#FLM2017: Financial Literacy Month kicks off for the seventh year

OTTAWA, Oct. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - November marks the beginning of the seventh annual Financial Literacy Month (FLM), which aims to improve the financial literacy of Canadians, help them better manage their money and improve their financial well-being. This year's theme is "Take charge of your finances – It pays to know." Each week will feature a different sub-theme such as the benefits of basic money management, the importance of understanding financial rights and responsibilities, and strategies to reduce debt and save for the future.

To start FLM, FCAC is hosting its fifth National Conference on Financial Literacy from November 1 to 3, in Montreal. The conference will bring together over 350 delegates from Canada and abroad to discuss trends and emerging issues related to financial literacy. Topics will include innovative programs that are having an impact on the financial well-being of Canadians and the latest research on ways to improve Canadians' financial well-being.

Increasing Canadians' financial knowledge, skills and confidence is a shared responsibility. Organizations from across the country participate in FLM by hosting events and sharing information to strengthen the financial literacy of Canadians. During FLM, FCAC collaborates with various community organizations, volunteer groups, agencies from all levels of government, employers and private entities, in order to support relevant programs, stay on top of issues that impact consumers, and advance the financial literacy agenda.

Quick Facts

• Financial literacy is important for the financial well-being of individuals, but also for the economy as a whole. Understanding the basics about money is a critical skill.
• The first FLM in 2011 was the result of work between the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and the Financial Literacy Action Group. Since then, hundreds of organizations have hosted and promoted thousands of events and activities across the country to strengthen Canadians' financial literacy.
• Organizations are encouraged to get involved by hosting events, promoting FLM on social media, and promoting their resources and events in the Canadian Financial Literacy Database (CFLD).

Quotes

"Improving Canadians' awareness of their financial rights and responsibilities is a long-term challenge. Financial Literacy Month provides an instrumental forum for collaborating with stakeholders so we can better target key messages ton consumers about their financial rights and responsibilities. Informed consumers are more confident in dealing with financial matters and making decisions that improve their financial well-being."

Lucie Tedesco, Commissioner, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

"As Financial Literacy Month gets underway, I'm pleased to see hundreds of organizations coming together and getting involved to help improve the financial literacy of Canadians. Every initiative counts, no matter how big or how small. Encouraging people to take action to better manage their money and debt, make a budget, have a savings plan, and better understand their financial rights and responsibilities will help them to achieve greater financial well-being."

Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

Associated Links

• About Financial Literacy Month
• National Strategy for Financial Literacy—Count me in, Canada.
• National Conference on Financial Literacy
• Promotional material for Financial Literacy Month
• Canadian Financial Literacy Database

Website: Canada.ca/Financial-Literacy-Month 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FCACan 
Twitter: @FCACan 
Join the conversation via #FLM2017 and #ItPaystoKnow.

SOURCE Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, 613-941-4168, [email protected]

Related Links

https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency