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Investing That Builds
More Than Wealth. It
Builds Your Community.

Whether you’re saving for your first home, planning for retirement, or growing your wealth, Northern Birch in partnership with Aviso Wealth offers the expert guidance, competitive rates, and trusted products to help you reach your goals.

Book a call with us

Your Goals, Your Community, Your Future.
That’s the Credit Union Difference.

Choosing where to invest is a big decision. It’s not just about returns; it’s about trust, guidance, and values.

Better Value. Better Rates.

As a member-owned credit union, our profits go back to you through lower service fees and competitive rates on investments and loans. 

See Our Latest Rates

Advice You Can Trust

We provide personalized guidance tailored to your life stage, goals and financial priorities.

Meet Our Wealth Team

Investments That Make an Impact

Your investments help members and the community. Deposits are reinvested into member loans and local programs, ensuring interest earned benefits the people and places we serve.

Learn About Our Community Support

 

Investment Products to Grow your Wealth

Explore our registered products to support your financial goals at every stage of life.

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FHSA

First Home Savings Account

Save for your first home—tax-free. An FHSA combines the best features of an RRSP and a TFSA, helping you lower your annual tax bill while building a tax-free down payment.

  • Tax-deductible contributions: just like an RRSP, every dollar you put in reduces your taxable income.
  • Tax-free withdrawals: You pay $0 in tax on the principle or growth when you use the funds to buy your first home.
  • No repayment: If you take money out, you don’t have to replace it.
  • Flexible Future: If you don’t buy a home, you can transfer the funds into an RRSP tax-free without affecting your RRSP contribution room.

Learn More

A grandmother and granddaughter reading a book, reflecting secure retirement with an RRSP

RRSP

Registered Retirement Savings Plan

An RRSP is a powerful long-term strategy to help you save for retirement while providing immediate tax relief during your peak earning years.

  • Immediate Tax Savings: Contributions are deducted from your gross income, often resulting in a significant tax refund.
  • Tax-Deferred Growth: Your investments grow without being taxed until you withdraw them, typically in retirement when you are in a lower tax bracket.
  • Home & Education Support: Use the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to borrow up to $60,000 for a down payment or the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) for education, interest-free.
  • Spousal Splitting: Contribute to a Spousal RRSP to balance retirement income and lower your household’s overall tax bill in the future.

Learn More

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RESP

Registered Education Savings Plan

An RESP is an effective, tax-free way to save for a child's post-secondary education. Plus, the government will contribute as well to help grow your savings.

  • Government Matching: The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) adds 20% to your contributions—up to $500 for free every year (lifetime max of $7,200). Extra bonds (like the Canada Learning Bond) are available for eligible families even without making personal contributions.
  • Tax-Efficient Growth: When funds are withdrawn for education, they are taxed in the hands of the student, who is usually in a lower tax bracket.
  • Versatile Use: Funds can be used for tuition, books, rent, or tools for trade schools, colleges, or universities.

Learn More

Friends smiling, Registered Disability Savings Plan

RDSP

Registered Disability Savings Plan

Designed for Canadian with disabilities, the RDSP is one of the most generous savings plans available, featuring high-ratio government matching.

  • High-Value Grants: The government may provide up to $3 for every $1 you contribute (up to $3,500 annually) through the Canada Disability Savings Grant.
  • Low-Income Bonds: Eligible individuals can receive up to $1,000 per year in “bonds” from the government, even if they contribute nothing at all.
  • Protected Income: RDSP assets and withdrawals do not affect most provincial disability or social assistance benefits.
  • No Spending Restrictions: Once the funds are withdrawn, they can be used for any purpose to support the beneficiary’s needs.

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A family on the beach, reflecting the benefits of a Tax Free Savings Account

TFSA

Tax-Free Savings Account

The TFSA is Canada’s most versatile savings tool. Whether you are saving for a vacation, an emergency fund, or a long-term goal, your money is accessible and protected.

  • Tax-Free: Because your TFSA is tax-free, your earnings will be tax sheltered.
  • Total Flexibility: Withdraw your money at any time, for any reason, with no penalties or tax consequences.
  • Carry Over Unused Room: Any amount you withdraw is added back to your contribution room the following calendar year.

