Your Finances and Health Affect Your Work Choices

Your finances and health can affect the work choices you make now and in the future.

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Plan Your Career

Align Your Financial Plan with Your Career Plan

As factors in your life evolve, so do your financial needs and career objectives. In times of change, make sure your career plan and financial goals support each other.

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

• Read the budgeting and financial planning resources on alis. You'll find help on topics such as budgeting for school, saving money, understanding your financial situation, and managing debt.
• Contact Money Mentors for not-for-profit credit counselling and money coaching.

Find out what supports you’re entitled to

Learn about the supports you can receive if you’ve lost your job. This includes severance, settlement, and employment insurance.

• Read Dealing with Job Loss.
• Apply for Employment Insurance (EI). File your EI claim online or in person at your nearest Service Canada Office.
• 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 Pensions and Retirement for information about the Canada Pension Plan and other income sources for people over 60.
• 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. Here are ways to help you stay healthy:

• Create a Balanced Lifestyle
• My Health Alberta: healthy living tips and information

Manage stress and declining energy

Take advantage of these tip sheets and resources:

• Discover Strategies for Coping with Stress at Work
• Make the Most of the Changes in Your Life and Career
• Move Forward with Positive Thoughts
• MyHealthAlberta: Stress Management
• Mental Health for All: Canadian Mental Health Association fact sheet

Find assistance and support for your disability

Get the support you need to help you keep working.

• Resources for persons with disabilities looking for work
• Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES)
• Financial support through Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)