Focus on my finances – Blog for ages 18-30

Cultural communities: welcome to your financial cooperative!

2011-10-11T12:00:00Z

"There has been a 40% increase in foreign students studying in Quebec universities over the past few years¹." Moreover, nearly 27% of temporary residents in Ontario are international students². As a youth clientele representative, I recently attended the International Students Fair at the University of Ottawa. I realized how hard it is to come to a new country and become acquainted with all the various new elements, including the Canadian banking system. It's even harder to choose a financial institution and most students choose one through word of mouth. In this post, I want to help you by answering certain questions on Desjardins services.

Does Desjardins offer services in languages other than French? Did you know that in Montreal, Carrefour Desjardins employees in can serve you in French, English, Arabic, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Russian and sign language? Their multilingual and multidisciplinary team can provide services to newcomers. In Ontario, each Desjardins caisse can serve you in 1 of the 2 official languages. Go to the Newcomers to Canada page to find a caisse that can serve you in your language.

How do I open a Desjardins account? It's easy. To become a member, you must pay your $5 qualifying share and provide 2 pieces of valid ID (i.e. passport, permanent resident card, immigration document (IMM), Québec Selection Certificate, valid driver's licence, etc.). You can also apply for a new account from abroad. If you're already in Canada, fill out the online application form and make an appointment with your caisse to complete the application.

Please feel free to go to the Why choose Desjardins? page to learn more about the largest financial cooperative group in Canada.

Can I make international money transfers? Once you open an account, you can easily transfer funds to several countries worldwide. Sign up for AccèsD (our online transactional site), follow the instructions on the International money transfers page and it's done! If you want to transfer funds from your foreign account to Desjardins, always contact your caisse.

If you're a foreign student or a member of a cultural community, share your financial tips with us when you arrive in Canada.

1. http://www.cyberpresse.ca/actualites/quebec-canada/education/201109/06/01-4431774-les-universites-accueillent-davantage-detudiants-etrangers.php

2. http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/fr/tools/OI_FR_RESEARCH_STATS.html

Your Financial Education Is Our Priority

2011-09-12T20:29:29Z

The media is reporting on student debt more and more frequently. As a cooperative movement, our mission includes creating awareness among students about the basics of financial education. Desjardins has set up various solutions to help you learn more about personal finance management as you go back to school this fall.

School caisses: providing financial education for more than 100 years

Remember the little brown envelopes for your weekly or bi-weekly deposits at your elementary school caisse? The school caisse is Desjardins's oldest educational program and in 2007, celebrated its 100th anniversary! Today, almost 340 caisses in Quebec and Ontario still run school caisses in 1,100 elementary schools. Impressive!

Student caisses: for high school students

Just as school caisses are well-appreciated by elementary school kids, high-school students appreciate the student caisses too! This educational program has many advantages, whether you're a student caisse employee, administrator or member. In fact, the program helps participants develop a strong sense of responsibility and provides good experience to include on a resumé. Furthermore, it teaches cooperation, economics, finance and administrative skills. As a member, you can maintain your sound savings habits and benefit from financial services adapted to your situation.

If there is a student caisse in your school and you want to get involved or become a member, go for it!

A team of youth representatives to work with young people

Just 5 years ago, Desjardins set up a team of youth representatives who worked in CEGEPS, universities and vocational training centres to lead presentations and set up booths to help students learn sound financial management. At the start of 2011, 6 new representatives joined the team to lead workshops in high schools (secondary 4 and 5 in Quebec and grades 11 and 12 in Ontario). Their goal was to share the basics about budgets, credit ratings and student loans to help students develop sound financial habits and start CEGEP and university off on the right foot.

And more...

The Coopme program was launched last March to promote cooperation and education in Canada and worldwide.

Desjardins is also Fondation Desjardins, who has awarded more than $12 million in scholarships in the last 40 years, supporting more than 9,300 young people in their studies.

What can we do for you to help you better manage your finances?

3 back-to-school tips

2011-08-22T12:00:00Z

Did you have a good summer? Got the back-to-school blues? It's that time of year again so I thought I'd share some tips to help you start the semester off right and get a leg up on your finances! Remember: good money management can help you during the school year.

ü I'll apply for financial aid

If you haven't done it yet, it's time! Financial aid should be the number 1 way you finance your studies. Why?

