It's A Money Thing
Who said financial education has to be all serious and boring? Join our main character Jen on her journey to understand everything there is to know about money. It's A Money Thing is also used by our Synergy Emerging Leaders group in schools and community groups as part of our financial literacy presentations.
EARNING AN INCOME
![25 Incomeessentials 553X275 Jen discussing income essentials with the professor](/media/4790/25-incomeessentials-553x275.png)
The Challenges of Choosing a Career
“When I grow up, I want to be a ___________.” Depending on who you are, filling in the blank above can be an exciting, troubling or outright confusing task.
![33 Aftergrad 553 275 Jen touring Post-Secondary Trail with Guide](/media/4798/33-aftergrad-553-275.png)
7 Tips for Tracking Down Your Dream Career
Choosing a career is tough. Whether you’re a new grad or considering a career change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting your next gig.
![38 Saveontuition 553X275 Jen in the library taking out books](/media/4803/38-saveontuition-553x275.png)
Scholarship Application Time-Savers
Successful scholarship applications take considerable time and effort. Although there’s no shortcut to a quality application, there are steps you can take to make your efforts as rewarding as possible.
![30 Acingtheinterview 553X275 Jen ready to ace the job interview](/media/4795/30-acingtheinterview-553x275.png)
Three Job Interview Mindsets
It’s the night before the interview. Your outfit is all laid out, your resumé is hot off the press and you’ve Google-Mapped your route. You’ve done your company research and practised answering tough questions.
![32 Letstalktaxes 553X275 Jen talking about taxes with Joy](/media/4797/32-letstalktaxes-553x275.png)
Understanding and Directing Your Withholdings
You just got your paycheque. Your eyes scan down the list of deductions and settle on the most important part—your take-home pay.
![12 Moneybeliefs 553X275 Jen on the couch with Lucy talking about money beliefs](/media/4777/12-moneybeliefs-553x275.png)
Where You Seek Financial Advice Says a Lot About You
How did you decide where to open your first bank account? Where did you learn to budget or pay bills? If you have a money question now, what do you do?
![23 Earnmoneyonline 553X275 Jen hanging upside down at home](/media/4788/23-earnmoneyonline-553x275.png)
What’s Your Time Worth?
It’s hard to ignore the appeal of making real money online—after all, we live in a world where bloggers land book and movie deals...
![41 Writingabusinessplan 553X275 Jen and Alex writing a business plan](/media/4806/41-writingabusinessplan-553x275.png)
When’s the best time to write a business plan?
Writing a business plan is an essential part of building a successful business. At its core, a business plan is a road map for your project.
![46 Navigatingincomeloss 553X275 Jen and Lucy sitting on a boat](/media/4811/46-navigatingincomeloss-553x275.png)
Navigating Income Loss
Losing your job is stressful. Even with an emergency fund in place, it doesn’t take very long to feel the financial impact of a sudden loss of income.
![47 Workingfromhome 553X275 Jen working on a laptop from home](/media/4812/47-workingfromhome-553x275.png)
Working from Home
The number of people working remotely is on the rise—and so are new trends in work-from-home fashion.
![25 Incomeessentials 553X275 Jen discussing income essentials with the professor](/media/4790/25-incomeessentials-553x275.png)
The Challenges of Choosing a Career
“When I grow up, I want to be a ___________.” Depending on who you are, filling in the blank above can be an exciting, troubling or outright confusing task.
![33 Aftergrad 553 275 Jen touring Post-Secondary Trail with Guide](/media/4798/33-aftergrad-553-275.png)
7 Tips for Tracking Down Your Dream Career
Choosing a career is tough. Whether you’re a new grad or considering a career change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting your next gig.
![38 Saveontuition 553X275 Jen in the library taking out books](/media/4803/38-saveontuition-553x275.png)
Scholarship Application Time-Savers
Successful scholarship applications take considerable time and effort. Although there’s no shortcut to a quality application, there are steps you can take to make your efforts as rewarding as possible.
![30 Acingtheinterview 553X275 Jen ready to ace the job interview](/media/4795/30-acingtheinterview-553x275.png)
Three Job Interview Mindsets
It’s the night before the interview. Your outfit is all laid out, your resumé is hot off the press and you’ve Google-Mapped your route. You’ve done your company research and practised answering tough questions.
