"I'm grateful to be able to volunteer with the financial literacy program. I feel financial literacy is crucial because it helps people make smarter money decisions, boosts their confidence, and this positively impacts their families and community."
Location: Kamloops
Volunteering with the Financial Literacy program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has helped me build confidence in public speaking while allowing me to promote the CPA profession within my community. More importantly, I've seen firsthand the positive impact we can make simply by sharing our knowledge. This program provides valuable financial education to diverse groups who might not otherwise have access to accounting professionals. If you believe in the importance of financial literacy, I highly encourage you to support this initiative!
Location: Kamloops
Being a volunteer with CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy Program has been a rewarding experience for me. As a newer member of my community, it enables me to meet a variety of ages and backgrounds. I’m learning more about what matters and is challenging those I live amongst, as well as refreshes my learning on topics that
I don’t deal with on a day-to-day basis. The support of the hosting agencies and CPA encourages me to continue volunteering.
Location: Richmond
I started volunteering with the Financial Literacy team in Aug 2021. I was pregnant and winding down volunteering as Chapter Chair in Vancouver, when I got an email from Tierra about the opportunity to present Money Basics for Teens in collaboration with MLA Kang. At the time I thought sure I can present, plus what an honour to be asked as well. The Financial Literacy team had the slides prepared, the script, and all I had to do was become comfortable with the content enough to present it.
They allowed me the freedom to work with the message and added examples that I thought could be relatable to drive particular points home. It was awesome to see the participants engaged with the polls and use the chat to guess how much textbooks are, and what are their dream jobs. During the summer I was asked to present this topic again at Southarm community centre to a sold out room of 14 – 17-year-olds not just from Richmond, but all over the lower mainland, some by choice and others by strong encouragement by their parents who I know very much appreciated that we highlighted budgeting, saving, looking to the future, goals and cost of living. I was able to see in their faces the reality of adulting, having them approach me with questions and taking interest in planning now for their future selves. I appreciate the convenience of zoom sessions to reach a wider audience, but we can all attest to zoom fatigue especially with our young adults that experienced days on end of online learning. Presenting in person really allowed me to connect with them, look at their expressions to see their heads nodding as the messages sink in, or shock in knowing how spending choices can really add up.
Before I went down the accounting path, I always wanted to be a teacher, but I struggled with what I would teach? So, I became a group fitness instructor thinking I had satisfied that itch of teaching, but then financial literacy came along, and this really filled my cup. My dream of teaching was finally a reality. Between the 2 presentations I spoke off I was asked by my high school to come present 3 sessions: Money basics for teens and Slay your Taxes twice. I was comfortable with Money Basics but Slay your taxes I had to really study. I am by no means a tax expert, but I was able to download the presentation, and handouts from the financial literacy site and from there I took maybe a couple of hours to understand the message, add some examples, and I was ready to go. A couple times a month we get an email of requested sessions needing speakers, and there are a lot in Richmond. We need speakers in particular, you, our CPA’s to deliver these messages to not only our youth, but newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and start-ups. I am signed up next week to present budgeting and savings and Earning Income to the Boys and Girls Club of Southcoast BC.
What I love about volunteering with the Financial Literacy program is not only does going through the content serve as a nice check in or reminder on how I am doing with my own financial literacy, but it takes me back to a time when I was their age wishing I had someone not just tell me I need an RRSP. We are also in a time where parents are talking a lot about money and having to make hard choices. The message they are sending their kids resonates differently when it is told to them from a teacher or a CPA. I hope through our presentations we help eliminate the awkwardness and burden around budgeting by helping our audiences understand these choices, and to create a positive dialogue around money for their future.
Location: Whitehorse, YT
Volunteering with the financial literacy program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. With each session I deliver, it becomes increasingly clear how vital this support is in our communities. The guidance we provide has a real, tangible impact on people’s ability to understand and manage their finances. As a sole practitioner, I witness the everyday financial challenges individuals and small businesses face. This program gives me the opportunity to directly address those challenges by offering practical, actionable advice.
What I find most meaningful is the chance to share my CPA knowledge and experience with those who need it most. Whether it's empowering youth, newcomers, small business owners, or women, I feel a deep sense of purpose in helping bridge socioeconomic gaps and contribute to a stronger, more equitable society. Every session ends with heartfelt gratitude from participants, clear proof that we're not just teaching skills, but making a real difference.
Location: Langley, BC
One of the most rewarding moments as a CPABC Financial Literacy Volunteer comes at the end of each session, when participants approach me clapping and expressing how much they learned and how eager they are to start applying these new concepts right away. That immediate feedback is incredibly fulfilling. I especially enjoy delivering sessions that empower women and equip youth, two groups I deeply connect with.
As a first-generation immigrant and a woman navigating the professional world, I’ve experienced firsthand how limited the resources can be, especially when it comes to financial literacy. Being able to help others gain clarity and confidence in this space is incredibly meaningful to me.
A memorable experience happened during a women’s financial literacy workshop. After the session, a woman came up and said, “For the first time, I feel like I can actually do this.” She had been overwhelmed by financial decisions after a major life change and didn’t know where to start. That moment reminded me why this work matters. So many women feel powerless when it comes to money, often due to circumstances beyond their control. Sharing practical, actionable tools helps them take back control and restore their confidence.
I believe these sessions plant seeds that blossom into real change. When we teach financial literacy, we emphasize the “flywheel” effect: gaining knowledge, applying it to daily decisions, and in turn, building confidence and control. This is especially transformative for women, but also for teens. I’ve had teens tell me they’ve never had anyone explain how a credit card really works, and that they feel better equipped to avoid common financial pitfalls. Even small pieces of information can make a lasting difference. That sense of creating a ripple effect in people’s lives is what keeps me motivated.
Through my volunteer work, I’ve improved my communication and teaching skills, especially in breaking down complex financial concepts into relatable, digestible information. I’ve also developed greater empathy and cultural sensitivity, which are crucial when working with diverse communities. Most of all, I’ve learned how to connect my professional expertise as a CPA to real-world impact, proving that our role goes beyond just numbers. We can be catalysts for change in people’s everyday lives.
Location: Ladner, BC
For decades, I have volunteered with the CPA Financial Literacy Program and the CRA Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. My goal has always been to give people the pleasure of discovering something new or resolving confusing financial or tax situations. That’s where my skills and expertise are fully utilized.
No matter how much time and effort it takes, I am committed to helping and supporting others. To me, volunteering isn’t about having the time—it’s about having the heart.
As the saying goes: you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.
Location: Delta, BC
Presenting financial literacy workshops is an incredibly rewarding way to give back to my community. They offer the perfect platform to share my passion and knowledge, helping individuals gain the confidence to take control of their finances and reshape their financial journey. It’s a small step for me, but a big step toward building a more financially informed society. The demand for financial education is widespread, and as a CPA, I believe the trust and respect that come with our designation uniquely position us to shift financial mindsets in our communities.
"As a Knowledge Keeper from Lower Similkameen Indian Band, I love to share my expertise, teach and learn from others by volunteering for CPA Canada's Financial Literacy Program."