Learn about Personal Finance: I’m in Charge
Personal Finance: I’m in Charge® -(PFIC) is a program designed to empower young people with practical money management skills that make a real difference. From budgeting and saving to understanding credit and planning for future goals, we provide the tools and knowledge needed to build financial confidence and thrive in every stage of life. We’re here to help!
Meet Archana — our newest member
"Hi there! I lead the planning, organization, and delivery of workshops for the PFIC program. Whether in person or online, I work closely with community partners to create engaging and accessible sessions for youth, young adults, and newcomers.
My goal is to ensure every workshop is impactful and meets the unique needs of participants, helping them build financial literacy and confidence. I’m always looking for ways to refine our content to make it even more effective. Seeing participants grow in their independence is the most rewarding part of my work. Due to the popularity of the program, we are currently booking for January 2025, as December is completely booked.” — Archana, Facilitator, Financial Literacy Program
Introducing Unforeseen: An app to build smarter financial skills
The Unforeseen app helps teach youth and adults how to make better financial decisions. It is a financial decision-making game in which participants are presented with different scenarios and must choose the best outcome to stay financially healthy and develop better financial judgment.
Download the game:
Program overview - financial literacy series for youth
The PFIC program, powered by Desjardins, is delivered at no cost by YMCA Greater Toronto’s accredited PFIC facilitators across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Young people learn about planning for their education, signing a cellphone contract, tips and tricks for saving money and eating well, leasing an apartment, being credit savvy, and spending wisely.
Flexible activities and workshops are available in person and online. Participants can access resources tailored to real-life scenarios, self-learning courses, and financial literacy information. They can also access the self-learning PFIC portal developed by Desjardins.
PFIC focuses on developing financial independence through hands-on exercises, games, and self-guided content. The goal is to empower participants to make confident financial decisions and lead financially healthy lifestyles.
In addition to providing PFIC workshops to YMCA program participants, we collaborate with various community organizations and school boards, including: Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment (MLSE), Rexdale Community Health Centre, Women’s Centre Halton, the Salvation Army, and many others in Peel, Etobicoke, North York, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Durham, and Halton.
What participants say about us
“I would love to continue the financial literacy workshops for our clients at Kennedy House. They truly did appreciate the last one in September and are eager to learn more.” — Branden N., Kennedy Housing
“Thank you for the informative and engaging session we had! We’re so happy you reached out to create this connection with us to support our clients; it’s an important bucket of knowledge that almost everyone can benefit from learning.”— Vanessa D., Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
