Young Money Podcast

Welcome to this milestone episode of Young Money! I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as we mark our 300th episode. The podcast has reached listeners in over 40 countries, with more than 335,000 downloads. This isn’t just my achievement; it’s ours. It’s a testament to our shared commitment to financial education and your unwavering support. Together, we’ve championed the cause of financial fitness as a fundamental life skill and empowered countless young adults and entrepreneurs. You, the listeners, are truly the soul

Are you unknowingly falling prey to a troubling trend of financial exploitation in your platonic or romantic relationships? This summer has been an eye-opening experience for me, as I’ve witnessed and heard countless stories about individuals facing financial exploitation. It’s a concerning trend that we need to address and reverse, and that’s precisely what we’ll tackle in this episode. Throughout my years of experience in personal finance, I’ve helped many people navigate these tricky situations. Today, I’ll share insights into

The release of the Barbie movie has captured the spotlight, with its colossal marketing budget dominating current events. This 2023 American fantasy comedy film brings to life the beloved Barbie fashion dolls in their first-ever live-action adaptation, featuring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken. Amidst the fantasy and comedy, the movie weaves profound themes of existentialism and the pursuit of self-identity, challenging societal norms and predetermined paths. In this episode, I will be sharing the financial lessons

Today Reni Odetoyinbo, content creator, marketing consultant, and finance educator, joins the show to share resources for career development and financial literacy. After achieving the remarkable feat of purchasing her first house at the young age of 23, Reni became determined to empower Black individuals with financial knowledge. In this episode, she dives deep into the importance of taking calculated risks and having the courage to embrace a leap of faith. Reni emphasizes the significance of building an emergency fund,

Joining the show today is Scott Stirrett, the Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity that empowers young Canadians with entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. In this episode, Scott shares the inspiring story behind the inception of VFC and discusses its mission and target audience. Whether you’re a post-secondary student or a graduate seeking to develop entrepreneurial abilities, Scott provides invaluable guidance on how to pave the path to success. Listen in as he highlights common missteps

In this episode, Michelle Dittmer, an educator and youth advocate, joins the show to shed light on the transformative power of a gap year. Michelle founded the Canadian Gap Year Association, recognizing the potential of a gap year to address mental health challenges, lack of clarity, and skill gaps among youth. Throughout our conversation, Michelle explores the benefits of taking a gap year, emphasizing its positive influence on the mental well-being of young individuals, as well as the valuable lessons

Today we are joined by Sudeshna Sen, an Economist and senior leader in the financial services industry. With her extensive experience working with top financial institutions and Fortune 500 clients, Sudeshna has gained a unique perspective on the challenges of financial literacy. Recognizing that the use of jargon and industry lingo can hinder understanding, she decided to tackle this issue by approaching money and careers holistically through her personal venture, The Abundance Psyche. In this episode, Sudeshna offers insights on various

Today we delve into the findings of the 6th Annual Financial Stress Index released by FP Canada, which reveals that money remains the number one stressor for Canadians. In this episode, we share actionable strategies to alleviate financial stress as we go beyond the numbers and engage in a candid discussion with  The Real Bottom Line host Wendy Brookhouse and Financial Therapist Aseel El-Baba. You will learn the reasons behind the escalating stress surrounding finances, leading many to feel hopeless

Will Keliehor, Chief Commercial Officer at Interac, joins the show to discuss the findings of a recent survey that examines how Generation Z approaches their finances and navigates financial firsts amidst current economic conditions. Gen Z is more likely to feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed compared to other generations, with 52% believing they will have to work harder for money. However, the survey also reveals that nearly seven in ten Gen Z individuals want to improve their relationship with money.

Jessica Baker, Vice President of Advisor Alliance at Co-operators, joins the show today to shed light on a recent survey that highlights the lack of investing confidence among young Canadians. The survey reveals some key findings that are particularly relevant to young people, showcasing notable differences in their approach compared to their parents and grandparents. The results highlight that 74% of young Canadians lack confidence in their ability to choose investments and are hesitant to seek financial advice from professionals.

