How adult literacy practitioners can embed financial literacy into their curriculum
Financial decisions are part of everyday life. From reading a paycheque to comparing prices, understanding a bank statement or planning for an unexpected expense, adults use financial literacy skills every day. For adult learners who are also developing reading, writing and numeracy skills, financial literacy can provide meaningful, real-world opportunities to practise those skills. The […]
Supporting Indigenous women in Georgian Bay to build financial skills
For the team at Georgian Bay Native Women’s Association (GBNWA), supporting community members means looking beyond immediate needs. Whether they’re helping families involved in the child welfare system, supporting survivors of family violence and human trafficking, providing housing services or offering programs for youth and seniors, their goal is always the same: empowering people with […]
Recession-proofing Canada through literacy
Economic uncertainty has become a familiar reality for many Canadians. Rising costs, shifting labour markets, rapid technological change and global economic disruptions have made it harder for individuals, businesses and communities to plan for the future with confidence. While no one can predict when the next recession will occur, Canada can prepare for economic challenges […]
Financial literacy for adult learners: How to teach budgeting, debt and savings
Financial literacy is about much more than managing money. It is about helping people make informed decisions, navigate everyday life and build financial confidence. For many adult learners, financial literacy skills can improve independence, reduce stress and create opportunities for greater stability and security. Yet financial information can be complex and overwhelming, particularly for adults […]
Building financial confidence for low-income seniors
Sunshine Centres for Seniors is a non-profit organization providing social, recreational and health promotion day programs for older adults across the Greater Toronto Area. Their mission is to reduce social isolation, improve overall well-being and empower seniors to lead meaningful, connected lives within their communities. Through a wide range of inclusive, interactive and accessible programs, […]
Got a tax refund? Here’s how to use it wisely
For many people, getting a tax refund feels like a relief. You may feel excited and tempted to spend it right away. You may also feel unsure about what to do next. For many Canadians struggling with inflation, debt and a high cost of living, we know that a tax refund can be more than […]
Financial literacy for tax season: What every adult learner should know
Tax season brings paperwork, deadlines and a lot of unfamiliar language. For many adults, that can make filing taxes feel stressful or easy to put off. Some people worry about making a mistake, while others are unsure what they owe or what support might be available to them. Understanding how taxes work does not require […]
How filing your taxes can help you access government benefits
Tax season is approaching, meaning it’s a great time to brush up on your financial literacy skills and take advantage of government benefits. The Canadian government has set up benefits to help families increase their yearly income. By filing your taxes on time, you can receive government benefits you qualify for, thus increasing your income. […]
First-time Money Matters volunteers share their experience during Financial Literacy Month workshops
November marked Financial Literacy Month in Canada, and this year, a number of TD employees raised their hands to volunteer with Money Matters for the first time. Money Matters is a free, introductory financial literacy program focused on building confidence through practical, everyday money skills. By volunteering to support local workshops, these first-time volunteers helped […]
Calgary Women’s Cultural Association brings financial empowerment to Punjabi-speaking senior women
Delivering financial information in someone’s native tongue can have a huge impact on financial literacy. That’s why Dr. Gurcharan Thind from the Calgary Women’s Cultural Association (CWCA) jumped at an opportunity to run a Money Matters workshop in Punjabi. Money Matters is a free introductory financial literacy program that has been delivered across Canada since […]
Money management tips for older adults
Transitioning to retirement or entering the golden years can be a major transition, especially financially. Many older Canadians find themselves facing challenges managing their money, especially when they haven’t done it before Budgeting works differently on a fixed income. One major challenge is that expenses can always fluctuate, whether from circumstance, lifestyle changes or inflation, […]
Simple steps to help you beat seasonal stress
We all know that despite the holly and mistletoe, the holidays are not always jolly and bright for everyone. In fact, they can be quite stressful. Whether it’s finding the right gifts on time or wondering if you can afford them, this season is full of triggers for anxiety. Here are some practical tips to […]
What you should know before you borrow money
Sooner or later, nearly all of us will take out a loan. Whether it’s big or small, having debt means taking on a serious obligation. Here are some ways to prepare yourself for borrowing money: Have a good understanding of why you’re borrowing. Not all debt is created equal—are you taking on good debt or […]
Understanding debt: How to manage it and pay it off quickly
Debt can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders. Whether it’s a credit card, car loan or student debt, owing money can cause stress and limit your choices. But debt doesn’t have to control your life. By understanding how it works and making a plan to manage it, you can take back control of […]
Empowering independent living through financial literacy
For more than 40 years, Transitions has been helping people with developmental disabilities live in the community. Located in St. Albert, just outside Edmonton, Alberta, the organization supports people through a wide range of life skills programs — from cooking classes to workshops on healthy relationships and independent living. When it came to teaching financial […]
Want to be self-employed? What you should consider
Many Canadians dream of starting their own businesses, and entrepreneurship can be hugely rewarding. Being your own boss, setting your own hours and personal fulfilment are all benefits of self-employment. But there’s also a lot to consider beyond the day-to-day of the business itself. If you’re thinking about starting your own business, here are some […]
Plan ahead so your holiday spending doesn’t spiral out of control
