Kirsten Stark
Financial literacy project co-ordinator
The Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy, Financial Literacy project is in full swing, providing support to individuals and delivering workshops across the region.
The lifespan of this project is limited so it’s really important to reach as many people as possible before the end of the year. So far six workshops have been delivered from Nazko to Williams Lake, directly helping more than 50 individuals. The feedback I have been receiving is very positive and hosting the workshops is actually a lot of fun. In addition to learning new skills, the workshop participants get the chance to share their experiences and ideas. I learn something new at every workshop too.
The Budgeting and Money Management workshop was held at the Williams Lake library on Feb. 7 and was well attended. The guest speaker, Bob Osmachenko, got everyone engaged with his alternative approach to budgeting and how to avoid being surprised by those big bills that seem to come around every year.
Osmachenko also covered the topic of financial leakage, which is the money you throw away every month on unnecessary fees and charges. Did you know that it is actually possible to conduct all your banking needs without paying a single fee? This always seems to surprise people.
Just think about how much money you could be saving on ATM fees alone. Attendance was lower at the Credit and Debt Management workshop held at the Women’s Contact Society on March 6, but those in attendance really appreciated the presentation given by Lyndsey Carter of the Williams Lake and District Credit Union.
Carter explained how the credit-score system works, its importance and how a single missed payment can dramatically affect the rate you may be offered when applying for credit in the future.
Some of the biggest issues that keep coming up are understanding and managing your needs versus your wants, and learning how to take control of your money and taking on too much debt compared to earnings.
Here’s what some of the participants have to say about the workshops: “Excellent;” “Made me realize how much I’m losing on Slurpees;” “We learned that it’s hard work to have money saved;” “I now have a list of costs that I can take into account;” and “Thanks for the informative presentation.”
Anyone can request a free workshop or discussion session and it could be for your family, community group or workplace. Spaces are also still available at the upcoming free community workshops.
Don’t miss out. You can still register for Income Tax, on April 3; Home Financing, on May 8; Financial Planning, on June 5, and Be a Smart Consumer, date to be determined.
Contact kirsten@caribooliteracy.com or phone 250-392-8161 (option 3 to register — leave your name and phone number).