![32 Letstalktaxes 553X275 Jen talking about taxes with Joy](/media/4797/32-letstalktaxes-553x275.png)
Understanding and Directing Your Withholdings
You just got your paycheque. Your eyes scan down the list of deductions and settle on the most important part—your take-home pay.
![12 Moneybeliefs 553X275 Jen on the couch with Lucy talking about money beliefs](/media/4777/12-moneybeliefs-553x275.png)
Where You Seek Financial Advice Says a Lot About You
How did you decide where to open your first bank account? Where did you learn to budget or pay bills? If you have a money question now, what do you do?
![23 Earnmoneyonline 553X275 Jen hanging upside down at home](/media/4788/23-earnmoneyonline-553x275.png)
What’s Your Time Worth?
It’s hard to ignore the appeal of making real money online—after all, we live in a world where bloggers land book and movie deals...
![41 Writingabusinessplan 553X275 Jen and Alex writing a business plan](/media/4806/41-writingabusinessplan-553x275.png)
When’s the best time to write a business plan?
Writing a business plan is an essential part of building a successful business. At its core, a business plan is a road map for your project.
![46 Navigatingincomeloss 553X275 Jen and Lucy sitting on a boat](/media/4811/46-navigatingincomeloss-553x275.png)
Navigating Income Loss
Losing your job is stressful. Even with an emergency fund in place, it doesn’t take very long to feel the financial impact of a sudden loss of income.
![47 Workingfromhome 553X275 Jen working on a laptop from home](/media/4812/47-workingfromhome-553x275.png)
Working from Home
The number of people working remotely is on the rise—and so are new trends in work-from-home fashion.
BUYING GOODS AND SERVICES
![15 Chequingaccount 553X275 Jen holding a cheque](/media/4780/15-chequingaccount-553x275.png)
Are Cheques Obsolete?
Cheques hold an odd place in our personal finances. In many ways, cheques seem like relics from a previous era.
![5 Budgetingbasics 553X275 Jen getting a budget card reading from Luna](/media/4818/5-budgetingbasics-553x275.png)
Tips For Every Budgeting System
Budgets are like the New Year’s resolutions of personal finance. We all know we should have one and we all know it’s a fairly simple thing to follow.
![40 Buildingabudget 553X275 Bill the Beaver building a budget](/media/4805/40-buildingabudget-553x275.png)
Budgeting with 50/30/20
Budgeting is a skill that helps you make smart decisions with your money.
![24 Goodvsbadspending 553X275 Jen with good-spending angel and bad-spending angel on her shoulders](/media/4789/24-goodvsbadspending-553x275.png)
Use Psychology to Build a Budget
When you start looking for financial advice (or any kind of advice, for that matter), experts will share their take on what’s “good” and what’s “bad”.
![19 Saveongroceries 553X275 Jen paying for groceries with Joy](/media/4784/19-saveongroceries-553x275.png)
Breaking Up with Name Brands
Picture this scenario: you’re steering your shopping cart through the sliding doors of the supermarket, shopping list in hand.
![43 Payingforpets 553X275 Jen and dog in the park](/media/4808/43-payingforpets-553x275.png)
3 Hidden Expenses of Pet Ownership
Canadian pet owners spent an estimated $8.23 billion on pets in 2017, according to Statistics Canada.
![15 Chequingaccount 553X275 Jen holding a cheque](/media/4780/15-chequingaccount-553x275.png)
Are Cheques Obsolete?
Cheques hold an odd place in our personal finances. In many ways, cheques seem like relics from a previous era.
![5 Budgetingbasics 553X275 Jen getting a budget card reading from Luna](/media/4818/5-budgetingbasics-553x275.png)
Tips For Every Budgeting System
Budgets are like the New Year’s resolutions of personal finance. We all know we should have one and we all know it’s a fairly simple thing to follow.
![40 Buildingabudget 553X275 Bill the Beaver building a budget](/media/4805/40-buildingabudget-553x275.png)
Budgeting with 50/30/20
Budgeting is a skill that helps you make smart decisions with your money.
