Overview

We started delivering Money Matter$ in 2004 after realizing that loans are not a magic bullet, people needed the right skills to manage money to pursue their goals, and ultimately build a better future for themselves and their families. We offered most of our financial literacy training through a partnership model, inserting modules into other training offered by partner organizations. We have now expanded to offering Money Matters through 1:1 coaching sessions and individual led plans.

To learn more and for practical assistance to get your finances back on track please reach out to darlene@loanfund.ca or by calling 506-652-5626 Ext 4.

 One of the most important financial activities one can do is to save. Pay yourself first. 

Money Matters Financial Literacy Program & One to One Coaching

Financial Literacy is one of the most important transferable skills we need to function well in our money based economy. Financial stress is one of the most common forms of anxiety. With our Money Matters Program you will learn how to create income, manage, save and spend money within a budget and it will help you make good financial decisions throughout your lifetime

Below are the topics covered in the free 5 module program that will help you understand your financial world:

Assets

You will learn about five different types of assets, what you have today, what assets you want to have in the future, and what you will do to build them.

Banking

You will learn about interest rates, types of accounts, kinds of financial institutions, service fees, and what fits your needs.

Budgeting

You will learn about your needs and wants, setting goals, tracking expenses, and creating a budget.

Consumerism

You will learn why you spend money on certain things, when you do it, how advertising works, how our spending habits affect our future and our environment, and calculating unit price.

Credit

You will learn about credit ratings, how to read your own credit report, credit cards, loans, pay day loans, finance companies, and how to handle and repair debt.

We welcome the opportunity to walk with you on your journey to financial empowerment. Please contact us at darlene@loanfund.ca or 506-652-5626 Ext 4.

 I'm thankful for the Money Matters book club, financial literacy is so important and so infrequently discussed socially.

 Money Matters was one of my favorite presentations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills. 

Savings, Taxes and Asset Building

We offer a Volunteer Income Tax Clinic here at the Social Enterprise HUB year round. If you need help sorting out your taxes or government benefits this clinic may be right for you, please reach out and we are happy to help.

The Black Book Expense Tracker

One of the key tools in our program is the Black Book ©. It is used to track your income and expenses for a month so you know what you are spending and can create a realistic budget based on your personal goals. There is a monthly draw for $25 Giant Tiger Giftcard for anyone who completes and hands in a Black Book!

Judy Chisholm Financial Literacy Bursary

In honour of our former colleague and Money Matter$ Coordinator, Judi Chisholm, and to promote the importance of financial literacy month, the Saint John Community Loan Fund launched the Judi Chisholm Financial Literacy Bursary in 2013. Valued at $500 this is an annual bursary given to one of the Loan Fund's many clients who take the Money Matter$ program. The bursary recipient(s) are chosen for their demonstrated use of the skills taught in Money Matter$ and for their movement towards financial and personal goals.

The bursary is promoted each November and given out at the end of the month. Applications are received up until November 21st. For more information or to apply, please contact darlene@loanfund.ca or give us a call at 652-5626.

Congratulations to our Past Winners

Shelly Theissen

2021 Bursary Recipient

WES Program at the Saint John Learning Exchange

Read more about Shelly

Amanda Smith

2021 Bursary Recipient

Power up and Power Up for Employment

Read more about Amanda

Carol MacLellan

2020 Bursary Recipient

Saint John Learning Exchange

Christel Drew

2019 Bursary Recipient

Saint John Learning Exchange