The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) reports that more than 1 in 5 Canadian professionals are employed in a precarious job. Precarious employment could mean no benefits, medical coverage, sick days and also the inability to be part of a union. Essentially, these workers are filling permanent positions but are denied permanent employee rights. This creates uncertainty for the employee and contributes to the emotional and financial stress of the family. Just like high blood pressure and stress, chronic job insecurity has a negative effect on a persons overall health. What is a Prec ..read more

CCC’s Annual Members Conference held during June 7-8, 2021, represented Canada’s key stakeholders in the financial services industry including the FCAC, OSB and Canadian Tire Bank. The sessions were very informative, enlightening, and inspiring. Conference attendees were happy to interact with the presenters on topics of utmost importance to the industry right now. Whilst the gathering had to be virtual this year, we absolutely enjoyed the energy and cheer participants brought to the event. It was great to see the high-energy vibes of the discussion boards, chatrooms, polls, virtual meetups, n ..read more

September – A Time for New Beginnings, including Your Budget September is such a beautiful month with the cooler, crisper weather and all the vegetation turning into the brilliant colours of fall, including a few of my pumpkins I planted in the spring. For many of us who still have the muscle memory of starting school in September, this time of year can feel like a new beginning. For me, it’s a time for reflection on how the last eight months of the year have gone and then I step into that fresh piece of paper and a pen and start to dream about new goals. This time of year, can also bring abou ..read more

Emotional spending gets to all of us at one time or another. You walk into a store merely to window-shop and walk out feeling like Santa Claus! Those red shoes were just so pretty, or that cordless toolset too cool to miss. An irresistible sale beckoned, or, you needed a little emotional boost that day. We all can identify with that. The flurry of excitement doesn’t always last, changing to a feeling of regret. If you are struggling with impulsive buying, here are some keys to tackling it! 1. Does this fit my budget? Before anything, you need a budget to decide what you need and how much you a ..read more

Budgeting is one the most important decisions you will make when it comes to having a financially healthy lifestyle. Very much like the roadmap before venturing on an important journey. Or the compass you need before setting sail, in search of your dream destination, to keep you on the right path. Here are the fundamental know-hows that will get you started in the right direction! Before you start, make sure you list and total the income of your family. It is important to plan this ahead of every paycheck. Make a list of essential expenses – food, housing, medical needs, utilities, education ..read more

You can be debt-free! Does that feel like an elusive dream? Striving to make ends meet, uncertain about your financial future, hoping for a brighter tomorrow for your family? Don’t despair for there is hope. Just pause, and let’s take stock of where you are on the path to your dreams, and help you plan the best path forward. Today can be the beginning of the best days of your life. It begins with those baby-steps, small things that help you set a good foundation, and orient you in the right direction! Don’t let society influence your priorities. An expensive vacation, fancy car, house bigger ..read more

Vacations this year are going to look a lot different. With stay-at-home orders ending slowly, staycations on a budget are the norm for many. It may not feel like a real vacation turning your home-school office into a holiday spot. Still, a little creativity can go a long way in making things a little more exciting. If you cannot travel far or are looking for bright holiday ideas on a budget, here are some pocket-friendly ideas to explore! Enjoy a picnic at home or stargaze as you camp in your backyard. Cosy up with your favourite pet, listen to the birds and crickets and wake up to pink and ..read more

CCC on Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s Advisory Team Credit Counselling Canada has been appointed to FCAC Consumer Protection Advisory Committee to support financial well-being of Canadians. Click here to view the article to learn more. The post Credit Counselling Canada appointed to FCAC Committee appeared first on Credit Counselling Canada ..read more