'Lessons on Mastering Money' - THE NEW BOOK!
Now available!
Highly-acclaimed!
Highly-acclaimed!
Highly-acclaimed!
Highly-acclaimed!
Highly-acclaimed!
Recognized as a global top book on financial literacy!
Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards 2022
'Lessons on Mastering Money' was named as a global finalist in the inaugural Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards 'Best Book' category. The MAIAs "celebrate the increasingly important work being done to help people understand money better, and benefit from the financial system." Other nominees hail from the UK, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Africa and India. Follow this link for more information:
https://maiawards.org/insights/8-great-financial-literacy-books-from-around-the-world/
Mr. Masters presents for Canadian Money Saver...
Mr. Masters kicked off the Canadian MoneySaver 'National Financial Literacy Month Series' in Nov.'23
"At Canadian MoneySaver, we’re passionate about providing independent financial resources for Canadians. That’s why we launched a National Financial Literacy Month Speaker Series this year featuring our Canadian MoneySaver Contributing Authors. Fred Masters kicked off the virtual series with his “Lessons on Mastering Money: Timeless Personal Finance Tips for Canadians” presentation. Using his skills as a former professional educator, Mr. Masters delivered a fast-paced, entertaining and informative session that was jam-packed with practical, invaluable personal finance teachings for Canadians of all ages as taken from the pages of his excellent book. As a powerful voice in the country’s financial literacy space, he continues to be a valued member of our Canadian MoneySaver team."
Lana Sanichar
Editor-in-Chief & President
The Canadian MoneySaver
Reach out to secure a copy of 'Lessons on Mastering Money'
Send an email to f.masters@mastersmoneymanagement.ca for details on how to get an autographed copy of 'Lessons on Mastering Money' delivered to your home in Canada for $27.
Mr. Masters at The MoneyShow Toronto!
September 8-9, 2023
"Each year, Canadian MoneySaver is pleased to bring together a select group of its expert columnists for a special full-day event at The MoneyShow Toronto. Fred Masters delivered a dynamic presentation entitled ‘Timeless Personal Finance Tips to Share with Young Adults’ this year as part of our team. Leveraging his decades of experience as a professional educator, Fred confidently delivered a compelling presentation - he literally “owned the stage” - as he shared powerful insights from his critically-acclaimed book in order to help those in attendance take better control of their financial lives. His entertaining session was full of practical personal finance lessons that are of value to those of any age and he injected timely data to emphatically make his points. A leader in the country's personal finance space, Mr. Masters is a valued part of our team at Canadian MoneySaver."
Lana Sanichar
Editor-in-Chief & President
The Canadian MoneySaver
Some MoneyShow Toronto Highlights...
Mr. Masters delivering a presentation.
Mr. Masters on the main stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Mr. Masters on the main stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Mr. Masters on the main stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Mr. Masters on the main stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Mr. Masters on the main stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Author 'meet & greet' after the presentation.
Mr. Masters on the main stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Author 'meet & greet' after the presentation.
Mr. Masters is now a contributor for Canadian MoneySaver!
Articles will be geared to young Canadian adults!
Mr. Masters is excited to join the outstanding team of regular contributors at Canadian MoneySaver. His articles (which began appearing in February 2023) will be written primarily to assist young Canadian adults take better control of their financial journey. Here, his 'Lessons on Index Investing' article is featured on the magazine's July/August cover.
Canadian MoneySaver has been providing practical, independent financial advice for Canadians since 1981. Visit CanadianMoneySaver.ca for more information.
Costco Connection Series
Articles to support financial wellness!
Mr. Masters appears in a four-part interview series on financial literacy in the August - November 2023 issues.
Here's an excerpt from 'Lessons on Mastering Money'!
As featured on the Financial Independence Hub website!
Here's where to find 'Lessons on Mastering Money'!
Send an email for details on how to get an autographed copy sent to your home in Canada for $27!
Click to order - shipped or curbside pick-up available in Waterloo, ON!
