Financial Literacy

January 01, 2025 to January 31, 2025

Your 2025 Financial Check-up

January 14, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (Gilmour Hall 110)

This workshop will provide an approach in evaluating your finances and past decisions. That way you can identify what you need to do to stay on course or correct your course! This is powerful and will be a game changer.

How to Register for Your CRA Account

January 15, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (Gilmour Hall)

Have you already filed at least one tax return with the CRA and don’t have an online CRA account? You don’t know what you are missing. “My Account for Individuals” is a secure online portal that lets you view all your personal tax and benefit information in one place. Attend this workshop to get a guide on what you need to register, how to use your CRA account and the many benefits it offers.

Banking in Canada

January 15, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Gilmour Hall 110)

Attend this workshop to learn about the different types of financial institution options, including traditional brick-and-mortar banks, credit unions and virtual banks. Learn what they are, the types of accounts to choose from, and how you might use them. Learn about interest charges, interest income, fees and some great resources to help you compare and make savvy decisions. You will also learn about the famous TFSA (tax-free savings account) and what it can do for you-all the valuable information needed to use Canada’s banking/investing system to your advantage.

Understanding the Credit Industry

January 21, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (Gilmour Hall 110)

Attend this workshop to learn the secrets to success in the credit world and the impact of paying bills on your credit score. Find out exactly what a credit score is, how it is calculated, why it is used, and how to obtain a free copy of yours. This workshop is crucial to your financial future and can change your life.

Attention: Set Your 2025 Financial Goals

January 22, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. (Gilmour Hall 110)

Are you ready for a fresh financial start in the new year? Join this workshop to learn the scientific importance of setting realistic and clearly defined goals and how to stay motivated and on course with your 2024 resolutions. Learn about finding your why, the RIGHT way to set your financial goals (and have fun doing it), inspiring yourself and tracking your financial progress. We will be exploring tips, tools and techniques to ensure your success while juggling your hectic schedule to ensure your success.

Starting a Side Hustle Business

January 28, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Gilmour Hall 110)

Whether saving for a specific goal or test driving what it is like to be a business owner, this workshop will get you started on the right path. We will review the steps involved with starting your business in addition to your tax and reporting obligations to the government. The gig economy, while rewarding, also comes with financial responsibilities and challenges. We will equip you with success tips and direct you to resources to help you thrive in the gig economy!

Financial Career Conversation

Career conversations offer students a unique platform to expand their professional network and gain firsthand knowledge about what it means to work in the financial industry. These 1-on-1 conversations serve as a vital resource in terms of exploration, confidence building and resource development.

If you are interested in having a conversation with an entrepreneur, visit OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Career Conversation and fill out an application profile.

Visit Career Conversations on OSCARplus

The Global Experience Award (GEA)

The Global Experience Award (GEA) is designed to provide financial support for students to participate in international experiential learning opportunities. There are four program streams through which applications can be made:

Undergraduate students – experiences abroad
Undergraduate students – virtual experiences
Graduate students – experiences abroad
Graduate students – virtual experiences

Applications can be submitted on AwardSpring all year long (excluding a short shut-down period in July/August).

Learn more about the Global Experience Award

Aid and Awards Hub

Scholarships, Bursaries, Work Programs and more!

Aids and Awards Hub

Are you in financial difficulties and stressing over your finances? Are you having trouble paying your rent or buying food? If so, you are not alone. Coping with financial pressures and managing day to day finances and debt remains one of the top stresses for our students. Meet with one of our financial experts us to review your individual situation and discuss your challenges. They will provide you with options and resources to help manage your financial needs and reduce stress. Please check OSCARplus for available appointments.

If your situation is urgent please e-mail money@mcmaster.ca for a direct referral.

Terry Bennett, BSW, AFC, Insolvency Counsellor (BIA), Money Coach, co-founder of Mac’s Money Centre

Terry Bennett is a professional Social Worker with both 20 years’ experience in the area of social work and 15 years in the role of Accredited Financial Counsellor. For the past several years she has specialized in supporting college and university students deal with their financial insecurity issues and all other financial literacy topics. Her significant expertise is in the area of inspiring behavioural change and exploring money relationships with students.

Gina C. Robinson, CA, CPA, Past Assistant Dean (Student Affairs), co-founder of Mac’s Money Centre

Gina is a professional accountant with 35+ years in areas of public, industry, provincial, regional and currently in the education sector. For the past 20 years she also held the position of Director, Student Success Centre responsible for supporting students in their professional and personal development from commencement of university, throughout and beyond life at Mac. She continues to be a champion for teaching Mac student’s financial literacy skills and positioning them for life success. She is also the Hamilton CPA Coordinator for the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) staffed by trained students and CPA colleagues.