No interest to pay while you are a student.
Possibility of getting a scholarship.
Interest is tax deductible after your graduate.

When you receive your certificate at the beginning of the semester, just to go to any caisse to deposit your loan (whether it's your caisse or not). Desjardins manages 60% of government-guaranteed loans and has a financial expertise centre to help you manage your loan, the Desjardins Group Student Service Centre.

ü I'll meet with an advisor at the caisse

Take the time to meet with an advisor at your caisse to get off to a good start financially (student loan, savings plan, etc.). Remember to ask for a new plan with unlimited transactions for only $2.95 a month. Is your social calendar full and your Facebook inbox teeming with invitations? Here are some ideas:

Check to see if any youth representatives will be at your school. They could get in touch with your caisse to make an appointment with you. Check the schedule of on-campus lectures and kiosks.
If you are studying abroad, contact your caisse by phone, e-mail or make an appointment online.

ü I'll enter the Monday Question contest

This year, going back to school could pay off in a big way! Until October 28, taking just a few minutes a week to answer the MONDAY QUESTION could win you 1 of 2 prizes of $5,000 to invest with the help of a Desjardins personal finance advisor, or 1 of 5 scholarships of $1,000 from Fondation Desjardins. Double your chances by sharing the contest on Facebook before answering the questions!

Blog: summer vacation

2011-07-22T12:00:00Z

It's time for some rest and relaxation to get ready for the next school year. The blog will be back on August 22 with lots about financial management and back-to-school stuff. However, I'll still be answering your questions during the summer.

Take advantage of your summer vacation to meet with your Desjardins advisor and update your finances before you go back to school!

I hope you have a great vacation full of sunshine and fun!

The 4 steps to becoming a homeowner (Part 2 of 2)

2011-07-14T11:24:45Z

In my last blog post, I discussed the preparation needed to buy your first home. Today I'd like to make you aware of 2 more things and some questions to ask yourself during the lengthy home or condo buying process.

Step 3: Consider these factors and related costs

Before choosing a home, ask yourself a few questions to avoid unpleasant surprises:

How far is it from work?
Does the home need any renovations?
What services are available nearby?
Will the roof or windows need to be changed soon?

Above all, don't forget all the expenses directly related to your new purchase: the down payment (at least 5% of the value of the property), inspection fees (+/- $500), notary fees (+/- $1,200), transfer taxes, municipal and school taxes, moving costs, new paint, furniture, a lawn mower, etc. Buying a home is a dream, but it doesn't come free!

Step 4: Get the advice of an expert

Buying a home is an investment that's important enough to use the services of an expert for answers to your questions and advice with your concerns throughout the process. Even if you're only thinking about buying a home 2 to 3 years from now, I recommend you meet with an expert today to be really prepared when you're ready to make the leap. Also, don't hesitate to start a savings strategy for your down payment right away. Contact a Desjardins advisor as soon as you're ready to buy a home.

Makes me feel like becoming a homeowner! How about you?

The 4 steps to becoming a homeowner (Part 1 of 2)

2011-06-23T14:15:48Z

Springtime is often a time when some of us start thinking about purchasing our first home. We start dreaming about barbecues with friends, having a hot tub or garden, or spending afternoons lounging by the pool. Buying a house or condo may sound like a great idea, but it is also one of the most important purchases you'll make in your lifetime, so it takes a good deal of preparation. The next 2 blog posts will give you a few tips to help you come out ahead when you purchase your first home. To start with, let's look at pre-purchase preparation.

Step 1: Determine what monthly payments you can afford

Before starting to hunt for THE perfect home, it's essential to take the time to determine exactly what you can afford to buy. Making a budget isn't the easiest thing in the world, but since owning a home takes up a large portion of your monthly and annual budget, better plan ahead and do the math. Include all of your income and expenses, and your spouse's too. This will let you know how much you have left over each month for your mortgage payment, taxes, condo fees (if any), insurance and other related fees. At the end of this preliminary step, you'll be ready to make an appointment with a caisse advisor and really get the process started.

Step 2: A pre-approved loan, to get you closer to your goal!

