Workshops
The goal of the Small Change Personal Finance Expo is to create a dynamic and informative event that provides you with financial and consumer strategies and resources that you can immediately start incorporating into your life.
Come prepared to take notes and be enlightened on a range of financial and consumer issues!
Our agenda ranges from short presentations to comprehensive workshops of 45 – 90 minutes in length that will help you:
- Avoid or reduce debt
- Make smart consuming decisions that allow you to live within your budget
- Make smart banking and investment decisions
- Identify and save for future short-term and long-term goals
Check out the full event program
Featured presentations and workshops include...
Become Money-Savvy through Financial Basics - Presented by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
This workshop will focus on budgeting and credit card debt management. It will also provide consumers with tips and tools to increase their financial knowledge and help them boost their confidence when dealing with financial institutions.
Demystifying Investments (RRSP, RDSP, TFSA, RESP, RRIF, LIRA…) -Presented by Vancity Credit Union
Find out about tax advantages and government programs that can mean the difference between just scraping by, and succeeding overall. Attend this workshop to gain a better understanding of RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, RDSPs, and other government programs/benefits, as well as how to save for the short/medium/long term - even if you have low income.
Your Consumer Rights: Being a Smart Shopper - Presented by Consumer Protection BC
This workshop is a quick overview of your rights as a consumer in BC. Learn more about how to appropriately stop debt collection calls and how much you should be legally charged for a payday loan, or Knowing the law may also help you save money. Find out how to cancel a gym membership, learn about store return policies, and gift card expiry dates and fees.
InvestRight - How to Avoid Investment Scams - Presented by BC Securities Commission
If you encounter a sales pitch that sounds too good to be true-– STOP!
It’s a warning sign that the investment might be a scam. These kinds of sales pitches are designed to push your buttons to appeal to your desires or fears that can lead to an impulsive, emotional, or irrational investment decision. Everyone would like to find a great investment that provides guaranteed financial security, but unfortunately, some offers are just too good to be true.
Let's Talk Credit - Presented by Credit Counselling Society of BC
Whether you're just starting to use credit now or if you have more credit than you know what to do with… come find out:
• how to build a better credit rating
• what lenders look at when you apply for credit
• how to use credit and stay true to a budget
• where to get help if your debts have gotten away on you
There are so many misconceptions about how credit reporting actually works. Questions will be encouraged but you won't need to share any personal details. Come prepared to learn!
Housing Priorities on a Tight Budget - Presented by Ready to Rent BC and sponsored by Vancity
What makes a successful rental situation? Develop skills and tools that will help you and your family get the housing you need. This experiential workshop will help people on tight budgets think about their housing priorities when it comes to finding a place to live and how they will pay for it.
8 Things To Consider Before Walking Down The Aisle - Presented by Home for the Honeymoon
Find out the top 8 things you'll want to review before you say I do. Being on the same page financially will strengthen your relationship and help you set goals that are realistic and attainable. Realize who the spender and who the saver is in the relationship and set up a game plan that will play to both your strengths and overcome those weaknesses.
Baby Steps: Financial Planning for Parents - Presented by Alexandra (Alyx) Gilgunn, Certified Financial Planner, Apple a Day Financial
Are you concerned or have questions about your finances? Join Certified Financial Planner Alexandra (Alyx) Gilgunn for an interactive workshop designed to assist you with planning your family’s financial future. We will be looking at strategies to pay down debt, what costs your family may face in your child's first few years, various ways to save and the reasons you should be knowledgeable about wills and insurance.
Helping Newcomers to Success in Canada - Presented by RBC Financial
This presentation will provide newcomers with an overview of what they need to begin thinking about and acting upon to get established in Canada. This presentation will provide attendees with insightful financial advice and relevant banking solutions that will help take the mystery out of opening bank accounts, accessing, sending and receiving money, borrowing, buying your first home, saving for children's education and planning for retirement.
Collaborative Consumption and Car Sharing: How Does it Work? - Presented by Victoria Car Share Co-op and sponsored by BC Transit
Owning a car can be one of the most expensive components of an individual or family's annual budget. Understanding the impacts, and the options for action, can help attendees make a significant impact on their expenses, while also decreasing their impact on the planet. The session will demystify car sharing here in Victoria, while placing the practice in the larger context of the new wave of collaborative consumption.
Purchase tickets online and save!
