Launch Okanagan

Financial Literacy to move forward in life.

Header Right

Marianne Dahl

Launch Okanagan offers free online financial education program 

 

September 13, 2023 – Does thinking about money or looking at your bills cause you stress and anxiety? Are you worrying about how to financially prepare for the unexpected or how to save for your future? If you want to learn skills to feel in control of your finances, you’re in luck! Launch Okanagan is beginning another session of the Dollars and Sense program – a free, eight-week condensed money management program for anyone wanting to better understand everyday financial matters.  

 

The course begins September 27, 2023 and covers budgeting, saving and investing, credit and debit management, consumerism, and your relationship with money. Classes run on Wednesday evenings on Zoom, and participation is open to any individual needing money management mentorship. 

 

“The Dollars and Sense program is suited for anyone that wants to improve their financial situation and learn strategies on how to manage their money more effectively,” says Jennifer Robins, Executive Director of Launch Okanagan.  

 

Experienced professionals teach the course, including certified financial planners, providing participants with the tools to build financial stability. Program accessibility for participants is a priority of Launch Okanagan so they allow registrants to sign-up anonymously, removing the stigma from money matters.  

 

The feedback from former program participants illustrates the impact of the program. A recent program graduate said: “It’s not an exaggeration to say this course has changed my life! I’m no longer afraid to look at my finances, make decisions about them or ask for help doing so.” 

 

With the current economic outlook, the rate of inflation, and fear of further interest rate hikes, there’s no better time to focus on your finances. Join the program to learn what is negatively impacting your financial wellness and what steps you can take to reduce money stress and build financial security. The Dollars & Sense program empowers through education and mentorship, giving you control of your finances so you can achieve your goals.  

 

The next Dollars and Sense program begins on September 27, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in improving their money management skills and planning for a more secure financial future is welcome!  

 

To register, visit launchmyfuture.ca, or contact Launch Okanagan at [email protected].   

What’s new at Launch Okanagan this summer!

In this issue:

  • Inspiring story about our past participant;
  • Sneak peek at our upcoming event – Save the Date – November 7, 2023;
  • Recent donor spotlight – thanks to Traine Construction;
  • Update on our programs…

Read the summer newsletter

local Dad saves for children’s education in our Matched Savings program…

 

We first met Dom during a Dollars and Sense program at Freedom’s Door. He was quick to participate and seemed quite interested in the topics we were discussing. Once he learned about our Matched Savings Program, he applied and was accepted! Dom chose to save for his children’s education during the one-year Matched Savings Program (which triples his savings by the end of the program). Throughout the year, during our discussions, you could see how important it was to him to open a RESP account and start contributing to his children’s education and future.

 

During his time in our Matched Savings program, Dom told us he went back to school. He often joked that he was the oldest student in the class and talked about his transition back to school after not being in a classroom for more than 30 years. Well, this month, Dom is graduating as valedictorian of his class and we could not be happier for him!

 

Dom shared his experience with us. “The Matched Saving Program has allowed me to focus on what I was doing wrong and how to correct it. For the longest time, if I had the money I spent it. Now when I have the extra money I have been putting it away into a RESP for my children,  an investment for their future.”

 

“This has also taught me that if you want something bad enough, it will still be there when you’re ready to enjoy it, instead of sitting in the closet collecting dust. The Matched Savings Program is a great program as a whole, and I  learned the importance of putting money away for a special occassion or investment AND I’m still able to have fun.  It’s the best feeling.”

 

More info on our Matched Savings program

Single mom of two “incredibly excited” to put new skills to work…

 

Rochelle is a single mom of two that we met at NOW Canada when she participated in a Dollars and Sense workshop. Her feedback speaks volumes of the impact of financial literacy programs especially for single moms.

 

We love highlighting moms as we’ve found that they are often the most successful participants in our Matched Savings program.  After successfully completing the Dollars and Sense workshp, she applied and was accepted into the Matched Savings program as well. Now the sky is the limit!

 

“The Dollars and Sense program ignited a passion inside of me for saving money.  I recently opened two savings accounts and saved $80.  That’s the first time that I have done that. 

 

I applied for the Matched Savings Program and was just accepted.  I want to use the grant to further my own education.  I am also in the process of opening an RESP family plan at my bank.  I’m going to apply for the BC Training and Education Savings grant for my 6 year old son and the Canada Learning Bond for both of my children.

 

I am incredibly excited to be taking my power back in this area of my life! And excited to be a part of an incredible program!”  Rochelle.

 

 

 

Zoom workshops sponsored by MNP start this Spring and run throughout the year

 

Spring has sprung and it’s time to dust off your budget with a little help from Launch Okanagan. Sponsored by MNP, Launch Okanagan is hosting a free, one hour Zoom workshop on Wednesday, April 26 starting at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome.

 

Participants will learn how to create a budget and, more importantly, how to stick to it. They will review the steps to follow when creating a budget and will be given some tips and tools to help them integrate budgeting into their life. 

 

“At MNP, we believe that financial literacy is a key component to personal and community success, and we are proud to partner with Launch Okanagan to bring this budget workshop to our community,” says Jeane Herman, Kelowna Licensed Insolvency Trustee. “Through this partnership, our goal is to provide individuals with practical tools and resources to take control of their finances, to reduce stress, and to build a better future for themselves and their families.”

 

The workshop will be delivered on Zoom and facilitated by Jennifer Robins, Executive Director of Launch Okanagan. If you can’t join the workshop live, you can still register and you will be emailed a recording of the class. After the workshop, all participants will be provided with a budgeting guide and budgeting Excel worksheet to help keep your budget organized and up-to-date. Any level of participation is welcome during the workshop.  People can choose to interact and ask questions or simply listen and be an anonymous participant. Everyone will walk away with practical tools and tips that they can work with on their own time.

 

“Having a budget helps ensure you can afford the fun things you want to do and of course it will help you stay organized so that you can pay your bills on time,” says Jennifer Robins, Program Facilitator. “It’s not about feeling restricted or having too many rules, it’s about setting your own rules and being in control of your money.” 

 

The workshop will be repeated in the fall and winter to enable more people to take advantage of the budgeting tips and tools in a timely manner. 

 

To register, visit trellis.org/launch-my-budget or contact Launch Okanagan at [email protected].  

 

About Launch Okanagan:

For over 10 years, Launch Okanagan has been transforming lives by educating and empowering people in our community with the tools they need to attain financial security and stability. Our focus is on providing financial education and helping individuals develop money management skills that launch them towards a brighter future. Visit launchokanangan.ca for more info. 

 

 

 

Launch Okanagan Logo

reach out. we'd love to hear from you.

[email protected]

begin your move to financial literacy

apply now

be a part of furthering financial literacy Give online today

Dollars & Sense community program

January 14, 2025

Register now!