Resources

The following resources can be used to help you manage your finances during emergency situations such as COVID-19. Information and tips are provided to help you with general money planning, budgeting, saving, debt and more.

Some of the resources below are worksheets that you can type in and save. Please download and open with Adobe Acrobat Reader (a free-for-use PDF reader) to use this feature.

Financial empowerment support

If you are looking for financial empowerment support in your area, such as tax filing or financial education, please consult our searchable Directory.

General money planning

In emergency situations, it is helpful to look at the different areas of your financial life as well as think about your general well-being. The following resource sheets will provide you with some tips on taking care of yourself and your finances and will help you set priorities for your budget.

• Managing during an emergency: Tips for individuals
• Urgent vs. important

Budgeting

Budgeting will help you track the changes to your income and spending and help you make adjustments as necessary. Use the worksheets below to track your income and expenses and create a budget. Also find some suggestions on how to reduce your expenses.

• Income tracker
• Expenses tracker
• Cash flow budget template
• Ten ways to trim expenses

Saving

Saving money can help protect you from unexpected expenses and help you meet your money goals. Find some general saving tips and ways to be a savvy consumer.

• Ten saving tips
• Ways to save at the grocery store

Debt

Managing debt can be especially challenging during tough times. The resources below can help you manage your bills, create a plan to tackle your debt, talk to creditors and find additional resources that can help.

• Managing bills and debt during an emergency
• Making a debt action plan
• Guide for talking to creditors
• Resources for dealing with debt

Taxes, credits and benefits

Benefits and refundable tax credits help with your living expenses by adding to your income. View a list of common benefits and credits and social assistance programs below.

• List of common benefits and credits
• Tax time considerations for Indigenous people living in Canada