Credit Canada GOLD: Financial Coaching Program

The program is helpful in showing people in debt what led them to that point, how to start to change those behaviours or responses to external factors and that there is hope to get out of debt with time 

I surprised myself and adapted my spending for the 6 weeks in the course and was able to pay my credit cards off - no excuses!

I am grateful to this program for leading me to confront and face my spiralling debt in a supportive and encouraging way, with exercises and information that helped me get a handle on a situation I had been avoiding, and made me feel like there were real, constructive steps I could take to change things. This program got me to understand my financial picture, track and monitor spending, and start seeing my debt as a worthwhile challenge to tackle and overcome instead of live in fear of. I also had good conversations with people in my life about money that would not have happened if the course hadn't prompted it.

This course gave me some basic knowledge and tools I wouldn’t dare look for on my own. Now it doesn’t scare me to look at the numbers and plan better, even if it takes a while, I know where I can save and where I should put the money first. Thank you!!!

This course was like therapy in many ways, and Becky and Bruce were very adept at ripping off the band-aids.  Bruce also has a subtle not-so-subtle way of not letting you avoid certain actions or conversations.  The course design wasn't heavy,  but there was still a lot of information to take in and digest.  Thankfully, it was presented in a way that each lesson became personal and easy to learn (not always easy to do or implement). I learned a lot about myself (more than just the financial side).  

This program offers support and structure to take away that emotional anxiety about money, look at the cold, hard facts of where you are, and offer hopeful messages that you can get control over this situation.  It has a small footprint but a big impact on those lucky enough to access the expertise and wisdom of the Credit Canada team.

The program is absolutely worth it. Yes, you can learn online, but the coaching and classes provide structure and personalized expertise to the material. 

I cannot tell you how much better I feel about money, life and the future as a result of being involved in the excellent process you and your team have provided.  The process has given me hope that I will be able to have some of the experiences that are important to me despite my age.

I prioritized my participation in the program and taking care of myself. I took care of a problem that was holding me back for a long time and finally tackled it. I am finally having open and honest conversations about money with the people closest to me without shame.

This program taught me skills I hear about but no one really shares them in such detail. I feel like they really held my hand through the process and encouraged me not to avoid looking at numbers and make more conscious decisions with my spending.

This program has been game changer, it helped me face my debt and start taking the steps that I need to take to get out of debt. It was a reality check in the best sense.

I was paralyzed in my financial life and just  getting deeper and deeper, not able to come up with a plan. The program gave me clarity and empowerment. I am stronger for the program

It made a difference and helped me come up with a plan to reach my goals.

This program is life changing and worth it for the future of Canadians with debt and pushing towards a debt-free country. It made me confident in talking about my money problems and it even piqued interest in friends who are also struggling. It's a support group that isn't well acknowledged to be needed like a mental health group. But this group provides the community in a similar way, in a way that is required by those who feel the shame of debt. 

I learned what my major triggers are for reckless spending and how to recognize patterns before they start. I have always struggled with budgeting and found the sustainable spending plan to be much more approachable.

I’m getting braver! I’m having hard conversations with spouse and banks. I’m defining what’s important to me and pushing for MY voice to be heard too. I’m not the only one to compromise anymore. I did get through the program and did the homework. Not always fun but insightful (the homework). I often quit when things get overwhelming-am realizing I CAN do hard things. You just need to keep showing up and chip away the challenges.

This program is a welcome and overdue gateway for people who may feel powerless and overwhelmed by their debt as I did. Hearing other people's stories, sharing advice and experiences, and getting informed, unbiased guidance on options is empowering and helpful and I saw myself and others grow more confident and purposeful over the course of the sessions.

I have been able to drastically improve my credit score by 97 points over the last year!

I made connections with like-minded people whose situations paralleled my own. I was able to derive insights from them and share my own advice, which empowered me.

This program gave me the tools to begin to tackle financial issues that needed to be dealt with but which I had tended to ignore up until now.  The positivity of the instructor and coach were invaluable in helping us realize there is a way forward and I believe a lot of other women could benefit from such a program. 

I learned how to remove emotions from my financial situation and that being "in the know" is far less scary than I thought. Understanding where I am in my situation and the steps I can take to manage my debt is empowering and has made me more confident. I accept where I am and that this is not going to be a quick fix, but I know I have the power and tools to fix it.

