We're committed to making great things happen in 2012... move forward into the new year with the confidence in your ability to make your financial goals a reality. We'll help you take charge and commit to a realistic savings plan to pay yourself first... set up an automatic transfer to build your 'rainy day' fund... increase your RRSP contribution by 10% to save more towards retirement... pay off credit cards--- free yourself from the worry that this type of debt creates.

Simple changes to your routine will not only benefit your everyday finances, but will also help to secure your family's future.

Rebecca Havill, CEO

When a credit union serves its members well, its reputation spreads, business increases and everyone succeeds. Our credit union is evolving into a progressive, financial 'hub' in tune with the increasing needs of our membership. Continuously striving for a high level of productivity has enabled us to help many members achieve their financial goals and dreams.

Over the past 60 years, we have come to realize that we must think 'outside the box' in order to move forward; innovation fuels our economy, dedication fuels our commitment to our members and our members fuel our credit union.

A growing community is a growing membership and a growing membership is a stronger credit union for everyone ... younger members borrowing for their first car, growing families paying down the mortgage on their first home while building equity to afford their dream home and
empty nesters' turning their RRSPs into RRIFs.
This year, just do it ...

Open a Christmas Club account ... save all year long to make spending less painful during the holiday season. Saving just $20 each week will give you $1,000 without putting a strain on your pocketbook;

Contribute to your RRSP regularly throughout the year ... weekly, biweekly or monthly deposits to your variable RRSP add up quickly and you can always top up with an RRSP loan at prime rate;

Invest in a TFSA ... save up to $5,000 annually tax free. Build your savings without any tax repercussions on the interest earned and have the money available when you need it most.

Grow with us ... build your nest egg, save for a rainy day or pay yourself first ... over the next 10, 20 or even 60 years, we can help you grow your future.

Rebecca Havill, CEO

We all know that money is tight. We read about how to save more of it in the newspaper - open a TAX Free Savings Account and save your money tax free! We hear about consolidating our debts on the television - finance a mortgage at a low rate and pay off those high rate credit cards!

But what we really need to do is - Get a Grip - on our everyday finances. Yes, it's a great idea to open a TFSA and save for a rainy day, but we need to be able to pay our bills today. Sure, it's a terrific plan to consolidate our debts, but we need to be more committed to spending our money more wisely.

Here are a few tips to help everyone get back on track, regardless of your financial situation.

1. Tracking your spending - keep track for 1 month and you'll be surprised how quickly those little purchases add up! Try to cut your expenses by 10% for your rainy day TFSA!

2. Check your credit score annually - your credit score affects the interest rate you will qualify for on credit cards and loans. Always pay your bills before they are due to keep your score healthy!

3. Leave your RRSPs alone - withdrawing from your RRSP to pay bills could compromise your future retirement plans. Try to refinance your existing mortgage even if you have to pay a penalty. Depending on your credit situation, you could be much further ahead!

We are all feeling the pinch in our pocketbooks these days. Here at the credit union, we have also had to 'watch our pennies', making doubly sure that our expenses are kept under control while we work harder and more efficiently to provide the same great banking services that we all enjoy. If you need some help, just ask. At Fort Erie Credit Union, we are very committed to these principles and we would be happy to help you - get back on track!

Rebecca Havill - CEO

Every day, news headlines broadcast the latest financial uproar.  While financial markets falter, Canada’s credit union system remains strong and stable; protected by well designed lending practices and sound regulatory structures. Although the Canadian economic outlook has dimmed over the past year, our commitment to you, our members, remains stable, strong and connected – rest assured that your money is safe and secure protected at Fort Erie Credit Union. 

But, don’t just take my word for it.  Each year, at our Annual General Meeting, we report our financial results for the previous year to our membership – the owners of our company.  This year, I am wholeheartedly encouraging everyone to attend our AGM on Tuesday, March 17th, 2009.  Come out and discover for yourself how our disciplined approach to fiscal management has enabled our Board of Directors and staff to produce a strong balance sheet with a solid deposit base grounded in our local economy.      

Ensuring the safety of our members’ deposits has always been our top priority!  

Rebecca Havill – General Manager

People Helping People  – that’s our motto.  We acknowledge our members’ financial improvements and we celebrate in their successes.  That includes the members who work for us as well.  Vice-President, Barry Golding, graduated from CUDA (Credit Union Directors Achievement) by completing all the required courses in director development.  Donna Brennan & Beth Fowler completed the first year of Credit Granting School & are now looking forward to the advanced course in 2008.  All of our board, audit committee and staff are motivated to achieve more so that we can all better serve you, our members.  All we ask in return is that you pass along your positive experiences to your colleagues, friends & family and encourage them to join our credit union, your credit union.  We put our members, our people – first!

Rebecca Havill – General Manager

As another busy and productive year comes to a close, I would like to take this time to reminisce a little about the past and reflect on the future.  When I first joined the credit union in 1984, Amy Lainson welcomed me into the fold; her help and guidance over the years has been invaluable to me and my career.  Last year we said goodbye to Pat Gabris and this year it will be Amy’s turn to move on and join the ranks of the retired.  As for me, I look forward to 2007 and beyond with a renewed sense of direction and a fresh outlook.  We’ve come a long way during our 56 years – our humble beginnings as a small railway workers credit union with 20 original members growing to 245 members with $11,229 in assets in 1951, to where we stand today – $45.4 million dollars in assets with 3340 memberships and growing!   

Rebecca Havill – General Manager