Take control of your finances and build a growth mindset for the future
We’re here to help you dream big. Get expert financial advice, money management tips and more throughout the month. We’re hosting workshops, events and other opportunities to learn about topics like budgeting, pay cheques, inflation, credit scores and financial empowerment.
Attend free Financial Literacy Month events for a chance to win up to $1,000 toward your textbooks for the winter term, courtesy of the Student Success Centre.
A Comedic Guide to Money with Special Guest Colin Ryan
November 8, 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET (LIVELab. Psychology Complex, 2nd Floor)
Join Mac’s Money Centre for this funny and interactive financial event and learn more about managing your finances with Colin Ryan. Colin teaches people the money and career skills they’ll need to reach their dreams.
He uses humanizing honesty, powerful storytelling, hilarious pop culture touchstones, and a truly inspirational message to transform the dry subject of personal finance into an interactive conversation around one core idea: your ability to manage your money directly affects your ability to have the life you want.
Brought to you in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Wealthsimple Foundation.
Maximizing Scholarships and Bursaries
November 1, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET (GH 110)Attend this workshop to learn about:
- Learn how and where to access more free money
- Find out what aid McMaster has to offer as well as where you can tap into external resources
- What you need to do to be part of the Work/Study Program
- How AwardSpring can help
- We will even debunk some myths
- And more!
Brought to you by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Office of the Registrar.
Investing 101
November 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Are you ready for the world of investing?
Attend this workshop to learn about:
- The fundamental principles of investment that will empower you to grow your wealth
- Understand the basics of stocks, the rules of investing and figure out if you’re ready to start investing
- Develop knowledge and confidence to start building your financial future
Brought to you in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Wealthsimple Foundation.
Graduate Students: Building a great credit score
November 8, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. ET (Online)Credit has become an essential part of our financial system, and we all need to understand how it works- we’ll let you in on all the secrets to success in the credit world.
You’ll learn about the various types of credit and how using those effectively can build a great credit score. But first, do you know what a credit score is, how about a credit report, how and why they are used, and how important they are in securing your financial future?
Brought to you in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and McMaster School of Graduate Studies.
Maximize Your Tax and Education Benefits: Students with Disabilities
November 14, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. ET (MUSC 311)Are you taking advantage of all available grants and benefits? Did you know that the government provides various education grants and tax benefits for persons with disabilities?
Attend this workshop to learn about:
- Education Grants
- Disability tax credit and recent 2021 changes
- Eligible medical deductions, disability support deductions
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (Grants and Bonds available)
- Home Accessibility Grant
Investing 201
November 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Ready to take your investment game to the next level? Investing 201 is designed for those looking to optimize their portfolios and achieve greater financial success.
Attend this workshop to learn about:
- Different investment types, diversification and common investment mistakes
- Boost your investments and potentially achieve higher returns
- Elevate your investing skills
Brought to you in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Wealthsimple Foundation.
Using Credit Wisely
November 16, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Credit cards can be a blessing and a curse depending on how you use them.
Attend this workshop to learn about:
- How credit works
- How to improve your credit rating
- How you are billed for your purchases
- How payments are calculated
- Tips to make sure you are using these cards to your advantage
Graduate Students: Fighting Inflation and Rising Costs
November 28, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. ET (Online)Despite falling inflation in 2023 compared to 2022, prices remain high in the categories of food, housing and transportation. The Bank of Canada rate has settled in at 5.0 impacting the cost of student borrowing. While we can’t escape the effects of inflation, there are actions we can take to combat the impact on our finances. Join this workshop and collaborative discussions for tips on controlling spending, saving money, increasing revenue and achieving better financial wellness.
Brought to you in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and McMaster School of Graduate Studies.
Improve your financial literacy through real stock-market experience.
Registration Deadline: November 23
We’re thrilled to announce the first student investment group hosted by the Student Success Centre, in partnership with the Wealthsimple Foundation.
How does it work?
- This group will be open to 25 lucky participants from any Faculty, who will receive $100 to invest over five months, ending on March 29, 2024.
- The participant with the highest return on investment (ROI) will win a grand prize of $500, with additional prizes for second place ($250) and third place ($100).
- Alongside the competition, we’ll have training and mentoring by Wealthsimple advisors to provide a deeper understanding of investment principles. Remember, in the realm of investing, no amount is too small to start with.
Apply here for a chance to participate and attend one or both of our investing workshops, Investing 101 (November 7) or Investing 201 (November 15) to be entered to the draw. We’ll pick the 25 members using a random lottery. Successful participants will share valuable lessons learned within this community group.
Brought to you in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC) and the Wealthsimple Foundation.
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.
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).
Aid and Awards Hub
Scholarships, Bursaries, Work Programs and more!
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.
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