Understanding the Canadian Tax System
February 11, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Confused about how taxes work in Canada? Learn about the various taxes paid in Canada and the types of benefits you can receive as an international student.
Maximizing Tax Benefits for Persons with Disabilities
February 13, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Are you taking advantage of all available grants, tax benefits and deductions available for Persons with Disabilities?. These benefits help offset the cost of impairments by reducing your tax liability. Learn about eligible medical expenses, disability related benefits, caregiver deduction and the disability tax credit.
Partners and Money
February 19, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Online)Have money-related conversations been part of your relationships? How did they go? Did they lead to any surprising responses? According to a recent Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of BMO, spending is a source of conflict for one in three (32%) couples. Notably, around 35% believe their partner spends too much, and some admit they are not always completely honest about their finances. Understandably, this can create significant stress.
Got a Job Offer? How to Negotiate Salary Increases
February 25, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Congratulations on receiving a job offer! Now comes the big question: should you negotiate for a higher salary? Many of us feel uncomfortable discussing money, and even if the salary seems fair, you may worry that asking for more could cost you the opportunity.
Don't Be a Victim: Fraud and Scams
March 4, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes, and it has a devastating impact on its victims. Last year, Canadians reported losing about $416 million to fraud, a 55% increase from the $269 million reported in 2021. Learn how to protect yourself and avoid falling victim to some of the most prevalent methods used by fraudsters. Scams are everywhere, but with the right tools and tips, you can equip yourself to recognize them and safeguard your hard-earned money.
Investing Basics
March 6, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Investing and savings are the cornerstones of wealth management. Learn about investment basics, such as the types of investment vehicles-such as GICs, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Stocks, and ETFs-where to invest (financial institutions for investing and savings, investment platforms), and the difference between a registered and non-registered account.
Understanding the Canadian Tax System
March 12, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes, and it has a devastating impact on its victims. Last year, Canadians reported losing about $416 million to fraud, a 55% increase from the $269 million reported in 2021. Scams are everywhere, but with the right tools and tips, you can equip yourself to recognize them and safeguard your hard-earned money.
Managing OSAP Debt Repayment
March 26, 12:30 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. (Online)Graduating soon? Confused about OSAP repayment and important timelines? Attend this workshop to learn when repayment begins, key details about the National Student Loans Repayment Centre (NSLSC), the Repayment Assistance Program, and the resources available to help you determine your loan repayments.
Planning for Life's Big Purchases
April 1, 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. (Online)Big purchases require major planning! Graduating soon and wondering how and when to make those significant investments or purchases after leaving Mac? Attend this workshop to learn about goal setting, prioritizing, and developing a spending and savings plan. Discover how debt works for major purchases and understand the impact of debt payments on your budget. Determine whether discretionary purchases align with the goals and values you have set for yourself.
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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