The holiday season and annual parties are just around the corner. It’s always an exciting time of year, but that excitement can be dampened by worry if you’re facing a financial shortfall. Here are five ways you can prepare for the holidays without breaking the bank. Party planning Instead of meeting friends at a restaurant […]
The math behind money: Why numeracy matters more than you think
Every November, we celebrate Financial Literacy Month—a time to think about how we manage, spend and save money. But one important part of financial literacy often gets overlooked: math. For many Canadians, the word “math” brings back memories of high school algebra or confusing fractions. It’s easy to say, “I’m not a math person.” Yet […]
5 ways to meet your savings goals sooner
Saving money, especially long-term savings, can be difficult. It’s tough to know where to begin or how to allocate money efficiently. Feeling like your financial plan is guesswork can be discouraging, but there are some simple steps you can take to get your savings on the right track: Start by developing a plan. Without clear […]
Money Matters launches new self-employment resources ahead of Financial Literacy Month
As Canada’s gig economy continues to grow, more people are turning to self-employment and contract work to earn a living. But managing money without a steady paycheck can be challenging — from unpredictable income streams to navigating taxes, budgeting, and business planning. To help address these unique challenges, ABC Life Literacy Canada is releasing Money […]
How rising interest rates impact borrowing money
Research shows that more than half of all Canadians lack the numeracy skills needed to properly understand charts, numbers and documents that impact your level of debt or savings. With interest rates on the rise, it’s important to understand how interest works and how it will impact the cost of borrowing. Interest basics Interest is, […]
Why we should talk about money
Money is a topic that often feels taboo. Many of us grew up in environments where talking about finances was considered impolite or too personal, creating a social stigma around discussing money. There’s a sense of vulnerability when discussing personal finances. Whether we’re struggling to make ends meet or doing well financially, revealing our financial […]
Money on the mind: How talking about finances can support mental health
November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, and this year’s theme is “Talk Money.” Money is something we all think about, yet many of us avoid talking about it. According to a survey by FP Canada, nearly one in four Canadians feel that money is too taboo a topic to discuss. But what we often […]
Empowering Spanish-speaking seniors through financial literacy
For more than 51 years, the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples (CSSP) has been a vital support system for the Spanish-speaking community in Toronto and across Ontario. From settlement services and legal clinics to counselling, health outreach and seniors programming, CSSP provides resources that help both Spanish-speaking newcomers and long-term residents alike build stronger, more […]
Newcomer seniors learn about the Canadian banking system
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (MPNH), located in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC, is a non-profit organization that aims to build a healthy and engaged neighbourhood by connecting people and strengthening their capacity to create change. The organization offers a number of services and programs for families, seniors, Indigenous peoples and newcomers. They recently […]
Equipping new workers with the skills to manage their income
YES Employment & Entrepreneurship Montreal is a non-profit, community-driven English-language service provider that has been helping Quebecers find employment and start and grow businesses for over 25 years. Its Youth on the Rise employability program aims to support individuals aged 18 to 30 who are experiencing barriers to employment by providing them with the skills […]
Financial literacy for families: Teaching kids about money
Across Canada, conversations about financial literacy are gaining momentum. Some provinces and territories have even begun weaving money management into the school curriculum, giving children a chance to learn about budgeting, saving, and credit in the classroom. While this is a positive step, schools alone can’t cover everything. The most long-lasting financial lessons often start […]
How to build an emergency fund for peace of mind
Life can be unpredictable. One day, everything is going smoothly, and the next, you’re faced with a broken furnace, a surprise medical bill or job loss. These unexpected expenses can be stressful and overwhelming — but they don’t have to be. That’s where the power of an emergency fund comes in. An emergency fund is […]
How your local library can help you improve your literacy skills
Libraries have always been places where people go to learn, explore, and grow. Today, they are more important than ever—especially for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, or digital skills. If you’re thinking about upgrading your skills but don’t know where to start, your local library is a great place to begin. Libraries […]
Money Matters brings financial literacy to newcomer families in Toronto
In early June, families at Thorncliffe Park Public School gathered for a hands-on after-school event designed to spark important conversations about money. The workshop was hosted in collaboration with LiftED (formerly the Leacock Foundation), an organization that delivers free literacy and leadership programming in four Toronto communities, including Thorncliffe Park. “We were approached by the […]
Financial literacy workshop for Indigenous youth takes a realistic approach
It’s no secret that Millennials and Gen Zs are struggling with money a lot more than their parents’ generation. With lower wages, a high cost of living and record-breaking house prices, today’s youth are faced with many unique challenges. The average price of a detached house in Canada is just under $750,000, and you’ll need […]
How to stay safe while banking online
More and more Canadians are managing their money online. Whether it’s checking your bank account, paying bills, or sending money to a friend, online banking makes everyday tasks faster and more convenient. But it also highlights the importance of knowing how to protect your personal and financial information. Strong digital and financial literacy skills are […]
Integrating financial literacy into career training for Indigenous learners