Available on the shelves (with a shipping option) at Words Worth Books in Waterloo, ON!
Available via the Chapters.Indigo.ca site and in select stores!
Available at Bookshelf (Guelph, ON) too!
Bulk order inquiry? Discounts available!
Please send a message with details via the 'Contact Us' section at the bottom of this page and we will reply to your inquiry promptly.
'Carrick on Money' Q&A Interview with Mr. Masters
Thanks to The Globe and Mail's Rob Carrick for featuring this Q&A interview with Mr. Masters!
'Mastering Your Money with CityNews'
Mr. Masters joined The Mike Farwell Show on CityNews570 Kitchener to chat about personal finance for a 15-part series in 2022-2023!
"I look forward to every conversation with Fred because I always come away with another nugget to add to my own financial planning. His passion for keeping our spending in check and his matter-of-fact approach that’s easy to understand make Fred the perfect guest to deliver timeless and relevant information to my audience. Smart, sound, and savvy advice. I wish I’d met Fred 40 years ago!"
Mike Farwell
Western University interview with Mr. Masters
Thanks to Western University for this piece on Mr. Masters' new book!
Lessons on Mastering Money Scholarship
Congratulations to our scholarship recipients!
The 'Lessons on Mastering Money Scholarship' has been presented annually beginning in 2021 to a graduate of Resurrection CSS in Kitchener, ON. The scholarship "celebrates the accomplishments of a graduate who enjoyed extraordinary achievement across multiple facets of Business Studies and who is pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of Business."
Congrats to these scholarship recipients:
2023 - Jalen Nelson
2022 - Alexia Tu*
2021 - Noah Pace
*pictured after the graduation ceremony with Mr. F. Masters and Mr. B. Masters (Business Studies Teacher at RCSS)
Thanks Western University for hosting the '22 -'23 Series
Masters Money Management Inc. presents...
Mastering Your Money: A Financial Wellness Presentation for Western Grads
Financial worries are the top source of stress for all Canadians, ranking above work concerns, health worries and even relationship struggles.
Western University invites you to a virtual presentation: Mastering Your Money: A Financial Wellness Presentation for Western Grads with Fred Masters, BEd'89. Mr. Masters is President & Founder of Masters Money Management Inc. During the presentation, Fred will share many practical financial teachings designed to allow anyone to take better control of their financial lives. The presentation includes topics such as Your Credit Score Matters, the 'Earn, Save, Invest Cycle', and Socially Responsible Investing.
The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 2, 2022 and Jan. 11, 2023, followed by Q&A.
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Masters is the author of the critically-acclaimed new book entitled Lessons on Mastering Money: The Personal Finance Guide for Canadians in their 20s and 30s. Mr. Masters is a sought-after media commentator on financial literacy and has been interviewed by The Globe and Mail, CBC Radio One KW, NewsTalks1010 Toronto and VOCM St. John's, NL. He appears on CityNews570 Kitchener to discuss personal finance on a regular basis.
This is a free virtual event. A Zoom link will be emailed to you upon registration.
Thanks Laurier for hosting the '22 Financial Wellness Series
Masters Money Management presents...
Let's Talk Money - A Two-Part Financial Wellness Series
Join Laurier's Faculty of Education for a virtual two-part financial wellness series, Let's Talk Money!, presented by Fred Masters of Masters Money Management Inc. and sponsored by Manulife.
In this series we will cover topics like credit scores, debt, real estate, investing, and your financial life after graduation. It is recommended to attend both parts of the series, but participants are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions. This event is open to current Laurier students, alumni and friends of Laurier. For more information about this program, please contact Taylor Sim at tsim@wlu.ca.
