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HONEST MONEY TALKS:
FINANCIAL LITERACY LIBRARY

Our library of our Honest Money Talks blog is here for you to sharpen your financial literacy skills even further. Indulge in some self-directed learning by selecting one of the topic categories and continue to grow your knowledge with our expertly written, plain language blogs.

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Literacy

Fraud

Borrowing

Investing

Saving

Spooky Situations to Avoid in Your Financial Journey

Spooky Situations to Avoid in Your Financial Journey

Embarking on your financial journey can feel like setting sail in uncharted waters. With a myriad of options and paths, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or make missteps that could lead to choppy seas ahead. But fear not! By being aware of common pitfalls, you can navigate these waters with confidence and reach your fiscal destinations unscathed.

STEPS TO CREATING A POSITIVE MONEY MINDSET

STEPS TO CREATING A POSITIVE MONEY MINDSET

Creating a positive money mindset involves a combination of self-reflection, education, and habit-building. A positive money mindset not only enhances your financial situation but also contributes to your overall quality of life. It empowers you to take control, make informed decisions, and approach financial challenges with confidence.

HOW TO MAKE A STRONG PASSWORD

HOW TO MAKE A STRONG PASSWORD

Creating a strong password is crucial for protecting your online accounts from unauthorized access. If your online accounts get hacked, the consequences can be severe and far-reaching.

Financial Planning as a New Canadian

Financial Planning as a New Canadian

Welcome to the land of opportunities! As you embark on this exciting chapter, getting a firm grip on your finances is as crucial as unpacking your suitcases. Organizing your finances is not just about keeping your dollars and cents in check; it’s about setting the stage for a life of security and possibilities in your new home.

What’s Trending in the Fraud Scene?

What’s Trending in the Fraud Scene?

In an age where convenience is king, mobile banking has become a staple for many. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can deposit cheques, transfer funds, and manage your finances on the go. However, amidst this convenience lies a lurking danger: the “For Mobile Deposit Only” cheque scam.

You’ve opened an RRSP! Now what?

You’ve opened an RRSP! Now what?

Congratulations on taking a fantastic leap forward by opening a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)! This trusty vessel is set to guide you toward the tranquil shores of retirement, but it won’t sail itself. How do you ensure your journey is smooth sailing and not adrift in the open seas?

Phishing and Smishing

Phishing and Smishing

Many phishing/smishing messages appear to be from a trustworthy and reliable source, like your bank or another business you know. Always be cautious, even if you think you recognize the business that the message is from.

2023 in Review: Finance Edition

2023 in Review: Finance Edition

As we approach the end of 2023, let’s discuss what happened this year in the Canadian world of finance, what happened with our personal money management, and how we can improve our financial situation in 2024.

Are you under A.T.T.A.C.K?

Are you under A.T.T.A.C.K?

Social manipulation, in the context of fraud, is the art of manipulating end users into providing personal or confidential information. Personal cyber-attacks come in many forms.

SAVING SMART FOR ALL STAGES OF LIFE

SAVING SMART FOR ALL STAGES OF LIFE

Whether it’s graduating, buying a house, getting married, or retiring after years of a fulfilling career, we need a plan for every stage of life.

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF INTERNET SECURITY

THE FOUR CORNERSTONES OF INTERNET SECURITY

While the internet offers incredible opportunities and convenience, it also comes with its fair share of security dangers. These four cornerstones of internet safety can help you keep your information secure online.

Ransomware: You’ve been hacked!!

Ransomware: You’ve been hacked!!

Ransomware is software designed to deny or restrict access to your device or files until you pay. The general rule is don’t pay the ransom! There is no guarantee you will get access back, and paying increases the likelihood that you will be targeted again.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Are you an adult living in Canada who wants to improve your credit score? You’re not alone! A good credit score is essential for financial stability and can open doors to opportunities like getting approved for loans or securing housing.

CRIME AND ABUSE AGAINST SENIORS

CRIME AND ABUSE AGAINST SENIORS

When it comes to financial crimes, seniors are targeted in almost every way, including aggressive telemarketing, fraudulent home repairs, health or investment schemes, technology schemes, romance or urgent family schemes, just to name a few.

SPOTTING THE RED FLAGS OF AN ONLINE SCAM

SPOTTING THE RED FLAGS OF AN ONLINE SCAM

Scammers are becoming smarter, refining their methods and strategies daily to trick people. After working in the same ‘industry’ for so many years, they have discovered some strong swindles few people can detect.

