Marianne Dahl

Okanagan charity hosts free online course to improve financial literacy

January 10, 2023 – This year is full of possibilities and 2023 could be the year you tackle your finances and create a new relationship with money. A free online course could give you the tools to take control of your banking.

Launch Okanagan, a local charity has been helping people build financial stability for a decade through a variety of programs to help people better understand money management, personal finances and how to save dollars.

Executive director of Launch Okanagan Jennifer Robins has been hosting free online courses to boost financial literacy in the valley since 2020. Robin is now preparing to host another ‘Dollars and Sense’ program, that is held in partnership with Crowe MacKay LLP Accounting Services.

“I think in general people are looking for ways to get better with their money, but we really feel right now with the increased cost of living the inflationary pressures,” said Robins.

The free eight-week course comes at a time when Canadians are facing financial pressures. FP Canada states that 38 per cent of Canadians say “money is their biggest concern, outranking personal health, work and relationships.”

The course covers budgeting, saving, investing, credit and debit management, consumerism and your relationship with your money.

“Often times we feel like things are out of control and that can hold us back from learning more and making changes but once you start gaining control of your financial situation, even if you don’t like where you are today, you can start taking tiny steps, it doesn’t have to be big major changes, all those little stops are going to really add up over time,” said Robins.

The online course is anonymous and starts on Jan. 24 and continues every Tuesday evening for eight weeks. For more information about the course and how to register visit www.launchmyfuture.ca

Watch the Global Okanagan news interview and story by Sydney Morton

A great opportunity to focus on your finances and make a plan for 2023

January 10, 2023 – Was your New Year’s resolution to get your finances back on track? Did you blow the budget over the holidays? You are not alone. Good news! Launch Okanagan in partnership with Crowe MacKay LLP presents Dollars and Sense – a free, eight- week condensed money management for anyone wanting to better understand everyday financial matters. 

The course begins January 24 and covers budgeting, saving and investing, credit and debit management, consumerism, and your relationship with money. Classes run on Tuesday 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. They do this by allowing registrants to sign-up anonymously, removing the stigma from money matters. 

“Crowe MacKay is proud to partner with Launch Okanagan and sponsor this series of the Dollars and Sense program. As trusted advisors in our community, we understand the value of financial education, and its power to change lives and build successful futures for individuals and families,” says Dave Gautier, Managing Partner of Crowe MacKay’s Kelowna office.

The feedback from former program participants illustrates the impact of the program. A recent program graduate said:“I have learned a lot over the past few weeks. I am so motivated and inspired that I have opened a long-term investment account. I am also working hard on my budgeting. Thanks to Launch Okanagan, I am gaining more confidence in managing my finances.”

With the current economic outlook, the rate of inflation and fear of a possible recession, there’s no better time to focus on your finances and learn the tools to identify barriers preventing you from financial recovery. The Dollars & Sense program empowers through education and mentorship, giving you control of your finances to achieve your goals. 

The next Dollars and Sense program begins on January 24, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Everyone and anyone is welcome who is interested in improving their money management skills and planning for a more secure financial future. 

To register, visit launchmyfuture.ca, or contact Launch Okanagan.

In this issue:

• A message from Jen,
• Dollars and Sense course starts January 24, 2023 – register now at launchmyfuture.ca,
• Thanks to 50/50 winner Connie!

Read the December holiday message

November is Financial Literacy Month!

In this issue:

• Launch Okanagan hosts breakfast with Kelley Keehn
• FCAC – Managing your money in a changing world
• Program impact – What participants are saying
• Giving Tuesday is November 29
• Get involved

Read the November newsletter

On November 8th, we celebrated Financial Literacy Month with 150+ guests from the finance, non-profit and business community. Guests were treated to a wonderful breakfast at the Coast Capri Hotel and learned more about the work of Launch Okanagan and the importance of finance literacy in our community.