Financial security is a pressing concern for many across Grey and Bruce Counties, but the United Way of Bruce Grey hopes to help people live on less.
Statistics show that over a quarter of the local population has reached the age of 65, and many households subsist on annual earnings below $72,500.
The United Way of Bruce Grey and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force are introducing a specialized educational initiative to help older adults manage their finances on a limited budget.
The program will offer a series of webinars specifically created for residents aged 45 to 65 and the social service professionals who assist them.
Dubbed "Retiring on a Low Income for Seniors in Grey Bruce," the project aims to address the unique hurdles faced by those relying on government supports, such as Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Participants will benefit from the deep expertise of John Stapleton, a prominent policy specialist with 28 years of experience at the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.
“John’s expertise ensures participants receive clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world policy and experience,” noted Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of United Way of Bruce Grey.
The curriculum is divided into three distinct Friday morning sessions, beginning on May 8 with an overview of government income streams and continuing on May 22 with a focus on the tax system. The final session on June 5th, titled Parallel Universe, addresses the specific economic realities that emerge when traditional financial advice fails to meet the needs of low-income earners.
“These webinars are about helping seniors understand financial strategies for retiring better when faced with no other option but to retire low-income,” said Jill Umbach, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “Join us to learn more, ask questions and access supports.”
The webinars will be accessible at 11 community hubs throughout the region, including the South East Grey Community Health Centre locations in Dundalk and Markdale, Beaver Valley Outreach in Thornbury, and the Meaford Public Library. Residents in Owen Sound can attend at the YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce, the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, or the Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works office. Additional sessions will be held at The Salvation Army in Wiarton, the Bruce County Public Library branches in Kincardine and Port Elgin, and the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce in Hanover.
While the workshops are free of charge, organizers ask that interested individuals register in advance to confirm their spot at a local host site. Detailed location information and sign-up instructions are available through the United Way of Bruce Grey’s official website. By clarifying complex bureaucratic systems and providing direct support, these community partners are working to ensure that financial instability does not prevent local seniors from achieving a secure and healthy retirement.
