Savings & Debt Resources
We have a lot of valuable learning tools available – tools that are developed, refined and honed to be relevant for each user. You’ll learn how to create effective, realistic spending plans, deal with your debts, save more and build a stronger credit rating. And you can do it in the comfort of your own home. Below we have compiled a list of free resources that will help you get out of debt, manage your money, and increase your retirement savings:
Online Tools
- Spending Plan Forms – Use these to organize your income, expenses, debts and assets.
- Youth Spending Plan
- Debt Management Quiz
- Is the OPD Program right for me?
- Educational Videos
- Sample Letter to Creditors - Settlement
- Sample Letter to Creditors - Repayment Plan
- 11 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counselling Agency
- Organizing Your Finances
- Money Personality Quiz
- Credit Comeback Handbook
Financial Calculators
Our interactive tools can also help you gauge and improve your financial situation. Calculators include:
Our Most Popular Tips
Dealing with Debt
- 8 Ways to Manage Your Debt
- 7 Steps to Roll Down Your Debts
- Um, What is Refinancing?
- How To Find the Right Credit Counselling Agency
- SMART Goal Worksheet
Saving Strategies
Government Resources
Household and Lifestyle
- The Key to Living On an Income Rollercoaster
- 13 Tips To Spend Less on Your Appearance (But Still Look Great)
- Our Top Staycation Ideas
- 4 Easy Ways to Teach Your Kids About Money
- Do Canadians Prefer RRSPs or TFSAs?
- 11 Criteria to Choose the Right Credit Counselling Agency
Relationships and Money
Free Budgeting Workbook
Go back to basics. This workbook offers suggestions on how to budget, cut your expenses, boost your income, and where to access valuable financial information, services, and programs.
Preparing for Debt Repayment
Using everyday tools to prepare for your upcoming financial journey will only secure a successful financial future. Try our wallet card reminder as well as our Debt Issues Cycle to resolve any concerns.
Consumer Tips
As experts in budgeting and debt management, we often receive questions about other personal money management aspects such as:
• Making wise financial choices
• Banking
• Comparing credit cards
• Knowing your rights as a consumer
• Protecting yourself against fraud
• Comparing leasing vs. buying a car
• Renting vs. owning your residence
• How daily spending can affect your retirement
• How to pick the right credit counselling agency
• Income tax and benefit information
• Tips and guides on buying and renovating your home
For these questions, check out the organizations our counsellors and coaches use regularly:
• Service Alberta
• Credit Counselling Canada
• The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
• Industry Canada
• The Canada Revenue Agency
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Credit Reports
Your credit report is an important financial tool you should check at least once a year to ensure you’re in good standing with current and prospective lenders. Canada has two credit reporting agencies that keep track of your credit usage and history.
Find out how to get a copy of your credit report at:
Student Loans
Do you have questions about funding post-secondary education or looking for more information about your current loans? These websites can help:
Debt & Your Mental Health
Dealing with debt is something that so many Albertans face every single day, and you are not alone. However, the longer you wait to seek help, or find motivation to create change, the more your worries will increase, and your debts will keep stagnant.
So what can you do to better your personal health and financial situation today?
1) Reach out to a not for profit agency who can help you address all of your financial strains (here are 11 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counselling Agency)
2) Start to track your spending, or create a budget – here is a Spending Plan Form to help you organize your income, expenses, debts and assets
3) Talk to trusted friends and family about your concerns
Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association website, or call the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
Learn ways to manage stress, or speak with a counsellor.