This series is presented by Fred Masters, President & Founder, Masters Money Management Inc. Mr. Masters is the author of a critically-acclaimed new book entitled 'Lessons on Mastering Money: The personal finance guide for Canadians in their 20s and 30s'. He is a financial literacy expert with three decades of experience teaching senior finance and is a licensed mortgage agent. He is a sought-after media commentator on financial literacy in schools having appeared in articles in the Globe & Mail and The Record, along with radio appearances on Kitchener's CityNews 570. He was Head of Business & Co-op at Resurrection CSS in Kitchener prior to retirement. Follow @MastersMoney101 and visit www.mastersmoneymanagement.ca for further details.
Thanks to Kenora Catholic DSB for hosting three sessions!
"Jam-packed with so much important information"
Thanks to the leadership team at Kenora Catholic District School Board for hosting three Masters Money Management financial wellness presentations recently; one for staff members, one for students in grades 7 -12 and one for parents!
"Fred provided a Financial Literacy presentation to our staff, students and families which was jam-packed with so much important information – for those who are entering the workforce, those in the workforce and those planning for retirement. I encourage everyone to be well informed on the topic of financial literacy, as I wish I had been more well informed when I was younger and starting my career."
Nicole Kurtz, Superintendent of Instructional Services, Kenora Catholic District School Board
Masters Money Management in the media:
"'There's a silent personal finance crisis,' author says" by Johanna Weidner
May 9, 2022 Waterloo Region Record
"The non-negotiable financial priority for renters" by Rob Carrick
March 3, 2022 TheGlobeandMail.com, 'Carrick on Money' Q&A interview on personal finance for young adults with Fred Masters
"Important to play the long game in today's housing and investment market" by Jonathan Juha
March 22, 2022 The London Free Press
"There's an insatiable, growing appetite amongst our teens and young adults to learn more about money" by Kira Vermond
August 31, 2021 The Globe and Mail, 'Young Money' story with headline and interview quotes from Fred Masters
"The challenges of introducing financial literacy in Ontario schools" by Kira Vermond
August 3, 2020 The Globe and Mail, 'Young Money' story with interview quotes from Fred Masters
"Teaching Teens About Investing: An Expert's Take" by Tamar Satov
November 9, 2021 'Inspired Investor' Newsletter, RBC Direct Investing
"Teaching financial literacy shouldn't be lost in all the talk about math destreaming"
The desire to learn more about personal finance is insatiable
June 22, 2021 by Fred Masters, Special to the Waterloo Region Record
Guest - The Mike Farwell Show, CityNews 570, Kitchener
Jan. 10, 2022 - commenting on the launch of 'Lessons on Mastering Money'
June 17, 2021 - commenting on the new Ontario Grade 9 Math curriculum which contains new financial literacy content
November 5, 2020 - commenting on the impact that the pandemic has had on personal finances
June 30, 2020 - commenting on the mandatory financial literacy components in Ontario's new grades 1-8 math curriculum
December 4, 2019 - commenting on the lack of financial literacy in Ontario's secondary school curriculum
Guest - The Morning Edition KW with Craig Norris, CBC Radio One KW 89.1 FM, Kitchener-Waterloo
August 10 , 2020 - commenting on students in KW to learn financial literacy beginning Fall 2020
Guest - Jim Richards Showgram, NewsTalk1010, Toronto
June 23, 2020 - commenting on the mandatory financial literacy components in Ontario's new grades 1-8 math curriculum
"The financial literacy school bus has been hijacked in Ontario"
The province’s approach to financial education is as disappointing as an empty piggy bank
OPINION Nov 28, 2019 by Fred Masters Waterloo Region Record
KW Business Show: A Talk with Fred Masters, Professional Business Educator https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kw-business-show_kwawesome-kitchenerwaterloo-financialliteracy-activity-6640629073485930496-DQfx/
Rogers 'daytime appearance:
Follow these steps to book a presentation:
Book a Masters Money Management presentation/virtual presentation for your school, post-secondary institute or business. Simply reach out using the form below for availability and pricing information.
