CANORA - Many don’t like to admit it, but we could all benefit from learning more about looking after our money. With that in mind, coming up in November, CAP (Christians against Poverty) will be holding a money course in Canora.
Deanna Mirva, the local CAP facilitator, said the course is free for participants and is open to people of all backgrounds, regardless of religious beliefs.
“It helps people create a financial budget, deal with debt, build savings and learn how to maintain their finances,” said Mirva. “This program can help many people, whether you are in debt or you are in good financial standing but would like to learn about budgeting and planning for the future.”
Mirva first became involved as a CAP money coach about five years ago when she got involved through the family’s church in Dalmeny.
“I volunteered for a few reasons,” she explained. “Firstly, when I graduated high school I made some money mistakes that really hurt me, so I know the stress of debt and I realize I'm not alone. Secondly, the cost of living is getting tough. It is hard to make ends meet for so many people. Knowing where you are with your finances and having a plan for the future helps. One of my favourite parts in the CAP course has always been when participants share ideas on how to save on bills or other costs. I have learned so many ways to cut costs just from participants! CAP has also given me knowledge to pass onto my teenagers at home.”
One of the most impactful aspects of the CAP system is encouraging the use of cash wherever possible.
“Fewer and fewer people use cash, however, paying cash actually helps people see and feel how much money they have left over after making a purchase,” said Mirva. “This one change really helps people stick to their budget. The course does a great job of explaining the benefits.”
During the program sessions, participants are never asked to share their personal financial details with Mirva or the group, however, personal wisdom and experience when it comes to cutting costs or savings are always welcome.
The CAP program in Canora will run as a two-day course. Participants are given a workbook on the first day. The first step is where participants answer some questions in the workbook to get a better idea of how they see money, including a personal questionnaire to show that person if he or she is a spender or a saver.
“Then we get straight into learning how to build your budget according to your current income and history of spending,” said Mirva. “We talk about how to gather this information. The actual work of building the budget takes time and will require some homework. But before participants leave, we discuss how to balance the budget in case you go home and find out you are spending more than you make, or you want to make changes to the budget for any reason.”
On the following Thursday, participants will be taught the CAP Money System, including the benefits of using cash versus cards. “
“We also talk about saving and planning for the future, maintaining your budget, debt reduction and debt repayment,” said Mirva. “Finally, after a break, participants are welcome to stay to listen to a short video regarding what the Bible has to say about finances. For instance, Matthew 6:31-33 says, "So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? Or my drink? Or my clothes? Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things.’"
After the course has been completed, Mirva said she hopes participants will walk away with new skills and a plan that brings them hope and encouragement.
The CAP money course will be held in Canora on Thursday, Nov. 16 and the following Thursday, Nov. 23 at the Canora Parkland Regional Library.
“Anyone who would like to attend must email me with their name and phone number at [email protected] to register,” said Mirva. “Once you are registered you will receive an email giving you access to the CAP website. To keep the meeting small, I am accepting only the first 10 participants. Special thank you to the Gateway Community Church for sponsoring the course and Deb at the Canora Parkland Regional Library for opening the library for us.”
Mirva added that if there is a lot of interest in taking the course, she will plan for another CAP course in Canora in the future.
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