ON THE WAY TO WEALTH WITH ASSETS

ON THE WAY TO WEALTH WITH ASSETS

Interested in building wealth? Curious about investments and assets? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking to secure your financial future, building a solid portfolio is a crucial step in achieving your goals.

THE EVOLUTION OF FRAUD

THE EVOLUTION OF FRAUD

In an era where technology is advancing at unprecedented speeds, the dark underbelly of fraud is not far behind, constantly morphing into more intricate forms.

INVESTING IN A GIC

INVESTING IN A GIC

Invest with no risk! A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is a great option for every type of investor. Available in short and long terms, your original investment is 100% protected from the fluctuations of the market – so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH IN CANADA

MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH IN CANADA

First and foremost, be wary. Don’t be afraid to hang up the phone, ignore an email or close your internet connection – and please, never be fooled by the offer of a valuable prize in return for a low-cost purchase.

WHY YOU NEED TO START AN RRSP TODAY

WHY YOU NEED TO START AN RRSP TODAY

Retirement is something we should all be thinking about, regardless of your age or where you are in life. A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a government approved plan created to help you financially prepare for retirement.

BE READY FOR THE UNEXPECTED

BE READY FOR THE UNEXPECTED

At YNCU, we understand how unpredictable life can be and we want to help set you up for financial success. Oftentimes, when planning finances, people only think of their savings, retirement, and managing their debt.

INFLATION AND BACK TO SCHOOL

INFLATION AND BACK TO SCHOOL

At YNCU, we know back-to-school can cause a lot of stress during this time of inflation. Rising costs have caused people to have to limit their spending and focus on the essentials.

WAYS TO FUND YOUR EDUCATION

WAYS TO FUND YOUR EDUCATION

At YNCU we know planning how to fund your education is stressful. Everyone’s situation is different, so if you’re looking for alternative ways to pay for school, other than family or government loans, here are some tips that may help.

MAKE YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION STAND OUT

MAKE YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION STAND OUT

Ontarians pursuing post-secondary education can apply for funding from the Ontario Credit Union Foundation. The foundation supports students in academic, vocational, or technical programs at accredited institutions in Canada or abroad.

GUIDE TO PAYING OFF STUDENT LOANS

GUIDE TO PAYING OFF STUDENT LOANS

Graduating from college or university is a very exciting time as you start your careers and begin living independently. But, it can also be a very stressful time as the reality of student loan repayment sinks in.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY WHILE IN SCHOOL

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR MONEY WHILE IN SCHOOL

Going to college or university is an exciting new venture. For many young adults, this means living on their own for the first time, making new friends and maybe learning to balance school and a part-time job for the first time.

CONTROL YOUR FINANCES POST-GRAD

CONTROL YOUR FINANCES POST-GRAD

As a recent graduate, you likely have your first job and are making more money than before. This life transition also brings new major goals, such as getting your first car, finding a new apartment, taking the next step with a partner etc.

4 TIPS TO GET OUT OF DEBT

4 TIPS TO GET OUT OF DEBT

Thirty-eight percent of Canadians say money is the number one source of stress in their lives and debt is a debilitating financial topic over which people feel they have little control.

WOMEN ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WITH MONEY

WOMEN ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WITH MONEY

The gender pay gap in Canada has been an issue for decades. Women across various industries and professional levels have been experiencing economic inequality. According to Statistics Canada, women earn $0.87 for every dollar earned by men.

PLANNING TO PURCHASE YOUR FIRST CAR

PLANNING TO PURCHASE YOUR FIRST CAR

Is buying your first car something on your vision board? This major purchase is something not to be rushed into. Proper planning, research and advice is needed – ahead of time.

HOW TO BUILD A BETTER BUDGET

HOW TO BUILD A BETTER BUDGET

The start of the year has us all googling ways to improve our money management, determined to start the year out right. Budgeting may seem overwhelming for the uninitiated or restrictive to those who’ve tried before and failed.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM COMMON FINANCIAL SCAMS

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM COMMON FINANCIAL SCAMS

Being a victim of financial fraud can be devastating and is on the rise. With fraudsters finding new ways to target vulnerable populations, via phone, email or cybersecurity attacks, we need to be more diligent than ever before when on the lookout for common financial scams.

YNCUniversity is a financial literacy resource hub and not an accredited educational institution that issues degrees.
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