In this edition of Kindred's Share newsletter:
Financial information has never been easier to find. Feeling confident about your money is another story.
Between articles, podcasts, social media, AI tools, and advice from family and friends, it’s easy to gather information. Knowing what makes sense for your life is often the harder part. Every financial decision is shaped by different goals, responsibilities, and circumstances.
That’s why good financial advice starts with listening.
At Kindred, our Money Wellness Check-Ins are relaxed, no-obligation, 30-minute conversations focused entirely on you. While they’re especially helpful for members in their 30s, they’re valuable at any stage of life. Whether you’re just getting started, raising a family, planning for retirement, or somewhere in between, we take the time to understand what’s happening in your life before exploring options that fit your goals. You don’t need to wait for a major life event to check in on your finances. Whether you’re wondering if you’re saving enough, feeling stretched by rising costs, thinking about buying a home, preparing for retirement, or simply looking for reassurance that you’re on the right track, a Money
Wellness Check-In gives you the opportunity to ask questions in a welcoming, judgement-free environment. There’s no expectation that you’ll arrive with all the answers. Many people aren’t looking for a complicated plan; they simply want clarity about what to do next.
Together, we’ll talk about what’s most important to you, explore opportunities and challenges, and help you understand the options available. Sometimes you’ll leave with practical next steps. Other times, you’ll leave with greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing you’re making informed decisions about your money.
Financial wellness isn’t about having more money than someone else. It’s about feeling informed, confident, and in control of the financial decisions you make every day.
If you’ve been putting off a financial conversation because you weren’t sure where to begin, consider this your invitation. Thirty minutes won’t answer every question, but it can help you take the next step toward making peace with your money.
Book a Money-Wellness Check-in
Fraud and scams are on the rise — and they can happen to anyone. Knowing what to watch for is your first line of defence.
Unexpected Contact
Beware of any call, text, or email that you did not initiate yourself. The individual may claim to be an authority figure such as police, a government official, your financial institution, another business, or someone you know.
Watch for communication with these warning signs:
How to Protect Yourself
Let’s Connect! Do you have questions or concerns about fraud? Call our Member Contact Centre at 1-888-672-6728.
Churches, charities, and not-for-profit organizations do important work in our communities. We believe more of their resources should go toward that work, not banking fees.
That’s why Kindred offers no-fee banking for churches and charities, along with 50% off service fees for eligible not-for profit organizations.
If you know of an organization that could benefit from values-based banking that helps you make the most of every dollar, we’d love to connect.
Helping Good Things Grow in Our Communities
Rooted in relationship. Growing together.
As part of our continued investment in food security, we are delighted to announce Kindred Community Gardens — our commitment to building partnerships with community gardens in each of our branch communities. By 2028, we plan to support a Kindred Community Garden partner in every one of those communities. We are already off to a strong start.
One of the ways Kindred invests in our communities is through the Kindred Charitable Fund. Every year, we’re inspired by the organizations working to care for their neighbours, strengthen their communities, and create lasting positive change.
As the number of grant applications has continued to grow, so has the demand for funding. To help ensure the Fund remains sustainable and continues to support our communities for years to come, we’re making one change to the grant program.
Beginning with the 2027 grant cycle, organizations applying for a Kindred Charitable Fund grant will need to have an active Kindred Credit Union membership when they submit their application.
We know this change may be disappointing for some organizations. We also know that preparing a grant application takes time and effort. By sharing this update well in advance, we hope organizations can make informed decisions before investing that time.
If your organization isn’t currently a Kindred member, we’d be happy to talk with you about becoming one. Membership connects your organization to a cooperative that’s committed to supporting churches, charities, businesses, farmers, and individuals who are building stronger communities. Our Business Banking team or your local branch can answer your questions and help you explore whether Kindred is the right fit for your organization. If you’re already a Kindred member, thank you for being part of our community. Information about the 2027 grant program will be available in September, with applications open October 16–31, 2026.
Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to our communities. We’re grateful for the work you do and look forward to partnering with organizations that continue making a meaningful difference across the communities we serve.
Estate planning is often thought of as something to do “later.” Later, when you own a home. Later, when you have children. Later, when retirement is closer. But the truth is, estate planning is important at every stage of adult life.
