Literacy

Financial Literacy

Understanding budgets, contracts, and your rights. Making informed decisions about your finances.

Financial Literacy: Empowerment Through Understanding

Financial literacy is the ability to manage your money with confidence. It means understanding budgets, contracts, and your rights, so you can make informed decisions about your finances.

From managing household expenses to understanding a paycheque, comparing prices, using online banking, or planning for the future, financial literacy skills help people navigate everyday decisions and build greater independence.

Financial literacy is closely connected to foundational skills like reading, numeracy, and digital literacy. When people understand information with ease, work with numbers, and navigate technology, they are better equipped to protect themselves against adversity, achieve their goals, and enjoy greater participation in society.

Photo by Seb Ra/Getty Images/Postmedia files

Impact Data

53%

of Canadians

struggle with basic financial concepts, including interest, inflation, and diversification.

1 in 5

adults in Canada

Many working-age adults experience challenges with foundational literacy skills, which can make it harder to understand financial documents, compare options, or make informed decisions.

Literacy skills

Strong literacy skills create economic opportunities

Improving literacy supports greater financial confidence and resiliency, employment opportunities, and participation in the economy.

Building a Secure Future: Why Financial Literacy Matters

Financial literacy is more than knowing how to save money. It is a key skill that helps people understand the information they need to make better everyday decisions.

People use financial literacy skills when they create a budget, understand a contract, compare prices, manage debt, plan expenses, or evaluate financial choices. Without these skills, complex information can become a barrier to financial stability and independence.

As financial services become increasingly digital, people also need the confidence to use online banking, access information safely, and recognize potential scams. Strong reading, numeracy, and digital skills help people make informed choices and protect themselves.

At United for Literacy, we help learners strengthen the foundational skills needed to navigate everyday life. Through literacy programs across Canada, children, youth, adults, and families can build confidence in reading, writing, numeracy, and digital skills.

 

Types of Financial Literacy

Different situations require different skills. Financial literacy includes the knowledge and confidence to navigate many aspects of everyday life.

  • Budgeting and Everyday Money Skills

    Understanding income, expenses, bills, and financial planning.

  • Credit and Debt

    Understanding loans, interest rates, credit cards, and borrowing decisions.

  • Contracts and Consumer Rights

    Reading agreements, understanding your rights, and making informed choices.

  • Saving for the Future

    Building knowledge about savings, financial goals, and long-term planning.

  • Digital Financial Literacy

    Using online financial tools safely and protecting yourself from scams.

Financial Literacy Resources

Below are the downloadable financial literacy learning resources created by Ontario Certified Teachers at United for Literacy. The learning sessions are accompanied by downloadable presentations, performance tasks, and worksheets. If using these resources in a classroom or tutoring session, please be mindful of the students’ and their families’ lived experiences and modify the content according to student needs.

The Parent Engagement Workshop Guide is our first resource translated into Oji-Cree. It is for teachers, community organizers, and parents who want to strengthen financial literacy skills in students. In the guide, you will find games, activities, and printable worksheets for the whole family. It is a great way to promote learning beyond the walls of a classroom and strengthen financial well-being for a household and community.

Grade 4 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

Lesson and Activity: Money in Words and Numbers

Lesson and Activity: Where Is My Money

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 5 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Grade 5 Financial Literacy Resource Guide (For Teachers and Parents)

    PDF • 5.2 MB

    PDF (5.2 MB)

  • Grades 4-6 Parent Engagement Workshop Guide (For Teachers and Community Organizers)

    PDF • 2.2 MB

    PDF (2.2 MB)

  • Grades 4-6 Parent Engagement Workshop Guide (Oji-Cree)

    PDF • 910.5 KB

    PDF (910.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Money in Words and Numbers

Lesson and Activity: Budgeting - Where Is My Money?

Lesson and Activity: Understanding Credit and Debt

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 6 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Grade 6 Financial Literacy Resource Guide (For Teachers and Parents)

    PDF • 2.9 MB

    PDF (2.9 MB)

  • Grades 4-6 Parent Engagement Workshop Guide (For Teachers and Community Organizers)

    PDF • 5.2 MB

    PDF (5.2 MB)

  • Grades 4-6 Parent Engagement Workshop Guide (Oji-Cree)

    PDF • 910.5 KB

    PDF (910.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Academic Language

Lesson and Activity: Understanding Types of Payments

Lesson and Activity: Setting Financial Goals

Lesson and Activity: Financial Influences

  • Activity: Factors Influencing Financial Goals Worksheet

    PDF • 211.5 KB

    PDF (211.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Accounts and Interest

  • Activity: Account Features and Interest Worksheet

    PDF • 225.5 KB

    PDF (225.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Financial Distribution

