Canadians' Education Funding Guide

Plan & Fund Your Family’s Post-Secondary Education
DIY Tool Kit Included!

Launching Summer 2026

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What the book will give you

A step-by-step plan to build your family’s post-secondary education funding plan
85+ funding sources with 700+ curated links to Canadian programs and resources
RESP guidance, plus other savings options, loans, grants, and “free money” opportunities
Costs + budgeting help, including accommodation alternatives and real-world planning factors
Tax considerations and planning implications (including estate/trust-related sources)
DIY worksheets and templates to create—and update—your funding plan with confidence

Mission

Closing the poverty gap and inequality in education access by reducing funding barriers.

Canadian GRADS will be the #1 choice for information, guidance and related services for Canadian parents, students, lifelong learners, educators and financial service providers for funding one’s post-secondary education.  We will reduce funding barriers to improve access to higher learning. Clients will be able to easily access all the latest information they need on this subject, when they want it, where they want it, and how they want it. Since much of the information changes regularly, Canadian GRADS will provide the guidance and resources for clients to monitor and update their education funding plans.

Our Vision

All Canadians, regardless of age, income or status will be able to reach their potential through post-secondary education.

About the Author

Through higher education, I escaped poverty to exceed many personal and career goals. I want to share my wisdom to help others achieve their dreams. This is my story.

More about me

Endorsements

“Funding post-secondary education can be an incredibly daunting task. Canadian GRADS is by far the most comprehensive guide I have come across that focuses solely on this task. In the 19th century, Horace Mann called education a ‘great equalizer’ and I believe this to be true. John McLaughlin uses his years of experience and expertise to create a guide focused on providing tools and resources that can be used to remove funding barriers for families and increase access to post-secondary education. The guide is uniquely Canadian and provides an incredible resource to families and individuals.”
Debbie ThompsonPresident and CEO, Olds College of Agriculture and Technology
As a father of a high school senior, I found John's book, particularly the chapter on scholarships, extremely insightful. It provided relevant information on many topics including, planning, budgeting, and acquiring sufficient funding for post secondary education. The numerous resources and links also allowed further research into many lesser-known avenues of scholarship funding. Highly recommended for any parent or student looking to create a master plan for post secondary financing.
Dr. Daryn Flanagan B.Sc D.D.S.Parent and Owner, Westview Dental
I was very happy to have John McLaughlin from Canadian GRADS help me figure out my savings plan for my two sons. I had been contributing to an RESP since my sons were born, but I wasn’t sure if I had done everything I was supposed to do. It can be very overwhelming and there isn’t a lot of help that is this specialized enough to help people navigate this complicated process. It’s a lot of money, and I was so glad to have someone take a look at what I had planned and give me sound advice and guidance on how to proceed. After years of saving, I want to be able to maximize the options for my children, and John helped me do that! Thanks so much!
Michelle KainerParent and Owner, Westview Dental
I am really excited about having my RESP plan. I have been putting it off for years because I didn’t know where to start with so many different options out there. The plan is specific to our family situation and timeline. It is very detailed, organized and simple. It is easy to follow and I feel confident implementing it. I really appreciate the details including the graphs showing comparisons in savings and growth from the plan. My expectations were surpassed, and I am so excited for my bank meeting next week! I feel so much more relaxed knowing my kids have a well thought out plan for their future education savings. Thanks again!
Sheena MacLeanParent and Entrepreneur
John McLaughlin continues his lifelong advocacy for the value of post-secondary education, continuing education, and life-long learning with the upcoming publication of his book “Canadian Grads”. This book is a one-stop source for funding your family’s education now and in the future. John’s book provides a do-it-yourself toolkit that people can use to prepare and then implement a funding plan based on each family’s unique circumstances. For over 50 years, John has funded post secondary education for himself, his children, and grandchildren.
Gerry W. Devine, PE., MBACreator of “AEC Project Value Chain”