Setting Systems for Success and an Exciting Update for the Community Investment Grant Program

As we begin 2026, I want to take a moment to wish our members a Happy New Year.  Many of us start the year setting new resolutions for better habits and as I’m sure many of you know, keeping resolutions can be difficult. As we are now almost halfway through January, I thought it may be a good time to ask if your resolutions are still intact? 

I want to encourage our members to consider some financial resolutions for the year. You may have heard or read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is a great resource that explains how small habitual changes can compound into bigger results. Our CUAdvice article this month, Set it and Forget it: The Benefits of Automated Fund Transfers outlines the idea of building a system for your financial goals that, as recommended in Atomic Habits, makes the habit easy and consistent. At CUA, to help you with setting up a consistent habit, we’ll give you $25 towards your financial goal if you set up a monthly AFT of at least $50.

On the topic of consistent habits, we know that small habitual changes can compound into bigger results. It’s a simple idea that may get forgotten in our busy schedules. With finances, it is especially true that small changes in your savings strategy can compound annually with interest. This is how your savings gain momentum. Having a savings account is a great foundation, and earning higher interest is how you ensure your money grows over time. It is never too early to start planning and setting aside funds for retirement, buying a new home or any other financial goal. If you are looking for options that will earn you higher interest, or have any questions related to savings accounts and how they can help, you can book an appointment with a Financial Advisor any time.

I am pleased to announce that our Community Investment Grant Program will be returning this year with an exciting update. We have added an additional $25,000 in funding, which means there is $125,000 in grant funds available for initiatives and projects across the Province that support strong communities and a strong economy. Since 2015, this Program has supported more than 130 projects in five grant categories: 1. small business; 2. community; 3. health, wellness and recreation; 4. sustainability; and, 5. arts and culture.

Our CUA Profile this month shares the impact of 2025 Grant Recipient Boularderie Press and their Our Rural Writes workshop. This initiative created a community for 17 seniors, who were given the opportunity to share their experiences and publish a book. It ignited a love for storytelling and writing that will last long after the workshop’s completion. The Our Rural Writes book launch was held in December last year and was celebrated by CBC Radio in a six-part series.

As we go forward in 2026, from everyone here at CUA, we wish you well on your personal and financial resolutions. As always, if you have any questions about one of CUA’s products or services, 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,