Even if you now know what you can afford to pay each month, you shouldn't start looking until you've taken the time to meet a Desjardins advisor. He or she will take the time to analyze your personal situation and determine up to how much you can afford to spend on a home based on your gross income and financial obligations. By getting a pre-approved loan, you'll show your real estate agent you're a serious client and be in a better spot to negotiate when you find your dream home. You'll be able to search for a home based on what you can afford, and you'll know up front to how much is too much. What's more, in the event there are several buyers vying for the same home, having a pre-authorized loan can speed up the process and help you win a bidding war. Don't hesitate to use our How much can I afford to spend on a home calculator.

How about you? What are your tips to come out ahead when getting ready to buy your first home?

Desjardins Group, a source of pride!

2011-05-06T12:00:00Z

I am proud to work for the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, and to be a Desjardins member. Here's a quote from a speech made by Monique Leroux, President and CEO of Desjardins Group, at the Annual General Meeting of the caisses on March 26, 2011: "We can be proud of what we have become and what we have achieved, but above all, we must be proud of our collective, financial and cooperative strength. We have 110 years of history in supporting and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities." Let's go back to the source today and remember why we're proud to be Desjardins members!

Desjardins means history

Desjardins is an integral part of Quebec's history and heritage. 110 years ago, Alphonse Desjardins founded the first Desjardins caisse in Lévis. Since then, Desjardins Group has remained true to its origins and its mission--contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities.

Find out more about Desjardins's history and how the cooperative began.

Desjardins is at the heart of our economy

By virtue of its cooperative culture, Desjardins Group is different. In 2010, Desjardins Group gave back $385 million to individuals and communities in member dividends, donations and sponsorships, and scholarships. Each caisse significantly contributes to community development by supporting social causes and local and regional events. Across Quebec and Ontario, caisses are proud to contribute to economic development by awarding scholarships, sponsoring sports teams, supporting artistic and cultural events, etc. And we can't forget that Desjardins employs 48,000 people!

Find out more about sponsorships and donations given by Desjardins.

Desjardins is a cooperative

During the month of April, your caisse held its Annual General Meeting. Have you ever wondered if you should attend this meeting?

Here are 2 good reasons:

You can elect the people who will represent your caisse.
As a part-owner of your cooperative, you have the right to vote, regardless of the amount of your savings.

I'd also like to tell you about the Young Intern Officer program: join the Board of Directors of your caisse for a true learning experience! Plus, check out Fondation Desjardins bursaries.

So why are you proud to be a Desjardins member?

4 simple tips for using the Internet securely

2011-04-04T12:00:00Z

Canadians are logging onto the Internet in growing numbers. According to a Statistics Canada survey, "In 2009, 80% of Canadians aged 16 and older, or 21.7 million people, used the Internet for personal reasons"¹. These statistics show to what extent the Internet has become an integral part of our lives. Here are 4 tips to help you use the Internet securely:

Don't use passwords that are easy to guess such as 123abc. I personally choose passwords that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
User antivirus software to protect your computer and personal information. To protect your computer activities, you must install antivirus software with automatic updates as well as the following features: antispyware, a firewall, antispam software, etc.
Don't publish personal information on social networks. Sites such as Facebook and Twitter give scam artists a wonderful opportunity to collect personal information about people. I always set up private profiles with the least amount of personal information. Find out more about how to use social networks in a secure manner.
Don't reply to e-mails requesting personal information (phishing). Desjardins will never ask you for personal information (folio number, AccèsD password or other confidential information), whether you call to update your information on file, check on an account balance or even to say you've won a contest. See the frequently asked questions about phishing (FAQ) to be better equipped to keep a sharp eye open and consider your actions.

In closing, test your Web security knowledge and behaviour!

How about you? Do you think you are using the Internet securely?

[1] Source: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/100510/dq100510a-eng.htm

Travelling abroad: leave well prepared!

2011-03-07T13:00:00Z

Last week, on the L'actualité magazine website, I read the stories of 5 young globetrotters who went abroad to study. I thought it was interesting to see to what extent these students were open to new cultures and experiences in other countries. Travelling is to discover the world, but also to leave one's comfort zone.

As for me, I'll never forget the 8 months I spent in Australia after I got my BA: arriving in Sydney after a long flight, looking for a job in another country, the friends I made from all over the world, etc. Traveling abroad is a once in a lifetime experience and it's important to be well prepared.

I never travel without travel insurance!