At its heart, estate planning is about care. It helps ensure your wishes are known, your loved ones are supported, and important decisions can be made with less stress during difficult times.
A good estate plan should include a will, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, insurance details, and a clear record of important documents.
In your 20s, estate planning may be simple, but it still matters. This is a good time to name beneficiaries on registered accounts and insurance policies, organize digital passwords, and consider powers of attorney for property and personal care. These documents allow someone you trust to make financial or health-related decisions if you are unable to do so. It is also wise to make a basic will, especially if you have savings, a vehicle, pets, or personal items you want handled in a particular way.
In your 30s, life often becomes more complex. You may be buying a home, building savings, getting married, starting a family, or growing your career. At this stage, a will becomes especially important. Parents should consider naming a guardian for minor children and ensuring life insurance is adequate to help protect their family. It is also a good time to review joint accounts, debts, mortgages, and beneficiary designations.
In your 40s, estate planning often shifts from getting organized to staying current. You may have more assets, more financial responsibilities, and more people depending on you. Review your will, powers of attorney, insurance coverage, registered accounts, and investment plans. If you own a business, farm, cottage, or rental property, you may need more specialized planning. This is also a good time to talk with loved ones about your wishes, so they are not left guessing later.
In your 50s and 60s, you begin looking ahead to retirement planning. Consider how your income, taxes, charitable giving, property, and healthcare wishes fit together. Review whether your executor is still the right person, whether your beneficiaries are up to date, and whether your documents reflect any major life changes such as divorce, remarriage, blended families, or caregiving responsibilities.
In your 70s and beyond, the focus is often on clarity and communication. Make sure trusted people know where to find your documents, who your professional advisors are, and what your wishes are for care, finances, and final arrangements. Keeping things organized can be a meaningful gift to the people you love.
Estate planning is not about expecting the worst. It is about practicing stewardship, reducing uncertainty, and helping your family navigate the future with greater peace of mind.
Whatever stage of life you’re in, the best time to begin is before it feels urgent. If you’d like to understand how estate planning fits into your broader financial picture, a Kindred Financial Services Advisor can help you explore the next steps while working alongside your legal professional.
At Kindred, financial literacy is important to us. We’ve partnered with Aviso Wealth* to offer a series of free webinars on important financial topics that matter most to our members.
This fall, we invite you to attend one of these free sessions:
| October 7, 2026 | Wealth Transfer – Options for sharing in life, at death, and beyond |
| December 2, 2026 | Year-end tax tips: 26 in 2026 – Timely tactics to trim your tax exposure |
Visit www.kindredcu.com/webinars to register.
If you’re carrying a balance on another credit card, there’s an opportunity to reduce your interest costs and put more of your money toward paying down your debt.
For a limited time, eligible Kindred Collabria Mastercard® cardholders can transfer existing credit card balances and pay 0% interest for the first 9 months, with a one-time balance transfer fee of 3%.
A balance transfer can help you:
Whether you’re looking to simplify your finances or make faster progress toward becoming debt-free, a balance transfer could be a smart next step. See the graphic below to explore how much you could save with this limited-time offer.
Going forward, we’ll be sharing the same helpful financial advice, community stories, member updates, and Kindred news through our monthly emails, delivered directly to members’ inboxes.
You can subscribe on our website!
Making this change allows us to provide more timely updates while reducing printing and mailing, helping us be good stewards of our resources.
If you don’t use email, or simply prefer reading printed articles, you can request them at your local Kindred branch.
Thank you for reading Share over the years. We look forward to staying connected.
Reminders
Canada's Outdoor Farm Show
Sept 15-17, 2026
International Credit Union Day
Thurs, Oct 15, 2026
Members are invited to visit their
branch and enjoy complimentary
refreshments. It’s our way of saying
thank you for putting your trust in us!
Holiday Closures:
All branch and head office locations, including our Member Contact Centre will be closed in recognition of the following dates:
Labour Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
National Day for Truth and
Reconciliation: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Thanksgiving: Monday, October 12, 2026
Remembrance Day: Wednesday, October 11, 2026
Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026
Boxing Day: Mon, December 28, 2026
As a reminder, you can access your account online or at one of our 24-hour ATMs.