For nearly two decades, Trade Winds to Success has been helping Indigenous adults across Alberta gain the skills and confidence to launch careers in the trades. Founded in 2005 and based in Edmonton, the organization has supported over 3,000 learners through pre-trades training programs, preparing them not only for apprenticeship entrance exams and hands-on work, […]
How strong literacy skills can safeguard seniors from financial abuse
Every year, June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and promote action against all forms of elder abuse. Among these, financial abuse is the most common. Elder financial abuse involves the unauthorized or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property or assets. It can take many forms, […]
How financial literacy can improve mental health
For many Canadians, money worries are the greatest source of stress, more than work, personal health and relationships. According to the FP Canada™ 2025 Financial Stress Index, nearly half of Canadians say they’ve lost sleep because of financial worries. Those who have financial stress are more likely to report poor overall health and experience its negative […]
Top 3 money struggles hurting your mental health
Did you know that struggling with your finances can negatively impact your work performance, relationships and mental health? The physical body can also suffer, with trouble sleeping, headaches and high blood pressure being the main symptoms of undue stress from debt and other financial problems. According to the Sun Life Canadian Health Index, financial stress […]
Understanding credit scores: Why they matter and how to improve yours
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It affects your ability to borrow money, rent an apartment, and even get a cell phone plan. But what exactly is a credit score, and why does it matter so much? In this article, we will explain credit scores in simple […]
Smart shopping strategies: How to save money without sacrificing quality
Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills a person can develop, and a key part of that is learning how to spend money wisely. Making informed decisions about purchases can mean the difference between financial stability and unnecessary debt. Many people believe that saving money means settling for lower quality, but with […]
7 reasons why you should file your taxes early
Tax season is a stressful time for many Canadians, but putting off filing your taxes can lead to needless stress. While it’s tempting to push tax preparation to the last minute, filing early has many benefits. Whether you expect a refund or might owe money, getting ahead of the deadline can help you save money, […]
Equipping women in transitional housing with the skills needed to succeed
Sakeenah Canada is a non-profit organization that provides transitional homes, women’s shelters, and casework for Muslim women. They are the first licensed Muslim foster care agency in North America and have nine transitional homes across Canada, offering refuge, nutritious meals and essential items for women and children. Residents tend to live in these homes for […]
Essential life lessons to teach your child
Raising kids is one of the most challenging and rewarding things parents will ever do. There are so many things we wish for our children’s futures, from good health to a happy home. While some successes will come naturally for them, there are other core parts of adulthood that can benefit from some education at […]
Building financial literacy in the community
Vaughan Public Library (VPL) in Vaughan, Ontario has 12 branches across the city and puts on several events and programs for residents. After the pandemic, when the library was ready to offer in-person activities again, it surveyed its members about the type of programming they were looking for. The most common answer? Life skills workshops, […]
Dollars and sense: Achieving better financial literacy
It’s always a good time to reflect on your goals and think about what’s next. While many people focus on improving their health or work-life balance, strengthening your money skills is just as important. With the cost of essentials like food and housing continuing to rise, building financial confidence isn’t just helpful — it’s necessary. […]
Bringing financial literacy to the most vulnerable
Last month, ABC Life Literacy Canada partnered with Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) to deliver a Money Matters workshop in celebration of Financial Literacy Month. ACSA is a non-profit multi-service agency in Scarborough, Ontario that provides a variety of programming for marginalized populations in the region. The workshop, held on November 5, was delivered to […]
Employment program works financial literacy into the mix
An Alberta-based community literacy organization has added a new twist to its youth employment program. The Taber Youth Employment Program, run by Taber Adult Learning in Taber, Alberta, has incorporated financial literacy training into its seven-week in-class instruction. Now, in addition to learning skills such as job hunting and interviewing, participants are equipped with the […]
3 tips to get on top of your debt
No one likes to have debt hanging over their heads. With high interest rates and the soaring cost of everyday expenses, it can become a vicious circle where you pay off the minimal amount owing, but your total debt continues to grow. Here are three ways to try to get your debt under control. Build […]
Adapting literacy programs for the blind community
ABC Life Literacy Canada provides a number of free adult literacy programs for community groups across the country. Whether it be financial literacy training through Money Matters, helping learners improve employability skills through UP Skills for Work, or introducing seniors to the Internet through ABC Connect for Learning, our suite of programs have helped many adult […]
Everything you need to know about credit
What is credit? Essentially, credit is when you buy now and pay later. This usually involves a fee, which includes interest and sometimes service charges. The fee is the additional price you must pay for not having the money to buy something up front. When you get a loan or use credit, you need to […]
4 ways to boost your retirement savings
When you’re just starting out in your career, retirement can seem like it’s too far away to imagine. But the sooner you start planning for your retirement, the more money you’ll have available to experience your dreams. Here are four things to consider when planning for retirement. Start as soon as you can You’ve likely […]
What is an emergency fund, and how can you create one?
An emergency fund is money that you set aside to pay for unexpected expenses, such as urgently needed car repairs or an emergency veterinarian visit. The fund can also be used to help you pay your bills if you lose your job or develop a health issue that prevents you from working. Here are four […]