Believe me, even if you feel indestructible when travelling, you never know what can happen to you: a digital camera stolen at the youth hostel, a bicycle accident, a need for assistance or to cancel or interrupt a trip, etc. If you aren't covered for the unexpected when you're travelling, it can start getting expensive fast. It's important you make sure you have good insurance that meets your needs: Desjardins Travel Insurance.

A brief list of travel tips

· I bring 2 ATM cards: one I carry with me and the other I leave in my suitcase.

· I bring my credit card in case of emergency.

· I leave relevant addresses and phone numbers with family or friends.

· I give power of attorney to my account to someone I trust.

· I make sure I have enough money in case something unexpected comes up (a change of plane, a hard time finding a job, expensive lodgings, etc.).

· I carry with me embassy phone numbers, a dictionary of the local language and photocopies of my passport, visa and important documents.

· I never travel without my favourite book, such as my Ulysses guide. It will be pretty worn out when you get back!

· It's very important to get a visa if you want to work or study abroad. In Australia, a working holiday visa was required.

How about you? Have you ever been happy or relieved to have travel insurance?

The ABCs of registered savings plans

2011-02-18T13:00:00Z

This topic came to mind while I was browsing the Desjardins Group Facebook page and reading about everyone's awesome goals in the What's Your Savings Goal? contest. Since we are currently in full RRSP season, I thought I'd post a blog about the ABCs of registered retirement savings plans. When you're new to the job market, it's not necessarily easy to understand the benefits of RRSPs!

Accumulate money for retirement, but also for your personal projects

As I mentioned in a previous post about savings, I'm currently saving up to buy a condo. I've been putting aside a certain amount in an RRSP each year to finance my purchase. When the time to buy comes, I'll use the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) to withdraw up to $25,000 tax-free from my RRSP ($50,000 for couples) to make the downpayment. After that, I'll have 15 years to put the money back into my RRSPs. In short, it's like making an interest-free loan to myself with 2 purposes: buying a home now and retiring later! RRSP money can also be used to pay for going back to school with the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP). Follow my lead and calculate how much your RRSP will be worth at retirement!

Benefit from tax credits

RRSPs are great because we can use them to save for goals, while also saving on taxes. If you're a student, several amounts you pay during the year could be tax deductible as well. Visit the Revenu Québec website to get help with this year's tax returns. For students in Ontario, visit the Ontario Ministry of Revenue website.

Contribute to a TFSA

Depending on your situation, contributing to a TFSA could be a very smart move since interest earned in a TFSA is tax-sheltered (maximum contribution of $5,000 each year). You can use the money you save for personal projects: buying a new car, going on a trip, starting up your own business, etc. You can also use RRSPs and TFSAs at the same time.

In closing, remember you have until March 1, 2011 to contribute to your RRSP and reduce your taxable income for 2010. Feel free to make an appointment with your Desjardins advisor to find out which strategy is best for you!

You should also become a fan of the Desjardins Group Facebook page and answer the questions for a chance to win 1 of 4 prizes of $1,000 to carry out a personal project!

Starting off the year with university competitions

2011-01-27T13:00:00Z

In early January, Desjardins played an important role at several university competitions. We have been sponsoring inter-university competitions for several years now. I attended many of these events myself and I've got to say the enthusiasm, energy and motivation of the university delegates from across Quebec and Ontario always gave me a real boost of energy to start my year. At Desjardins, we sponsor national competitions, but we are also very proud to support teams from different universities. It's one of the ways we support students on a regional level, encouraging them to succeed.

This year, members of our youth representative team were at the University of Ottawa from January 7 to 10 for the Jeux du Commerce and at the Université de Sherbrooke from January 10 to 13 for the Jeux de Génie. Our team of representatives always works hard to find a creative theme for their booth. This year, they welcomed students to the world of films with a red carpet, popcorn, a movie soundtrack quiz and more! I'd like to thank all the students who dropped by the Desjardins booth for their participation. Incidentally, I want to congratulate the winning universities of 2011: Université Laval at the Jeux de Génie and John Molson School of Business (Concordia) at the Jeux du Commerce.

While Desjardins supports universities, we are also supporting future university geniuses through a new show being broadcast on Radio-Canada in January: Génies en herbe : l'aventure. During each of the first 8 shows, 2 bursaries will be awarded as part of the Boni Desjardins question. One student, representing his or her school, will ask a financial question on the show. Both this student and the Génies en herbe contestant who answers the question will receive $500 to carry out a group project at their school.