Sample testimonials:
"I look forward to every conversation with Fred because I always come away with another nugget to add to my own financial planning. His passion for keeping our spending in check and his matter-of-fact approach that’s easy to understand make Fred the perfect guest to deliver timeless and relevant information to my audience. Smart, sound, and savvy advice. I wish I’d met Fred 40 years ago!"
Mike Farwell, TV & Radio Talk Show Host
"Dejero was looking for someone to help the overall financial literacy of employees. Fred delivered on exactly what we were looking for through 'Your Money 201', bringing zeal and enthusiasm to a not so excitable topic. Fred left our team wanting more - looking forward to having him in for 'Your Money 301' in the near future!"
Jenna Weishar, People and Culture, Dejero
"Fred Masters is a dynamic and informative presenter. He has decades of experience in the education and business sectors offering financial expertise and advice from various perspectives. Fred’s presentations share a unique blend of financial literacy viewpoints for participants of all ages and stages."
Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams, Dean, Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University
"Mr. Masters draws on his decades of experience as a teacher of high school finance to deliver critical lessons about money that university students desperately need to hear today. An effective communicator, he is engaging and thoughtful in his presentations. He teaches how to manage finances at a young age so that you have the resources to achieve your goals rather than struggle under a mountain of debt. This is a lesson that benefits everyone."
Dr. Gavin Brockett, Acting Dean, Faculty of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University
"Fred provided a Financial Literacy presentation to our staff, students and families which was jam-packed with so much important information – for those who are entering the workforce, those in the workforce and those planning for retirement. I encourage everyone to be well informed on the topic of financial literacy, as I wish I had been more well informed when I was younger and starting my career."
Nicole Kurtz, Director of Education, Kenora Catholic District School Board
"Here at Kenora Catholic District School Board, we were privileged to have Fred present to our board staff. The information is beneficial for anyone, and everyone was able to take away something to improve their financial well-being. Thank you for helping our staff learn more on financial literacy!"
Alison Smith, CPA, CGA, Superintendent of Business Services, Kenora Catholic District School Board
"I had the privilege of co-presenting with Fred on the "Let's Talk Money! The Spring Series". Fred was very thorough and with his extensive background and knowledge was able to deliver a presentation that was not only easy to understand but very easy to apply! Manulife Bank was honoured to be part of this event and will definitely be back. Thank you Fred and the entire Laurier Team!"
Joanne Martire, Regional Director, National Accounts, Central and Atlantic Canada, Manulife Bank
"For people of all ages and financial needs, Fred has a profound ability to engage the participants through a combination of humour, knowledge and passion for helping! You will find the presentation to be practical and extremely helpful in the quest to build wealth and financial wellness! Moreover, Fred’s approach is like a bag of chips because you can’t stop at just one because he creates a yearning for more information that he is happy to provide. Fred develops an extremely important life skill by providing information that can significantly improve your financial wellness, which is the #1 stressor during the Covid pandemic! Fred does an amazing job of helping to create financial wellness by providing the tools and knowledge to generate and grow. Thanks very much Fred!"
Steve Caron, BA, CHRP, Senior HR Consultant, HR Primed
"Fred Masters presented to the Guelph Share Club talking about a unique approach to exploring sector funds. He started off with some core aspects of financial literacy and worked up to this more complex topic. The presentation was informative and stimulating and every share club member came away with several take home messages to improve their financial well being. I had attended one of Fred’s sessions previously on “What to Teach Your Kids About Money” and this could have been titled “ What to teach Adults about Money”. I am looking forward to his upcoming book."
Michael Hincks, Ph.D. , Administrator, Guelph Share Club
“Fred’s personal financial insight for our staff was invaluable! His knowledge and expertise are unmatched assets for everyone in our system whether they be new in their careers, raising teenage children or trying to set themselves up for retirement. Attendance for Mr. Masters' financial wellness presentation was very, very high; clearly, financial literacy is important for all of us. We cannot wait to have him back next year!”
