BOO$T Book and Youth Account arrives November 7th!

NEW – Watch one of the talented authors, Kristine Lidstone on Global Morning News!

Improving Financial Ability and overall literacy is a core value of VantageOne Credit Union and at the centre of everything we do for our members, staff and communities on a daily basis. Our BOO$T Financial Ability program in the community focuses on increasing the financial knowledge base of all ages from Kindergarten through to seniors.

Starting with a focus on families and our youngest members, VantageOne is excited to announce the creation of a brand new book by two of our outstanding employees Kristine Lidstone, Financial Ability Liaison and Kirsten Regel, Vice President of Marketing.

About the Book
Loonie and Toonie each want a new bike, but they don’t have enough money. Good thing Cashman and Supersaver are here! Supersaver likes to save her money up, while Cashman chooses to spend his. Can Loonie and Toonie earn enough for new bikes with the help of the superheroes? Using familiar scenarios and timeless characters, The Adventures of Cashman and Supersaver introduces children to the basic financial concepts of earning, spending and saving. Kids can practice what they have learned with interactive fun learning worksheets! Read a recent news article featuring the book here.

Portions of the sale of these books will go towards our Financial Ability BOO$T Program so we can help improve Financial Literacy in our communities. The book is also available for purchase online on Friesen Press, Chapters/Indigo, and Amazon.

About the BOO$t Kids Club & Account
Starting on November 7, 2023 – Kids can open a bank account and once they reach their first savings goal of $50, they will receive The Adventures of Cashman and Supersaver book, a piggy bank and a welcome package. Using the lessons from the book, the more kids save, the more unique prizes they can earn along the way! Visit us in branch to open up a BOO$T account for your child. Note: if you are a current member, this program includes you too, so stop in and see us to find out how!

About the Authors
Kristine and Kirsten are local Moms with a combined 50+ years of experience in the financial industry.
“We are so excited to share our book with you and your family. We came up with this idea a few years ago. We wanted to do something that would have a big impact on children and their knowledge of Financial Literacy. We decided to write a children’s book using characters that were timeless, that’s where the superheroes came into play! I told the story in my elementary school presentations and received feedback from the kids and the teachers saying that these were relatable characters and had brought up more conversations about money. “I am like Supersaver ”or “I love Toonie and Loonie” were just a couple of the comments I was hearing,” said Kristine Lidstone.

“We included our children and Kristine’s grandchildren along the way who had great suggestions and input into the book and the fun worksheets in the back. So you can truly say this book is ”Kid-Approved”! said Kirsten Regel.”
We want kids to love the characters, understand the messages, and for the adults in their lives to feel comfortable and supported in having these important conversations about money early on.”

Learn more about our authors here:

Kristine Lidstone, Financial Ability Liaison and Kirsten Regel, Vice President of Marketing

Thank You

We were fortunate to have the support of our employer, VantageOne Credit Union, the Board of Directors, CEO, Management and staff. Everyone has been supportive from day one and we appreciate their input and guidance along the way that helped us create and launch this book. Stay tuned for future books in our series, coming soon!

– Kristine & Kirsten

 

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Member Survey 2023

We appreciate your continued support and want to make sure we meet your expectations. As our members, you are our owners. Your feedback is essential to us and will be reviewed by our CEO, managers, and teams across our organization.

Is there a prize draw?
By taking our survey, you will also be entered into our draw for 5 prizes of $50 each in gift cards to support local businesses.

Will I be contacted after I fill this out?
Only those who wish to be contacted or are winners of a prize will be contacted by VantageOne. If you would like to leave anonymous feedback, you can answer N/A in the contact information fields to skip.

Length of the survey
The survey has 17 questions and may take approx. 10 minutes.

This survey closes on November 30.

Take Survey
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IMPORTANT: November 23rd – Adjusted Hours

All VantageOne locations & Solutions Centre will close early for a Staff Meeting and Learning Event on Thursday, November 23rd.