Desjardins is present at youth events. We are a cooperative that belongs in your world. And I can say with all certainty that your youth clientele representatives will be there for you all year long. Check out our upcoming events!

On that note, I'm going to sign off. Wishing you a wonderful new year for 2011 with health, success, happiness and sound finances!

And now, let's celebrate and relax!

2010-12-29T15:21:55Z

The session's work is finally done, so now we can take advantage of the break. It's clear the holiday season is in full swing: shopping, nights out with friends, going home to see our families and get a little pampering, take advantage of the winter season-in short, some well-deserved down time. The holiday season is a magical time and the ideal moment to celebrate and relax.

It's time to celebrate!

As you know, after a stressful school session, it's always fun to party with friends. It's always nice to decompress with a couple of drinks. That's when it's good to remember that Operation Red Nose, with its many volunteers and partners such as Desjardins General Insurance, offers its services from December 3 to 31. Here is a link to help you find their number in your region: http://www.operationnezrouge.com/. The amount you give Red Nose is entirely up to you and donated to young people and amateur sports. You can also volunteer for a night. According to friends who have been ORN volunteers, it's a very enriching experience.

It's time to relax!

The holidays are a time to party, but also the ideal time to decompress. Before you head into the next school session, why don't you apply for a student bursary from Fondation Desjardins. There are 200 bursaries available to university students at all levels. Application forms and eligibility requirements are available at desjardins.com/fondation.

Also take advantage of the break to go meet your caisse advisor to bring your file up to date, discuss your next projects and start 2011 on the right foot on financially.

Have a great holiday break and a wonderful 2011 filled with heath and success.

The youth blog will be back the week of January 17 with lots of new topics to start off 2011!

Christmas shopping made easy and affordable

2010-12-02T14:00:00Z

The holiday season is just around the corner. Usually, I wait until the last minute to do my Christmas shopping. Every year I get stuck in a traffic jam of shoppers at the mall the week before Christmas. I get stressed, make impulse purchases and spend more that I should. So this year I've decided to change my habits and start planning and shopping ahead of time. Here are a few tricks I've found to help make Christmas shopping more agreeable and especially more affordable.

Stick to a reasonable budget

This year, I'm choosing to spend only what I can truly afford. I won't go into debt to please my friends and family. Instead, I'm going to make a budget and use only the money I have available now. That way I won't be saddled with a maxed-out credit card in February.

Make a list

Before heading out to the mall, I'll make a list and ask advice from people around me. What should I buy for my 2 young nieces, my brother, my sister, my spouse, and trickiest of all, my parents--who already have everything? Once I've refined my list, I can start shopping.

Be creative and take the time to shop

Shopping ahead of time for Christmas gives you time to find incredible deals. And it's not always the most expensive gifts that give the most pleasure.

Here are a few ideas for affordable gifts:

§ A magazine subscription for a family member

Your family member will enjoy reading their favourite magazine all year.

§ A gift card to a coffee shop

Give your best friend a gift card to a coffee shop you both like, so you can have coffee together on Sunday afternoons. A great way to catch up!

§ A personalized calendar for your spouse or parents

At some pharmacies and other companies, you can customize a calendar, by choosing a photo for each month of the year. This thoughtful gift is sure to please and won't cost you too much.

§ Some more ideas: recipe books, iTunes gift cards, jewellery, concert tickets, sports equipment, etc. I found this webpage filled with ideas for presents: Idées-cadeaux pour Noël et les Fêtes (site available in French only).

Happy Christmas shopping and remember to make a list and a budget like me!

iPhone and iPod touch are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Apple Inc. is not affiliated with Desjardins Group.

A budget can help you carry out your projects

2010-11-15T13:00:00Z

I'm approaching 30, and my plan is to buy a condo between now and the end of 2011. It was when I started seriously looking into it that I realized once again just how important it is to have a budget. Five years ago, I got my B.A. in Business Administration. I had worked full time in a caisse all summer and, thanks to a budget and savings plan, I was able to take off for one year for my dream destination, Australia. So today I'm going to give you a few tips about an unpopular personal finances subject, the budget.

