Financial Literacy – Take Control of Your Money
By: Lory Rochon – CCPL Program Coordinator
Financial literacy is the ability to use knowledge and skills to make effective and informed money management decisions (def. at www.weegy.com). This is especially important now that our region is facing some major changes due to the downturn in the forestry sector. Becoming “financially literate” can help you adapt or make the needed changes to withstand changes and become more financially resilient.
Becoming financially literate starts with taking an honest and complete inventory of yourself and your attitudes about money – your current financial situation; what’s important to you; spending versus saving; needs versus wants; future goals; debt management; as well as many other topics. We know that change can be hard and that learning new skills can be tough, but you can start building your financial resilience by making small changes over time. As with all learning, changing habits and attitudes gets easier with practice. If you are ready, why not start with something small, like creating a budget.
A budget is a great place to start because it starts with Where am I now? (what is my income and how is it being used) and gradually moves you towards making changes in both attitude and action with What do I do next? (where can I save or what can I do differently?) A budget is just a tool you can use to collect your financial information and see your spending patterns. From there, you can decide if you want to make any changes and then track your success in making those changes. Budgets help show you where your money is actually being spent. You might be surprised at how much is spent on convenience items or food, but, that could also be a good thing, because it gives you information you can use to decide if you want to make any changes to your spending habits. Budgets are great because there is no right/wrong, they are unique/personal, and they are adaptable/changeable. So, start keeping track of your spending (collect your receipts/bills) and call/text/write me if you need help getting started.
All of our programs are FREE! CCPL offers confidential/private appointments; group learning opportunities, and workshops! For more information, call/text/email: Lory@caribooliteracy.com (250) 395-0655
Read more great articles Literacy Makes Financial Cents.
Becoming financially literate starts with taking an honest and complete inventory of yourself and your attitudes about money – your current financial situation; what’s important to you; spending versus saving; needs versus wants; future goals; debt management; as well as many other topics. We know that change can be hard and that learning new skills can be tough, but you can start building your financial resilience by making small changes over time. As with all learning, changing habits and attitudes gets easier with practice. If you are ready, why not start with something small, like creating a budget.
A budget is a great place to start because it starts with Where am I now? (what is my income and how is it being used) and gradually moves you towards making changes in both attitude and action with What do I do next? (where can I save or what can I do differently?) A budget is just a tool you can use to collect your financial information and see your spending patterns. From there, you can decide if you want to make any changes and then track your success in making those changes. Budgets help show you where your money is actually being spent. You might be surprised at how much is spent on convenience items or food, but, that could also be a good thing, because it gives you information you can use to decide if you want to make any changes to your spending habits. Budgets are great because there is no right/wrong, they are unique/personal, and they are adaptable/changeable. So, start keeping track of your spending (collect your receipts/bills) and call/text/write me if you need help getting started.
All of our programs are FREE! CCPL offers confidential/private appointments; group learning opportunities, and workshops! For more information, call/text/email: Lory@caribooliteracy.com (250) 395-0655
Read more great articles Literacy Makes Financial Cents.
