Top 10 articles of 2022

As the year comes to a close, we’re looking back at the top articles on Asterisk in 2022 to set you up for financial success in the new year.

Whether you bought a house, started a new job, began investing for the future or started saving for a dream vacation, our team of ACU experts offered up helpful tips. We also shared heart-warming community stories that demonstrate how we can all work together for mutual benefit and the common good.

These were our top 10 articles of 2022.

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1. 17 tips to protect your account from online fraud

Online fraud can take many forms, and even the savviest of people can become victims of clever scammers — whether in an online form, an email or a money transfer. We offer 17 tips to help you understand potential risks and protect you from online fraud, from email safety to identity protection.

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2. How to use a mortgage calculator to budget better

Want to know how much mortgage you can afford and what budget to set aside before you start house hunting? This blog explains how to crunch the numbers with ACU’s Manitoba mortgage calculator to determine your monthly payments and shortest amortization period.

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3. 10 travel tips to make your vacation budget go far

Dreaming of a break from the daily hustle and bustle? Whether it’s a weekend getaway close to home or a trip to a far-flung exotic locale, these 10 travel tips can turn your dream vacation into reality — and it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. 

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4. Celebrating three decades of DASCH Foundation

Marking its 30-year milestone in 2022, DASCH (Direct Action in Support of Community Homes) Foundation has been a constant source of light for Manitobans with intellectual disabilities. Find out more about ACU’s relationship with DASCH Foundation and how we support the goal of inclusion for the community they serve.

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5. RRSP vs. TFSA: Which is best for you?

Should you invest in an RRSP or a TFSA? While both types of accounts allow your investments to grow tax-free, each has different rules. We take a closer look at how RRSP and TFSA accounts work — and the advantages of each — to help you decide which might be the best option for meeting your financial goals.

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6. Wise ways to invest your money at different life stages

Which investment goals should you focus on in each stage of your life? From getting a post-secondary education, starting a new job and buying a home, to getting married, growing your family and planning for retirement, not all life moments can be meticulously planned. An investment strategy helps ensure you’re prepared at any stage.

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7. The top five scams of 2021 cost Canadians millions

In 2021, fraudulent activity rose as the pandemic created a perfect storm for scammers to trick vulnerable individuals, and this trend is expected to continue into 2023. Our tips will protect you from the top 5 scams that cost Canadians more than $160 million in 2021 — from investment and service scams to spear-phishing.

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8. ACU employee spotlight: Getting to know Victor Lopes

Victor Lopes, Senior Investment Advisor with Aviso Wealth, is part of ACU’s Wealth team and gives expert advice to members on achieving life goals. Find out more about Victor’s path into his role and the steps that lead him to success.

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9. Manitoba mortgage FAQs answered

If you’re not yet familiar with the steps to getting a mortgage in Manitoba — or it’s been a while since you had to sign on the dotted line — this blog will break down the basics. Learn about Manitoba-specific homebuying strategies, the importance of pre-approvals and the deposit you’ll need to qualify for a mortgage at a credit union.

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10. Oshki-Giizhig provides FASD support rooted in Indigenous traditions

Oshki-Giizhig, a member organization supported by ACU’s Community Financial Centre, is an Indigenous-based non-profit in Winnipeg that provides community-based support for youth and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Find out how Oshki-Giizhig incorporates Indigenous teachings and cultural practices into creating a cycle of renewal and reconnection for more than 100 clients.

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While it’s impossible to predict what the year ahead will bring, we’ll continue to provide helpful tips and advice on Asterisk and continue to support ACU members in meeting their life goals. Thanks for reading in 2022, and warm wishes for the year ahead!

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Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth, a division of Aviso Financial Inc.

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The information contained in this article was obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, we cannot guarantee that it is accurate or complete. This material is for informational and educational purposes and it is not intended to provide specific advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, tax or similar matters.

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