Canadians have their eyes on their bank accounts – whether trying to stick to a budget, save to meet a big goal, or simply just make ends meet. But according to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, only 46 per cent of Canadians have a budget.
A new free app launched by United Way Ottawa will help. Small Change makes it easy for people to save money, have fun while doing it and do good in the community.
Similar to a fitness tracking app, Small Change helps users set savings goals and change their spending habits to reach those goals – like making lunch instead of buying it, or biking to work instead of driving. Each time a user tracks savings through the app, TD will donate $1 – up to a total of $50,000 – to support Ottawa financial education programs through United Way. The app also offers up quick, useful financial tips from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.
“When we look around, we see that people and their smartphones are seldom parted. They are the go-to gadgets to communicate, make purchases, pay bills and do banking,” saidJane Rooney, Canada’s Financial Literacy Leader. “Small Change is about making it easy for people to strengthen their financial knowledge, while also coming together to do good for others.”
Funds raised will go to Ottawa’s EBO Financial Education Centre, which provides vital supports to those in need. It offers budget counselling, negotiations with creditors and educational workshops to hundreds of people struggling with challenges such as insufficient income and growing debt.
“With this app we’re helping find new ways to make financial education more meaningful for people, while strengthening the communities where we work, live and play,” said Linda MacKay, SVP, Personal Savings and Investing, TD Canada Trust.
Last year United Way helped empower more than 2,500 people in Ottawa to make better financial decisions – and this app is a creative way to continue that important work.
“United Way is committed to helping vulnerable people in our community access crisis supports
like financial and budget counseling to help them get their life on track,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO, United Way Ottawa. “If you are interested in finding new ways to save for an important goal – Small Change will help you do just that, while making a difference in the lives of some of Ottawa’s most in need.”
The app was created by United Way Ottawa, in collaboration with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and with the support of TD.
Download the Small Change app for free on any Android or Apple device.
Learn more at smallchangeapp.ca.
