by your program of study. Undergraduate students can borrow as much as $40,000 while students enrolled in medical or dental school can borrow upwards of $275,000.

The maximum credit limit will be made available in equal installments for each year of study. For example, a $40,000 credit line for an undergraduate degree will be made available in $10,000 increments in each of the 4 years of study.

A full list of UCU Student Credit Line limits can be found here.

Competitive Interest Rates Based on your Program

The interest rate for medical and dental school students - UCU Prime Rate  

The interest rate for all other professional and graduate programs - UCU Prime Rate + 1%

The interest rate for undergraduate programs – UCU Prime Rate + 2%

Line of Credit Repayment Grace Period

UCU offers a 12-month grace period on the repayment of the amount borrowed – the grace period is 6 months if the student withdrawals from a program of study early. While you are enrolled in school, you will make interest-only monthly payments.

Manageable Repayment Schedule

After the 12-month grace period, you will start making monthly payments on the principal money borrowed plus interest. UCU offers the option of keeping the original Line of Credit agreement or converting the amount owed into a blended payment personal loan. A UCU loan expert will help you determine which repayment option is best for you.

How to apply for a Student Line of Credit?

If you are a UCU Member and enrolled in a post-secondary institution, you can apply for a UCU Student Line of Credit. You will need to provide proof of enrollment and a statement of tuition and residence fees. In some cases, you might need someone to co-sign your agreement – this person consents to make your monthly payments in case you are unable. The co-signer – who is usually a parent – must provide proof of employment.

Talk to a UCU Loan Expert

Book an appointment at your local UCU Branch to talk with one of our loan experts. Come in with your co-signer and bring all necessary documents with you to your meeting. Our loan experts will work with you to come up with a Line of Credit agreement that will help you pay for your post-secondary education expenses.

More information about UCU Student Lines of Credit can be found on our website.

            

UCU Youth Unlimited Account – Much More Than a Savings Account

The UCU Youth Unlimited Account provides your child with more than just a bank account – it will help your child learn about the importance of saving, the benefits of earning compound interest and the many lessons of financial literacy.

Available for Canadian citizens or permanent residents up to the age of 24 who attend school full time, this account will provide all the banking services your child will need to develop lifelong healthy financial habits.

UCU Youth Unlimited Account Benefits

As your child grows and matures, UCU automatically adds new benefits to the youth account at three distinct age points.

Basic Common Account Benefits:

• Free deposits and withdrawals
• No monthly maintenance fees
• No minimum balance required
• Preferred interest on the first $1,000 

Age 11 - Benefits Added:

• Free UCU Youth Unlimited Debit Card
• Free deposits and withdrawals at UCU & The EXCHANGE Network ATMs
• 3 Free ATM withdrawals at any bank 

Age 16 - Benefits Added:

• Free personalized cheques
• Free unlimited chequing
• Free bill payments

Age 18 - Benefits Added:

• Student Line of Credit (upon approval)
• UCU Collabria Cash Back Mastercard®
• Opportunities to apply for various UCU scholarships

A full list of UCU Youth Unlimited Account services and benefits can be found here.

Convenience

Visit a local branch, use the nearest UCU/ Exchange Network ATM or conduct banking online – it’s your child’s choice. For even more convenience, your child could download the UCU app and use a phone or tablet to conduct banking transactions.

There is also the option to enroll in ucublu, the Ukrainian Credit Union’s Virtual Account.

Financial Literacy

The Youth Unlimited Account will give children a head start on effective money management.

Your child will:

• watch their account earn money with the benefits of compound interest
• learn to use a debit card responsibly
• build a good credit rating with their first credit card

Develop a Relationship with Your Credit Union

In addition to the many banking features, the Youth Unlimited Account will provide a springboard for your child to develop a personal relationship with UCU Branch staff.  

This will demystify the banking experience and give your child access to products and services targeted at students, such as UCU Student Lines of Credit which is available to eligible post-secondary students to help cover the cost of education and living expenses with attractive payback options.

Eligible for UCU Scholarships                                               

Opening a UCU Youth Unlimited Account for your child will put them in a position to earn valuable scholarship money in the future. Every year, UCU offers a range of scholarships to post-secondary students. To be eligible, a student must be a Member of UCU for at least two years. Read more about the UCU Scholarships program and how it could help your child.

To open a Youth Unlimited Account please visit your nearest UCU Branch or call 1.800.461.0777 for more information.

Supporting Ukrainians arriving in Canada from war-torn Ukraine

We are offering no-fee bank accounts, debit cards and credit cards to Ukrainians arriving in Canada under the Authorization for Emergency Travel to help them establish a financial base in Canada.

