The financial coaching program that empowers you to make immediate and sustainable, long-term changes to get you out of debt for good.
In Canada, the cost of living continues to increase. As things get more expensive, you might be using credit to bridge the gap, and the debt is piling up. You’re overwhelmed, losing sleep, missing payments, and falling further and further behind. If you’re ready to make changes to get out of debt but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Credit Canada GOLD is an accessible and credible financial coaching program offered by Canada’s longest-standing non-profit credit counselling agency. It moves beyond traditional financial literacy, which is knowledge-based, to financial well-being, which is insight-based. Those insights drive action and sustained behavioural change, making a continued impact over time.
Credit Canada GOLD is:
There’s no cost to participants (program is valued at $700).
Provides the insights and tools to create sustainable long-term change.
Includes small-group coaching, accountability buddies and a format that promotes community-building.
Two years of follow-up support with check-ins, live events, and free resources.
Offered 100% virtually.
The program is absolutely worth it. Yes, you can learn online, but the coaching and classes provide structure and personalized expertise to the material.
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.
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 was excellent for me and put me on the right track towards better financial management and habits.
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 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 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.
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.
Kelly Cowan is a professional personal leadership coach (PCC) and facilitator with 28 years of experience in financial services. She sparks people to face their challenges with grace and get results.
Joanna Mackie (M.A. in Adult Development) is a leadership and life coach, designer/facilitator and system change consultant with 30+ years of global experience. Her work focuses on supporting people to strengthen their awareness and capabilities to navigate complex change with increasing ease and effectiveness.
Have a question? We're here to help.
Credit Canada GOLD moves beyond traditional financial literacy, which is knowledge-based, to financial well-being, which is insight-based. Those insights drive action and sustained behavioural change, making a continued impact over time.
The objective of the GOLD program is to help participants get out of debt so they can get back into life.
The comprehensive program is designed to create a trusted community of learning while providing participants with the personalized support they need to meet individual financial goals.
This program is for individuals:
Who have not done the GOLD program before.
Who are dealing with more Canadian consumer debt (i.e. credit cards, loans, etc.) than they can manage. (This typically means approximately $8,000 or more. There is no maximum limit.
Who are not currently enrolled in or able to do a Debt Consolidation Program, or file for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal.
With a minimum net household income of approximately $2000/month.
Who are ready and willing to be coachable and would benefit from new skills and additional support to make progress.
Willing to take action. You’ll learn how to reduce your debt, but knowledge isn't power. Knowledge alone is nothing. The application of knowledge – now that is powerful.
Willing to make mistakes, pick themselves back up and try again on a regular basis. GOLD is a “brave, supportive space.” Practice over perfection builds experience, your own insights, and your path to success.
Willing to let go that there's some shortcut. True success comes from persistently working at it and building new habits over the long term, with support.
There are six live virtual classes and five small group coaching sessions with your own personal coach. There will also be various activities to do and homework to complete.
When does it happen?
Live, virtual classes are 2 hours, one day a week for six weeks. You must make yourself available for every class.
Small group coaching sessions are 1 hour a week for five weeks. You must make yourself available for every session.
Both the classes and coaching sessions are held over Zoom.
Participants in the program will be granted a full scholarship ($700 value), so no cost will be incurred. In other words, it’s free!
After the program is over, you become a part of the GOLD community! This means you will have two years of ongoing support, resources and live events, ensuring you are never alone in your financial journey.
There will be a check-in every three months over the two years.
You will also get access to free resources and live events.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Becky Western-Macfadyen at bwestern@creditcanada.com.
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GOLD won runner-up in the 2023 MAIA Awards for "Best Adult Financial Education Project."
Please contact Angie Velarde, Director of Sponsorships, to learn more.