As inflation pressures rise, more and more Canadians find themselves compelled to reevaluate their spending habits, seek effective budgeting techniques, and even consider additional sources of income. In this episode, Jennifer McCracken, a Partner and Senior Vice President at BDO’s Vancouver office, will be joining the show to discuss BDO Canada’s Affordability Index Spotlight, providing a comprehensive assessment of affordability and debt management among Canadians. Jennifer highlights the warning signs of financial distress, such as cutting back on essential expenses

Janine Rogan is a highly respected keynote and TEDx speaker who has dedicated her career to empowering women to build wealth through financial feminism. Janine’s mission is to educate and inspire women to confidently and profitably grow their wealth. Despite the pervasive wage gap that has historically disadvantaged women, Janine believes that women can still achieve financial equality for all by taking small, practical steps towards financial literacy. In this episode, Janine addresses the complex issue of the Pink Tax, which is

There is no easy way to get rich quick. It’s tempting to believe that there is, especially with all the stories you hear on the news and on social media. But the truth is, we need to be cautious and realistic about our financial situations. We can’t fall for every offer or post we see on social media that promises easy money. So, in this episode, I want to get back to basics and share some tips on how we can

Today we dive into the shadowy world of digital fraud and the sophisticated tactics used by scammers to lure unsuspecting victims. With March being Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, I want to emphasize the importance of being vigilant all year round to avoid falling prey to these scams.  Listen in as I share eight common signs of digital fraud that individuals should be aware of, including high-pressure sales tactics, offers that seem too good to be true, requests for personal or financial

Today’s episode is all about the importance of managing your money mindset and the impact this can have on your financial success. A leading expert in business finance, Nathalie Noisette joins the podcast to offer valuable insights into why credit is foundational in today’s society, as well as how it can affect your perception of risk and trust when it comes to financial institutions. Listen in as Nathalie shares practical tips and success strategies to eradicate debt, improve your credit

Have you ever wanted to know if someone is lying to you or manipulating you in a conversation? In this episode, former Naval Intelligence Officer and Marine Corps certified interrogator Lena Sisco shares her expertise on how to detect honesty and persuade others to be honest in any conversation. Lena has conducted hundreds of interrogations during her service in the Global War on Terror, and she is now the CEO and Founder of two companies, The Congruency Group and SECTOR

Heather Roberts is a Boundaries Coach who helps female entrepreneurs create space in their lives and businesses. She joins us today to share the importance of defining what boundaries mean to each individual, as well as advice for overcoming the struggles women often face when trying to establish boundaries. Listen in as she offers tips on how to overcome the guilt and other negative emotions that may arise during this process. You’ll learn why it’s crucial to ask for clarification

Are you ready to break the silence and start having meaningful conversations about finances? Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, the author of Breaking Money Silence, joins the show today to share her insights on why conversations around financial issues are essential and the importance of having these hard conversations around money with the ones you love and trust. Kathleen believes that keeping secrets about finances can be hurting you, not only financially, but also emotionally. That’s why she advocates for breaking the

Have you ever lied to your partner about money? Or have you ever suspected your partner of not being truthful about their finances? Financial infidelity is a prevalent issue in relationships, and it’s time to start talking about it. In this episode, I discuss what financial infidelity is, the reasons people lie about money in relationships, and how to identify if it’s happening in your relationship. I also cover the importance of transparency regarding finances with your spouse and what

It is the first full week of February, and you know what that means: the Super Bowl is fast approaching. Rihanna will be headlining the halftime show, sponsored for the first time by Apple Music. With sales of more than 250 million records worldwide, Rihanna ranks as one of the bestselling female artists ever, and this is sure to be an incredible show. Aside from her music career, Rihanna has built an empire and has become an incredible businesswoman. So,

Online sports betting has seen a significant expansion in recent years, and it seems as though you can’t watch a sports game without seeing an advertisement promoting a gambling app or website. Online sports betting allows people to place bets on a wide variety of sports events using their smartphones or computers, rather than having to go to a physical casino or racetrack. Those with a gambling addiction may find it easier to access and spend more money on sports