  • Vernon Main (downtown) – Closed at 12:00 noon
  • Commercial Centre & VantageOne Financial – Closed at 12:00 noon
  • Armstrong – Closed at 12:00 noon
  • Peachland – Closed for the day
  • Solutions Centre – Closed at 11:30 am

VantageOne is committed to developing well-trained and knowledgeable staff to serve our members.

Thank you for your understanding!

 

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Tax-Free First-Time Home Savings Accounts (FHSA) Now Offered By VOF

VantageOne Financial (VOF) is excited to share an excellent opportunity that can help our clients, members and their families achieve the dream of owning a home – with the Tax-Free First-Time Home Savings Account (FHSA).

In 2023, the Canadian Government introduced a program to assist buyers who have not owned a home in the preceding 4 years. Key advantages of this program include:

1. Contributions: Contributions are tax free. There is an annual contribution limit of $8,000 in any year, including 2023, and a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000. This means that tax paid dollars deposited into the program get you a tax-refund just like an RSP deposit.

2. Savings Incentives: The income earned within the account remains tax-free provided it is withdrawn for the purpose of purchasing a qualifying home including the down payment, closing costs, or any other related expenses involved in the purchase of your first home.

3. Joint Account Option: If you are purchasing a home with your spouse or common-law partner, both of you can open separate FHSA’s and combine the funds for a maximum total of $80,000. Pooled resources, give you a greater advantage in achieving your goals.

4. Repayment and Withdrawal: If the funds are used to purchase a home or related costs and proper documentation completed, there are no repayment requirements.

It is important to note that the FHSA is available to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria set by the CRA, which primarily involves being a first-time homebuyer and a resident of Canada. Visit CRA for detailed information and specific guidelines related to the FHSA.

VantageOne Financial is here to guide members and clients through the process of opening and managing their FHSA. As well as assist in evaluating their financial situation, exploring suitable savings strategies, and ensuring compliance with the program’s requirements. Several different types of investments qualify under this program.

Connect with Our VOF Team
Meet Our Advisors
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Two Factor Authentication for Online Banking & Mobile App: LIVE

Two Factor Authentication for Online Banking & Mobile App: LIVE!
At VantageOne Credit Union, we’re constantly strengthening the tools we use to protect you, your account information, and your digital transactions. We are pleased to announce that Two Factor Authentication (2FA) for online banking is coming soon!

What is 2FA?
2FA is a more secure way to login to Online Banking and the mobile app, protecting your account from unauthorized access. Rather than answering security questions, you’ll be sent a single-use code by SMS text or email. There will be no need to remember any answers to security questions when logging in online!

What are the benefits of 2FA?

  • Two-Factor Authentication is an industry-wide standard that ensures safe and secure logins to Online Banking.
  • It is an extra layer of protection to ensure you’re the only person who can access your online banking or mobile app.
  • In addition, it prevents fraudsters from being able to access your account in the event of your login credentials being compromised (lost or stolen).

Is enrolment for 2FA mandatory for all members?
Yes. Everyone must enroll for 2FA to continue to use online banking, this includes the mobile app.

How long is the grace period during which customers can defer enrolment in 2FA?
You will have 30 days to decline set up of 2FA, once 30 days have passed, you must sign up for 2FA to continue to use online banking.

What is a Personal Access code (PAC)?
Your Personal Access code, or PAC for short, is your password to access online banking!

 

 

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Interac Flash Limit Changes

With contactless payment options more important and convenient than ever, VantageOne Credit Union members now have access to higher Interac Flash transaction limits. With a quick and easy ‘set-up’ on your existing debit card, you can now tap and pay for purchases up to $250, with a cumulative total of $400.

*Some merchants may have set different contactless limits than up to $250 (per flash transaction)

 

How do I activate the new transaction limits on my current VantageOne debit card?

  • You must complete three consecutive contact point of sale (POS) transactions with your chip and PIN. They can be at the same merchant terminal or at different merchant terminals. (Important to note that ATM transactions do not count!). After those three transactions, your Interac Flash limits will be automatically increased.

