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  1. CPA Financial Literacy Program
  2. Explore Financial Literacy Resources

Explore Financial Literacy Resources

CPA Canada also has helpful publications and tools to help strengthen your financial capability: 

  • COVID-19 financial literacy resources – Explore curated resources to help manage your finances and provide you with the tools you need during this crisis – and beyond.
  • CPA Canada Wellness webinars – Learn from financial experts on current financial hurdles and the impact they have on mental health. 
  • CPA Canada Small to Medium Business webinars – Gain expertise in financial literacy and entrepreneurship for small business owners. 
  • Financial Wellness Guide – Use this interactive questionnaire to learn money basics and how they apply to you.
  • Just the Facts – Gain the straight facts on multiple financial topics to help you make more informed decisions and provide you with the vocabulary to talk about money. Download and display these series of posters for you and your community.
  • Financial Literacy Podcasts: Mastering Money – Listen to our financial educators talk about key issues, trends, and tips as they relate to financial education.
  • Blog – Read CPA Canada's expert bloggers share their top tips and personal stories about money and making smart financial decisions.
  • Your Money Matters Newsletter – Sign up to receive expert tips from CPAs and others on how to manage money.
  • Financial Literacy Publications – Read CPA Canada’s innovative financial literacy publications for in-depth knowledge on improving financial health.
  • Money Management Worksheets – Use these worksheets help you with various aspects of managing money.
  • Money Management Surveys – View research on key money management, such as household debt management, holiday spending and fraud protection.
  • Small and Medium Business: Financial Literacy Resources – Get useful tips and resources to help you better manage your business's finances.
  • Other Financial Literacy Resources - Find helpful tools and resources from the federal government and other sources.
How to fund your post-secondary education
Personal Finance

How to fund your post-secondary education

Graduating from high school is one of the greatest milestones in life. Very rarely will you have as many exciting opportunities ahead of you than in this moment – and obtaining a post-secondary education is often key to unlocking these opportunities. 
By Han Shu
Aug 9, 2022
Assessing the Disability Tax Credit: A guide for individuals with learning disabilities and their caregivers
Personal Finance

Assessing the Disability Tax Credit: A guide for individuals with learning disabilities and their caregivers

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with impairments, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay.
By Stefanie Ricchio
Aug 4, 2022
Alter ego and joint spousal trusts: requirements, benefits, and drawbacks
Personal Finance

Alter ego and joint spousal trusts: requirements, benefits, and drawbacks

Since their introduction in 2001, alter ego trusts (AETs) and joint spousal trusts (JSTs) have become important wealth- and succession-planning tools for Canadians who are 65 and older. With an alter ego trust, only one person is entitled to all of the trust income and capital in their lifetime. With a joint spousal trust, an individual and their spouse/common-law partner (spouse) are both entitled to all of the trust income and capital in their respective lifetimes.
By Bilal Kathrada
Jul 18, 2022
How inflation is affecting your finances in 2022
Personal Finance

How inflation is affecting your finances in 2022

Canada’s inflation rate reached 6.8%  as of April 2022, a huge jump compared to the 1.3% and 1.9% recorded in 2021 and 2020 respectively. 
By Andrew Smith
Jun 2, 2022
Giving the gift of life insurance to charity
Personal Finance

Giving the gift of life insurance to charity

When planned carefully, making charitable contributions by gifting life insurance can further reduce the after-tax cost of giving from the base-case scenario.
By Farzin Remtulla
May 25, 2022
Building an investment portfolio to match life goals
Personal Finance

Building an investment portfolio to match life goals

It’s easy to walk into a bank branch or contact a discount brokerage, open an investment account, deposit money and buy investment products. People buy stocks, mutual funds, GICs and bonds every day in investment accounts, but the question is: what’s your plan?
By Kurt Rosentreter
Apr 29, 2022
Crush fraud: How to identify, protect yourself, and report fraud
Personal Finance

Crush fraud: How to identify, protect yourself, and report fraud

Did you know that March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada? This is a time to educate or refresh ourselves on the types of fraud being practiced and how we can protect ourselves.
By Vince Kanasoot
Mar 17, 2022
How does COVID-19 affect your 2021 personal income tax filing?
Personal Finance

How does COVID-19 affect your 2021 personal income tax filing?

