Not all debt is created equal. In this first lesson of Module 4: How to Manage Debt Properly, we’re changing the way you think about borrowing money—because when used wisely, debt can actually work in your favor.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

• The difference between good debt (like student loans, mortgages, and business loans) and bad debt (like high-interest credit card balances and payday loans)
• How to tell if debt is helping you build long-term value—or holding you backWhen it does make sense to borrow, and how to do it responsibly
• The golden rule: only borrow with a plan to repay, and only when it supports your financial goals

Debt doesn’t have to be scary or shameful.

This lesson gives you the clarity to borrow intentionally, use debt to your advantage, and avoid the financial traps that lead to long-term stress.

📚 Smart debt management starts here—and it’s one of the most powerful tools in your financial toolkit.

Your credit score is one of the most powerful numbers in your financial life—and understanding how it works can open doors to better interest rates, loan approvals, and even rental or job opportunities.

In this lesson, we break down the five key factors that influence your credit score, and share clear, actionable steps you can take to boost it.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

• The #1 thing that affects your credit score: payment history
• Why your credit utilization ratio matters (and how to manage it)
• How credit history length, inquiries, and credit mix all factor in
• What lenders look for when they assess your credit
• How to check your score—and what number to aim for
• Simple, proven strategies to improve your credit over time

📚 If you’ve ever wondered how credit scores really work or felt unsure about how to raise yours, this lesson gives you the foundation you need to take control of your credit health.

Credit cards can be powerful tools—or costly mistakes—depending on how you use them. In this lesson, we unpack the truth about credit cards so you can use them to your advantage and avoid the common traps that lead to financial stress.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

• The major benefits of credit cards: building credit, earning rewards, fraud protection & moreThe biggest downsides—like high interest rates and overspending
• Smart, simple best practices to stay in control
• Why paying off your balance in full and staying under 30% credit utilization is key
• When and why to consider switching credit cards (and when not to)
• Used wisely, credit cards can support your financial goals and protect your purchases.

But they require discipline and strategy—this lesson shows you exactly how to do it right.

📚 Master your credit cards, and you’ll gain more than points—you’ll gain financial confidence.

Ready to become debt-free faster? In this lesson, we break down two powerful strategies—the Avalanche Method and the Snowball Method—to help you tackle debt efficiently and stay motivated along the way.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

• Why paying off debt quickly saves you money in the long run
• How the Avalanche Method prioritizes high-interest debt to reduce overall cost
• How the Snowball Method builds momentum by eliminating smaller debts first
• The pros and cons of each strategy, and how to choose the one that fits your mindset
• Practical tips for staying consistent and accelerating your progress

Whether you want to minimize interest payments or stay fired up by quick wins, this lesson gives you the tools to start strong and stay on track.

📚 Debt freedom starts with a plan—and we’ll help you find yours.

Student loans are one of the most common forms of debt—and with the right plan, one of the most manageable.

In this lesson, we break down how student loans work in Canada, what repayment looks like, and how to pay them off faster.

💡 What you’ll learn in this lesson:

• How federal and provincial student loans work in Canada
• Key repayment rules, grace periods, and recent interest changes
• Why paying more than the minimum can save you time and boost your credit score
• How lump-sum payments and payment increases can shorten your loan term
• What to do if you’re struggling financially—help is available!

Student loans don’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right approach, you can eliminate this debt and move forward with confidence.

📚 Take control of your student loan journey and set yourself up for long-term financial success.

Thinking about buying a home someday? Whether you’re planning to purchase soon or just getting familiar with how mortgages work, this lesson will help you understand the essentials so you can make smarter decisions—and avoid unnecessary financial stress.

💡 In this lesson, you’ll learn:

• What a mortgage is and how amortization periods work (typically 15–30 years)
• The difference between fixed and variable interest rates
• How mortgage terms work in Canada (and why 5-year terms are the most common)
• A real-life example of how mortgage terms and rates can shift over time
• Key costs to factor in beyond your monthly payment: taxes, legal fees, insurance, and maintenance
• Why putting down at least 20% as a down payment can save you money long-term

Mortgages are usually the biggest financial commitment people make—so having a plan and understanding the basics makes a huge difference.

📌 Pro tip: Always ask questions and work with an advisor. Your future self will thank you!

Thinking about buying or leasing a vehicle? It’s one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make after purchasing a home—so it’s crucial to understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.

💡 In this lesson, you’ll learn:

• Why cars depreciate and how that affects your finances
• What negative equity means and how to avoid it
• The difference between secured auto loans and leasing agreements
• How interest is calculated on car loans (and why that matters)
• Pros and cons of leasing vs. buying, including mileage limits, warranties, and long-term costs
• Why leasing can be attractive for those who like driving newer vehicles with minimal maintenance

Whether you're buying your first car or upgrading, this lesson gives you the knowledge to choose a financing method that aligns with your financial goals—and keeps you out of debt traps.

Welcome to the final lesson in our Debt Management module!

In this video, we’re unpacking two powerful strategies that can help you take control of your debt: debt consolidation and debt refinancing.

💡 What you'll learn in this lesson:

• The difference between debt consolidation and debt refinancing
• When it makes sense to combine multiple debts into one payment
• How to refinance loans or mortgages to lower your interest rate or adjust payment terms
• The pros and cons of credit card balance transfers
• Common mistakes to avoid when restructuring debt
• Tips for using these strategies responsibly to reduce stress—not extend the debt cycle

If you're juggling multiple loans or just want to reduce your monthly payments, this lesson will help you understand the options available and make smart, informed choices.

🧠 Remember: Debt is a tool. Use it wisely, and it can help you move forward—not hold you back.