UCU Welcome Ukraine Package

To help the newly arriving Ukrainians resettle in Canada we put together a Welcome Ukraine Package and waived the fees for key financial products and services. Our trained Ukrainian speaking staff will be on hand – in our branches and on the phone from our Contact Centre - to help with the set-up process.

The new Welcome Ukraine Package is for adults, 18+, and includes:

Bank Account  

• No-fee Chequing Account – including free cheques *
• No-fee Savings Account – earn interest on your savings *  
• $150 deposited on your behalf to the UCU Shares account **         

Debit Card

• No-fee Debit Card - for ATM cash withdrawals and in-store purchases *
• $500 daily ATM debit card withdrawal limit
• $750 daily in-store debit card withdrawal limit

Credit card

• Credit Card – up to $1,500 credit limit and no annual fee **

International Wire and Money Transfers

• Fees waived when sending money to family or friends in Ukraine and neighbouring countries

How to Open an Account with UCU

If you are in Canada

           Option 1

If you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a permanent address in Canada you may open your account online here

Option 2

If you are waiting for your SIN or prefer to open an account in person, please call your nearest UCU branch to make an appointment to speak with a Ukrainian–speaking member services representative.

We have 13 Branches throughout Ontario. To find the nearest branch use our branch/ATM locator: Find a UCU Branch

To open an account, you will need two pieces of government-issued identification (one of which must include your photo) such as a Passport, Canadian Visa or Work Permit.

 

If you are outside of Canada

To open an account from outside of Canada, fill out the 

Membership Application Form

If you have any questions and want to speak to one of our representatives please call our Contact Centre:

From Ukraine:  +380 89 324 0486

From Poland: +48 22 397 16 11 

 

UCU – A Canadian Financial Institution

UCU is a Canadian financial institution established in 1944. UCU conducts all business and holds all its assets in Canada and has connections to the international banking network. Deposits in all savings and chequing accounts are protected and insured up to $250,000 by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).

About UCU

For over 75 years, UCU has served its broader community both in Canada and Ukraine. We support the maintenance and growth of Ukrainian cultural, educational, religious and community life in Canada as well as provide support to the organizations and people who fight to preserve the freedom and sovereignty of Ukraine. If you share these values you are welcome to join our community.

* No charge for all basic everyday personal banking for 3 years from opening the account. For all other applicable fees, please see our Fee Schedule for more information

**When you close the account within 3 years of opening, a closing fee will be charged. Please, see our Fee Schedule for more information

***Conditions apply and are subject to change

 

 

 

Inflation Proof Your Child’s Education with an RESP

A Registered Education Savings Plan is a smart way to save for your child’s education. With the cost of post-secondary education rising year after year – opening an RESP is an efficient way to plan for your child’s future. 

Pre-fund your child’s education and take advantage of compound interest earnings. As a bonus you will also receive a grant from the Canadian Government – that’s free money to help cover the cost of your child’s education.

What is an RESP?

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is an investment account designed to save for a child’s education. An RESP allows investments inside the account to grown tax-free – that means you do not pay tax on the capital gains, interest and dividend payments while the money is in the account.

Who Can Open an RESP?

Anyone who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can open an RESP for a child. Typically, an RESP is opened by the child’s parents - but a grandparent, other family members, or even a family friend can do so as well. The person that opens the account is the subscriber of the plan and the child is the beneficiary of the RESP.

How RESPs Work?

The subscriber of the RESP makes contributions into the account up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 per child. The federal government then adds a grant- known as the Canadian Education Savings Grant (CESG) – of up to $500 per year for a lifetime total of $7,200 per beneficiary.

Think of the funds in an RESP in terms of two buckets: bucket one holds the contributions made by the subscriber and bucket two holds the Education Assistance Payments (EAP) which consists of the government grant (CESG) plus all the investment income generated in the account.

Are RESPs taxed?

The tax implications for the two buckets are different.

Since contributions to an RESP are made with after-tax dollars – those funds will not be taxed when withdrawn from the account.

The remaining funds in the RESP – paid out as an Education Assistance Payment (EAP) - are taxed in the hands of the student (beneficiary). Since many students have little to no income while attending a post-secondary institution – they typically pay little to no tax when they file their yearly income tax returns.