![24 Goodvsbadspending 553X275 Jen with good-spending angel and bad-spending angel on her shoulders](/media/4789/24-goodvsbadspending-553x275.png)
Use Psychology to Build a Budget
When you start looking for financial advice (or any kind of advice, for that matter), experts will share their take on what’s “good” and what’s “bad”.
![11 Livingonyourown 553X275 Jen playing whack-a-bill with Lucy](/media/4776/11-livingonyourown-553x275.png)
Living On Your Own And “Bill Time”
Living on your own for the first time can be empowering. It means having independence and all the things that come with it.
![28 Buyingausedcar 553X275 Jen buying a car from a salesperson](/media/4793/28-buyingausedcar-553x275.png)
Buying a Used Car Privately
Auto dealers are expected to sell cars that meet certain consumer protection criteria.
![19 Saveongroceries 553X275 Jen paying for groceries with Joy](/media/4784/19-saveongroceries-553x275.png)
Breaking Up with Name Brands
Picture this scenario: you’re steering your shopping cart through the sliding doors of the supermarket, shopping list in hand.
![43 Payingforpets 553X275 Jen and dog in the park](/media/4808/43-payingforpets-553x275.png)
3 Hidden Expenses of Pet Ownership
Canadian pet owners spent an estimated $8.23 billion on pets in 2017, according to Statistics Canada.
SAVING
![17 Inflation 553X275 Jen talking inflation with OG - Old Granny](/media/4782/17-inflation-553x275.png)
How to Counter the Effects of Inflation
When most people think of inflation, their response is usually similar to when they see a vintage advertisement: reminiscing about the cheaper prices of the past...
![36 Payyourselffirst 553X275 Jen and Frank the frog talking about savings by a fountain](/media/4801/36-payyourselffirst-553x275.png)
How to Automatically Start Saving Money
Like going to the gym or eating a healthy diet, saving money is one of those concepts that’s simple to grasp but weirdly challenging to put into practice.
![9 Emergencyfund Jen working out with the boot camp trainer](/media/4774/9-emergencyfund.png)
Be Prepared, Because Life Happens
An emergency fund is an essential part of your personal finances. Its importance is stressed in almost every personal finance book and budgeting blog...
![44 Avoidthelifestylecreep 553X275 Jen and Joy planting a city garden](/media/4809/44-avoidthelifestylecreep-553x275.png)
Avoid the Lifestyle Creep
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about all of the amazing lifestyle changes that await you just beyond your next pay raise?
![45 Financialemergencies 553X275 Pig looking through magnifying glass](/media/4810/45-financialemergencies-553x275.png)
Responding to Financial Emergencies
The COVID-19 pandemic is a sobering reminder that financial challenges come in all shapes and sizes.
![48 Savingwithnewskills 553X275 Sensei doing karate](/media/4813/48-savingwithnewskills-553x275.png)
Saving With New Skills
Learning a new skill has many potential benefits. It can entertain you, it can save you money, it can boost your self-confidence, and it can unlock new opportunities at school and at work.
![17 Inflation 553X275 Jen talking inflation with OG - Old Granny](/media/4782/17-inflation-553x275.png)
How to Counter the Effects of Inflation
When most people think of inflation, their response is usually similar to when they see a vintage advertisement: reminiscing about the cheaper prices of the past...
![36 Payyourselffirst 553X275 Jen and Frank the frog talking about savings by a fountain](/media/4801/36-payyourselffirst-553x275.png)
How to Automatically Start Saving Money
Like going to the gym or eating a healthy diet, saving money is one of those concepts that’s simple to grasp but weirdly challenging to put into practice.
![9 Emergencyfund Jen working out with the boot camp trainer](/media/4774/9-emergencyfund.png)
Be Prepared, Because Life Happens
An emergency fund is an essential part of your personal finances. Its importance is stressed in almost every personal finance book and budgeting blog...
![44 Avoidthelifestylecreep 553X275 Jen and Joy planting a city garden](/media/4809/44-avoidthelifestylecreep-553x275.png)
Avoid the Lifestyle Creep
Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about all of the amazing lifestyle changes that await you just beyond your next pay raise?
![45 Financialemergencies 553X275 Pig looking through magnifying glass](/media/4810/45-financialemergencies-553x275.png)
Responding to Financial Emergencies
The COVID-19 pandemic is a sobering reminder that financial challenges come in all shapes and sizes.
