There’s something about Diwali that invites a fresh start. Homes are prepared, diyas are lit, families come together and attention turns to the year ahead. At its heart, it’s a celebration of light, possibility and new beginnings.
"Growing up in India, Diwali was always one of the most exciting times of the year. I remember cleaning and decorating our home, wearing new clothes, preparing sweets, and the excitement of celebrating together. " said Harpreet Johal, a TD branch manager in Hamilton, Ont. " One of my most treasured memories is lighting diyas with my family in the evening and placing them around our home."
Diwali can also be a time to pause, reset and look ahead. Just as families may clean their homes in preparation for the celebration, it can be an opportunity to “clean up” our finances, take stock of where we are, and think about what we want to make possible next.
Sonia Bassi, a TD Area Manager in Small Business Banking in B.C., says that for her family, Diwali is a time to pray and show gratitude, but also a time to talk about wealth, how to preserve it, and how to stay on track financially.
Growing up in a small business owner family in India, she also remembers Diwali as a time to celebrate prosperity, mark the start of a new fiscal year, and set the stage for future growth.
"You're really setting the stage for the year," Bassi said.
Setting the stage could mean preparing for an important milestone down the road, Johal said, or developing habits that help you save, invest, and budget.
"If couples are looking to buy a house in three to five years, for example, they might decide to put aside $500 a month to plan for that goal," Johal said.
For newcomers building a new life in Canada, looking ahead can mean many things. It could be getting settled, building credit, saving for a first home or simply feeling more confident about what comes next.
And when so much is new, having the right advice and support can make it easier to find your footing financially. The TD New to Canada Banking Package can help newcomers manage day-to-day banking, establish credit and work toward their future goals.
Building a life in a new country can also be easier with the support of family, friends and community. As newcomers settle in Canada, they may turn to people they trust for advice on everything from where to live to where to bank.
Through TD Newcomer Referral Program, eligible customers can help friends and family discover banking solutions designed to support their own settlement and financial journey in Canada. Newcomers may qualify for the TD New to Canada Banking Package for up to five years after arriving in Canada.
Investing, saving, and planning ahead can all be part of building long-term financial confidence. Newcomers looking for additional guidance can book an appointment at a TD branch to connect with a TD advisor and discuss goals such as saving for a home, education, retirement, or another major life milestone.
This Diwali, as you gather with family and friends, can also be a moment to pause and look ahead. Whether you’re building a new life in Canada or working toward your next milestone, making space for what matters can be the first step toward making it possible.
