CIRO Article: Better Financial Literacy for the Kids of Today and Tomorrow

How do you teach kids financial literacy when most adults never learned it themselves?

This November for Financial Literacy Month, CIRO is encouraging adults to “Talk Money” with kids and youth by providing a Parents’ Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids.

But another way might be found through Junior Achievement Canada (JA Canada). JA Canada delivers hands-on, immersive and digital learning experiences that help inspire kids, translating financial concepts into real-life experience.

“Kids don’t always learn about finances at home or sometimes it doesn’t resonate when it comes from a parent,” says Jennifer James, Vice-President of Programs and Charter Services at JA Canada. “Engaging in an interactive and fun learning experience through JA can make all the difference.”

Photo Credit: Garcia Creative

At JA Canada, financial literacy is a core life skill. Their programs, such as More than Money, Dollars with Sense, Scam Smarts, Investment Strategies and Personal Finance aim to provide in-class or independent learning to help students learn how saving, spending and investing shape their futures.

Many participate through JA Campus, an online learning hub for youth, educators and parents that can be accessed remotely or through a local JA office, making it easy for parents or educators to bring these options into the home or classroom. JA in Canada has also built strong partnerships with schools, helping to create the systemic change needed to support long-term financial well-being.