What happens when I reach the cumulative total of $400?

  • After your cumulative (tap) limit of $400 is reached, you will be asked to insert your debit card and enter your PIN during your next transaction. By entering your PIN, your cumulative Interac Flash limit will be reset back to $0, and you can continue using tap for payments.

What if I don’t want to increase my Flash transaction limit more than my current limit of $100?

  • Unfortunately, we cannot adjust flash limits. However, we can reduce your daily point-of-sale and ATM limits. Please call our Solutions Centre team Toll Free at 1.888.339.8328 to request this change.

Is Interac Flash secure?

  • Technology – It leverages the secure chip technology and unique Interac Flash functionality to keep their data, and finances safe.
  • Limits – Interac Flash purchases are limited to $250 per time. Plus, users must enter the card’s PIN after $400 in Interac Flash purchases. This verifies the correct person has the card.
  • Zero liability – Members will not be liable for losses resulting from circumstances beyond their reasonable control when using Interac Debit, Interac Flash, cross-border debit and Interac Online service. This includes the losses resulting from technical errors, system problems or fraud.
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Special Announcement: PAYBACK Patronage Rebates!

The payment of Patronage Rebates and Dividends is a form of profit-sharing unique to co-operatives like credit unions. The more business you do with our credit union, the more you see returned!

It’s a great time to be a member of a VantageOne Credit Union! We are pleased to announce the payment of PAYBACK Patronage Rebates to our members for the 2022 fiscal year. PAYBACK Patronage Rebates were calculated as follows:

1. Rebate on Deposit Interest of 10%
Example: If a member earned a total of $100 in interest on all their deposits with the Credit Union in 2022 they would receive a $10 patronage rebate.

2. Rebate on Service Charges of 30%
Example: If a member has a $20 per month package account and incurred a total of $240 in month-end service charges in 2022 they would receive a $72 patronage rebate.

3. Member Dividend of 7%
Paid to members in March 2023.

We are pleased to announce the payment of PAYBACK Patronage Rebates and dividends to our members for the 2022 fiscal year that total $423,720.00!

Let’s Celebrate!

Next week starting on July 10th, our branches are hosting a celebration in honour of this historic pay-out and our 79th anniversary! Drop by to visit our staff as we celebrate one of the exceptional benefits of membership in our credit union…profit-sharing!

It’s never been a better time to be a member of a VantageOne Credit Union. CONGRATULATIONS!

 

We keep your money safe. Deposits are 100% insured by the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (CUDIC). Learn more

 

Questions about your PAYBACK Patronage Rebates or Dividends? Contact us

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Commercial Member Survey

NOW CLOSED – Thank you for your feedback!

We appreciate your business and want to make sure we meet your expectations. As our members, you are our owners and this makes your feedback essential to us!

In our survey, we will be asking questions about your overall experience with our Commercial Services team and your business outlook and priorities. You will also have the opportunity to leave your own comments and feedback in multiple areas throughout the survey.

Is there a prize draw?
By taking our survey, you will also be entered into our draw for 3 prizes of $125 each in gift cards to support local businesses.

Will I be contacted after I fill this out?
Only those who wish to be contacted or are winners of a prize will be contacted by VantageOne. 

The survey has 15 questions and may take approx 10 minutes to complete. This survey closes on May 28, 2023.

(survey is now closed, thank you!)

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Board of Directors Election Results 2023

Thank you to those members who voted in our 2023 Board of Directors election!

The election closed on April 28, 2023, and the results are below:

  • Juliette Cunningham (incumbent)    125 votes
  • Rodney Goodchild    107 votes
  • Judy Hughes    96 votes

Welcome to the board, Juliette Cunningham and Rodney Goodchild!

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Annual General Meeting, May 10, 2023

All members are invited to attend!

Wednesday
May 10, 2023
7:00 pm
Registration begins at 6:30 pm
Prestige Hotel, 4411 32nd Street, Vernon

2022 Annual Report

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