This year marks yet another pandemic tax season. And just like last year, when you file your personal income taxes for 2021, it will be important to note some changes in how federal COVID-19 benefits affect your taxes.
By Shane Schepens
Feb 17, 2022
CryptoRom: The Tinder match you don’t want
Personal Finance

CryptoRom: The Tinder match you don’t want

There’s one type of romance fraud that’s quickly trending: CryptoRom. And this is one dating profile you definitely want to swipe left for.
By Vince Kanasoot
Feb 11, 2022
RRSP and TFSA: 4 things every Canadian should know about
Personal Finance

RRSP and TFSA: 4 things every Canadian should know about

With the new year comes the start of a new tax season. As you begin to think about your financial goals and your personal income tax filing for the 2020 tax year, it’s important to be aware of how RRSPs and TFSAs can benefit you. 
By Jeff Brown
Jan 27, 2022
Will capital gains or losses affect your 2021 income tax filing? What you need to know
Personal Finance

Will capital gains or losses affect your 2021 income tax filing? What you need to know

If you wish to sell capital property and apply the gains or losses to your 2021 tax return, your captial property transcations must be complete by December 31. We explain how this works. 
By Bilal Kathrada
Dec 8, 2021
Six financial tips to prepare you for 2022
Personal Finance

Six financial tips to prepare you for 2022

As the end of 2021 approaches, so is the time for you to review how you can reap all of your potential financial benefits from this past calendar year.
By Vivian Tse
Dec 7, 2021
The 5 most important tax slips you need to know about for tax season
Personal Finance

The 5 most important tax slips you need to know about for tax season

The tax season always seems to come up and surprise us. And since many Canadians find doing their taxes stressful, keeping track of what you need to know is all the more important to minimize anxiety in the process. 
By Aaron Aerts
Dec 2, 2021
How emotions can impact our financial decisions
Personal Finance

How emotions can impact our financial decisions

We are living in a volatile world and many of us are experiencing feelings such as anxiety and confusion more frequently than in the past. 
By Chris Wyman
Nov 23, 2021
Busting 7 common money myths
Personal Finance

Busting 7 common money myths

The Internet is filled with financial “tips” that can be more myth than truth. Whether you encounter them via YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, or Facebook, it’s very important to validate financial tips by doing your own research and speaking to a professional, such as a CPA or a financial advisor. 
By Nelson Soh
Nov 4, 2021
Saving for retirement: Top tips for young people
Personal Finance

Saving for retirement: Top tips for young people

When was the last time you actively planned for an event that was 40 or even 50 years away? Chances are, you didn’t. 
By Leah Giesbrecht
Nov 3, 2021
Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers: How your generation can save for retirement
Personal Finance

Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers: How your generation can save for retirement

Meeting our needs and goals later in life depends in large part on successfully saving for retirement, but with approximately 70 per cent of Canadians worried they won’t save enough for retirement and one third of Canadians having no retirement savings at all, it’s worth taking a look at strategies that can help us save for the day when we no longer have a work income. 
By Bryan Sommer
Nov 2, 2021
Declaring revenue: Is it a hobby or a business?
Personal Finance

Declaring revenue: Is it a hobby or a business?

