November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, and this year, the theme from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada is simple and powerful: Talk Money. At SISIP, we believe real confidence starts with honest conversations. That’s why our Financial Education Program is dedicated to helping the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and families strengthen their financial knowledge, one conversation at a time.
Why Talking About Money Matters
Money touches every part of our lives—from daily decisions to long-term goals. Yet for many, it remains a difficult topic to discuss. Whether it’s budgeting, debt, savings, or planning for retirement, talking about money can feel overwhelming or even taboo.
That’s where the Financial Education Program comes in. Through eLearning modules, webinars, videos, articles, and in-person sessions, we create judgment-free spaces where CAF members can ask questions, share stories, and build skills that support long-term financial success.
Time to Get Real About Credit
This Financial Literacy Month, we’re challenging CAF members as well as their spouses and partners to break the silence around credit usage. If you’re brave enough to answer some tough questions, it can help ensure that credit is a useful tool rather than a financial threat. Start here:
- When did you get your first credit card—and what did you learn from it?
- Have you ever spent money you didn’t have? What led to that decision?
- If you’ve chosen not to have a credit card, why? And how has this impacted your finances?
- What’s your go-to strategy for getting out of credit card debt?
These questions aren’t just conversation starters—they’re gateways to better financial habits. It’s time to normalize talking about credit, debt, and the decisions that shape our financial lives. Talk to your family, friends, trusted advisors, and let’s not shy away from lessons learned and tips for the future.
Make An Investment In Yourself
One key principle we emphasize is to pay yourself first. That means prioritizing savings before spending, understanding how borrowing works, and managing debt with intention. This is the tried and true path to long-term financial security.
FEP’s evolving curriculum is built specifically for the CAF. Whether you’re just starting your career, navigating a deployment, or preparing for transition, our resources are designed to meet you where you are.
And if you’re struggling with credit, you’re not alone. Speak with a SISIP Financial Counsellor about creating a personalized debt management plan. There’s no stigma—just a smart, proactive step toward a stronger financial future with someone who’s trained to help you succeed.
This Month, Take One Small Step Forward
We challenge you to take at least one of the following action steps this month. Encourage your spouse, partner, family and friends to join in too. Financial Literacy Month is a great time for everyone to elevate their financial know-how:
- Sign up for the Money Mastery Portal and complete eLearning on topics like Money Myths.
- Explore our online learning tools: watch a pre-recorded webinar or sign up for future webinars.
- Check out our resources on CAF raises and discover your financial persona.
- Learn how to talk to your kids about money with our recent article on becoming a financial role model.
- Are the holidays on your radar? Plan ahead with some budgeting tips.
- Speak to our SISIP Financial Advisors about your counselling, insurance and investment needs.
We are continuing to update our Financial Education resources to help support the CAF and their families. No matter where you are in your financial journey, there’s something here for you and the people you care about.
Looking Ahead
Financial literacy is a lifelong journey, and everyone slips off the path from time to time. What matters is starting again. SISIP is here to walk alongside you, with tools, conversations, and support built for military life. Let’s shape a financially resilient CAF—together.
