With February 2025 the thirteenth Index Release, the Institute’s Financial Resilience Index Model complements the national Financial Well-Being Studies instrument and the Financial Well-Being Index Model instruments. Access this resource to read the...

This report explores the barriers newcomers face in accessing credit, and opportunities for governments, financial institutions, settlement agencies, fintech, investors and funders, and community organizations to better respond to this growing segment of the...

There’s more to the college affordability crisis than the mere fact of debt. “You know, 80% of people with student debt say it causes them to delay things like getting married, buying a house, having kids,” says Aaron Kuecker, president of Trinity Christian College. “Two-thirds of folks who...

This article analyses results from the Canadian Housing Survey, 2022 , using new variables on homelessness and factors contributing to regaining and maintaining housing. The paper provides a descriptive overview of different types of homelessness experiences in Canada, highlighting select...

A poverty reduction strategy lays a foundation to build a community of best practices; it identifies gaps and leverages local knowledge. This case study unpacks the conditions that have led to the success of Niagara Region’s Poverty Reduction Strategy – specifically around its community...

The Monthly Financial Well-being Monitor is a survey designed to collect information about Canadians' day-to-day financial management and financial well-being. It collects data from approximately 1,000 respondents per month and is a continuation of the COVID-19 Financial Well-being Survey, which...

Financial coaching (FC) is a transformative approach that empowers individuals to take control of their financial future. Through personalized interventions such as assessing financial positions, creating budgets, managing credit, accessing benefits, and filing taxes, financial coaching equips...

Accessing online and mobile financial and investment services has become a standard for many Canadians. Cybercriminals from around the globe seek to take advantage of this trend while staying largely anonymous. Even the most savvy and experienced investors must be vigilant to safeguard their...

A government designs a great service or program to support its residents. Although many people qualify, the program receives just a few applications. How can we increase uptake? This is a common question the Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) has helped governments answer across many policy...

Individuals with lower incomes may face a range of economic challenges and barriers to upward mobility. Two types of services that may both contribute to the goal of improving individuals’ financial situations are employment and training (E&T) services, which have the goal of improving...

FCAC’s new webpage, Choosing a financial institution, will help consumers determine which type of financial institution best meets their needs. The topics covered include: Identifying the financial products and services you need Deciding if you want all your products and services with one...

In 2020, the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) set out to widen the scope of its financial counselling services by looking at how it could deliver a holistic financial counselling framework that could better meet the financial and well-being needs of its service users. Over the past...

The Reducing the Impact of Financial Strain (RIFS) project is a ground-breaking collaboration between communities and their Primary Care Networks that aims to reduce financial strain as a barrier to health, particularly in areas of cancer, chronic-disease-management, and prevention. Did you know...

As cash use, access, and acceptance declines in Canada, vulnerable demographics are at risk of being left behind. For many, cash is more than just a method of payment. The growing pattern of electronic payments means that cash could become more scarce, threatening those who rely on it. While a...

At first glance, the latest FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households findings are encouraging: rates of un- and underbanked households reached historic lows after trending downward for the last decade. Yet, a lack of access to quality banking remains a problem for nearly 25...

This Financial Resilience Institute report, authored by Eloise Duncan and commissioned by FP Canada and the Institut québécois de planification financière (IQPF) is being published for everyone with a stake in the financial resilience and well-being of Canadians. This study, leveraging the...

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) is continuing its efforts to help Canadians experiencing serious financial difficulties find the right debt solution. These efforts include increasing consumer awareness about the unregulated Debt Advisory Marketplace and helping consumers...

There are many effective, award-winning financial literacy programs in Canada. However, many of these programs do not meet the needs of women living on low incomes. Families Canada’s national research study identified 14 social, economic, and institutional barriers that prevent women living on...

ABC Life Literacy Canada has unveiled the newest workbook from its HSBC Family Literacy First program, supported by HSBC Bank Canada. The workbook, entitled “Chug-a Chug-a Choo Choose”, includes a story and four new activities that teach children how to compare costs and identify needs and...

Families Canada’s report Financial Empowerment for Women Living on Low Incomes: An Action Plan shares 20 calls to action for adapting financial literacy programming to better support women living on low incomes. To help fulfill some of the calls to action outlined in the report, they’ve just...

Whether you’re making a budget, finding money to save or invest, or deciding priorities during tight times, separating your spending “needs” from your “wants” can help. A “need” is something you must spend money on in order to get by. For most people this would include rent...

Brought to you from CPA Canada, this financial literacy podcast talks about key issues, trends and tips as they relate to financial education. Season 7 of the Mastering Money podcast takes a deep dive into debt and the way it affects Canadians. Season 6 of the Mastering Money podcast will help...

In 2022, the Consumer Price Index rose 6.8%, the highest increase since 1982 (+10.9%). Prices for day-to-day goods and services such as transportation (+10.6%), food (+8.9%) and shelter (+6.9%) rose the most. Canadians felt the impact of rising prices. Data from the Canadian Social Survey...

Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario commissioned a research study that focused on consumer attitudes, how consumers are engaging with financial services, and consumer characteristics such as vulnerability. Insights from the research are allowing FSRA to better understand the...

This report is about the financial resilience and financial well-being of Canadians with low incomes based on the Seymour Financial Resilience Index ®  It provides a call to action for more targeted support from policymakers, financial institutions and community non profit organizations for...