New ‘MoneySmart’ site focuses on financial needs of Manitobans
The new website is the result of interviews and research detailing the financial knowledge and know-how of everyday Manitobans, as well as personal and community values. The site features unbiased information on investing, budgeting, real estate, insurance, and avoiding frauds and scams—and a host of Toba-centric characters.
“From the outset, we wanted to create a site that provided important financial information for Manitobans from all walks of life, in a friendly and inviting way.” says Ainsley Cunningham, MFSA Education & Communications Manager and MoneySmart’s project lead. Cunningham is a former teacher, and has worked in the field of financial literacy for over 20 years. “We spoke with a diverse group of people from across the province to see what real Manitobans wanted in terms of financial knowledge, and where MoneySmart could help fill in the gaps. The site incorporates over a year’s worth of local research, as well as national research into financial education in Canada.”
Over 5,000 English and French 2019 MoneySmart Manitoba calendars are also being distributed for free to family resource centres, adult literacy centres, non-profit financial organizations, and houses of worship across the province. The goal was to take away the ‘intimidating’ elements of learning about effective money management by taking a more grassroots, community-based approach.
“I’m the first to admit, learning about financial matters can be a tough sell sometimes, for both children and adults,” says Cunningham. “But money is an important part of everyone’s day to day life, and we can’t shy away from a chance to learn more about it. What I love about MoneySmart is the focus on providing practical, easy-to-understand info that can make an immediate positive difference on the financial wellbeing of a person or family. Money doesn’t have to be tough to figure out. You can make a budget and stick to it. Making a personal financial plan can be fun!”
“There’s something for everyone to learn here. Kids, teachers, parents, and really any Manitoban who wants to improve their money smarts.”
Manitobans are invited to learn more about money matters today at moneysmartmanitoba.ca, follow the MoneySmartManitoba.ca Facebook page facebook.com/moneysmartmanitoba, on Twitter @MoneySmartMB, or on YouTube.
MoneySmartManitoba.ca is a project of The Manitoba Financial Services Agency, which through its two divisions, regulates securities, real estate, cooperatives, credit unions, and insurance in the province. Improving financial literacy for Manitobans is part of its mission.
Media Inquiries:
Jason Booth, Communications Coordinator, MFSA | 204.945.1660 | jason.booth@gov.mb.ca