RESP Benefits

There are many benefits to opening an RESP for your child – and the earlier you set up an RESP the faster the investment income will grow inside the account. The benefits include:

• Investments Grow Tax-Free: No tax is paid on the investment income while the funds remain in the account
• Government Grant Money: Take advantage of federal grant money to help pay for your child’s education
• Investment Options: Chose from a variety of investment options including GICs, mutual funds and stocks
• Student Pays the Tax: Your child will be in a lower tax bracket and will likely pay little to no tax on investment income 

More information about RESPs can be found on the UCU website. You can also visit your local UCU Branch or call our Contact Centre at 1.800.461.0777 to learn more.

How to Protect Your Finances from Inflation

As inflation rates rise to levels not experienced in over 30 years, you are seeing a spike in the cost of everyday essentials such as food, gas and housing. Maximizing your savings rate is becoming more important as your purchasing power declines. You may want to review the way you handle your finances to help protect the value of your money.

What is inflation?

Inflation is the general increase of prices for goods and services over time. It is also described as a loss of purchasing power or a decline in the value of money. That means your dollar will not go as far today as it did in the past.

Invest some of your savings

If you have savings in excess of your emergency fund, you may want to consider investing some portion of your money, which may offer the potential for higher returns.

UCU GICs provide a ladder of increasing interest rates based on the length of investment terms. You earn a higher interest rate the longer you invest your money. The latest UCU GIC rates can be found here.

UCU Wealth Strategies can provide expert advice on investing in mutual funds or the stock market.

Put your money in a high-yield savings account

Most savings accounts in Canada pay very little interest but UCU offers our Members a higher interest rate virtual account.

To boost your savings – consider opening a high-interest savings account like ucublu or an investment account like a TFSA. Set up automatic contributions directing part of your income to your savings or investment account and watch your savings grow.

Take a look at your household budget           

Review your monthly budget – income, expenses and savings – and see if you can trim some expenses to create more savings. If you don’t have a budget, now would be a good time to create one – it will help you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Consolidate your debt

If you have personal debt from many sources such as multiple credit cards, and student or car loans then consolidating your debts into one lower interest loan could save you money. A UCU Consolidation Loan may help simplify your debt repayment process by consolidating your bills into one monthly payment.

Visit your local Branch or contact UCU Wealth Strategies for more information.

Join Our Team

 

UCU is seeking a self-motivated and creative Marketing Assistant to support the Head of Marketing in the execution and monitoring of marketing plans and projects. The successful candidate will be dedicated, reliable, highly organized, outgoing and have excellent communication skills. We are looking for a ‘go-getter’ who is ambitious and eager to learn. There is potential for growth and gaining experience in all areas of marketing.

 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support as necessary, including scheduling group meetings, maintaining calendars, doing research, tracking marketing spend and creating reports

·         Maintain publication schedules of advertisements in all media channels: newspapers, TV, magazines, radio, etc.

·         Work with designer and writer to develop ads and various communication materials

·         Assist in event planning, execution, and on-site presence when necessary

·         Track and distribute donations

·         Develop and maintain relationships with branches, vendors, and community organizations

·         Organize and manage marketing collateral and promotional products inventory

·         Assist with other marketing projects such as maintaining social media and website content

·         Collaborate with branches and other departments

·         Participate in ideation of ways to grow and strengthen membership through online advertising, contests, promotions, etc.

·         This position is not constricted to 9-5 hours - Evenings and weekends will be required

·         Local travel is necessary – valid drivers license is preferred

  

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Post Secondary Education in Marketing, Communications, PR or equivalent is preferred
• 1-2 years previous experience in a related job preferred but not necessary
• English and Ukrainian fluency - written and oral
• Proficient in MS Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams

 

Skills Requirements

·         Must be a team player, flexible and possess a lot of initiative and creativity

·         Excellent attention to detail and time management skills with the ability to prioritize

·         Maturity and confidence to take ownership of one's work

·         Ability to work on multiple projects and adhere to strict deadlines

·         Strong administration and organizational skills with the ability to work with minimum supervision 

·         Effective project management skills

·         Ability to work outside regular business hours as required

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a customer-centric mindset

·         Interacts effectively with all levels of management, employees, and external partners

·         Active participation in community groups or other similar extra-curricular activity is an asset

For consideration, please submit your resume by email to Orysia Boytchuk, Head of Marketing, careers@ukrainiancu.com no later than June 3, 2022.

 

UCU is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. To request accommodation, please let us know.

Vaccination Condition

COVID-19 vaccinations are the most effective way to safeguard the health of our employees and our overall workplace. As such, offer of employment is also conditional upon UCU receiving written confirmation of your receipt of a full series of a COVID-19 vaccination approved by Health Canada. UCU’s requirement that you be vaccinated is subject to any accommodation obligations it may have under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

 

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.