Your Finances and Health

Your finances and health can affect the work choices you make now and in the future. Use this information to identify challenges you might face and resources to help you succeed.

Your Finances

Get a clear picture of your income and expenses:

		Use Stretch Your Dollars: Budgeting Basics to help cut your expenses, boost your income and access information, services and programs.
		Contact Money Mentors for not-for-profit credit counselling and money coaching.

Find out what supports you’re entitled to if you’ve lost your job. This includes severance, settlement and employment insurance.

		Visit Dealing With Job Loss
		Apply for Employment Insurance (EI). File your EI claim online or in person at yout nearest Service Canada Centre.
		If you don't have a severance package, aren't eligible for EI and have no other resources, you may be eligible for Income Support.

Learn about pensions.

		Visit Services for Seniors: Retirement Planning for information about the Canada Pension Plan and other income sources for people over 60.
		See Time to Start a Pension for a general guide to pensions and retirement options.
		Contact your past and current employers about other pensions you may be entitled to.

Do some financial planning. Talk to your banker, financial advisor or accountant. Ask questions like

		Will my expenses rise or fall over the next few years?
		How much income do I need in order to retire?
		Can I afford to retire or cut back on the hours I work?

Your Health

Take care of yourself. Your health is one of your key assets. When you’re in good health, you’re more likely to enjoy life and work, and better able to take advantage of opportunities that come your way.

		Check out the tip sheet Creating a Balanced Lifestyle.
		Visit My Health Alberta for healthy living tips and information.

Manage stress and declining energy. Take advantage of these tip sheets and resources:

		Coping With Stress at Work
		Managing Change
		Re-Framing: Moving From Self-Defeating to Powerful Thoughts
		MyHealthAlberta: Stress Management
		Mental Health for All—Canadian Mental Health Association fact sheet
		Caregivers—support for those responsible for providing care to family members.

Find assistance and support for your disability to help you keep working.

		Persons With Disabilities
		Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES)
		Financial support through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)