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for many couples, but it can also be costly. Is all of this Valentine’s Day spending in the name of love? According to Wallethub’s 2022 Valentine’s Day Survey, fear may also be a driver. Fortunately, fancy dinners and high-priced gifts aren’t the only ways to show someone you care, and if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without breaking the bank. So, in this episode, I will be talking

For the last decade, Fotini Iconomopoulos has been empowering Fortune 500 executives and their teams to achieve their objectives through her expertise in negotiation, communication, and persuasion. She guides companies through high-stakes scenarios and creates tailored intensive negotiation workshops for clients across the globe in all industries who want to develop their teams. Today, Fotini is joining the show to share her advice for maximizing your earning power and negotiating your way to the top. Listen in as she explains

In Financial Literacy Month—and as we entered a busy holiday spending season—Interac and Conscious Economics partnered to launch Mindfulness & Money for Canadians, which offers a free, foundational digital learning platform to support the development of financial well-being skills through the lens of mindfulness, to Canadians coast-to-coast. In this episode, Aseel El-Baba, financial therapist, economic healer, and wealth consultant, will be joining the show to share more details about this partnership, as well as her advice for intentional financial planning

Erin Bury is one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs, an active startup advisor, and a former marketer and technology journalist. Erin is the co-founder and CEO of the online estate planning platform Willful, where she drives the company’s mission to make it easier for Canadians to prepare for and deal with death in a digital age. In this episode, Erin will be sharing the importance of estate planning, regardless of your age, and what this process actually entails. Listen in as

It seems the news and social media headlines have become very disheartening through 2022. Personal debt delinquencies are on the rise, consumer bankruptcy activity is expected to increase in 2023, and COVID supports have stopped for the most part, with some people required to pay back amounts they received in error. In this bleak economic environment with high inflation and interest rates, remaining hopeful for good things to come is essential. So, in this episode, I am going to be

The last few years have been hard for everyone. As the pandemic fears started to ease, inflation and rising interest rates began to grow. With everyone focused on cutting back and doing less, there is the presumption that all the fun and joy must be lost as well. But life is too short to live this way. So, in this episode, I will be discussing the relationship between happiness and money, specifically how to find joy in your life regardless

Today we are celebrating 5 years of Young Money! Together we have created 273 episodes, are listened to in over 40 countries, and have surpassed 290,000 downloads! It is my absolute privilege to create educational and fun financial content, as well as host amazing guests to help and inspire you along your financial fitness journey. Whether you’re checking out the show for the first time today, have been a loyal listener since the beginning, or fall somewhere in between, I

With the holidays just around the corner, many Canadians are wondering how they’re going to make their budgets work when it comes to gift-giving and holiday travel. In fact, according to new research from Interac Corp., the majority of Canadians say they are facing barriers that hinder feelings of financial control this year, with 49% saying the current economic situation has negatively impacted their confidence in managing everyday finances. So how can we set ourselves up for a successful holiday season ahead? In

It is becoming increasingly clear that money and our mental health are directly tied together. The stress of not having money can cause anxiety, increase tiredness, and make us physically sick, more irritable, and short-tempered. So, it is critical that we make sure we’re staying on top of our finances, seeking help as needed, and accepting our imperfections. In this episode, I will share three tips that can improve your mental health when it comes to money and finances to

Due to the current state of the financial world, I wanted to review more powerful interviews we’ve had on the podcast where our guests shared fantastic advice to help you navigate debt. We have had so many amazing guests in the past who have offered tips that remain timeless, so in this episode, we will be listening to key takeaways from our interviews with Zandile Chiwanza and Kelley Keehn. Listen in as Kelley shares the inspiration for her book, Rich

We are living in a time of high inflation and increasing interest rates, leading to many companies cutting previously secure jobs. It is beginning to be harder to make ends meet as our income no longer goes as far as it used to. If you are like many people carrying variable-rate debt, your payments are taking up more and more of your budget than before. Due to this current state of the world, I wanted to review some interviews we’ve

Financial fitness is not only about learning the basics of financial matters, but also securing the income that will make financial freedom possible. In order to achieve a well-paying position with your desired organization, it is essential to understand what is required of you in the workplace. So, in this episode, I’m sharing my recent experiences with employers and the tips they shared to ensure you’re ready to start your career.  During student engagement week, graduating students in the financial

