Don't let money stress stop your school success.
Get free financial education services from the Centre for Financial Empowerment
in Learner Success Services.
Financial Coaching
FINANCIAL COACH INDIGENOUS FINANCIAL COACH
Bow Valley College students can get free, confidential financial advice from an unbiased Financial Coach:
- Take control of your money,
- Manage your spending (sample budget),
- Save for unexpected expenses,
- Understand bank accounts and fees,
- Manage debt,
- Learn the best use of credit cards,
- Build your financial wellness.
Financial Empowerment Boot Camps
Get a head start on school by managing your money and finances. In our boot camps offered during New Student Orientation, you can learn about budgeting, banking, tips for saving money and fraud prevention.
Financial Literacy Month
Money on your mind? Talk About It. Did you know that just talking about money improves your confidence with money and your financial wellbeing? On November 7 join Bow Valley College's events that will help you to make talking about money with family and friends okay. Check out the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's Managing Your Money resources, Financial Tools and Calculators and get talking about money.
November 7, 2024 Schedule
All events are in-person
| Time | Event | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00am-1:00pm |
Financial Wellness Fair Have fun, play games and meet community organizations that support your financial wellness. |
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| 2:00-3:30pm |
Bank It! Join students from the Financial Services program in this interactive banking simulation experience. Practice opening a bank account and applying for a credit card. |
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| 2:00-3:30pm |
Money In Motion Play this simple board game and learn about managing your money. You'll make choices that will determine your income, expenses, and how to handle unexpected money situations. |
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Financial Empowerment
Bow Valley College offers opportunities for students to improve their financial wellbeing. Check back every term for a list of current financial wellness events.
Fall 2024 Schedule
Got money on your mind? Let's talk about it. Click here to register.
| Date | Time | Topic | Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 11 | 12:15-1:15pm |
Opening a bank account. Learn how to choose a bank account that meets your needs. |
Virtual |
|
| September 25 | 12:15-1:15pm |
Applying for a credit card. Learn how to choose and apply for a credit card. Understand your borrowing responsibilities and the billing cycle to build good credit. |
Virtual | |
| October 9 | 12:15-1:15pm |
Managing debt. Set-up a plan to manage your debts and build good credit. |
Virtual | |
| October 24 | 12:15-1:15pm |
Groceries and money (meal planning). Take the stress out of cooking and grocery shopping. Learn to make a weekly meal plan that will save you time and money. |
Virtual | |
| November 20 | 12:15-1:15pm |
Kids and money. Learn age-appropriate ways to teach your kids about money. |
Virtual | |
| December 4 | 12:15-1:15pm |
Consumerism and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Get inspired to curb your spending with this timeless children's story. |
Virtual | |
Indigenous Financial Empowerment
Bow Valley College provides culturally appropriate money management services and programs to support Indigenous students with their financial wellness. Meet with an Indigenous Financial Coach to work on your personal financial goals, attend workshops, or participate in the Seasons of Saving program. For more information contact us at Indigenous Financial Coach.
Fall 2024 Schedule
| Date | Time | Topic | Delivery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 19 | 12:00-2:00pm |
Awards and funding information session. |
In-person | |
| September 20 | 12:00-2:00pm |
Consumerism: change your spending behavior. Focus: consumerism and utilizing banking and credit. |
In-person | |
| October 2 | 12:30-1:30pm |
Medicine Wheel teachings: Breaking cycles and finding balance. Focus: spending habits and behavior. |
In-person | |
| October 16 | 12:30-1:30pm |
Time is an investment: planning and budgeting. Focus: budgeting and banking. |
In-person | |
| November 6 | 12:30-1:30pm |
Our home is sacred: how environment impacts spending. Focus: environmental triggers and responses to spending money. |
In-person | |
Matched Savings Programs
Earn while you learn! You can earn up to $600 in matched savings while learning tips to help you manage your money and save. Improve your money management skills, save $20, $30, $40, or $50 each month during the semester and we match your savings 3 times. Spend your savings and the bursary (award) on tuition, books and materials for your classes, a laptop, debt repayment, childcare, your children's education (RESP), or emergency savings. Do you have questions about Matched Savings? Contact us at financialcoach@bowvalleycollege.ca.
Matched Savings Bursary
This is a 4-month program (1 semester) for eligible domestic Bow Valley College students. The program is offered in Winter (January to April), Spring (May to August), and Fall (September to December) semesters. Participants attend 8 money management workshops scheduled throughout the semester (11 hours) and earn 11 hours towards their co-curricular record. Applicants must be registered in a Bow Valley College program and be in good standing (no academic probation, no outstanding fees). Apply at the student awards portal.
| Application Deadline | Program Offered |
|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall (September to December) |
| December 1 | Winter (January to April) |
| April 1 | Spring (May to August) |
Seasons of Saving
This is a 4-month (1 semester) culturally appropriate program for eligible First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Bow Valley College students. This is an online, self-paced program offered in Winter (January to April), Spring (May to August), and Fall (September to December) semesters. Students complete 4 online money management modules (10 hours) throughout the semester, participate in Sharing Circles, and earn 10 hours towards their co-curricular record. Applicants must be registered in a Bow Valley College program and be in good standing (no academic probation, no outstanding fees). For more information contact Indigenous Financial Coach.
Tax Time
Watch for special events in February and March to get you ready for tax season:
- Guest speakers and workshops,
- Information about tax filing,
- Tax clinics.
For information about resources available visit our Tax Time page.
Resources
Bow Valley College Financial Wellness Workbook.
Momentum Online Money Management Courses.
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Money and Finances.
Prosper Canada Benefits Wayfinder Tool.
Alberta Securities Commission Check First.