  • Activity: Getting to the Real Meaning Worksheet

    PDF • 360.2 KB

    PDF (360.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 7 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Grade 7 Financial Literacy Resource Guide (For Teachers and Parents)

    PDF • 2.5 MB

    PDF (2.5 MB)

  • Grades 7-8 Parent Engagement Workshop Guide (For Teachers and Community Organizers)

    PDF • 14.2 MB

    PDF (14.2 MB)

Lesson and Activity: Foreign Currencies and Exchange Rates

  • Lesson: Foreign Currencies and Exchange Rates (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.4 MB

    PPTX (2.4 MB)

  • Activity: Foreign Currencies and Exchange Rates Practice

    PDF • 527.3 KB

    PDF (527.3 KB)

Lesson and Activity: The Finance of Adulting

  • Lesson: The Finance of Adulting - Student Version (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 7.3 MB

    PPTX (7.3 MB)

  • Lesson: The Finance of Adulting - Teacher Version (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 9.7 MB

    PPTX (9.7 MB)

  • Activity: The Finance of Adulting - Monthly Budget Planner

    PDF • 129.5 KB

    PDF (129.5 KB)

  • Activity: The Finance of Adulting - Yearly Financial Planner

    PDF • 132.8 KB

    PDF (132.8 KB)

  • Teacher Resource: The Finance of Adulting – Calculations for Teachers

    XLSX • 32.5 KB

    XLSX (32.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Decision Influencers

  • Activity: Decision Influencers Graphic Organizer

    PDF • 154.1 KB

    PDF (154.1 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Calculating Interest Rates and Fees

  • Activity: Calculating Interest Rates and Fees Practice Answer Key

    PDF • 587.7 KB

    PDF (587.7 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Debt and Investment Comparison

  • Activity: Debt and Investment Comparison Chart

    PDF • 130.9 KB

    PDF (130.9 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 8 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Grade 8 Financial Literacy Resource Guide (For Teachers and Parents)

    PDF • 14.2 MB

    PDF (14.2 MB)

  • Grades 7-8 Parent Engagement Workshop Guide (For Teachers and Community Organizers)

    PDF • 2.5 MB

    PDF (2.5 MB)

Lesson and Activity: Business Planning

Lesson and Activity: Budgeting

Lesson and Activity: Customer Incentives

  • Lesson: Customer Incentives (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.0 MB

    PPTX (2.0 MB)

  • Activity: Customer Loyalty Program Graphic Organizer

    PDF • 481.2 KB

    PDF (481.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Interest Rates on Investments and Debt

  • Lesson: Investments and Debt (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.1 MB

    PPTX (2.1 MB)

  • Activity: Investments and Debt Practice - Answer Key

    PDF • 385.4 KB

    PDF (385.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Currencies and Exchange Rates

  • Activity: Payment Methods Graphic Organizer

    PDF • 348.3 KB

    PDF (348.3 KB)

  • Lesson: Currencies and Exchange Rates (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.1 MB

    PPTX (2.1 MB)

  • Activity: Currencies and Exchange Rates Practice - Answer Key

    PDF • 542.2 KB

    PDF (542.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 9 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Financial Literacy Guides Curriculum Overview

    PDF • 174.7 KB

    PDF (174.7 KB)

  • Financial Literacy Guide – Grade 9 Financial Literacy Resource Guide for Teachers

    PDF • 4.0 MB

    PDF (4.0 MB)

Lesson and Activity: Adjusting Budgets

  • Lesson: Adjusting Budgets - Individual (Powerpoint)

    PPTX • 1.2 MB

    PPTX (1.2 MB)

  • Lesson: Adjusting Budgets - Households (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 9.1 MB

    PPTX (9.1 MB)

  • Lesson: Adjusting Budgets - Business (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 396.9 KB

    PPTX (396.9 KB)

  • Activity: Adjusting Budgets - Individual and Household Activity

    PDF • 92.6 KB

    PDF (92.6 KB)

  • Activity: Adjusting Budgets - Business Activity and Suggested Answers

    PDF • 761.8 KB

    PDF (761.8 KB)

  • Activity: Adjusting Budgets - School Club Activity and Suggested Answers

    PDF • 396.5 KB

    PDF (396.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Appreciation and Depreciation

  • Activity: Appreciation and Depreciation Exploration Activity

    PDF • 323.0 KB

    PDF (323.0 KB)

  • Activity: Appreciation and Depreciation Scenario Examples

    PDF • 584.4 KB

    PDF (584.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Financial Situation

  • Activity: Financial Situation Graphic Organizer

    PDF • 117.2 KB

    PDF (117.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How Much Does It Really Cost?

