The York University Libraries are bringing Financial Literacy Month to York students by holding a series of events during the month of November and promoting a variety of financial literacy resources.
Financial Literacy Month is a national event that was established five years ago by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. During the month of November, a variety of Canadian businesses and not-for-profit organizations participate in this celebration of financial literacy in Canada by creating resources and hosting workshops that help Canadians learn how to make responsible financial decisions.
“Like it or not, financial decisions are part of our daily lives,” says Jodi Letkiewicz, assistant professor in York's School of Administrative Studies. “Unfortunately, many students experience financial stress and don’t have the knowledge, skills or help to manage that stress.”
A month dedicated to this important topic, she says, gives students access to information and help to better manage their financial lives.
Moshe Milevsky, associate professor at the Schulich School of Business, adds that this initiative is extremely important and timely.
“Very few programs or Faculties at York University mandate a personal finance or wealth management course,” says Milevsky, “so the general level of financial literacy on campus is quite low. Kudos to the staff at the Libraries for attacking this task with gusto.”
The Libraries will be hosting three events for students on the Keele campus:
Tax Planning for Postsecondary Students – Nov. 4, 12:30 to 1:30pm
Joanne Magee, associate professor in York’s School of Administrative Studies and School of Public Policy & Administration, will give a talk on why it is important for students to file a tax return every year and how students can use certain tax rules when filing their returns to help offset the cost of university.
The Amazing Financial Race Workshop – Nov 11, 12:30 to 1:30pm
This game-based workshop will be run by Credit Canada Debt Solutions and will help students build their financial literacy skills by learning about topics such as budgeting, using credit cards, fraud and identity theft.
Own Your Financial Future: Managing Debt & Making Credit Work For You – Nov. 18, 12:30 to 1:30pm
Hosted by CPA Canada, this workshop will help students develop a better understanding of what credit is, how it works and the value of having a good credit rating.
Students can register online. A light lunch will provided at each event.
While the above events will help students hone specific financial literacy skills, the Libraries also created a website that highlights financial literacy resources, a personal finance book display in the Peter F. Bronfman Library, and an online guide that showcases both York U resources and free online resources that discuss financial literacy.