Financial Literacy Month Canada | Credit Canada

Financial Literacy Month in Canada

November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada.

Financial Literacy Month launched in 2011 and is led nationally by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC). Every November, organizations across the country come together to help people build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about money.

Credit Canada has been part of that work since 2007, when we launched Credit Education Week Canada with Capital One Canada. Over the years, we’ve created several Financial Literacy Month programs, tools, and resources to help Canadians learn more about managing money, reducing debt, planning for the future, and building financial confidence.
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What is Financial Literacy Month?

Financial Literacy Month is a national initiative held every November to help Canadians improve their financial knowledge and skills. Led by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) and supported by organizations across the country, it’s an opportunity to take practical steps toward better financial well-being.

Financial literacy is about more than knowing how to make a budget. It can help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and feel more confident managing your money.

Each year, Financial Literacy Month brings together organizations from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to share financial education, tools, events, and resources with Canadians.

Why Does Financial Literacy Matter?

Money decisions affect almost every part of life, from paying everyday expenses and managing debt to saving for the future and preparing for unexpected costs.

Financial literacy can help you:

  • Understand how money, credit, and debt work
  • Make informed financial decisions
  • Create a spending or savings plan
  • Understand the costs of borrowing
  • Set and work toward financial goals
  • Prepare for unexpected expenses
  • Recognize financial scams and protect yourself
  • Feel more confident talking about money

You don't need to know everything about money to become more financially literate. Learning one useful thing and putting it into practice can be a meaningful first step.

Financial Literacy Month at Credit Canada

Credit Canada has been helping Canadians learn about money and credit for over 60 years.

Our Financial Literacy Month programs make financial education practical, accessible, and relevant to real life. Each year, we create resources around the financial issues Canadians are facing, from managing debt and planning for the future to building financial confidence and making everyday money decisions.

Explore our Financial Literacy Month programs.

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The History of Financial Literacy Month in Canada

Financial Literacy Month has its roots in Canada's growing focus on financial education and consumer awareness.

Before Financial Literacy Month became a national initiative, Credit Canada was already helping Canadians learn about credit and money management through Credit Education Week Canada.

1

Credit Education Week Canada Begins

In 2007, Credit Canada and Capital One Canada teamed up to create the first Credit Education Week Canada.

The week-long national initiative was held in November and focused on helping Canadians better understand credit, spending, saving, and other everyday financial issues. It grew into a national financial education initiative, with workshops, events, educational resources, and public awareness campaigns across the country.

2

Financial Literacy Month Launches

In November 2011, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) and the Financial Literacy Action Group launched Canada's first Financial Literacy Month.

The initiative brought together organizations from across the country to help Canadians improve their financial knowledge, skills, and confidence.

1

November is Officially Designated Financial Literacy Month

In March 2012, the House of Commons approved a motion officially designating November as Financial Literacy Month in Canada. The motion was introduced by James Rajotte, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Leduc.

2

Financial Literacy Month Brings Canadians Together

Financial Literacy Month continues every November, with organizations across Canada offering educational resources, events, workshops, and tools.

Today, FCAC leads and coordinates Financial Literacy Month nationally, while organizations across the country contribute their own programs and resources.

What is the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada?

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is a federal government agency responsible for protecting financial consumers and strengthening financial literacy in Canada. Its mission is to foster trust in Canada’s financial system by protecting financial consumers and empowering them to make informed decisions, helping keep the financial system safe, fair, and strong for everyone. As a federal agency, the FCAC is mandated to protect the rights and interests of consumers of financial products and services in Canada.

The FCAC was established in 2001. Its responsibilities include supervising federally regulated financial entities, such as banks, to make sure they comply with their legal obligations, codes of conduct, and public commitments. The FCAC also provides financial education, research, tools, and resources to help Canadians make informed financial decisions.

In its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, the FCAC identifies empowering Canadians to become more financially literate and resilient as one of its three strategic goals, with a focus on providing accessible financial information, tools, and resources. 

What Role Does FCAC Play in Financial Literacy Month? 

FCAC leads Financial Literacy Month at the national level.

It helps bring organizations together, promotes financial education, and provides Canadians with trusted information and tools. Organizations across the country can also participate by hosting events, sharing resources, and creating their own financial literacy initiatives.

Financial Literacy Month is therefore a national collaborative effort, not a program delivered by the FCAC alone.

Visit FCAC's resources

Financial Literacy Resources for Canadians

You don't have to wait until November to improve your financial knowledge.

Whether you're trying to manage debt, build savings, understand credit, or plan for a major financial goal, the right information can help you take the next step.

Learn About Money and Credit 

Explore practical resources from Credit Canada to help you understand:

  • Budgeting and spending
  • Credit and credit scores
  • Debt repayment
  • Saving and financial planning
  • Managing housing costs
  • Financial scams and fraud

Explore Credit Canada's financial resources

Get Help With Your Finances

Sometimes information isn't enough. If you're dealing with debt or aren't sure what your next step should be, you don't have to figure it out alone.

Credit Canada's certified Credit Counsellors can help you understand your options, including our Debt Consolidation Program (DCP, often referred to as a Debt Management Plan), and take the next step with confidence. They provide free, confidential, and non-judgmental support to help Canadians see life more clearly.

Talk to a Credit Counsellor

Build Your Financial Confidence, One Step at a Time

Financial literacy isn't about being perfect with money. It's about having the information and confidence to make decisions that work for your life.

Explore Credit Canada's Financial Literacy Month programs and find a resource that can help you take your next step.

Explore Financial ResourcesTalk to a Credit Counsellor

Financial Literacy Month FAQs

Have questions? We are here to help.

What is Financial Literacy Month in Canada?

What can I do during Financial Literacy Month?

When is Financial Literacy Month in Canada?

What is the purpose of Financial Literacy Month?

Who leads Financial Literacy Month in Canada?

When did Financial Literacy Month start in Canada?

What was Financial Literacy Month called before?

What is Credit Education Week Canada?

Is Financial Literacy Month only about budgeting?