Alberta Securities Commission encouraging Albertans to know ABCs

Financial literacy is one of those things that many Canadians are lacking these days.

With Financial Literacy Month currently underway, the Alberta Securities Commission has launched a campaign encouraging people in the province to gain more financial knowledge.

“Building financial literacy is a critical step for Albertans to take in making informed and effective investment decisions,” says Alison Trollope, Director, Communications and Investor Education, Alberta Securities Commission. “Our goal is to empower Albertans to expand their financial knowledge and understand what investments are right for them. In doing so, Albertans can better manage their personal finances and protect themselves from unsuitable investments and scams.” 

And the ABC campaign is informing people to take these following steps before giving over any of your money to anyone:

• Check that the individual or firm selling securities or offering investment advice is registered to do so;
• Check albertasecurities.com to determine if there is any disciplinary history for a company or individual offering you an investment;
• Check the news to see what’s been said about the investment you’re considering; and
• Check that the investment opportunity is right for you. Conduct research and ask the right questions, taking into account factors like your stage of life and your risk tolerance.

The ASC has a number of financial literacy resources for people which can be found at www.checkfirst.ca/ABC.