Whether you bake cupcakes and sell them to co-workers or go fishing after work and sell what you catch to friends, any profit you make from your passion could be considered business income, subject to income tax in Canada.
By Lawrence Tam
Sep 22, 2021
Saving strategies for Generation X
Personal Finance

Saving strategies for Generation X

Between the Baby Boomer and Millennial generations are the Gen Xers (early 40s to mid-50s), who grew up in interesting times. This is the ‘latch-key’ and the ‘MTV’ generation, often children of working parents.
By Bryan Sommer
Sep 16, 2021
Conquer your back-to-school spending with these four tips
Personal Finance

Conquer your back-to-school spending with these four tips

A new school year comes with new costs – housing, transportation, text books, social activities, etc. It’s not only important to keep track of these expenses but also to ensure that you can pay for them with the money you have. 
By Nelson Soh
Aug 26, 2021
How you can invest in your child’s education
Personal Finance

How you can invest in your child’s education

As your child or children head back to school in this fall, immediate financial needs aren’t the only academic expenses to consider. 
By Shane Schepens
Aug 16, 2021
5 tips on how to conquer personal debt
Personal Finance

5 tips on how to conquer personal debt

If you’re struggling with mounting credit card debt as household expenses climb, you are not alone. 
By Andrew Smith
Aug 11, 2021
Budgeting: The journey out of debt
Personal Finance

Budgeting: The journey out of debt

British Columbians are being pushed to their financial limits like never before. According to Sands and Associates 8th Annual BC Consumer Debt Study, the COVID-19 pandemic was a major contributing factor for over half of the survey respondents who filed insolvency since March 2020. 
By Andrew Smith
Jul 8, 2021
The 4 main reasons why you should care about financial ratios
Personal Finance

The 4 main reasons why you should care about financial ratios

Financial ratios are tools used to compare figures in the financial statements of your business. They provide an objective measure on the performance of your business in the past, present, and future to help you determine growth, pay yourself & your employees, and still make a profit.   
By Ron McGregor
Apr 6, 2021
How investing while young can lead to big returns
Personal Finance

How investing while young can lead to big returns

A common excuse many young people have as to why they haven’t begun the process of putting money into investments is that they don’t have enough to start. Somehow, we’ve become conditioned to think “it isn’t worth it” unless we have thousands and thousands of dollars to invest. 
By Doug Allan
Mar 17, 2021
How does COVID-19 affect your 2020 personal income tax filing?
Personal Finance

How does COVID-19 affect your 2020 personal income tax filing?

The 2020 tax year will be very different for many Canadians who have to file their personal income taxes. That’s because many of the federal government’s emergency benefits in response to COVID-19 are taxable. 
By Shane Schepens
Mar 1, 2021
The three common types of investments Canadians should know about
Personal Finance

The three common types of investments Canadians should know about

For many Canadians, terms such as GICs, mutual funds, and ETFs, can be daunting. What do they even mean, and how can you invest in them?
By Jeff Brown
Feb 8, 2021
5 tips to help you prepare your income taxes effectively
Personal Finance

5 tips to help you prepare your income taxes effectively

The 2020 tax season is in full swing and you have until April 30, 2021 to file your income tax return to avoid any penalties.
By Melanie Schroeder
Jan 28, 2021
What you need to know about home office tax deductions
Personal Finance

What you need to know about home office tax deductions

We explain how to deduct your home office expenses, including how to claim up to $400 using the new Temporary Flat Rate Method.
By Dan Roberts and Inderpal Grewal
Jan 20, 2021
Planning successfully for retirement: CPA Financial Literacy volunteers share top tips
Personal Finance

Planning successfully for retirement: CPA Financial Literacy volunteers share top tips

How much of a challenge would it be for you to save $756,000? How long do you think it would take you? 
By Leah Giesbrecht
Nov 23, 2020
Demystifying debt: CPA FinLit volunteer helps young people understand how to leverage debt to their advantage
Personal Finance

Demystifying debt: CPA FinLit volunteer helps young people understand how to leverage debt to their advantage

Canadians recently reached a dubious high point – collectively, we have amassed $100 billion in credit card debt.
By Leah Giesbrecht
Nov 18, 2020
Small steps have a big impact: Volunteer helps high school students improve financial literacy
Personal Finance

Small steps have a big impact: Volunteer helps high school students improve financial literacy

As much as parents plan financially for their children’s future and offer tips on how to manage money, the time will come when young people will need to take ownership of their finances. 
Nov 5, 2020
Helping kids get financially smart for life: Volunteer stokes passion for real-world skills
Personal Finance