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Investment & Savings Products:
Options to Match Your Style


Term Deposits (GICs)

A secure, worry-free investment that guarantees your principal while earning a competitive, fixed interest rate. Your deposits are insured.*

Learn More

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Qtrade Direct Investing®

Ready to make your money move? Build your financial future online with Qtrade Direct Investing®.

Explore Qtrade Direct Investing®

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Mutual Funds*

Access diversified, professionally-managed portfolios that align with your risk tolerance and goals, including socially responsible options through our partnership with Aviso Wealth.

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Investing Approaches

QTRADE DIRECT INVESTING® (DIY)QTRADE GUIDED PORTFOLIOS® (ROBO-ADVISOR)
Best ForConfident investors who want to trade stocks, ETFs, and more.Investors who want a low-cost, professionally managed portfolio without the guesswork.
What It IsA top-rated online platform to buy and sell your own investments.A simple digital service that builds and manages a portfolio of ETFs for you.
Key BenefitFull control, powerful tools, and expert insights to inform your decisions.“Hands-off” investing that’s up to 75% cheaper than typical mutual funds.
Get StartedStart Trading with QtradeGet Your Guided Portfolio

Expert Advice to Help You Reach
Your Personal Goals

Meet our Wealth Team. They are equipped to help you make sound decisions based on your personal situation and financial goals.

Heili Orav

Manager, Wealth & Estate Services
Northern Birch Credit Union

Mutual Fund Investment Specialist
Aviso Wealth

Book a meeting with Heili

Baiba Nagy

Investments & Estates Specialist
Northern Birch Credit Union

Mutual Fund Investment Specialist
Aviso Wealth

Book a meeting with Baiba

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Invest with Confidence
and Peace of Mind

At Northern Birch, your financial security is our top priority. We adhere to the highest standards of safety and are provincially regulated.

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Deposit Insurance (FSRA)

Is my money really as safe as it is at a big bank? Yes. In Ontario, credit union deposit insurance is better than the coverage at banks.

 
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Not Sure Where to Start?
We Make it Easy.

Book a financial check-up with a member of our team today! We’ll review your goals and help you find the right path, whether you have $50 or $50,000 to invest.

Book Your Free Financial Check-up

 

Subscribe to Our Investing Newsletter

Join our mailing list for updates and expert financial advice from our team.
Send an email to heili.orav@northernbirchcu.com to subscribe.

 

Answering Your Key Questions

Credit unions often offer more competitive rates on savings and GICs because they are not-for-profit. Fees are typically lower or non-existent for many accounts. Most importantly, our advice is member-focused, not sales-driven, which members find more trustworthy.

Yes, membership gives you access to our investment products and personalized guidance. It also means that you're part of a member-owned financial instifution that puts people before profits.

Yes! That’s a major advantage. You can manage a self-directed account with Qtrade Direct Investing® or Qtrade Guided Portfolios® while also working with our in-branch Aviso Wealth team for financial planning and mutual fund investments. We offer a holistic approach to fit your evolving needs.

A collage of images showing young people in financial, business or educational settings, showcasing Northern Birch's community involvement

When You Invest with Northern Birch, Your Whole Community Profits.

We are committed to the financial health of our community. Here's just a few ways we help you grow your wealth.

  • Financial Education: We empower our community with free seminars and online tools.→ Explore Resources
  • Supporting Local Businesses: We’re proud to help local entrepreneurs thrive.→ Discover Businesses We Support
  • Scholarships & Sponsorships: We invest in the next generation and the initiatives that make our communities vibrant.

Learn More About our Community Support

Looking for business banking? Explore our options for small businesses.

Learn More

*Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Aviso Wealth, a division of Aviso Financial Inc. Unless otherwise stated, mutual funds, other securities and cash balances are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer that insures deposits in credit unions.

Qtrade Guided Portfolios® is a division of Aviso Financial Inc. Online brokerage services are offered through Qtrade Direct Investing®, a division of Aviso Financial Inc.