By: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

We are living through difficult economic times and unexpected situations such as a rise in interest rates and the cost of living and increasing debt levels can lead to financial difficulties. One proactive way to set yourself up for success is to optimize your financial health. You can do this by looking for and then making small improvements in how you manage your money.

Here are five behaviours that can optimize your financial health:

Behaviour #1: Learn the difference between good and bad debt

Knowing the difference between good and bad debt will help you borrow money and use credit more wisely.

Good debt is an investment in something that creates value or produces more wealth in the long run.

Bad debt is borrowing to buy something that goes down in value or that you can’t repay on time and in full, thus incurring interest charges and more debt.

Learn more about what to consider before borrowing money.

Behaviour #2: Create and review your budget to manage your money and debt

A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It helps you figure out how much money you get, spend and save. Making a budget can help you balance your income with your savings and expenses.

Reviewing your budget can help you repay your debt faster. When reviewing it, put needs before wants and try reducing your expenses. You’ll be able to cut some expenses that are not necessary. This way, you’ll have more money available to repay your debts.

Learn how to make a budget.

Use the Budget Planner to manage your money and improve your finances.

Behaviour #3: Shop around and compare your options to select the financial products and services that are right for you

Financial institutions offer many types of products and services. Before you get a new product or service, make sure it meets your financial needs. Research and compare the products and services that financial institutions offer. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions.

Learn more about choosing financial products and services that are right for you.

Behaviour #4: Set up an emergency fund for unexpected expenses

An emergency fund is money you set aside to pay for unexpected expenses.

Setting up an emergency fund helps you to:

• handle an unexpected expense without getting into debt
• avoid high-cost loans (such as a payday loan or a credit card cash advance)
• have financial control
• have peace of mind

Learn how to set up and manage an emergency fund.

Behaviour #5: Learn the basics about choosing and renewing a mortgage

When you shop for a mortgage, your lender or mortgage broker provides you with options. Make sure you understand the options and features. This will help you choose a mortgage that best suits your needs.

Learn more about choosing a mortgage that is right for you.

When your mortgage term comes to an end, you have to pay off your mortgage in full or renew it. This is a good time to review your mortgage needs and make sure you have the right product.

Learn more about renewing your mortgage.

FCAC expects banks to help individuals who are identified as consumers at risk of mortgage default. These consumers may be struggling to pay their mortgages due to exceptional circumstances.

These expectations also apply to other federally regulated financial institutions offering mortgages.

Learn more about paying your mortgage when experiencing financial difficulties.

Apply for Loans and Grants

Students can now access the following applications:

• 2023-24 Full-time application
• 2023-24 Part-time application

Reference the following materials for help with completing the full-time post-secondary application for financial assistance: 

• How to apply
• Loans and Grants Funding Guide
• Full-time Application Worksheet 2023-2024 

A new resource called the Part-time Application Process helps students complete the part-time application for financial assistance. Reference the information on Section 5, which (once authorized by a school official) must be returned to the student to ensure their information is complete before they submit their application. 

2023-24 Program Updates 

The What's new section highlights updates to the Alberta Student Aid program, systems and policies that are effective August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024. In addition, the Alberta Government will implement several measures to improve affordability for post-secondary students on July 1, 2023:

• Reduce interest rates on Alberta student loans to the prime rate;
• Alberta student loan interest-free grace period is extended from six months to 12 months (benefits students who completed their studies on or after Dec 1, 2022); and
• Income thresholds for the Repayment Assistance Plan increase from $25,000 to $40,000.

Please contact financialaid@ambrose.edu if you have any questions.

We are having a summer scholarship special offer for 2 of our programs!! This summer only, for new seats into the programs of Business or Social Sciences, we are offering an additional $1,500 while the money is still available. Don't miss out!!! Apply to either of these programs before the scholarship money runs out or if summer ends. It is that easy. 

Please contact financialaid@ambrose.edu or your enrolment advisor to implement.

A renewed program is available to Continuing Student Scholarship recipients who are attending spring courses at Ambrose. Up to half of your award can be allocated toward spring course tuition and the other portion can be allocated toward fall tuition.

Please contact financialaid@ambrose.edu to implement.

Also remember to apply for Financial Aid by June 1.  Application is available online on Financial Aid homepage.

Questions? Contact Roxanne Poelstra

financialaid@ambrose.edu

Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship - $2,000

Have shown outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the lives of other people while attending Ambrose

Apply Now 

Continuing Student Scholarships

- $500 and up

One application form for multiple Ambrose endowed and
annual awards for students returning to study at

Ambrose in the fall. Recipients will be notified early May.

Apply online by February 28: Undergrads or Seminary

Financial Assistance - $500 and up

One application form for multiple bursaries. Students will be

matched to a bursary or financial assistance if they

demonstrate financial need.

Apply online by June 1

Questions? Contact Roxanne Poelstra

financialaid@ambrose.edu

Tips to manage your debt

Higher costs and interest rates mean that you may need to adjust your budget to find the right balance between daily spending and paying down debt.

Managing your finances means finding the right balance. Inflation and higher interest rates signal that you may need to adjust your budget to find the right balance between daily spending and paying down debt. The right balance will depend on your financial situation and goals.

This Financial Literacy Month, learn about good versus bad debt and how to manage your money in a changing world.

How to manage your money when interest rates rise

A rise in interest rates can cost you more to borrow money. Plan to pay down your debt as much as possible, starting with the highest interest rate first so you pay less money towards interest.

Learn how interest rates work and what to do when they increase

Make a plan to pay off your debt

Decide on a strategy for paying off your debt based on the types of debt and the amount of debt you owe. Taking steps to manage your debt can help you take control of your finances and increase your financial resilience.

Get tips on paying down your debt

What to consider before borrowing money

Responsible borrowing can help you build a good credit history. However, using credit to spend beyond your means could put you at risk of no longer being able to manage your debt.

Ask yourself these questions before borrowing money or using credit

Know your rights when borrowing money

The interest rate for your loan is included in your loan agreement. Find out what your financial institution must tell you about interest rates when you borrow.

Learn about your right to information

For other information regarding Ambrose Awards, please contact:

Roxanne Poelstra
Financial Aid & Awards Coordinator

financialaid@ambrose.edu
(403) 410-2938

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