Investing in Student Success

I'll admit that I probably spend more time thinking about banking and financial planning than most people. It comes with the job. But over the years, I've learned that financial knowledge isn't just for investors, economists or banking professionals. It's valuable for everyone, and can help you make informed decisions, build confidence, and create opportunities for yourself and your family.

One of the things I've learned working in banking is that the more we understand about our finances, the better equipped we are to make choices to support our goals and priorities. Whether you're planning for a major life milestone, saving for the future or managing day-to-day expenses, having a better understanding of your finances allows you to make informed decisions with confidence.

To start you off, I want to share some of the resources available on our website, which include tools to help you set financial goals, create a budget or check your Financial Health score. We also offer a collection of articles covering a wide range of financial topics from budgeting and investments to buying a home and planning for retirement. Financial planning doesn’t require perfection; the most important step is to get started. And that’s true, whether you’re creating a budget, building an emergency fund or setting money aside for a long-term goal. 

Warren Buffett famously said, "The more you learn, the more you earn." While financial knowledge is valuable at every stage of life, some of the most important lessons begin during our student years. For many families, the start of a new school year represents an investment in the future and an opportunity to build strong financial habits. Whether you're learning how to build credit, use credit responsibly or develop a strategy for managing debt, our  CUAdvice articles offer practical information to help you navigate important financial decisions with confidence.

I’m pleased to share that our $10k in a Day Program is returning for 2026. It’s no surprise that this is one of our most popular programs throughout the year. In early September, our Better Way Street Team will be visiting campuses, handing out school supplies and giving away $500 tuition prizes at each stop. Plus, once the Campus Tour wraps up, CUA will be contributing $10,000 to ten lucky students’ futures. Since 2018, CUA has awarded more than $88,000 to students across the Province and we’re proud to continue supporting the next generation as they pursue their educational goals.

If you're heading back to school this fall, I encourage you to watch for our Better Way Street Team on your campus and enter to win $1,000 towards your tuition at cua.com/10k. The online ballot is now open. You can enter any time before September 10.

Whether you're beginning your first year or continuing your studies, we wish you a successful year ahead and look forward to being part of your journey.

As always, if you have any questions about $10k in a Day or your personal finances, please reach out to a member of our team at 902.492.6500, book an appointment online or email us at info@cua.com.

Your CEO,