Program Guide

Our financial fitness classes focus on successful money management, with budgeting proactive saving strategies, debt management, the benefits of using credit wisely, how and when to plan for retirement, and ways to teach your kids the value of money.

Money Mentors has one-hour (perfect for Lunch & Learns) and two-hour courses.   For more information on how to book a class, please contact our Community Relations Coordinator at (403) 234-6198 or 1-888-294-0076 ext 2198.   E-mail

Budgeting Bootcamp (2 Hours)

Need to create a budget and don't know where to start or how to stick to it?  Let's start by disarming the word "budget"; it's really a spending plan!  After all, managing money is more about what you spend than what you earn.

Almost everyone earns and spends money, but not everybody saves money.  By creating an effective spending plan, anyone can get into the saving exercise.  Understanding where your money is going before it gets there is key to being financially healthy.

In this course, learn the difference between needs and wants, why you should set goals, how to track spending, tricks to control wasted dollars, how to stick to your spending plan and live comfortably within your means.  If you want less stress, more balance, and more freedom, you need Budgeting Bootcamp!  (Also available in two sessions)

Break the Cycle:  Spend Less and Save More (1 Hour)

Are you spending more than you intend and saving less than you want?  In a world of endless advertising and easy credit, it's getting harder to live within our means and put money away.  Luckily there are ways to break the spending cycle and keep more of your money where it belongs... in your bank account.

You'll also walk away from this course with a better understanding of Tax-Free Savings Accounts, RRSP's, RESP's, and the importance of healthy credit.

We'll also talk about where to cut costs in the grocery store, what excesses you can avoid, how to use flyers to your advantage, where to shave money off your utilities, how to curtail impulse buying and the buyer's remorse that often goes with it and that simple principle we all learned as kids but rarely apply today:  sharing.

Credit Cross-Training (2 Hours)

Looking for the most effective ways to build or rebuild credit?  Whether you're establishing credit for the first time or rebuilding after getting off course, it's important to know how to use this financial tool responsibly.

Treating your credit cards and loans like cash is a recipe for bruised credit.  Dealing with credit is similar to other forms of spending:  it requires a plan and preparation to stay in good shape.

In this session, learn how to organize your current finances, plan for your application, understand credit reports, build credibility, research the best credit options for your situation, what creditors look for, and how to be a wise credit user.
(Also available in two sessions)

Tackle Debt (1 Hour)

Unsure how to maintain good debt and avoid it becoming bad debt?  Borrowing money is the easy part; paying it back can be tricky.  Fortunately there are ways to keep that credit history in good shape and build borrowing power for the future by dealing with your debts today.

This class teaches how to tackle debt and power pay debts away.  Find out the importance of a spending plan and simplify the process of repaying debts.  Learn the benefits of refinancing or consolidation loans in order to reach goals sooner.

Credit is a fantastic tool for your financial health, but leaning on it too heavily can cause some pain.  Understanding how to manage debt efficiently makes it easier to reach your goals sooner and with far fewer headaches.

R 'n R in Retirement (1 Hour)

Should you be thinking about retirement?  Whether you're almost there, in the prime of your career, or just starting working, the answer is yes.  With fewer than half of Canadians fully prepared for retirement, the more you plan for your future, the more you'll enjoy the fruits of your labour.

An effective saving strategy allows your money to work hard so you won't need to later.  Taking advantage of your options while you work means more time to relax and enjoy your retirement!

Plan your retirement by figuring out how much money you'll need and the best options to get there.  Discover the pros and cons of RRSP's, the importance of paying off your residence and minimizing debt.  Learn how pension plans work, what to expect from government programs and how to choose the right financial planner.  Whether you're 20 or 60, this session is for you!

Enrich Your Kids (1 Hour)

Do you want your kids to learn about money but aren't sure how to teach them?  When it comes to money, kids believe parents have enough to buy anything and everything they want.  It's important to introduce them to money early so they can appreciate it later and avoid falling into financial hardship.

Of all the subjects kids learn growing up, the most important one isn't readily available in school.  When it comes to money, kids copy what they see parents do.  What a golden opportunity to mould your kids into smart spenders!

Enrich Your Kids creatively breaks down how to show your kids the value of money, how to budget their allowance, the importance of saving, how to afford what they need (or think they need!), the benefits of banking and dangers of debit cards... in a fun and interactive way even your kids will like!

Scrooge's Christmas (1 Hour)

Does the Christmas season go from Joyeux Noel to lump of coal when the bills come due?  In Alberta, the holiday season is also the most financially stressful time of the year.  But that doesn't mean you have to be a Scrooge as soon as you hear that first carol.

We'll show you how to create a unique and memorable holiday without the post-season debt doldrums.  Learn how to move on from the debt of Christmas Past, smart ways to plan for Christmas Present, and how to work towards the goals of Christmas Future... all without breaking the bank.