As Christmas approaches, the flyers and advertisements and social media posts are everywhere! The pressure to spend is real… and the pressure is intense. This year, try using wish lists instead of putting things right into your cart… both while real-life shopping and shopping online. In real life, keep a
BEWARE! There is a new way to pay for small purchases… and you should avoid it. More retailers are offering the choice of paying by installments, even for small purchases like cosmetics and clothes. Christmas is a big opportunity for stores to promote the buy now, pay later system. These
#FinancialFridays: Preparing for Christmas The snow we experienced this past week is a reminder that the holiday season will soon be upon us. I find shopping for Christmas overwhelming. I want to get the kids something they will like but also stay within budget and shop early so I don’t
Teaching your kids about Budgeting using Halloween Candy Do you remember the thrill and excitement of dumping out your candy on your floor after a night of running around the neighbourhood? I loved sorting the candy and deciding which candies to eat immediately and which to save for later. Would
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will expire on October 23rd and will be replaced by a new targeted benefit known as the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit that will run until May 7, 2022 (retroactive to October 24, 2021).The “Lockdown Benefit” will be for those whose work is directly impacted by
For many people, their mental health can be deeply impacted by financial concerns. A recent article by the Financial Post explores the connection of mental health challenges to income, housing and employment insecurity which for many has been made worse by the effects of the pandemic. A survey by Credit
This is an important piece of information that many people don’t know. When you sign up for a bank account, in the contract it will outline that banks have the “right to offset”. This means that if you have both a bank account (ie. Chequing or savings) and a debt
Looking to make some positive changes in your life? Our “Turning Over Stones” brochure contains useful information relating to local utility assistance, home repairs and energy programs, financial literacy, support for children and newcomers and more. This resource along with information on our Financial Literacy Program is available online at
There are new pandemic-related changes coming to the Employment Insurance system that took effect Sunday, September 26. This is a list of a few changes. To see all criteria, visit Service Canada at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html. Eligibility In the last year, EI applicants received a one-time top-up of hours to help them qualify.
Where did you learn about money and finances? We learn about money and how to use it from our earliest age. There are messages about money all around us. From watching those closest to us and how they use money to commercials that are streamed into our minds through tv,
