How much house can I afford in Canada? A realistic guide for working families

Have you ever wondered what impact your investment dollars can have beyond your own financial goals? Investing is about more than growing wealth. For some investors, it is also an opportunity to support companies and businesses that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in how they operate. Sustainable investing brings these considerations into the investment decision-making process. Depending on the investment, this can mean considering factors such as environmental impact, workplace practices, corporate governance, diversity, resource use and other sustainability-related characteristics alongside traditional financial considerations. Sustainable investing isn't simply about choosing investments that sound environmentally friendly. It requires understanding how an investment is structured, what criteria are used to select investments, the potential risks and returns, and whether the investment aligns with your financial goals and personal values. What is sustainable investing? Sustainable investing is an approach to investing that considers environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors alongside traditional financial information. ESG factors can include: Environmental: Climate-related risks, energy use, emissions, resource management, pollution and other environmental considerations. Social: Employee practices, human rights, community relationships, customer considerations and diversity. Governance: Corporate leadership, board composition, business ethics, transparency and shareholder rights. There are several approaches to sustainable investing. Some investments may focus on companies with stronger ESG characteristics, while others may specifically target environmental or social themes. It's important to remember that the term "sustainable investment" can mean different things depending on the investment product and the methodology used to select its underlying investments. Always review the product documentation to understand exactly what you are investing in. Why sustainable investing can be part of a diversified portfolio Sustainable investing does not have to mean choosing between your financial goals and your personal values. Depending on the investment product, incorporating ESG considerations can provide another way to diversify a portfolio across companies, industries, regions or investment themes. Diversification can help reduce the impact that the performance of any single investment has on your overall portfolio. However, diversification does not eliminate investment risk or guarantee a return. It's also important not to assume that an ESG-focused investment will automatically outperform a traditional investment. Investment performance depends on many factors, including market conditions, the investments selected, fees, the investment structure and the time period being considered. The goal should be to find investments that fit your risk tolerance, investment objectives, time horizon and overall financial plan. How to get started with sustainable investing If you're interested in sustainable investing, start by identifying what matters most to you and then learn how different investment products address those priorities. 1. Define what sustainability means to you Sustainable investing can mean different things to different people. You may be particularly interested in: Renewable energy Environmental sustainability Clean technology Water and resource management Diversity and inclusion Responsible corporate governance Social responsibility Companies addressing specific environmental or social challenges Identifying your priorities can help you determine what types of investments you want to research. 2. Understand the investment strategy Don't rely solely on a fund or investment's name or marketing materials. Review the investment's documentation to understand: What companies or securities are included How investments are selected Which ESG factors are considered Whether specific industries are excluded How the investment is diversified How returns are calculated What fees or costs apply What risks are involved This research can help you determine whether an investment's approach actually aligns with your expectations. 3. Consider risk and return Sustainable investing is still investing, which means risk is an important consideration. An investment's sustainability characteristics do not guarantee that it will increase in value or outperform other investments. Some sustainable investments may also be concentrated in particular industries, regions or investment themes, which can affect their risk and volatility. Before investing, consider whether the investment is appropriate for your financial situation and investment objectives. 