Brigitte Webster, Healthy Active Living Consultant, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
“Last night I had an awesome opportunity to co-present a Financial Literacy course to over 50 Wilfrid Laurier B.Ed students and alumni. Led by the brilliant Fred Masters, a 30 year veteran educator and financial literacy guru, I was able to share a some insight into the value of investing in your Tax Free Savings Account while Fred covered a number of topics from managing debt, to having conversations with your partner about money and long term savings. Thank you Fred for putting together an action packed agenda and thank you Manulife for co-sponsoring this event and offering great volunteer opportunities.”
David Correia, Product Owner, GRS Product, Strategy & Transformation, Manulife
"Animated, compelling, sobering and dynamic! I didn't want it to end! Fred Masters' Money 101 session was excellent! Fred clearly knows his subject matter and he knows how to deliver financial guidance in a relevant and effective way to a diverse audience. I highly recommend his expert advice to the young and those not so young."
Dean Sherk, Development Officer, Wilfrid Laurier University
“I had the phenomenal opportunity to co-present a Financial Literacy seminar with Fred Masters of Masters Money Management to over 100+ Wilfrid Laurier University students and alumni. Facilitated by Fred who has extensive knowledge in financial literacy, I was able to share insights and the benefits associated with investing in a Tax Free Savings Account while Fred presented a host of other topics ranging from the right/wrong kind of debt to real estate investing to the importance of saving!! This is a black hole that has yet to be addressed in the students’ category and, as thus, I am grateful to Fred and Laurier for putting together such an insightful event and thank you to Manulife for providing this great volunteering opportunity”
Lois Anaide, Real Estate Portfolio Analyst, Manulife Investment Management
"It was a pleasure to co-present with Fred to almost 100 Wilfrid Laurier students and alumni at one of the Let’s Talk Money, Financial Wellness Series presentations. I could feel Fred’s passion for Financial Literacy through his presentation, and judging by the extremely positive reactions from the audience, I can only imagine the powerful impact that Fred had on them. Fred had truly inspired myself as well to contribute more to this initiative of improving the financial literacy level of the new generation. Thank you very much for doing what you do and for having me as part of this journey."
Cherry Xiang, CFP®, Business Development Specialist, Individual Insurance Sales, Manulife
“PCL believes in staff wellness in every capacity and the one missing piece of our wellness program has been financial wellness. Fred filled this gap for our employees with an excellent presentation on personal financial literacy. Our employees LOVED this presentation, it was current, easy to follow and stimulated all of us to action on our own financial plans and journey. This workshop should be mandatory for everyone! Thanks Fred, for enlightening us all!”
Katherine Loveys, Executive Director, Parents for Community Living KW Inc
"I can think of no better investment than the 90 minutes of my time attending Fred Masters' 'Money 101 - What you need to teach your kids about money'. Fred’s no nonsense and humorous presentation provides practical tips on how to save for your children’s education, guiding them on selecting the post secondary education that makes both academic and financial sense, ensuring they save their own money and guiding them in avoiding financial pitfalls that will set your children on the path to financial freedom and perhaps become millionaires some day."
Bill Conway, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
"Just wanted to say once again, how thankful we are that you were able to join us in Innovation Week for your Money 101 workshop. Just like you mentioned, the stress of finance is such a big part of our lives, and students these days are experiencing stress and anxiety more than ever. Your presentation was an excellent balance of stats (as a Math guy you know I love that), harsh realities, but solutions to help us with these realities. Teenagers these days, I feel, have a serious case of "Keeping Up with the Joneses" with having the latest phone and devices, and I know that your workshop will allow them to be more grateful of what they have, and understand that if it's worth having, it takes time. Though I'm a younger teacher, the thought of "I wish I started this earlier" kept popping up, and I know some of the participants are now driven to start being financially responsible today, rather than later."