![48 Savingwithnewskills 553X275 Sensei doing karate](/media/4813/48-savingwithnewskills-553x275.png)
Saving With New Skills
Learning a new skill has many potential benefits. It can entertain you, it can save you money, it can boost your self-confidence, and it can unlock new opportunities at school and at work.
USING CREDIT
![2 Breakdownofacreditscore 553X275 credit squirrel](/media/4815/2-breakdownofacreditscore-553x275.png)
Credit Score Breakdown
You’ve likely heard about credit scores before (thanks to all those commercials with terrible jingles), but what do you actually know about them?
![4 Boostcreditscore 553X275 Jen visiting credit squirrel in a tree house](/media/4817/4-boostcreditscore-553x275.png)
Boost Your Credit Score: 4 Myths Debunked
Credit scores are an area of personal finance that seem a lot more mysterious than they actually are.
![2 Breakdownofacreditscore 553X275 credit squirrel](/media/4815/2-breakdownofacreditscore-553x275.png)
Credit Score Breakdown
You’ve likely heard about credit scores before (thanks to all those commercials with terrible jingles), but what do you actually know about them?
![4 Boostcreditscore 553X275 Jen visiting credit squirrel in a tree house](/media/4817/4-boostcreditscore-553x275.png)
Boost Your Credit Score: 4 Myths Debunked
Credit scores are an area of personal finance that seem a lot more mysterious than they actually are.
![8 Creditcards 553X275 Debit card, credit card and prepaid card in wallet](/media/4773/8-creditcards-553x275.png)
What’s The Best Card To Use?
Think fast: what’s the most recent financial decision you made? You likely won’t have to think too far back.
![35 Usingyourcreditcard 553X275 Jen and Credit Card talking with a therapist](/media/4800/35-usingyourcreditcard-553x275.png)
How to Overcome ‘Credit Card Shyness’
News outlets and credit card companies are quick to label millennials as being credit card-shy.
BORROWING
![13 Loanbasics 553X275 Jen sitting in a lawn chair talking to the surfer about loans](/media/4778/13-loanbasics-553x275.png)
Finding The Loan That’s Right For You
Loans help finance some of our biggest goals in life. They can provide access to possibilities that we can’t afford upfront...
![26 Studentloans101 553X275 Student loans: loan fees, deductions, limits, taxes, rates, limits](/media/4791/26-studentloans101-553x275.png)
5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Tuition Before Considering a Student Loan
If you’re considering financing your university education with the help of a student loan, the smartest thing you can do for yourself is to only borrow what you truly need.
![10 Rentvslease 553X275 Jen dreaming of driving a rocket ship](/media/4775/10-rentvslease-553x275.png)
To Lease or To Finance: That is the Question!
When it comes to buying a new car, you have three options: purchasing it with cash, financing it or leasing it.
![16 Predatorylending 553X275 Predatory shark](/media/4781/16-predatorylending-553x275.png)
Beware of Fast Cash
Like local car dealerships and personal injury law firms, short-term and payday lenders tend to have the most annoying commercials on TV.
![39 Owningvsrentingahouse 553X275 Jen and Doris the mouse going house hunting](/media/4804/39-owningvsrentingahouse-553x275.png)
Buying vs. Renting a Home: Are You Getting the Right Advice?
The average person moves residences about 11 times in their lifetime.
![20 Demystifyingmortgages 553X275 Jen discussing mortgages with Herman the crab](/media/4785/20-demystifyingmortgages-553x275.png)
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Mortgage
Asking the right questions is an important part of every financial decision you make, and home ownership is no exception.
![37 Debtrepaymentstrategies 553X275 The mountain of debt](/media/4802/37-debtrepaymentstrategies-553x275.png)
The Dos and Don’ts of Debt Repayment
Consumer debt is an extremely contradictory part of our personal finances: it’s at once common and incredibly personal.
![13 Loanbasics 553X275 Jen sitting in a lawn chair talking to the surfer about loans](/media/4778/13-loanbasics-553x275.png)
Finding The Loan That’s Right For You
Loans help finance some of our biggest goals in life. They can provide access to possibilities that we can’t afford upfront...
