The Certified General Accountants’ Association of Alberta (CGA Alberta) today launched ‘My Money $ My Future,’ a campaign designed to help high school students make informed and effective decisions in managing their finances.
“Canadians need a better understanding of the financial choices available to them and the consequences of those choices,” says John Carpenter, MBA FCGA, chief executive officer of CGA Alberta. “Our attitude toward credit needs to adapt, and that must start in the classroom. Understanding money is crucial. The more students understand their finances, the better they will be able to manage their money and achieve their goals as adults. When it comes time to decide what their next steps in life will be, their choices will not be restricted by their finances.”
Lloyd Snelgrove, Alberta’s Minister of Finance and Enterprise and President of the Treasury Board, endorses the program. “As financial products and services become increasingly complex, a solid foundation and understanding of the fundamentals—such as this campaign helps establish—will pay dividends for years to come.”
“Building up financial literacy makes for smarter, better-informed consumers, more profitable businesses, and ultimately, a more competitive and prosperous Alberta,” he adds.
My Money $ My Future presents financial literacy from a student’s perspective, focusing on issues relevant to them now and in the future. The student handbook and website teaches students to set and carry out a budget, plan and save, and offers tips on increasing income and decrease spending.
CGA Alberta is working in cooperation with the Calgary and Edmonton Catholic and Public School Boards to distribute the handbooks.