Not too long ago I was fortunate to learn about the Centre for Newcomers (a settlement agency in Calgary, Alberta) through a friend. At that time we were both caregivers who are interested in learning new things.
She took a money management workshops at the centre and determined to have me do the same. It doesn’t take much time for her to convince me to spend my Saturday commuting and learning.
The Art of Persuasion is easily mastered by some.
As for myself, I knew this was one of the things that is worthwhile and not just the “what have I gotten myself into” moments.
So here I am, fast forward, paying it forward by persuading you to do the same.
Take this free money management workshop presented by Momentum.
I’m not saying this because it is easy to write it on a blog post. But I would do the same thing for people I know who would benefit the most.
I’m referring to everyone, especially the newcomers.
Newcomers can start managing their money in simple and doable methods.
You can learn to budget and use a credit card long before you get the first, second, or even the third credit card.
With financial literacy, managing your money is a routine that you’ll love to do. (Do you look forward to using spreadsheets, files, and calculator? Don’t worry. You’re not the only one.)
Shall we start learning? And here’s a reminder again: the workshop is free.
Money Management Workshops at Centre for Newcomers
The money management workshops are scheduled on every Saturday from October 15 to November 19, 2016 (10:30 am – 12:30 pm). It is presented by Momentum which is a charitable organization established in 1991.
In each workshop you will receive handouts that you can work on discovering personal money management habits. Once you complete all the money management workshops, you’ll get a certificate, a proof of financial literacy.
Here are the workshops I’ve been bragging about. I’ll share my experiences but not much details.
1. Budgeting
Saturday, October 15 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Build a budget based on income and expenses
- Set short and long term goals that fit your budget
- Develop a healthy relationship with money
The challenge in this workshop is categorizing a purchase into a want or a need. Most of the time I only want something because it’s on sale. A calculator will come in handy . . . and honesty. (How much do you really spend on cups of coffee each day?)
2. Assets
Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Explore your human, personal, social, physical and financial Assets
- Set goals and strategies for growing your assets
My tip for you in this workshop is to dream big. Use my favourite quotation in the exercise.
Know Thyself (Nosce Te Ipsum).
It was fun reading my answers on the handouts regarding my different assets and goals a few years ago. Some of my goals were achieved. And I’m still working on others.
I may have to answer it again to reassess who I’ve become and where I want to be.
3. Banking
Saturday, October 29 at 10:30-12:30
- Learn how to use bank services efficiently and safely
- Develop awareness about bank account options and benefits
- Access banking tools and resources
By the time you are done in this workshop, you’ll be able to choose the right bank (commercial or online) or credit unions. Pay attention on how to get free money. Another tip: you don’t have to pay for a chequing account.
4. Credit
Saturday, November 5 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Learn strategies for the good use of credit cards and credit score
- Learn how to manage your credit wisely in your life
- How to get out of debt – the smartest and the fastest way
- Understand where to access consumer credit tools and resources
The important thing I learned in this workshop is how to build credit history. I also learned how to find out my credit score for free. (So many free stuff already don’t you think.)
Knowing my credit score every year has become a habit. You can do the same especially if you plan on purchasing various types of assets or getting a loan for the right reason. Yes, there are good and bad debt. Stick to the former.
5. Consumerism
Saturday, November 19 at 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Develop awareness of the impact of advertising on your shopping expenses
- Tackle consumerism and learn to spend on only what’s most important to you
Learning what consumerism is will likely lead you to minimalism.
These are not just words with ism. Nor words to use in practicing tongue twister. (Say it fast: consumerism . . . minimalism . . . again.)
OK, you can stop now with the game. In reality consumerism affects everyone so I hope you’ll embrace living a simple life.
How to Register for the Workshop
By now I know in my heart that you are considering going to start financial literacy by attending the workshop. (I never had a doubt.)
Don’t delay. Sign up for the money management workshop.
You can call or send an email to Ms. Tess, the friendly Certified Settlement Practitioner at the centre.
Contact Person: Tess Lim
Tel. No. (403) 569-3325 ext 247
Email: t.lim@centrefornewcomers.ca
Or if you have questions about the event or settlement services of the centre, don’t hesitate to call the staff of the Centre for Newcomers.
Centre for Newcomers Contact Information:
Address: 1010, 999 – 36 Street NE Calgary, AB T2A 7X6
(Pacific Place Mall north-east entrance) Marlborough C-Train Station
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: (403) 569-3325
Website: http://centrefornewcomers.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centrefornewcomers/
Email: info@centrefornewcomers.ca
The Journey Never Ends
Participating in the money management workshops is your first step.
Learning should never stop. Take the time in exploring the resources (whether it’s a book or website) at the last pages of the handouts.
And whatever you learn, consider sharing the knowledge to others just like what my friend did for me.
If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Or if you would like to share finance tips, leave a comment.
Thank you for sharing this info!☺ I’m from Strathcona I hope they have some classes located near my area or in Edmonton!
You are welcome Ann A :-). Thank you for the positive feedback that I’ve thought of writing a blog post about free finance workshops in Canada. For starter you can read Moneysense (only available in digital edition) on your mobile device (Flipster app) whenever and wherever you are. It’s my favourite finance magazine so far. Feel free to drop by anytime.