November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada. During Financial Literacy Month, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada engages and works together with organizations across the country to help strengthen the financial literacy of individuals and families. The theme for 2022 is: Managing Your Money in a Changing World. Throughout the month, they’re focusing on different themes for each week, and in this episode, I will be explaining how you can make a difference in your financial situation today. As the

With the rising cost of living due to inflation, many Canadians are stuck relying on credit cards and loans in order to pay for necessary items in their lives. This is causing an increase in debt levels and an overall fear of finances for a lot of people. Our guest today is Eva Wong, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Borrowell, a financial technology company dedicated to making financial prosperity possible for everyone. In this episode, Eva will be sharing

Breaking money silence is more important than it has ever been before. With inflation rising and increasing interest rates, there are many people suffering—and many of them are suffering in silence. This means instead of receiving the help they require to make better financial decisions during these tough financial times, they feel as though they have to suffer alone. So, how do we start the conversation about money so we can begin to build our wealth? In this episode, Jackie

Money impacts everyone on a daily basis, yet many people feel disconnected, especially when it comes to spending and savings habits. The truth is that every decision you make, including every purchase, does impact your overall budget and savings. So, how can we change our spending habits to be more aligned with our long-term goals? In this episode, Kathy Kasten, Founder and CEO of Lion Crest Leadership, will be joining the show to share the conscious choices she has made

Throughout the pandemic, our budgets and spending habits changed immensely. We started ordering groceries online, added to our subscriptions, signed up for online courses, etc. As we gradually come out of the pandemic, many of us may not have taken the time to reevaluate our budgets, and with inflation hitting all-time highs, our money isn’t going as far as it used to. In this episode, I will be walking through some practical steps to ensure your budget is right sized—meaning

Kelley Keehn believes everyone has money problems. That’s as true for millionaires as it is for people who spend years trying to pay off their student debt. However, these last few years have been especially challenging for everyone. With the pandemic and the current state of the economy, it can be difficult to know what to do to secure your finances. So, in this episode, Kelley will be joining the show to share her tips for navigating these uncertain times. Listen

Stephanie Koonar is a marketing professional, academic, career coach, and workshop facilitator. Stephanie offers “Meaningful Career” private coaching and online courses supporting young people and those in mid-career transitions. Today she joins the show to discuss the importance of finding your reason for living—or ikigai—in order to live a more purpose-driven and fulfilled life. Listen in as she shares her advice for building practical skills, as well as growing your network so you can broaden your knowledge. You will learn

As a talent management thought partner and results coach, Lisa Mitchell helps talent leaders embed programs that drive results and elevate organizational culture. Today she joins the show to discuss her experience with financial literacy, including the challenges she has faced financially over the years and her best advice for others hoping to better their financial fitness. Listen in as Lisa describes the importance of investing, paying off your debt, and changing your scarcity mindset. You will learn the benefit

Throughout the pandemic, immigration plateaued in Canada. However, as we continue to rebuild after the last few years, we have seen a huge influx of newcomers. To better understand the experiences of newcomers and the unique challenges they face as they begin their lives in Canada, Scotiabank conducted interviews with some of these newcomers. In this episode, Tracy Gomes, SVP Retail Customer Value at Scotiabank, will be sharing what they learned from this research and sharing her advice for anyone

Hala Taha is the host of the Young and Profiting (YAP) Podcast, frequently ranked as a #1 education podcast across all apps. Hala is also the founder and CEO of YAP Media, a social media and podcast marketing agency for podcasters, celebrities, and CEOs. In this episode, she joins the show to share her advice for those looking to start their own successful businesses through gaining experience, talent stacking, and finding confidence in their strengths. Listen in as Hala gives

Maya Ray owns and operates FYC Vending, which (in just two short years) she has turned into a 6-figure company. Maya’s goal now is to pass on the knowledge and expertise she has built in this industry to students and young adults who are going through what she went through only a few years ago. In this episode, she joins the show to share her success secrets and advice for anyone hoping to start as an entrepreneur. Listen in as