4. Look beyond past performance Past performance can provide useful information, but it should not be treated as a guarantee of future results. When evaluating an investment, consider the complete picture: its strategy, underlying investments, risk level, fees, term, liquidity and potential returns. Sustainable investment options at YNCU YNCU offers investment solutions that may appeal to members who want to incorporate environmental or social considerations into their investment strategy. One option is the Green Neighbourhoods Market-Linked Guaranteed Investment, which provides exposure to a group of companies selected with environmental considerations in mind, including companies operating in areas such as renewable energy. YNCU's current information shows that this product is a market-linked GIC with terms and return characteristics that can vary over time. Market-linked guaranteed investments differ from conventional fixed-rate GICs. The return is linked to the performance of underlying securities rather than being determined entirely by a fixed interest rate. The original investment is protected at maturity according to the product's terms, but the variable return can be different from that of a conventional GIC and may be limited or nil depending on the product and market performance. YNCU also offers other investment solutions that can help members build a diversified portfolio. Investment options and product terms can change, so review the current product information before making an investment decision. Interested in learning more? Visit YNCU's current investment options or speak with a YNCU investment professional to determine which solutions may be appropriate for your goals. What is a market-linked GIC? A market-linked GIC, also called a market-linked guaranteed investment (MLGI), combines characteristics of a GIC with potential exposure to market performance. With this type of investment, your return is linked to the performance of specified underlying securities or a benchmark. Unlike a conventional fixed-rate GIC, the final return may not be known until maturity. Market-linked GICs can offer: Protection of the original investment at maturity, subject to the product's terms Potential for a return linked to market performance Exposure to a diversified group of companies or securities Different investment themes or strategies However, they also have important limitations. A market-linked GIC does not necessarily provide a higher return than a conventional GIC, and the return can be lower than expected or potentially nil depending on the product's structure and market performance. Always read the applicable investment agreement and product disclosure before investing. Sustainable investing and diversification One of the potential benefits of sustainable investment products is the opportunity to invest across multiple companies, sectors or regions rather than relying on a single company or investment. For example, a market-linked investment may provide exposure to a basket of companies operating across several economic sectors and countries. This can provide diversification within that particular investment. However, one sustainable investment should not automatically be considered a diversified portfolio. A well-rounded investment strategy should consider your complete financial picture, including your other investments, savings, retirement accounts, cash needs, risk tolerance and investment timeline. Questions to ask before choosing a sustainable investment Before investing, consider asking: What does "sustainable" mean for this investment? Which ESG criteria are used to select investments? Which companies or securities are included? How diversified is the investment? What are the potential risks and returns? Is my original investment protected, and when? How is the return calculated? Can I access my money before maturity? What fees or costs apply? Does this investment fit my financial goals and risk tolerance? These questions can help you move beyond a product's label and understand what you are actually purchasing. Sustainable investing is about more than doing good Sustainable investing can be a way to incorporate environmental, social and governance considerations into your financial plan while pursuing your long-term investment objectives. But sustainable investing isn't a guarantee of better performance, and no investment strategy is right for everyone. The best approach is to understand what you are investing in, evaluate the risks and potential returns, diversify appropriately, and make investment decisions based on your individual goals and financial circumstances. If you're considering sustainable investing, a YNCU advisor can help you explore your options and determine how they may fit into your broader investment strategy. The bottom line Sustainable investing gives investors another way to consider financial goals and ESG factors together. Whether your priority is environmental sustainability, social responsibility, corporate governance or simply building a more diversified investment portfolio, the key is to understand the investment before you commit your money. Research the investment strategy, review the product documentation, consider the risks, and make sure the investment aligns with your overall financial plan. For more financial literacy information, continue to visit our magazine as a financial resource. If you're ready to discuss your investment goals, reach out to a YNCU advisor. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more honest money talk tips.