![26 Studentloans101 553X275 Student loans: loan fees, deductions, limits, taxes, rates, limits](/media/4791/26-studentloans101-553x275.png)
5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Tuition Before Considering a Student Loan
If you’re considering financing your university education with the help of a student loan, the smartest thing you can do for yourself is to only borrow what you truly need.
![10 Rentvslease 553X275 Jen dreaming of driving a rocket ship](/media/4775/10-rentvslease-553x275.png)
To Lease or To Finance: That is the Question!
When it comes to buying a new car, you have three options: purchasing it with cash, financing it or leasing it.
![16 Predatorylending 553X275 Predatory shark](/media/4781/16-predatorylending-553x275.png)
Beware of Fast Cash
Like local car dealerships and personal injury law firms, short-term and payday lenders tend to have the most annoying commercials on TV.
![39 Owningvsrentingahouse 553X275 Jen and Doris the mouse going house hunting](/media/4804/39-owningvsrentingahouse-553x275.png)
Buying vs. Renting a Home: Are You Getting the Right Advice?
The average person moves residences about 11 times in their lifetime.
![20 Demystifyingmortgages 553X275 Jen discussing mortgages with Herman the crab](/media/4785/20-demystifyingmortgages-553x275.png)
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Mortgage
Asking the right questions is an important part of every financial decision you make, and home ownership is no exception.
![37 Debtrepaymentstrategies 553X275 The mountain of debt](/media/4802/37-debtrepaymentstrategies-553x275.png)
The Dos and Don’ts of Debt Repayment
Consumer debt is an extremely contradictory part of our personal finances: it’s at once common and incredibly personal.
PROTECTING AND INSURING
![3 Identitytheft 553X275 Jen's social media account](/media/4816/3-identitytheft-553x275.png)
5 Identity Theft Jackpots
Identity theft is nothing new, and yet it still manages to cost its victims billions of dollars (yes, that’s billions with a “b”) globally each year...
![31 Howtospotscams 553X275 Jen and badger spotting scams](/media/4796/31-howtospotscams-553x275.png)
Why We Get Scammed
If you use a cellphone or have an email account, you’ve almost certainly been exposed to an attempt at mass marketing fraud.
![21 Keeportoss 553X275 Jen playing keep or toss game show](/media/4786/21-keeportoss-553x275.png)
Keep or Toss?
Every year, it’s nice to do a bit of “financial spring cleaning” and declutter the various hiding places where miscellaneous scraps of paper tend to accumulate.
![3 Identitytheft 553X275 Jen's social media account](/media/4816/3-identitytheft-553x275.png)
5 Identity Theft Jackpots
Identity theft is nothing new, and yet it still manages to cost its victims billions of dollars (yes, that’s billions with a “b”) globally each year...
![31 Howtospotscams 553X275 Jen and badger spotting scams](/media/4796/31-howtospotscams-553x275.png)
Why We Get Scammed
If you use a cellphone or have an email account, you’ve almost certainly been exposed to an attempt at mass marketing fraud.
![21 Keeportoss 553X275 Jen playing keep or toss game show](/media/4786/21-keeportoss-553x275.png)
Keep or Toss?
Every year, it’s nice to do a bit of “financial spring cleaning” and declutter the various hiding places where miscellaneous scraps of paper tend to accumulate.
FINANCIAL INVESTING
![29 Savingforretirement 553X275 Jen sitting on a bench discussing retirement savings with OG - old granny](/media/4794/29-savingforretirement-553x275.png)
5 Good Money Habits to Boost Your Retirement Savings
Think back to your most recent savings goal. How long did you have to save in order to reach it?
![14 Investmentvehicles 553X275 Jen talking to the investment banked about investment banking](/media/4779/14-investmentvehicles-553x275.png)
Investment Vehicles
Investing can seem like a very risky, complex and fast-moving process.
![22 Ruleof72 553X275 Jen playing the rule of 72 with turtle and junior](/media/4787/22-ruleof72-553x275.png)
Investment Strategies for These Low-Interest Times
Everyone has some idea of what it means to be money smart—however, whether or not you’ve acted on that idea is a different story!