Entrepreneurship is often a difficult journey. Starting a business as a woman at a young age simply adds more challenges. Our two guests today have both created something inspirational by themselves and have truly showcased what it means to have an entrepreneurial spirit. Jowana Burgan is a recent Mechanical Engineering Graduate who has initiated the Girls Mechanic Team, running hands-on workshops that educate and empower women on the basics of car maintenance. Melisa Cela is an International Business graduate who founded a successful Lash Extension

Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard the word “inflation” numerous times. Inflation refers to a general progressive increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy. When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services; consequently, inflation corresponds to a reduction in the purchasing power of money. So, how does this impact you and your goals? In this episode, I will break down this topic in depth so that you

In the fast-paced, over-worked society that we live in, setting aside time for rest throughout the day is becoming crucial for mental health. However, it is tricky to find a comfortable spot to take a snooze. This is where Plufl comes in. Inspired by the classic dog bed, the Plufl is designed to alleviate stress and anxiety by providing a space to recharge. Noah Silverman and Yuki Kinoshita, Co-Founders of Plufl, will be joining the show to share their advice

Today we are showcasing two more young money scholarship recipients, Bradford Sonnenberg and Jasmine Hasmatali. These students are incredibly insightful and share their post secondary experiences, including what is and isn’t working for them. They also describe in depth how scholarships have impacted their lives and share their advice for anyone thinking about applying for scholarships themselves. Listen in as Bradford talks about how scholarships have been a life-saver, as well as the importance of finding a balance of taking

When making purchasing decisions, it is becoming apparent that many of us are beginning to take into consideration the ethicality of what we are buying and how it is produced. Spending ethically doesn’t have to be difficult, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t save money while doing so. Our guest today, Tanja Hester, knows this topic very well. Tanya is the author of two award-winning books, Work Optional and Wallet Activism, and is best known for retiring from her career at

It is never too early to learn about scholarships and the impact they can make on not only your education, but also your entire life. In this episode, we are shining a spotlight on two of the Young Money Scholarship recipients: Alain Lavoie and Alexandra Snider. These post secondary students are incredibly bright and will share so many great tips with you about their post secondary experiences and how scholarships have changed their lives. Listen in to learn why doing

After going through financial problems herself, Alyssa Davies discovered a need for a safe and non-judgemental space for people to discuss their finances. This discovery led to the creation of her finance blog, Mixed Up Money, which has now won Canadian Personal Finance Blog of the Year twice. Today Alyssa joins the show to discuss the importance of having open conversations about finances so that people can become educated and protect themselves from financial uncertainty. Listen in as she explains

When I started podcasting in 2017, I was nervous about the technology and apprehensive about how I would sound, not sure I’d have enough to say or that anyone would want to listen. Once I started creating these episodes and receiving your feedback, all of my worries washed away. I love knowing that this show is helping so many people begin their financial journey and work their way to a financially fit future. So, in this episode, I will be sharing the top

Canadians choose Interac products an average of 18 million times a day to pay and exchange money. Through their world-class privacy, fraud mitigation, governance, and digital identity and authentication expertise, they help keep Canadian customers safe and secure when transacting. Anurag Kar, Associate Vice President of Money Movement Products at Interac Corp., joins the show today to discuss the recent news that Interac surpassed a billion e-transfer transactions in the last 12 months, as well as the overall key findings

The earlier you can master your money, the more you can make it work for you to accomplish the things you want to in life. And given that the school system doesn’t do a good job of preparing young adults for the harsh economic realities they will be facing personally or as business owners, being able to support someone achieve their goals has always been my dream. So, in this episode, I am so excited to announce this round of

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) arrangements are becoming an increasingly popular payment option, especially when shopping online. BNPL is a type of short-term financing that allows consumers to make purchases and pay for them at a later date, often interest-free. Although this method was traditionally used for larger, more expensive items such as vehicles and houses, this has become far more popular among a broader range of products such as clothes, groceries, and entertainment. In this episode, I am going

Eva Sachs is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst who is a recognized expert in financial planning in divorce. She is also an author and a team member at Love and Money, a resource for modern marriage contracts that helps protect the romance by taking care of the finance. In this episode, Eva shares the things that everyone should be considering as they’re entering in a relationship, including the critical conversations they need