  • Lesson: How Much Does It Really Cost? (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.9 MB

    PPTX (2.9 MB)

  • Activity: How Much Does It Really Cost? (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 367.0 KB

    PDF (367.0 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 10 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Financial Literacy Guides Curriculum Overview

    PDF • 158.4 KB

    PDF (158.4 KB)

  • Grade 10 Financial Literacy Resource Guide for Teachers

    PDF • 4.2 MB

    PDF (4.2 MB)

Lesson and Activity: What’s Next? First Year After High School

  • Lesson: What's Next? First Year After High School (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.2 MB

    PPTX (2.2 MB)

  • Activity: What's Next? First Year After High School Booklet

    PDF • 295.2 KB

    PDF (295.2 KB)

  • Activity: What's Next? Financial Responsibility Card Sort Activity

    PDF • 344.9 KB

    PDF (344.9 KB)

  • Activity: What's Next? One-Year Financial Plan (Excel Workbook with Google Sheet Link)

    XLSX • 55.2 KB

    XLSX (55.2 KB)

  • Assessment: What's Next? Rubric Project

    PDF • 217.5 KB

    PDF (217.5 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Fair Trade and Ethical Consumer Choices

  • Activity: Fair Trade and Ethical Consumer Choices (With Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 386.8 KB

    PDF (386.8 KB)

  • Lesson: Fair Trade and Ethical Consumer Choices (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.9 MB

    PPTX (2.9 MB)

Lesson and Activity: International Trade

  • Lesson: International Trade (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 611.5 KB

    PPTX (611.5 KB)

  • Activity: International Trade - Classroom Economy

    PDF • 148.5 KB

    PDF (148.5 KB)

  • Activity: International Trade - Made in Canada (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 163.2 KB

    PDF (163.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Wallets

  • Lesson: Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Wallets (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.9 MB

    PPTX (1.9 MB)

Lesson and Activity: Investment Options

  • Lesson: Investment Options - Resources for Teachers and Students

    PPTX • 376.0 KB

    PPTX (376.0 KB)

  • Activity: Investment Options - Graphic Organizer (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 174.4 KB

    PDF (174.4 KB)

  • Activity: Investment Risks and Returns - Card Sort Activity and Exit Card

    PDF • 289.0 KB

    PDF (289.0 KB)

  • Teacher Resource: Investment Options - Word Wall

    PDF • 265.0 KB

    PDF (265.0 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Your Credit Score

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 11 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Grade 11 Financial Literacy Resource Guide for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

  • Financial Literacy Guides Curriculum Overview

    PDF • 174.7 KB

    PDF (174.7 KB)

  • Grade 11 Financial Literacy Resource Guide for Teachers

    PDF • 5.5 MB

    PDF (5.5 MB)

Lesson and Activity: Open Research Project

Lesson and Activity: Savers Beware! Business Pricing Strategies

  • Lesson: Savers Beware! Business Pricing Strategies (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 454.0 KB

    PPTX (454.0 KB)

  • Activity: Savers Beware! Business Pricing Strategies (PowerPoint Outline for Students)

    PPTX • 279.0 KB

    PPTX (279.0 KB)

  • Activity: Savers Beware! Business Pricing Strategies Worksheet and Suggested Answers

    PDF • 347.2 KB

    PDF (347.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: The Business Cycle and You!

  • Lesson: The Business Cycle and You! (PPT)

    PPTX • 6.2 MB

    PPTX (6.2 MB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! Key Terms and Definitions with Suggested Answers

    PDF • 212.1 KB

    PDF (212.1 KB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! History of Expansions and Recessions

    PDF • 177.5 KB

    PDF (177.5 KB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! Debate Planning Worksheet

    PDF • 142.4 KB

    PDF (142.4 KB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! Government Responses (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 115.1 KB

    PDF (115.1 KB)

  • Activity: What is a Person to Do? Life Planning for the Business Cycle (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 261.3 KB

    PDF (261.3 KB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! Financial Planning STUDIES ONLY (Excel Workbook)

    XLSX • 43.5 KB

    XLSX (43.5 KB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! Financial Planning WORK ONLY (Excel Workbook)

    XLSX • 43.3 KB

    XLSX (43.3 KB)

  • Activity: The Business Cycle and You! Financial Planning STUDIES AND WORK (Excel Workbook)

    XLSX • 45.6 KB

    XLSX (45.6 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Understanding Payroll Deductions

  • Lesson: Understanding Payroll Deductions (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.7 MB

    PPTX (1.7 MB)

  • Activity: Understanding Payroll Deductions Paystub Activity with Suggested Answers

    PDF • 494.9 KB

    PDF (494.9 KB)

  • Lesson: Understanding Payroll Deductions - For Indigenous Students (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.3 MB