Set a goal

The fact that I had a goal or dream was a huge motivating factor in helping me make a budget and stay on it. You can set a short-term goal for yourself, such as saving to buy Christmas presents, to buy new winter tires before December 15 or to head south for a winter vacation. You can also set a medium- or long-term goal, such as buying a condo or house before age 30, go on an internship or travel when you finish your studies, etc. As for me, it was the first of these 3 that got me to be disciplined and stay on track with my budget.

Use good tools

Having the right tools when you make a budget is like doing work on your home: if you don't have tools that are tailored for the job and that work properly, you'll have a hard time getting the work done and have more of a chance of giving up. Your budget worksheet should be comprehensive and easy to understand. Desjardins has free tools available to help you make a budget online. There are two budget worksheets available: Your budget (for any type of budget) and Budget for postsecondary students (PDF, 448 KB). All you have to do is fill in the fields and the tools do the math for you. Print out a copy for yourself or save it to your hard drive. The only thing left will be the hard part, staying on your budget.

Avoid approximations

When you draw up a budget, approximations don't work. I spend approximately this much at the student cafeteria. I spend approximately $50 a week on groceries. To find out where you stand financially (the step that comes just before making a budget), pull out your account statements for the last few months and highlight your car expenses in yellow, your living expenses in green, your entertainment expenses in pink, etc. Then transfer these amounts into your budget worksheet. This will help you avoid basing your budget on approximate numbers. The more realistic and honest you are, the better you'll understand and be in control of your financial situation. By establishing your spending priorities, you'll be able to find out exactly how much you can save towards your projects and dreams.

Drawing up a budget and staying on it doesn't mean you can't ever treat yourself to anything again! I still go out with my girlfriends and eat out with my boyfriend from time to time, even while I'm in "saving mode" for my dream condo.

Start working on it now and you'll quickly see the benefits of staying on budget to make your dreams a reality!

Find out more about how to manage your daily finances.

A long-distance relationship with your caisse is not only possible, it's easy!

2010-11-01T12:00:00Z

Mid-terms are already here and you're feeling a bit overwhelmed? You don't have time to go to the caisse to make transactions? I have a few very interesting solutions to recommend!

An ally while you're in school

I don't know if you're like my friend Annie, but she was pretty stressed out about leaving her native Trois-Rivières to go to school at Université de Sherbrooke. I know it must not be easy to rebuild your life far from family and friends, but you can use the Internet to stay in touch! Skype, for example, lets you have free "phone" conversations on the Internet. Find out more about Skype.

The Internet is a valuable tool. You can make regular transactions online. Whether you're going to school in your home town or in another city, you come out ahead when you use AccèsD. The reasons for trying it are simple: it's fast, secure, free, easy to use and available 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world. To find out more about online security, see How to protect yourself.

My friend can't live without it any more. Here's how it helped her while she was away at school.

AccèsD is so easy!

While she was in school, Annie could pay her Hydro-Québec, cell phone and VISA bills right from her room. At 2:00 p.m. or one o'clock in the morning, there was no excuse for not paying her bills on time. It was just perfect for her. Of course she had a few questions about the security of personal information, and saw on her own that Desjardins had excellent security measures.

What she liked so much and made me so jealous, is that she would sometimes get little presents from her parents in real time by means of money transfers. Each month, Annie would also schedule transfers in advance to her savings account to make sure she had enough money to pay the rent. And then she would simply pay her rent with a money transfer to her landlord's account, also a Desjardins member. That's it! No need for cheques!

Annie also got online monthly statement of accounts, so she could keep track of all of her transactions of the last 12 months. That meant less mail to her parent's address or to her apartment.

Annie now receives all her bills directly on AccèsD with the epost electronic bill delivery service. epost notifies her when the bills have arrived. No more paperwork, we're saving trees!

Find out more about:

Annie recently discovered Desjardins mobile services. There's another effective way to make transactions, find the closest Desjardins ATM, find caisse contact information or take out tenant insurance.

Resources available to you at your caisse!

AccèsD really helped Annie out. But sometimes she had questions only her caisse youth advisor could answer. Did you know that each caisse has at least one youth expert in one of its service centre? This expert acts as your representative to his or her colleagues and is often the person who has direct contact with students.

How about you? What do you do to make your life easier?