Financial fitness (aka financial literacy) is a fundamental life skill.  It’s not about knowing everything – it’s about taking those small imperfect actions that increase your foundation of financial knowledge so you can navigate your life, personally and professionally, with confidence. To me that means being comfortable asking questions, following up if you don’t understand something, being kind to yourself when you make a mistake, and approaching things from a mindset of abundance. In this episode, I want to celebrate

Everyone experiences their own set of issues, and while they’re not all related to finances, eliminating financial issues can provide more clarity in other areas of your life. No one knows this better than our guest today, Elke Rubach. Elke is a sought-after speaker on wealth management, estate planning, and philanthropy, as well as the founder of Rubach Wealth. In this episode, she will be sharing her practice’s unique holistic approach to helping her clients with their needs. Listen in

We often tell ourselves stories to excuse the wrong-doings that we allow to happen in our finances. These limiting beliefs that we have, or excuses we create, can end up hurting our financial situation long-term if we don’t shift our mindset. So, how can we avoid falling into these traps? In this episode, I will be sharing the most common money myths that I see and explaining what you can do if you believe any of them to be true.

This time of year, spring cleaning is in full force, and it’s a great time to be thinking about home maintenance. Now, I’m not talking about property taxes, utilities, and all of the regular bills that come with owning a home. I am speaking specifically about the costs to keep our homes in good working order. In this episode, I’ll be sharing several things I did to maintain my home recently to hopefully inspire you to make a list of

We all have different motivators for wanting money. For some, it’s the freedom to have the things they truly want; for others, it’s not having to worry about paying bills or the ability to donate to charities. Our views around money form at a young age, and it is this money mindset that then carries out the way we perceive and desire money throughout the remainder of our lives. So, in this episode, I am going to discuss two main

Many animal lovers will readily agree that dogs offer more than just companionship; having a dog enriches your life in so many ways. However, this enrichment does come with a cost. If you’re a long-time listener, you know that I have two golden retrievers, and in this episode, I thought I would break down the various costs that come with owning a pet so you can make your decision about adopting one based on financial facts versus the desire for

Sandy Yong is a self-directed investor who successfully generated a 6-figure investment portfolio and owns several rental properties. As a keynote speaker, she teaches female millennials how to invest in the stock market and real estate. In this episode, Sandy joins the show to discuss the importance of taking control of your finances, as well as tips on how you can get started today. Listen in as she shares advice from her award-winning book, The Money Master, and explains the

Zandile Chiwanza is a self-proclaimed “budget warrior” and personal finance journalist. Although Zandile is committed to empowering newcomers to Canada with the tools they need to make sound financial decisions, her overarching message is for everyone: No matter your circumstances, financial wealth and wellness are attainable for everyone. In this episode, she joins the show to discuss the connection between money and mental health. Listen in as Zandile explains why she does not believe in “good” or “bad” debt, as

As we continue to celebrate Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, it’s important to remember that we should be aware of scammers all year long. I recently spoke with one of my friends, Bonnie, who shared some of her recent interactions with fraudsters and how she switched things around to have the joke on them. So, in this episode, I wanted to share some of these stories with you. Although all fraud should be taken seriously, these are some fun ways

In Canada, the top scam is an investment scam that cost Canadians over $163 million in 2021. Any solicitation for investments into false or deceptive investment opportunities falsely promises higher-than-normal returns, but—unsurprisingly—investors lose most or all of their money. Ongoing investment scams include cryptocurrency, fixed income, the “pump and dump,” Ponzi, Initial Coin Offerings, franchise/business opportunities, Gem, and Pyramid. In this episode, I will be sharing information on each of these and giving tips on how to avoid these scams

March is fraud prevention month in Canada, but we should be careful all year round. Scammers are sophisticated and innovative in their craft, making it very hard to know what is real and what is not. So, in this episode, I will be sharing steps you can take to avoid being swindled out of your money through a romance scam. Listen in as I explain the importance of checking the legitimacy of investments and why you should never trust unsolicited