Scott Stelmaschuk | September 17, 2026

That extra shift, weekend callout or a few hours at time-and-a-half can add hundreds of extra dollars to your paycheque. Or so you might think. Your actual paycheque can look very different to what you might have expected, thanks to higher deductions. It may even make you rethink whether or not working those extra hours is worth it.

Scott Stelmaschuk | October 16, 2026

If your credit score isn't where you'd like it to be, don't panic. While t here is no quick fix for a credit score, you can b uild or rebuild credit over time, and consistent habits can make a meaningful difference. The good news is that you can take practical steps today to understand your credit, manage debt and build a stronger credit history over time.

Krystel Edwards | September 21, 2026

Back-to-school season can be an exciting time for families, but the costs can add up quickly. School supplies, clothing, shoes, technology, extracurricular activities and other school-related expenses can put pressure on a household budget. The good news is that you don't have to buy everything at once—or buy everything new.

Scott Stelmaschuk | September 2, 2026

Online banking makes it easier to manage your money, pay bills, transfer funds and monitor your accounts from almost anywhere. With a few simple security habits, you can help protect your banking information and reduce the risk of fraud. Online banking is generally safe, but scams such as phishing, malware and stolen login credentials can put accounts at risk. T he Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends using strong passwords or passphrases, multi-factor authentication, updated devices and secure connections when accessing online banking. The good news is that protecting your online banking account doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some practical steps you can take to help keep your accounts and personal information secure. 1. Use a strong, unique password or passphrase Your online banking password should be strong and different from the passwords you use for other accounts. If the same password is used across multiple websites and one of those websites experiences a data breach, criminals may try those stolen credentials on other services, including financial accounts. Consider using a strong passphrase that is easy for you to remember but difficult for someone else to guess. A password manager can also help you create and manage unique passwords for your accounts. If you use a password manager, choose one with strong security features such as multi-factor authentication. Remember: Don't reuse your online banking password. Don't share your password with anyone. Don't use easily guessed information such as your name, birthday or address. Don't use the same password for your banking, email and other important accounts. 2. Turn on multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication, commonly called MFA, adds another layer of protection to your account. Instead of relying only on a password, MFA requires an additional form of verification when you sign in. Depending on the service, this could include an authentication app, security code, fingerprint or another verification method. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends using MFA where possible, particularly for important accounts such as online banking and email. If your financial institution offers MFA or enhanced login security, consider enabling it. Remember that MFA is an additional layer of protection, not a reason to approve an unexpected login request. If you receive an MFA notification that you didn't initiate, don't approve it. 3. Access online banking through the official website or app One of the simplest ways to avoid phishing scams is to access your financial institution directly. Instead of clicking a banking login link in an unexpected email or text message: Type your financial institution's website address into your browser. Use a trusted bookmark. Use the official mobile banking app. Contact your financial institution using a trusted phone number if you're unsure. Phishing messages can imitate financial institutions and direct you to websites designed to collect your login information. A website can look professional and still be fraudulent, so don't rely on logos or familiar-looking designs alone. 4. Be cautious with unexpected emails and text messages Fraudsters may send messages that appear to come from your financial institution. The message might claim: Your account has been locked. There has been suspicious activity. A payment has failed. You need to verify your identity. Your account information needs to be updated. You need to confirm a transaction. Don't let an unexpected message pressure you into acting quickly. If you're concerned about your account, open your banking app or website yourself and check your account directly. Never provide your password, PIN or security codes in response to an unexpected email, text or phone call. 5. Monitor your accounts regularly Regularly reviewing your accounts can help you notice unusual activity sooner. Check your: Bank account transactions Credit card transactions E-transfers Bill payments New payees Account alerts Login or security notifications Consider setting up available account alerts for transactions and changes to your account. Even a small unfamiliar transaction can be worth investigating. If you notice something you don't recognize, contact your financial institution promptly. 6. Keep your devices and software updated Your computer, phone, tablet, browser and apps should be kept up to date. Software updates frequently include security fixes that address known vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates where appropriate so important security updates aren't forgotten. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends keeping operating systems and software updated as part of protecting online banking accounts. Also use reputable security software and keep it updated. 7. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi When accessing sensitive financial information, use a trusted network whenever possible. For example, consider using: Your home Wi-Fi network Your mobile data connection Another trusted, secure network Public Wi-Fi can introduce additional security risks, including fraudulent networks designed to look legitimate. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends using a secure Wi-Fi connection or cellular data when carrying out sensitive activities. If you need to check your bank account while you're away from home, using your cellular data connection can be a practical option. 8. Protect your phone, tablet and computer Your device is an important part of your online banking security. Use a PIN, passcode, fingerprint or other available security feature to prevent unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen. You should also: Keep your operating system updated. Install apps from official app stores. Remove apps you no longer use. Avoid downloading software from unfamiliar websites. Use reputable security software where appropriate. Lock your device when you're not using it. Protecting the device you use to access your banking accounts is just as important as protecting your banking password. 9. Don't save banking credentials on shared devices Avoid accessing online banking from public or shared computers. If you do use a device that isn't yours, don't save your username or password in the browser and make sure you sign out when you're finished. For your own devices, use the security features that are available to prevent other people from accessing your accounts. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends avoiding public computers for online banking and signing out when you're finished using sensitive accounts. 10. Never share your banking credentials Your online banking password, PIN and security codes should be kept private. Be cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for this information. A legitimate organization should not ask you to disclose your online banking password so they can "protect" your account. If someone claims to be from your financial institution and you're unsure whether the request is legitimate, end the conversation and contact the institution using a trusted phone number. 11. Be cautious when approving login or security requests Multi-factor authentication can help protect your accounts, but you still need to pay attention to the requests you receive. If you receive a login notification, authentication request or security code when you aren't trying to sign in, don't approve it. Unexpected MFA requests can sometimes be part of an attempt to gain access to an account. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security specifically identifies techniques such as MFA fatigue as a potential threat. If this happens, change your password and contact your financial institution if you believe someone may have attempted to access your account. 12. Be careful about what you share online Information you share publicly can sometimes be used to make scams more convincing. Think carefully before publicly sharing information such as: Your full birth date Address Phone number Travel plans Family information Employment information Answers to common security questions Fraudsters can use publicly available information to make phishing and impersonation attempts more believable. Is online banking safe? Yes. Online banking is generally safe when you use appropriate security practices. The biggest risks often involve stolen credentials, phishing, malware and fraudulent websites rather than online banking itself. You can reduce your risk by: Using a unique, strong password or passphrase. Enabling multi-factor authentication. Keeping your devices and software updated. Accessing your financial institution through its official website or app. Avoiding unexpected links in emails and text messages. Monitoring your accounts regularly. Using trusted internet connections for sensitive transactions. Contacting your financial institution quickly if something seems unusual. What should I do if I think someone accessed my account? If you believe someone may have accessed your online banking account, act promptly. Step 1: Contact your financial institution Use a trusted phone number or official website to contact your financial institution. Tell them what happened and follow their instructions to protect your account. Step 2: Change your password Change your online banking password using a trusted device. If you used the same password anywhere else, change those passwords as well. Step 3: Review your transactions Look for unfamiliar withdrawals, transfers, bill payments, purchases or other activity. Step 4: Check your other accounts If the same credentials were used for other important accounts, including your email, change those passwords too. Step 5: Report suspected fraud Your financial institution can help explain what steps you should take if you believe you've been the victim of fraud. You may also need to report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends contacting your bank immediately if you have fallen victim to fraud or attempted fraud and reporting the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. How YNCU can help Protecting your financial information is something we take seriously. If you're a YNCU member and have questions about online banking security, account alerts, e-transfers or other account protections, our team can help you understand your options. If you believe your YNCU account or banking information may have been compromised, contact YNCU as soon as possible. YNCU Service Excellence Centre: 1-800-413-YNCU (9628) Don't be embarrassed about asking questions. If something doesn't look right or you're unsure about a message, it's always reasonable to stop and verify it. A simple online banking security checklist Before you finish, make sure you've taken these basic steps: Use a unique password or passphrase for online banking. Turn on multi-factor authentication when available. Keep your phone, computer and apps updated. Access online banking through the official website or app. Don't click unexpected banking links in emails or texts. Don't share passwords, PINs or security codes. Monitor your account transactions regularly. Set up account alerts where available. Use a trusted internet connection for sensitive banking activities. Contact your financial institution if something doesn't look right. Frequently asked questions about online banking security How can I protect my bank account when banking online? Use a strong, unique password or passphrase, enable multi-factor authentication, keep your devices updated, access your bank through its official website or app, avoid unexpected links and monitor your account regularly. Is online banking safe? Online banking is generally safe when appropriate security practices are used. Common risks include phishing, malware, stolen credentials and fraudulent websites. Using MFA, strong passwords, updated devices and trusted connections can help reduce these risks. Should I use public Wi-Fi for online banking? It's better to use a trusted Wi-Fi network or cellular data when accessing sensitive financial information. Public Wi-Fi can introduce additional security risks, including fraudulent networks. Should I click a link from my bank in a text message? If you weren't expecting the message, it's safer not to click the link. Instead, access your bank through its official app or website, or contact the institution using a trusted phone number. Should I use a password manager for online banking? A password manager can help you create and manage unique passwords or passphrases. If you choose to use one, consider a reputable service with strong security features, including multi-factor authentication. How often should I check my bank account? Regularly reviewing your transactions can help you identify unfamiliar activity sooner. Consider checking your accounts frequently and setting up available transaction and security alerts. What should I do if I receive an unexpected online banking login notification? Don't approve the request if you didn't initiate the login. Change your password and contact your financial institution if you believe someone may be trying to access your account. What should I do if I think my banking information has been compromised? Contact your financial institution immediately using a trusted phone number and follow its instructions. Change compromised passwords, review your transactions and report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities. Protecting your online banking doesn't have to be complicated Good online banking security comes down to a few consistent habits: use strong and unique credentials, enable multi-factor authentication, keep your devices updated, verify unexpected messages and monitor your accounts. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to take these steps. When something doesn't look right, stop and verify it before taking action. A few extra seconds can help you make a safer decision about your money and personal information.

Matt Lukas | August 14, 2026