Helping kids get financially smart for life: Volunteer stokes passion for real-world skills

“I wish I’d known how to start saving for retirement when I was young… I would’ve liked to have known how to draw up and keep to a budget... I would have benefited from an explanation of how to use credit cards properly…”  
By Leah Giesbrecht
Nov 2, 2020
What stays the same this school year? The importance of investing in RESPs
Personal Finance

What stays the same this school year? The importance of investing in RESPs

The new school year is well underway, and it’s a year drastically different from previous years. While the way children are being educated will continue to vary depending on COVID-19 measures, the importance of investing in registered education savings plans (RESP) remains constant. 
By Shane Schepens
Sep 30, 2020
An overview of credits and benefits for persons with disabilities
Personal Finance

An overview of credits and benefits for persons with disabilities

For persons with disabilities, a variety of credits and benefits are available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as well as for the people who support or care for them. 
By Stefanie Ricchio
Sep 23, 2020
Planning during COVID-19
Personal Finance

Planning during COVID-19

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges when it comes to an individual or a business owner’s financial plan. Many people have relied on various government relief programs. It’s more important now than ever before to revisit your plan so that you can make short and long-term adjustments where necessary. 
By Bryan Sommer
Aug 10, 2020
Plan ahead to pay tax on the CERB
Personal Finance

Plan ahead to pay tax on the CERB

To date, approximately 1,100,000 people in BC have applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), while over 8,245,000 people have applied for it nationally. Originally intended to last sixteen weeks, the CERB has been extended as COVID-19 continues to take a severe toll on employment and all parts of the economy. 
By Shane Schepens
Jul 23, 2020
Family trusts: Recent changes and continued benefits
Personal Finance

Family trusts: Recent changes and continued benefits

The last three years have seen significant changes in tax legislation. Private family businesses have felt the bulk of these changes, and many are still trying to digest the impact within their businesses.
By Bilal Kathrada
Jun 3, 2020
Tips to manage through a volatile market
Personal Finance

Tips to manage through a volatile market

There’s no doubt this is a worrisome time for investors and that it’s more important than ever to remain calm so that you can make clear and informed decisions about your portfolio. 
By Bryan Sommer
Apr 5, 2020
Time is running out to put money in your RRSP for 2019
Personal Finance

Time is running out to put money in your RRSP for 2019

Are you satisfied with how much you’ve contributed to your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) in 2019? If you still want to contribute more, you can – but not for long.
By CPABC Taxation Forum
Feb 14, 2020
Could you benefit from a readvanceable mortgage? Here’s what you should know
Personal Finance

Could you benefit from a readvanceable mortgage? Here’s what you should know

Canadian homeowners often have two critical financial goals: pay off the mortgage and save for retirement. It is conventional practice in Canada to approach these two goals sequentially as most Canadians have a fixed amount of income each month and there is a contractual obligation to make monthly mortgage payments.
By Bilal Kathrada and Robinson Smith
Feb 3, 2020
RESP 101: What’s the difference between the 3 types of RESPs?
Personal Finance

RESP 101: What’s the difference between the 3 types of RESPs?

If you’re looking for a holiday gift that will benefit one of your loved ones far beyond the holiday season, a registered education savings plan (RESP) contribution may be the answer. But as the year draws to a close, time is running out to make an RESP contribution for this calendar year.
By Shane Schepens
Dec 20, 2019
Capital gains 101: How to calculate transactions in foreign currency
Personal Finance

Capital gains 101: How to calculate transactions in foreign currency

When you sell capital property, you must report the transaction in your personal income tax return – and there are benefits to doing so. Capital gains are taxed at half the standard rate, and capital losses can be used to offset capital gains.
By Bilal Kathrada
Dec 19, 2019
Savings strategies for baby boomers
Personal Finance

Savings strategies for baby boomers

Baby boomers are the generation that “had it all,” with unprecedented opportunities for upward mobility.
By Bryan Sommer
Nov 12, 2019
What would I tell my younger self? CPAs share their personal finance tips
Personal Finance

