Neo Financial and JA Canada launch digital financial literacy library, empowering young Canadians to take control of their financial future

CALGARY, Alberta & WINNIPEG, Manitoba, November 28, 2023. Neo Financial (Neo), a leading Canadian financial technology company, and Junior Achievement of Canada (JA Canada), a renowned youth financial education organization, have launched the JA Knowledge Hub—powered by Neo.

With November marking Financial Literacy Month and many Canadians facing increased financial pressures, the JA Knowledge Hub offers financial literacy learning resources designed for teens and available for all ages. This digital library aims to address gaps in financial literacy that contribute to the financial challenges facing Canadians.

Delivered through the JA Knowledge Hub, JA Canada’s financial education expertise — which already reaches more than 341,000 youth annually through immersive JA programs and learning experiences — will provide bite-sized, interactive content on topics including:

● How to manage money: Spending and budgeting, methods of payment, and banking basics
● Where your money goes: Understanding taxes, credit card interest, and debt
● Making money work for you: Saving, investing, and setting smart financial goals
● Protecting your money: Keeping your data safe, safe spending, security and passwords, planning for financial uncertainty

The announcement builds on the recent launch of the JA Money card—powered by Neo, a debit card alternative that enables teens from the age of 13 to take control of their finances in a safe, secure, and educational environment².

Research shows that financial literacy in Canada is a significant concern. According to MNP, only 15% of Canadians believe they have strong financial literacy skills, and 39% of Canadians rank their financial literacy knowledge as “poor”.

“JA Canada’s volunteers and staff across the country do vital work to prepare youth for the challenges they’ll face as they transition to financial independence. The JA Knowledge Hub, developed in partnership with Neo, is an exciting new resource for young Canadians to develop the skills and knowledge required to set and achieve sound financial goals,” said Scott Hillier, CEO, JA Canada. “We’re proud to be working with Neo as a trusted partner in this effort to empower the next generation to build a better financial future.”

“As an alum of Junior Achievement’s education programs, I’m thrilled to work with JA Canada to expand their reach and help even more young Canadians achieve their financial goals,” said Andrew Chau, CEO of Neo Financial. “The JA Knowledge Hub is the latest way that Neo and JA are innovating to deliver an educational and rewarding financial experience for Canadian youth.”

You can explore the JA Knowledge Hub—powered by Neo at this link.

About Neo Financial
Neo Financial is a technology company simplifying finances through reimagined spending, savings, investing, and mortgages. Founded in 2019 by the co-founders of SkipTheDishes, Neo has raised more than $299 million in funding and has been recognized as one of the top tech startups in Canada by LinkedIn. Neo is headquartered
in Calgary and Winnipeg, and is backed by top-tier investors across North America.

Through partnerships with leading financial institutions, Neo provides members with a safe and secure way to spend (Neo Credit), save (Neo Money™), invest (Neo Invest™), and get a mortgage (Neo Mortgage™). Neo for Business powers financial solutions for Tim Hortons, Cathay Pacific, Hudson’s Bay, and over 12,000 other partners across the country. To learn more, visit neofinancial.com.

About JA Canada
JA Canada is a renowned non-profit educational organization. Through its national network of local offices, JA collaborates with educators, volunteers, and organizations to deliver hands-on, immersive, and digital learning experiences to young people. JA inspires the next generation to realize their potential equipping youth with financial education, entrepreneurship and transferable work readiness skills. JA commits to ensuring
accessibility and inclusivity through programs that support youth to build thriving communities. Success starts here. Learn more: www.jacanada.org

The JA Money card is a prepaid Mastercard® issued by Neo Financial pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated. The JA Money card is powered by the Neo Everyday account, which is provided by Peoples Bank of Canada.

¹ Based on metrics including app store ratings, revenue growth, third-party product rankings, industry
awards, and company valuation, according to Neo research.

² Account only available to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec. You must be at least 13 years of age to
be eligible.