I learned how my behavioural patterns for spending had a devastating effect on my finances. This program taught me how to face them, examine them, and start to change my behaviour.

So many women are in the shame closet, this program helps them feel strong and confident. There is a community on this website that outlines to support and educate long term.

I thought I would never start working toward eliminating my debt because of the shame associated with it - I really think this is the only shame free place to do this.

This program was excellent for me and put me on the right track towards better financial management and habits. 

This program was exactly what I needed to focus on my finances instead of letting them take a back seat to other priorities. The GOLD program changed my life!

The course really made me think from a different perspective.  It helped me to focus on my goals and what I am trying to accomplish.  

This program and the way it is structured helped me reach my goals of freedom surrounding my finances. I felt helpless before I started, and now, I feel that there is hope of living a happy life free of unnecessary debt. I have been involved in many programs and focus groups surrounding self-improvement, this is the first program in years that has inspired my full commitment. I hope that Credit Canada Gold continues, it has proven successful for those who are willing to follow the format and suggestions.

This program helped me face some scary and emotional stuff but did so with a community of support to help me through it and the growth

This program has given me a whole new outlook on my finances and my financial future. I am no longer scared to attack my debt, and feel confident I can weather the roadblocks along the way.

I learned that once a person gets past the blame/shame game, you can normalize having financial challenges and can accept some help - things can and will get better. These are lifetime habits we’re building. It takes time but is achievable.

Credit Canada GOLD made a big difference for me, as I learned many new habits and was able to pay off a significant amount of debt. Along with the practical and actionable content, having a supportive community, weekly coaching, and accountability partners were crucial to my success. Unlike with previous budgeting efforts, I also hope to continue to comply with my sustainable spending plan because of the program's quarterly check-ins for the next 2 years. This follow-up and accountability will help me continue building and sustaining my new habits for the long term. 

I have never had anyone accept me and my financial mess before this program. The camaraderie and emotional support got me through an emotional time. The practical help was invaluable and I will keep what I have learned in mind forever. 

This program made a world of difference to me. Without it, I can say with absolute certainty that I would be stressed, afraid, and carrying a burden that I had no idea I could be freed of. Smart people can be stupid with money. They can be taught new skills and ideas that will change that.

This program sets us up for success with skills not taught in school. Sadly, I am 45, professional, married, working mom who did not know how to manage my finances. This has helped me plan ahead and not go into debt every month.

Through my participation in this program a lot of weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I am better able to smile and help others.

Before this program, I never wanted to reach out and ask for help, but I was at a point I had no choice. I didn’t know what else to do. I’m glad I took the big step to be a part of this program and move forward with making positive changes to my financial situation. 

This is such an important course. Generations of Canadians have graduated school with little to no financial literacy. This course eliminates the stigma of asking for help and gives everyone the basic tools for creating their own financial freedom.

Supportive of women from all different backgrounds in different situations financially. This was empowering

There is a huge stigma around parents talking to kids or teaching their children money management.  Credit Canada listens to their clients and then they work together towards a solution.   How wonderful for the single woman who is giving birth in a month and doesn't have 5 dollars to scrape together and thinks there is no hope then someone told her about the Gold Program  She realized that there is a place where she can go and be accepted and not judged.  To look at her situation and help her understand (by her doing it herself)   how to manage her money more resourcefully. This is because the Gold Program gives you a place to have moral support,  be in a safe environment and finally share all the confusion, humiliation, and tears and realize that there is a gold lining in the sky where the sun can come through.  At Last.

A friend told me about this program because of the success she had experienced. It inspired me to join the program and I am so grateful because I feel like I am able to take control of my spending and what my purpose for money is! 

The program made me feel like I'm not alone. Everyone has different circumstances but I felt supported in this group of women. The coaches were so positive and motivating. I know this is going to take may a while to get where I want to get financially but I feel there is hope.

My proudest accomplishments are my shift in knowledge and the confidence that comes from it.  I'm not scared anymore.  I'm still working through a very long journey, and that journey is real and heavy and has serious impacts on my life, but I'm not scared of it anymore, I'm empowered to change it, heal through it, and grow from it.  And to me, that is such a burden off of my head and heart.