What would I tell my younger self? CPAs share their personal finance tips

Being a young professional is an exciting time in life. When someone graduates from their post-secondary studies, they begin a new chapter that may include embarking on a career, relocating to a new city, and enjoying new relationships.
By Vince Kanasoot
Nov 7, 2019
6 apps that’ll help keep track of your personal finances
Personal Finance

6 apps that’ll help keep track of your personal finances

Whether you’re managing debt, saving to buy a home or planning for retirement, figuring out your finances can make your head spin. Luckily, these apps (available for iOS and Android) can help you get a handle on things.
By Mathieu de Lajartre
Oct 7, 2019
Saving strategies for millennials: The earlier the better
Personal Finance

Saving strategies for millennials: The earlier the better

As an investment advisor, when I meet with my millennial and boomer clients I am often reminded of how much they can learn from each other: millennials, with their dynamic optimism to enjoy life in the now, and boomers, who can model the lessons and benefits of saving over time. But millennials (aged 22 to 37) do face some unique generational challenges.
By Bryan Sommer
Mar 31, 2019
From candy to Bugattis - How to help kids embrace money matters
Personal Finance

From candy to Bugattis - How to help kids embrace money matters

When is the right time to begin teaching kids about money? As an investment advisor, and as a father of two, I believe the earlier the better as it can help set young people up for financial success. 
By Bryan Sommer
Nov 19, 2018
Plan in advance: Leave a lasting legacy
Personal Finance

Plan in advance: Leave a lasting legacy

Most of us would like to leave a lasting legacy; however, we may not know what steps to take to fulfil that goal. An advisor can help you assess the options and determine which ones are suitable to your situation.
By Bryan Sommer
Sep 12, 2018
Assess and address - How to transition your business before retiring
Personal Finance

Assess and address - How to transition your business before retiring

As business owners near retirement, they may have questions about transitioning the business. For example, who is going to take over the company?
By Bryan Sommer
Jul 30, 2018
Finding YOUR retirement investing strategy
Personal Finance

Finding YOUR retirement investing strategy

The most pressing question that potential retirees ask me is: Will I have enough money to fund my retirement lifestyle? That’s why, it’s not surprising that in a recent survey, baby boomers expressed that they are more afraid of running out of money than they are of dying.
By Bryan Sommer
May 7, 2018
Six things to remember when filing small business tax returns
Personal Finance

Six things to remember when filing small business tax returns

If you’re a small business owner, there are a few key dates to keep in mind when it comes to taxes. If you’re a non-incorporated small business owner, April 30 is the deadline for you to pay any income tax that your business owes and June 15 is the deadline to submit your T1 return. 
By Bilal Kathrada
Apr 30, 2018
Cryptocurrencies: Are they taxable?
Personal Finance

Cryptocurrencies: Are they taxable?

With the price of bitcoin spiking in 2017, cryptocurrencies are gaining traction and moving into the spotlight of currency trading. If you jumped on the bandwagon and sold cryptocurrency (such as bitcoin or ether) in 2017, or made a purchase using cryptocurrency, you’ll need to report those capital gains on your tax return.
By Bilal Kathrada
Mar 19, 2018
Retiring? Evaluate these five investment risks first
Personal Finance

Retiring? Evaluate these five investment risks first

Will I have enough money to retire comfortably? More and more, people nearing retirement have to confront this question.
By Bryan Sommer
Feb 21, 2018
Maximize your TFSA savings
Personal Finance

Maximize your TFSA savings

Believe it or not, the tax-free savings account (TFSA) has been around in Canada for nine years now. If you haven’t given much thought to it in the past or you’re just thinking about investing into a TFSA account, here are some things you’ll want to know.
By Justin Lee
Feb 14, 2018

Questions?

For further information, contact our Financial Literacy team at finlit@bccpa.ca | 604-484-7006

Explore Financial Literacy Resources
Explore Financial Literacy Resources
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