    PPTX (1.3 MB)

  • Activity: Paystub Activities - For Indigenous Students

    PDF • 1.2 MB

    PDF (1.2 MB)

Lesson and Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introduction

  • Lesson: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introductory Lesson Tier 1 (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.5 MB

    PPTX (1.5 MB)

  • Lesson: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introductory Lesson Tier 1,2 (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.0 MB

    PPTX (2.0 MB)

  • Lesson: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introductory Lesson Tier 1, 2, 3 (Powerpoint)

    PPTX • 2.1 MB

    PPTX (2.1 MB)

  • Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introductory Practice Tier 1 (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 858.1 KB

    PDF (858.1 KB)

  • Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introductory Practice Tier 1, 2 (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 714.5 KB

    PDF (714.5 KB)

  • Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Introductory Practice Tier 1,2,3 (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 721.4 KB

    PDF (721.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Credit Cards

  • Lesson: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Credit Cards (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.9 MB

    PPTX (1.9 MB)

  • Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - Credit Cards Activity (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 197.4 KB

    PDF (197.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - OSAP Student Loan

  • Lesson: Why "Interest" Should Interest You – OSAP Student Loan (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.4 MB

    PPTX (1.4 MB)

  • Activity: Why “Interest” Should Interest You – OSAP Calculator No Repayments (Excel Workbook with Google Sheet Link)

    XLSX • 27.3 KB

    XLSX (27.3 KB)

  • Activity: Why “Interest” Should Interest You – OSAP Performance Task (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 567.5 KB

    PDF (567.5 KB)

  • Teacher Resource: Why “Interest” Should Interest You – OSAP Resource Kit

    PDF • 102.4 KB

    PDF (102.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - TFSAs

  • Lesson: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - TFSAs (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.5 MB

    PPTX (1.5 MB)

  • Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - TFSA Calculator (Excel Workbook with Google Sheet Link)

    XLSX • 33.9 KB

    XLSX (33.9 KB)

  • Activity: Why "Interest" Should Interest You - TFSAs Exit Card (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 693.4 KB

    PDF (693.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

Grade 12 Financial Literacy Guides and Resources

Financial Literacy Guides for Teachers, Parents, Community Organizers

Lesson and Activity: Bringing Home the Banking

  • Lesson: Bringing Home the Banking (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 1.6 MB

    PPTX (1.6 MB)

  • Activity: Bringing Home the Banking - Worksheet (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 329.2 KB

    PDF (329.2 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Choose a Job, Choose a Savings Goal

  • Lesson: Choose a Job, Choose a Savings Goal (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 729.1 KB

    PPTX (729.1 KB)

  • Activity: Choose a Job, Choose a Savings Goal Worksheet

    PDF • 164.4 KB

    PDF (164.4 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Ethical Standards in Companies

  • Lesson: Ethical Standards in Companies? Research Project (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 649.0 KB

    PPTX (649.0 KB)

  • Activity: Ethical Standards in Companies? Research Project

    PDF • 155.8 KB

    PDF (155.8 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Financial Literacy Case Study

  • Financial Literacy Case Study - Managing School, Work, Family, and Finances

    PDF • 1.8 MB

    PDF (1.8 MB)

  • Financial Literacy Case Study - Student Response Booklet

    PDF • 582.4 KB

    PDF (582.4 KB)

  • Financial Literacy Case Study – Budget Template (Excel Workbook with Google Sheet Link)

    XLSX • 65.7 KB

    XLSX (65.7 KB)

  • Financial Literacy Case Study - Suggested Answers (Excel Workbook with Google Sheet Link)

    XLSX • 31.3 KB

    XLSX (31.3 KB)

  • Financial Literacy Case Study - Evaluation Rubrics

    PDF • 296.6 KB

    PDF (296.6 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Macroeconomics

  • Lesson: Macroeconomics - Central Banks (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 986.0 KB

    PPTX (986.0 KB)

  • Lesson: Macroeconomics - Consumer Price Index (CPI) (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 639.7 KB

    PPTX (639.7 KB)

  • Activity: Macroeconomics - Consumer Price Index (CPI) Activity (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 157.8 KB

    PDF (157.8 KB)

Lesson and Activity: Personal Income Tax

  • Lesson: Personal Income Tax (PowerPoint)

    PPTX • 2.1 MB

    PPTX (2.1 MB)

  • Activity: Personal Income Tax Worksheet (with Suggested Answers)

    PDF • 1.3 MB

    PDF (1.3 MB)

  • Teacher Resource: Personal Income Tax Word Wall

    PDF • 253.3 KB

    PDF (253.3 KB)

Lesson and Activity: How to Use Money Manipulatives

Additional Resources

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