![27 Trendsinthestockmarket 553X275 Jen sitting between the bull and the bear on the subway](/media/4792/27-trendsinthestockmarket-553x275.png)
The Secret History of the Wall Street Bull
Bulls and bears can be considered the unofficial mascots of the stock market.
![IAMT 49 Guarnateeddeposits 553X275](/media/5756/iamt-49-guarnateeddeposits-553x275.png)
Guaranteed Deposits
Investing in Guaranteed Investment Certificates can be a safe and reliable alternative to investing in the stock market for young adults.
![IAMT 50 Decodingcrypto 553X275](/media/5757/iamt-50-decodingcrypto-553x275.png)
Decoding Cryptocurrency
Should you get in on it? Is it legit? Let’s dig into this mysterious new form of money.
CREDIT UNION ADVANTAGE
![1 Banksvscus 553X275 Jen with CU Guy and Banker on game show](/media/4814/1-banksvscus-553x275.png)
Choosing Your Financial Institution
The very first financial decision you ever made is also one of the most important choices—where to keep your money.
![34 Growingmoneylocally 553X275 Jen and CU guy buying rutabagas from farmer Carl](/media/4799/34-growingmoneylocally-553x275.png)
5 Totally Free Things You Can Do to Support Your Local Economy
Supporting your local community is a positive thing—it builds relationships, it strengthens the local economy, and it makes your neighbourhood a happier and healthier place to work and play.
![42 Creditunionmyths 553X275 Jen and friends sitting around the campfire](/media/4807/42-creditunionmyths-553x275.png)
What does it mean to be a credit union member?
Even though there are over 250 credit unions in Canada, many misconceptions about their structure and their services still exist.
![7 Cuprinciples 553X275 Jen learning the cooperative principles with Mack](/media/4772/7-cuprinciples-553x275.png)
Why Is It Called A Credit Union?
While bank and banking are universally understood and accepted terms, the term credit union is still largely misunderstood and unknown to many.
![1 Banksvscus 553X275 Jen with CU Guy and Banker on game show](/media/4814/1-banksvscus-553x275.png)
Choosing Your Financial Institution
The very first financial decision you ever made is also one of the most important choices—where to keep your money.
![34 Growingmoneylocally 553X275 Jen and CU guy buying rutabagas from farmer Carl](/media/4799/34-growingmoneylocally-553x275.png)
5 Totally Free Things You Can Do to Support Your Local Economy
Supporting your local community is a positive thing—it builds relationships, it strengthens the local economy, and it makes your neighbourhood a happier and healthier place to work and play.
![42 Creditunionmyths 553X275 Jen and friends sitting around the campfire](/media/4807/42-creditunionmyths-553x275.png)
What does it mean to be a credit union member?
Even though there are over 250 credit unions in Canada, many misconceptions about their structure and their services still exist.
![7 Cuprinciples 553X275 Jen learning the cooperative principles with Mack](/media/4772/7-cuprinciples-553x275.png)
Why Is It Called A Credit Union?
While bank and banking are universally understood and accepted terms, the term credit union is still largely misunderstood and unknown to many.
GOLDEN YEARS
![GY1 Retirement&Saving](/media/6030/gy1_retirementsaving.png)
Retirement & Saving
Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial management, and choosing the right retirement savings account can significantly impact your financial future.
![GY2 2Card 553X275](/media/6439/gy2_2card-553x275.png)
Retirement & Taxes
Planning for retirement involves not only accumulating savings but also understanding the tax implications of various investment vehicles.
![GY1 Retirement&Saving](/media/6030/gy1_retirementsaving.png)
Retirement & Saving
Planning for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial management, and choosing the right retirement savings account can significantly impact your financial future.
![GY2 2Card 553X275](/media/6439/gy2_2card-553x275.png)
Retirement & Taxes
Planning for retirement involves not only accumulating savings but also understanding the tax implications of various investment vehicles.
It's A Money Thing Junior
Join the Synergy Academy!
What we do for our members and communities goes way beyond banking. We believe that helping you to prosper also means truly supporting you on your journey to becoming your own best financial advocate. This belief is a big part of our motivation to build It’s a Money Thing Academy, a set of free online money education courses that you can access at your convenience.
You may also be interested in:
![](/media/2964/itsamoneything_blacklogo.png?width=75&height=75&mode=max)