Getting Ready to Master Cash Flow
Before diving into budgeting strategies and financial planning, let's make sure you have everything needed to succeed in your learning journey.
Pre-Course Assessment
Financial literacy isn't something you pick up overnight. And honestly? That's perfectly fine. What matters more than where you're starting is being realistic about your current situation and having the right mindset to learn.
- Access to a computer or tablet with reliable internet connection for online modules and spreadsheet work
- Basic familiarity with simple math operations - addition, subtraction, percentages (calculator use is encouraged)
- Willingness to track your spending for at least two weeks before the course begins
- Three months of recent bank statements or financial records available for review
- Commitment to spend 4-6 hours per week on coursework and practical exercises
- Openness to examining your current financial habits without judgment
Don't worry if you're missing one or two items from this list. The important thing is starting somewhere. I've seen people transform their financial situation starting from much more challenging circumstances than you might imagine.
"The biggest barrier most people face isn't lack of money - it's lack of clarity about where their money actually goes each month."
Essential Skills Foundation
Basic Spreadsheet Use
You'll need to enter data into cells and create simple formulas. If you've ever used Excel or Google Sheets for anything - even just making a grocery list - you're already ahead of the game.
Digital Banking Comfort
Accessing your bank statements online and downloading transaction histories. Most students find this easier than they expected, and we provide step-by-step guides for major Canadian banks.
Time Management
Setting aside consistent time each week for course materials and tracking exercises. The habit is more important than the amount - even 30 minutes daily beats cramming once a week.
Goal Setting Basics
Thinking beyond "I want to save more money" to specific, measurable objectives. We'll help you refine these, but starting with some general ideas about your financial priorities helps.
Remember, these are starting points, not requirements for admission. Our September 2025 cohort will spend the first two weeks building these skills together before moving into more complex budgeting concepts.
Your Learning Journey Timeline
Understanding what lies ahead helps you prepare mentally and practically for the months of learning and habit formation that will reshape how you think about money.
Foundation Building
We start by getting comfortable with tracking tools and establishing your baseline spending patterns. This phase is about observation, not judgment. You'll learn to categorize expenses and identify your natural spending rhythms without trying to change anything yet.
Core Methodology
Here's where the real work begins. You'll learn cash flow forecasting, create your first working budget, and start making conscious decisions about money allocation. Expect some resistance from your old habits - that's completely normal and part of the process.
Implementation & Refinement
By this point, you're living with your new system and making adjustments based on real experience. We focus on troubleshooting common challenges and building flexibility into your approach so it works with your actual life, not just in theory.