Financial Fitness Topics

We strive to keep our bodies fit, but it’s important to keep our bank accounts fit too. Our financial fitness classes focus on everything from successful money management,  proactive budgeting  and saving strategies, to debt management, using credit wisely, how and when to plan for retirement, and ways to teach your kids the value of money. It’s a great workout.

For the busy and time-starved, we also offer Lunch and Learn style one and two-hour courses. For more information on how to book a class, please contact our Community Relations Coordinator at 1-888-294-0076 ext. 2198.

Budgeting Boot Camp (2 Hours)

The first lesson at boot camp? It’s not a “budget” it’s a “spending plan.” And in just two hours we’ll not only help you create a realistic spending plan, we’ll help you stick to it too. 

Almost everyone earns and spends money, but not everybody saves money.  By creating an effective spending plan and understanding where your money is going, you’ll be able to save for your financial future too.

In this course, you’ll 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.  With Budgeting Boot Camp, you’ll have less stress, more balance, and a lot more freedom (Also available in two sessions). 

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

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 money where it belongs – in your bank account.

In just an hour, we’ll cover a lot of important topics like Tax-Free Savings Accounts, RRSP's, RESP's, and the importance of healthy credit. We’ll show you where to cut costs in the grocery store, what excesses you can avoid, how to take advantage of flyers, where to shave money off your utilities, how to curtail impulse buying and avoid buyer’s remorse. We get back to the basics and reapply that one important concept we often lose sight of – sharing.

Credit Cross-Training (2 Hours)

If you really want to get into good financial shape, Credit Cross-Training is a must. 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 and not treat it like cash.
Dealing with credit is just like any other form of spending: it requires a plan, preparation and discipline in order to remain in good shape.

In this session, you’ll 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).

Credit Rating IQ (1 Hour)

Your credit rating determines whether you can get credit, open a bank account, what rates you will be charged and so much more. This class presents the essential knowledge on your credit reports and credit score. Understand how it works, what’s reported, who uses it and how it impacts you. You’ll find out how to get a copy of your credit reports, interpret the information and how to correct errors. Discover how you can maintain or improve your rating.

Tackle Debt (1 Hour)

Is there really such a thing as good debt? How do you avoid good debt becoming bad debt? This class teaches how to tackle debt the right way and reach your goals. You’ll learn how to keep your credit history in good shape and build borrowing power for the future by dealing with your debts today. You’ll also learn the importance of a spending plan as well as the benefits of refinancing or consolidation loans. Credit is a fantastic tool for your financial health, but if you don’t know how to use it, it can create a lot of pain. 

R & R in Retirement (1 Hour)

Should you be thinking about retirement now? Whether you're almost there, in the prime of your career, or just started 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.

R & R in Retirement is a 60-minute session that teaches you about how an effective saving strategy allows your money to work hard so you won't need to later. You’ll figure 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. Plus you can find out 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 will result in a richer, more relaxing retirement.

Enrich Your Kids (1 Hour)

It’s never too early to introduce kids to the concept of money. The problem is, how? Enrich Your Kids creatively explains 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) and the benefits of banking and dangers of debit cards. And it does it in a fun and interactive way.

While kids think parents have an endless supply of money to buy them anything and everything, it’s important to introduce them to money early so they appreciate it and understand why you have to say “no.” And with kids copying what they see parents do, now’s your chance to turn them into smart spenders.

Scrooge's Christmas - Past, Present & Future (1 Hour)

The Christmas season--one of the most stressful times of year--can go from Noël to nightmares when the bills arrive. With Scrooge's Christmas we can add cheer (instead of fear) to the holidays.

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