Dan Scholtz, Innovation Team Member & Assistant Head of Math, St. Mary's High School, Kitchener
"Without a doubt, we'll be booking you back for the future, Fred. Your Money Management session for new teachers provided practical advice that teachers could implement right away. Beyond the invaluable content, your experience as an educator shone through - it was delivered in what felt like a manageable, understandable, and engaging style. Based on the questions from participants, you clearly had their attention and curiosity! We'll see you next time!"
Matt Figueiredo, NTIP Consultant, WCDSB (Virtual Presentation Facilitator)
"Your presentation was outstanding! It was a privilege for myself and our players to listen to the content - there was so much useful information that is applicable to anyone!"
Justin Stevens, Associate Head Coach, University of Guelph Gryphons Men's Hockey Team
Check out over a dozen videos from past sessions!
Phoenix Finance club members took it upon themselves to record the sessions and create a YouTube channel to archive the content. Follow the link below to access over a dozen recent sessions!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8ZiGTUx2NKCtxGWeTxfrpA
Sample presentation topic listing:
Your Money 101 (for initial larger sessions)
- Credit cards that PAY YOU!
- I DESERVE a new car - think again!
- The importance of the earn/save/invest cycle
- I know that I have to save but how do I invest?
- Use what they give you - TFSA/RRSP/RESP
- Fees matter...they really matter!
Your Money 201 (for parent nights or 'lunch & learns')
- Banks work for me, right? WRONG!
- You need an emergency fund...for emergencies!
- Good debt vs. bad debt...do you know the difference?
- I've saved...now tell me how to invest
- index products
- core & explore
- dividends matter
Some scary Canadian money stats:
- 38% of Canadians rank money as their greatest stress – over health, work and relationships (1)
- 44% of Canadians between 18 and 44 rank money worries as their top source of stress (1)
- 88% of Canadians under 35 say that at least one financial aspect of their lives causes them stress; bill payments, saving for retirement & debt top the list (1)
- 49% of Canadians say they have lost sleep because of financial worries (1)
- 45% of Canadians say that their financial stress has been impacted by COVID-19 (1)
- 42% of Canadians wished they had saved more money/started saving earlier (1)
- 52% of millennials feel pressure to keep up with their friends' & colleagues' financial status (2)
- 51% of Canadians feel embarrassed about the lack of control they have over their finances (2)
- 47% of Canadian households will need to borrow to pay bills this year (3)
- 40% of Canadians indicate that they are overwhelmed by debt (4)
- 44% of Canadians believe they would face difficulties if their paycheque was delayed by even a single week (4)
- 20% of Canadians could not come up with $2,000 within a month to cover an emergency expense (4)
- 46% of Canadian employees say financial stress is impacting their workplace performance (4)
- 15% of Ontario insolvencies involve student debt with an average of $13,900 in student loans and $45,000 in total unsecured debt (5)
- 52% of Canadians have just enough to cover living expenses (6)
- 31% of Canadians don't have enough to pay for their basic needs (6)
- 64% of Canadians say they have little or nothing saved for retirement (6)
- 93% of employees believe that it's important for employers to offer financial wellness programs (7)
- 75% of workers believe that employer-sponsored financial wellness programs have an impact on reducing financial stress (7)
(Note 1 - FP Canada, "Financial Stress Index" Survey, July 2020)
(Note 2 - Financial Planning Standards Council "Financial Stress" Survey, May 2018)
(Note 3 - Canadian Press as reported on the HuffPost Canada website, April 16, 2018)
(Note 4 - Cdn. Payroll Association 2018 Survey of Employed Canadians, Sept. 2018)
(Note 5 - Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Bankruptcy Study as reported in The Waterloo Region Record, pg. A1, Sept.7, 2018)
(Note 6 - BDO Canada Ltd. website, 2018 BDO Canada Affordability Index Report)
(Note 7 - Manulife 2020 Financial Stress Survey, October 2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
I want to book a session for my school or business. Where can I get pricing information?
Simply fill out and submit the 'contact us' form below and pricing information will be provided. Travel expenses for presentations outside of Waterloo Region will be added to the session costs.