November is Financial Literacy Month, which means it’s time to reflect on how you can continue to improve your money management skills. For newcomers to Canada, understanding how banking works in their new home can help individuals settle in and achieve their goals faster. Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians, developed by ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC), with founding partner TD Bank Group (TD), is a new free financial literacy program geared towards adult newcomers in Canada. This program brings dedicated TD volunteer-tutors to communities across Canada to deliver financial literacy training to new Canadians. This November, Brenda Hunter became the first TD volunteer-tutor to use this new program to teach newcomers about the Canadian banking system.
 
Brenda was inspired to work in the financial sector at the age of five because her father, who was a banker, taught her banking basics and tips. She feels that everyone should have the same opportunities that she did to learn financial literacy skills. Brenda has been volunteering with Money Matters since 2014. After tutoring in her first workshop, Brenda observed that “Money Matters was giving people confidence in managing their money.”

Money Matters, a free financial literacy program for adults, takes learners through activities that will strengthen their money management skills. To date, Money Matters has offered over 300 sessions at more than 170 learning centres—reaching over 5,000 adult learners across Canada. Over 400 dedicated TD employees have volunteered their time with Money Matters, sharing information about financial literacy.

When Money Matters for Newcomers and New Canadians was introduced this year Brenda was eager to get involved and worked with Afghan, Chinese and African women who were new to Canada. Together as a team, with an interpreter, they learned about banking in Canada including how to select a bank, ways to save and how to build credit. "As we worked through the program together, it was inspiring to see women building their understanding and confidence," Brenda noted. “Everyone wants to learn how to save for the future, no matter what culture or financial background they come from.”

Brenda offers some advice for Canadians who want to make better financial decisions “Don't be afraid to ask questions and there are experts here to help you every step of the way,” she says. “Money Matters gives people the tools to develop their financial literacy skills.”

To learn more and to download Money Matters and other free financial literacy resources, visit: MoneyMattersCanada.ca.