Discover financial empowerment resources
Discover financial empowerment resources
The disability tax credit (DTC) is an important program for those facing severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment. Some individuals face unique barriers when it comes to completing their application and claiming the credit. On this page, the CRA is correcting some of the most common myths...
This article by Credit Canada answers many questions around tax filing. For instance, what happens if you don't file your taxes, or you don't pay any tax owing. It also addresses the benefits of filing your taxes. Click on "Access this resource" to learn...
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...
Internet use in Canada is prolific, with 94% of Canadians going online for personal use in 2022, up from 91% in 2018. Not only are more Canadians using the Internet since the COVID-19 pandemic, but more are managing their personal and household finances online. Based on data from the Canadian...
Fast facts: More than 99 per cent of Canadians have a bank account 31 per cent of Canadians say they pay no service fees at all and another 45 per cent pay $15 or less per month Canadians are careful borrowers. Only 0.17 per cent of mortgages are in arrears Access this resource to read...
The report presents a summary of CDSP annual statistics up to the end of 2022. These include the RDSP take-up rates, the number of RDSP beneficiaries, and the values of CDSB, CDSG, contributions, and total assets. Starting in 2024, the program will release comprehensive CDSP statistics on an annual...
This publication is an outreach product to help promote the program "How to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for yourself or a loved one with a disability". This infographic was created in response to feedback from stakeholders and was designed in collaboration with experts in...
With the holidays now behind us, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead: a fresh year full of possibilities. Many individuals have popular New Year’s resolutions involving better nutrition, weight loss and work-life balance. Yet others decide that now is the time to focus on enhancing their...
The Canada workers benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income. The CWB has two parts: a basic amount and a disability supplement. You can claim the CWB when you file your income tax return. Learn more including eligibility...
As people in Canada navigate the impacts of a challenging economic environment that includes inflation, the rising cost of living, record debt levels, and high levels of income volatility, we’re seeing a greater connection between financial and emotional wellbeing. With these external factors...
This free new course for newcomers consists of 4 short modules that should take 10-15 minutes each to complete. Each module includes short case studies, mini quizzes and other interactive elements. The topics for each module are: Essentials of credit in Canada How to build your credit...
This article by Credit Canada helps determine whether it's better to save for the future or pay off existing debts. The "priority pyramid" is a method of visualizing your areas of financial focus from most important to least...
In 2014, the government of BC declared October RDSP Awareness Month to help raise awareness about the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The RDSP is the world’s first savings plan specifically designed for people with disabilities. Even with little to no personal contributions, there are...
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...
Between the high cost of living and inflation, many of us are struggling with debt. But with financial advice available everywhere - from your uncle’s friend to social media influencers, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and hard to know whose advice you can trust. Learning some key warning...
Did you know Canadians have the highest level of household debt in the G7? While debt can be useful it can also be stressful. Consider trying some solid strategies to help you tackle your debt and get on firmer financial...
When Canadians have a financial problem, want to make a financial plan, or need help with their taxes, most simply reach out to their financial institution, adviser, accountant, or commercial tax preparer for the help they need. But who do low-income individuals turn to? A new report by Prosper...
A credit card allows you to borrow a pre-approved amount of money. It may help you pay for goods and services. When using a credit card, you must pay your minimum payment by the due date. If you don’t pay your balance in full, your credit card issuer usually charges an interest fee. Credit card...
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...
When immigrants arrive in Canada, they face many financial challenges. From opening a bank account to using a credit card, from buying a house to paying for insurance, they may find it difficult to navigate the nuances of Canadian markets. Newcomers rely on industry professionals to assist them in...
This presentation at the Canadian Economics Association by Professor Annamaria Lusardi, looks at how we measure financial literacy, how we measure the impact of financial literacy on behaviour, how this data and these findings may be used to design policy and programs and what the implications for...
Economies around the world have had some rough years recently. From a global pandemic, a bout of inflation, a disruption in supply chains, coping with a European war and ongoing concern about global financial stability. The Canadian economy has weathered these storms as well, if not better than...
Generally speaking, overspending refers to spending more money than one can afford or more than was planned. Overspending can stem from various factors that may be within or outside of your control. Common causes of overspending within one's control include underestimating expenses, mismanaging...
The average Canadian tax return amount in 2023 is $2,072 and that money can go a long way when it comes to meeting your financial goals. But remember, this isn’t a cash windfall; it’s YOUR money that the government borrowed from you, so Credit Canada recommends using it for needs versus...
Practically everyone today seems to have some form of debt. Whether that’s from student loans or credit cards, debt is a huge issue for Canadians—one that we could all use a little help to get out of. To gain some relief, people all over the world have turned to side hustles and the “gig...