EmpoweringU Financial Wellness Program

This drop-in session invites students to explore the fundamental aspects of financial decision-making. The featured topic includes:

• Sorting expenses into needs and wants.
• Identifying factors that influence spending decisions.
• Determining personal money priorities.

This open office hour focuses on understanding the difference between needs and wants, recognizing the various factors that affect spending decisions, and prioritizing expenses based on individual circumstances and values. 

Students are encouraged to ask questions, discuss personal situations, and explore strategies for making intentional financial choices. Conversations may also include the impact of advertising, social influences, and competing priorities on spending habits and financial decision-making.

This drop-in session invites students to explore how personal strengths and assets can support financial and personal goals. The featured topic includes:

• Using the asset model to identify personal strengths and assets.

• Setting goals to increase assets in desired areas.

• Creating a plan to use assets to address life challenges.

This open office hour focuses on understanding and utilizing various types of assets, including physical, financial, social, and personal assets.

Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths, discuss challenges they may be experiencing, and explore practical strategies for building existing resources and support systems to promote financial well-being and personal success.

This drop-in session invites students to explore the concept of Community Economic Development and its impact on communities and collective well-being. The featured topic includes:

• Describing what 'economy' means in simple terms.
• Making connections between economic actions and community characteristics.
• Identifying actions that contribute to Community Economic Development.

This open office hour focuses on understanding the role of local economic activities in shaping communities and improving well-being.

Students are encouraged to discuss how financial decisions affect individuals, families, and communities, and to explore ways that local resources, community relationships, and economic opportunities can contribute to stronger and more sustainable communities.

This drop-in session invites students to explore budgeting and record-keeping strategies that support financial well-being and goal setting. The featured topic includes:

• Identifying expenses and sources of income.

• Revising an existing budget to support a savings goal.

• Creating a personal budget based on income and expenses.

This open office hour focuses on understanding income, expenses, savings, and spending habits.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, discuss financial challenges, and explore practical approaches to creating and maintaining a budget that reflects their personal circumstances and financial priorities.

This drop-in session invites students to explore financial services and how they can be used effectively to support financial well-being. The featured topic includes:

• Identifying examples of financial services and understanding their advantages and disadvantages.

• Understanding how financial service providers make money.

• Comparing financial service options and selecting services that meet individual needs.

• Exploring strategies to protect personal and financial information.

This open office hour focuses on understanding banking options, financial products and services, service fees, interest rates, and consumer protection.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, discuss their experiences, and explore which financial services best align with their needs and goals.

This drop-in session invites students to explore how credit works and the factors that influence credit history and credit scores. The featured topic includes:

• Understanding factors lenders consider when making credit decisions.

• Identifying factors that affect credit scores.

• Learning how to access personal credit history.

• Exploring strategies for establishing or improving credit.

This open office hour focuses on understanding different forms of credit, the importance of maintaining healthy credit habits, and practical approaches to building or improving credit history.

Students are encouraged to ask questions, discuss personal circumstances, and explore strategies that support informed credit decisions.

This drop-in session invites students to explore debt management and practical approaches to reducing financial stress. The featured topic includes:

• Understanding why debt becomes more expensive, the longer it takes to repay.

• Identifying different options for managing debt.

• Exploring strategies for developing a debt reduction plan.

This open office hour focuses on understanding how debt works, including the impact of interest and repayment timelines.

Students are encouraged to discuss financial concerns, ask questions about debt management options, and explore practical strategies for reducing debt and developing manageable repayment approaches that support long-term financial well-being.

This open office hour is organized by the Indigenous Student Centre in community partnership with SEED Winnipeg Inc. and aligns with the EmpoweringU Experience Record. 

Sessions are offered in a drop-in format and provide opportunities for Indigenous students to ask questions, explore resources, and receive individualized financial wellness support related to the featured topic. Students are welcome to attend for a few minutes or stay for the full session. No registration is required.

Students interested in pursuing the EmpoweringU Experience Record are encouraged to attend multiple open office hour topics and connect with the EmpoweringU Financial Wellness Coordinator regarding participation requirements and opportunities for reflection and skill development.