Financial learning for Canadians

Your money.
Your next step.

Explore seven connected topics at your own pace. Learn a little, try a tool, and bring your questions to a future workshop.

Start with money basics ↓

Not sure where to begin? Try the Financial Wellness Check →

Chapter 01

Start with money basics

Build knowledge, one question at a time.

Your financial journey begins with understanding the choices in front of you. Learn the difference between income, spending, saving, borrowing and investing. You do not need to know everything before taking a useful first step.

A place to start
Choose one money question to explore this week. Write down what you know, what you need to find out and where you will look for reliable information.

Review your money picture →

Chapter 02

Understand your protection

Think about the people and priorities that depend on you.

An illness, injury or death can affect household income and expenses. Learn what workplace benefits, emergency savings and insurance may cover, and where gaps may remain. Coverage needs can change when your family, work or debts change.

A place to start
List the people who depend on your income. Review your existing benefits and policy documents before considering any changes.

Explore protection needs →

Chapter 03

Prepare for the unexpected

Give unexpected costs a place in your plan.

An emergency fund is money set aside for essential costs you did not expect. Your target depends on your expenses, income stability and responsibilities. Keep the purpose, access and risk of these savings in mind.

A place to start
Start with an achievable amount and review your essential monthly costs. Consider a separate, accessible savings account.

Estimate emergency savings →

Chapter 04

Make sense of debt

Understand the cost before choosing a repayment approach.

Interest rates, fees, payment amounts and repayment periods all affect the cost of borrowing. Compare your balances and minimum payments. Paying more toward a higher-rate debt may reduce interest, while other approaches may help you stay consistent.

A place to start
Make a list of balances, interest rates and due dates. If payments are becoming difficult, ask about credible help early.

Compare debt payments →Explore credit card payments →

Chapter 05

Know where your money goes

Make room for everyday needs and future priorities.

Cash flow is the movement of money into and out of your household. A useful budget includes regular bills, flexible spending, debt payments and costs that happen only a few times a year. Review it when your circumstances change.

A place to start
Track a typical month, then add irregular expenses. Choose one adjustment that fits your priorities and circumstances.

Map monthly money →

Chapter 06

Save and invest with purpose

Connect your choices to your goals and time frame.

Saving and investing serve different purposes. Think about when you need the money, how easily you need to access it and how much risk you can accept. Investment values can fall. Compounding illustrations show possibilities based on assumptions, not promised returns.

A place to start
Name your goal and time frame. Learn how fees, inflation, diversification and Canadian registered accounts may affect your choices.

Explore compound growth →Plan a savings goal →

Chapter 07

Prepare for your future

Bring retirement and legacy into the conversation.

Retirement preparation can involve government benefits, workplace plans and personal savings. Legacy planning includes keeping beneficiary information and important documents up to date. Tax and estate rules depend on your circumstances and province.

A place to start
Gather your retirement information and review your beneficiaries. Ask an appropriately qualified professional about legal, tax or personal recommendations.

Explore retirement savings →Review household net worth →

FOB Money Foundations · Workshops being prepared

Learn together. Ask your questions.

Public workshop dates will be announced when sessions are ready. You can also request a dedicated workshop for your family, workplace or community group.

Tell us your preferred topic, group size, province, online or in-person preference, and a few possible dates. Please do not include account numbers or private financial documents.

Request a workshop by email →

This opens your email app. You can also write to [email protected]. A request is not a confirmed booking. We will discuss availability, format, accessibility needs and any fee before you decide.

Keep exploring

Further reading from GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca, the Ontario Securities Commission’s investor education website. These independent resources open on the source website.