Financial wellness is an integral part of graduate students’ wellness. This month, the GSA invites you to learn about financial management with the GSA, MoneySmart program at UCalgary, the Government of Canada, and our community partners.

Here are the five steps to build your financial resilience:

Keep track of your expenses
Take control of your debt
Save money for the future
Build your knowledge at the right time
Navigate the financial marketplace with confidence

Source: https://www.canada.ca/financial-literacy-month

Attend GSA Financial Literacy events organized by the GSA VP Finance and Services:

Budget Boot Camp

Monday, November 29th | 12– 1pm (MST) | Zoom |

Hosted by the GSA VP Finance and Services & Money Mentors

The first lesson at boot camp? It’s not a “budget” it’s a “spending plan.” And in just one hour we’ll not only help you create a realistic spending plan; we’ll help you stick to it too. In this session, 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 so you accumulate less debt. Please register for the workshop HERE.

DYI Investing

Thursday, November 18th | 4:00 – 5:00 pm (MST)| Zoom

Hosted by the GSA VP Finance and Services and Services & Alberta Securities Commission.

Self-directed investing is becoming increasingly popular with new and long-time investors. Join us as we walk through assessing if this investing approach is right for you and the fundamentals to opening a trading account, researching and trading investments and avoiding common DIY investing mistakes. Feel free to bring your own investment questions as there will be a free Q&A period at the end of the event. Please register for the workshop here.

Learn about the basics of financial management with the GSA with these infographics:

10 Healthy Money Management Habits

Are you financially healthy? Check out these 10 healthy habits of financial management provided by the Chartered Professional Accountants and MoneySmart program of UCalgary.

See the PowerPoint from CPA with details here

Budgeting

Budgeting is a powerful way to live within your means, lower your stress levels and build financial resilience.

Feel confident about where your money goes with these budgeting tips from the Government of Alberta: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/make-budget.html #FLM2021

Also, download the Money Mentors’ Budget Workbook to learn how to stretch your dollars.

How to Avoid Taking on More Debts

Having a plan to repay your debt and avoid taking on more debts. Follow these simple guides on ways to avoid debts: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/debt/plan-debt-free.html

Also, check out the Financial Goal Calculator to create a realistic repayment plan: Try it now: https://itools-ioutils.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/FGC-COF/home-accueil-eng.aspx #FLM2021

Top 10 Money Mistakes Couples Make

Struggling financially with your significant other? Learn about the top 10 Money Mistakes Couples Make with the GSA and Money Mentors Canada.

Don’t forget to visit the Money Mentors page to learn about the services they offer to help you go debt free and enhance your financial well-being. Moneymentors.ca