Dan Ahlstrand and Clinton Wilkins discussed the need for Canadians to understand income, assets, and credit, especially amidst economic challenges like recession and high inflation.

Welcome to Financial Literacy Month 2025!
It’s hard to believe, but November is here! As you might already know, this means Financial Literacy Month is back. Every year, the Government of Canada uses this month to help Canadians examine their finances, and find new ways to strengthen their financial health. Whether you are trying to build up your savings, buy a home, or reduce your debt, Financial Literacy Month is designed to help you feel more confident. Here’s a quick review of what this month is all about, and why this year’s theme of “Talk Money” is important.
What is Financial Literacy Month?
Financial Literacy Month (FLM) was first introduced in 2010. An initiative from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), it has a simple but meaningful purpose. The goal is to help Canadians build financial knowledge and confidence. Each November, the FCAC works with both public and private partners to share tools and events that support Canadians in their everyday lives.
In 2025, the theme of FLM is “Talk Money.” The focus is on breaking the silence and encouraging Canadians to talk more about their finances. The “Talk Money” campaign is designed to normalize conversations about money. This could mean budgeting, debt, saving, and anything in between. This kind of open discussion can help reduce stigma, and encourage Canadians to build a stronger financial wellbeing.
Why is it important?
Money plays a major role in everyone’s lives, yet it is a topic many people avoid talking about. People might not discuss finances out of stress, uncertainty, or even embarrassment. However, remaining silent might result in further issues. According to Statistics Canada, household debt is hovering around record highs. All across the country, you can find people who are trying to juggle their mortgage, credit cards, and rising living costs. Financial Literacy Month is designed to be an opportunity to change your financial outlook. By using the right resources, you can make informed decisions and reduce your feeling of stress. No matter what your financial goals are, talking openly about money is a crucial step.
Key areas for 2025
So, what are some key topics you should focus on in 2025? As always, debt management is an important point to discuss. As the costs of living and borrowing continue to increase, debt can easily grow if it is not dealt with. Talking about repayment strategies and how to avoid unnecessary debt can make a huge difference in your life. You don’t always need to have these conversations with your broker, either! Conversations with friends or family can also help remove the stigma of debt. Sometimes, understanding that you are not alone can make a world of difference.
Another important topic to examine this year is homeownership (if this is relevant to you!). If you are a current home owner, or hoping to purchase in the future, understanding homeownership and mortgages are critical to your success. Chatting with a broker about affordability, mortgage pre-approvals, and interest rates can help you make the best choices for your situation. If you already own a home, conversations about your product can help you analyze whether your mortgage still meets your needs.
How can you build your own financial literacy?
What can you do to build your financial literacy on your own? This November, take the time to challenge yourself and talk money! Talk to your partner about your budget. Discuss saving strategies with a friend. Reach out to a mortgage broker to chat about your homeownership goals. Financial literacy is an ongoing journey, and sharing it with others will only better your experience. You can also explore podcasts, webinars, social media resources, and local events dedicated to Financial Literacy Month. These tools are designed to make learning more accessible and relatable for all Canadians!
Financial Literacy Month is all about building your financial knowledge and confidence. In 2025, there is the added focus on breaking the silence around money. Openly discussing finances can help build your own confidence, and form a space where financial wellbeing is a top priority. If homeownership is part of your financial picture, we’re here for you! As brokers, we are ready to work with you to discuss your options, today and every day.
If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.