Financial Literacy Month
Theme for 2026 – “Talk Money”
Financial Literacy Month (FLM) occurs every November to promote the importance of financial literacy and to help people in Canada develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed financial decisions.
Start the conversation
This year’s theme encourages open and honest conversations about money. Consider discussing:
- Financial goals with a partner or family member.
- Budgeting strategies with trusted friends.
- Workplace benefits and retirement planning resources.
- Financial concerns with a financial advisor, credit counsellor, or other qualified professional.
Talking about money can help reduce stigma, strengthen relationships, and build confidence in managing financial challenges.
Take one small step this month
Whether it’s reviewing your budget, learning about workplace benefits, making a savings plan, or having an honest conversation about money, small actions can have a meaningful impact on both your financial and mental well-being.
Considerations of Financial Literacy Month include:
- Encouraging people to create and stick to a budget.
- Understanding and managing debt.
- Learning how to save for future needs, such as education or retirement.
- Promoting fraud prevention and financial consumer protection.
Everyone has a relationship with money, which is shaped during adolescence by the people who raised us. This mindset can be emotional or logical, but with today’s high cost of living, it’s important to ask: is your attitude toward money still working for you?
Financial health and mental health – the links
When financial stress replaces security, it disrupts the future we envision. A poll from Mental Health Research Canada found that financial stress has a significant effect on mental health. Of the 3,819 adults surveyed, 39 per cent said economic issues were affecting their mental health, and 41 per cent of those facing financial difficulties had thoughts of suicide.
Financial Literacy Month is not just about learning – it’s also about empowerment. It’s about giving people the tools to make sound financial choices, ultimately contributing to their overall economic and emotional well-being.
Did you know?
- Financial stress can affect sleep, concentration, relationships, and overall mental well-being.
- Avoiding financial conversations often increases anxiety, while talking openly about money can help people find solutions and feel more in control.
- Small actions, such as tracking expenses for a week or creating an emergency savings goal, can improve both financial confidence and peace of mind.