Course curriculum: from budget to first investment

Each module combines one weekly live class, a support spreadsheet and small tasks to apply to your own finances, in this order and with no skipped steps.

Know where your money goes

The starting point: seeing exactly how your money moves before you try to change anything.

Mapping income and fixed and variable expenses
How to build a simple household budget, in a spreadsheet or a notebook
Spotting small money leaks in everyday spending
Tracking bills, pre-authorized payments and due dates

Tackling debt with a plan

A clear rule for deciding what to pay first, instead of putting out fires in whatever order the bills arrive.

The difference between costly debt (credit card balances, overdraft) and planned borrowing
How to prioritize payments with the snowball and avalanche methods
Using your credit limit and statement balance wisely
What to ask before agreeing to a new repayment arrangement

This module teaches you to set payment priorities using what you already have. It is no substitute for negotiating directly with your creditors or for legal advice when you need it.

Emergency fund and saving habits

Build a base before any investing, even if you can only set aside a little each month.

Why an emergency fund comes before investing
How much to set aside, and where to keep it within easy reach
Building the saving habit even when income varies
Setting short- and medium-term money goals

First steps in investing

A first look at investing for anyone who has never invested, with no specific investments recommended.

TFSA, RRSP and FHSA basics, plus savings accounts and GICs, explained step by step
What risk tolerance means and why it matters
Common mistakes first-time investors make
Where to keep learning after the course

Educational content. This module explains general investing concepts; it does not recommend investments for your situation, and investment decisions are always the learner's own responsibility.

Ongoing planning

The final module is about staying in control once the classes are over.

A monthly budget review in 15 minutes
Adjusting goals as life changes
Free tools to keep your budget going on your own
Wrap-up with the class and your certificate of completion

Sign me up