Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery

Nearly 10 million Canadians have no access to a workplace retirement plan and the problem is most severe at small and mid-sized employers. Alex Mazer, co-founder and CEO of Commonwealth, joins Bruce to make the case for a Small Employer Retirement Plan Tax Credit: a federal incentive that could reduce the cost of setting up a group retirement plan by roughly 40% over three years, including up to $1,000 per employee in matching contribution credits. It's a policy proposal that could help close Canada's retirement savings gap and it may just appeal to politicians across the spectrum. Find out more at commonwealthretirement.com and connect on LinkedIn.

For decades, buying a home was seen as the cornerstone of financial security in Canada. But with Toronto and Vancouver homes priced at 10 to 12 times the average family income, more Canadians are renting well into their 30s and 40s not by choice, but by necessity. Senior Desjardins economist Kari Norman discusses her recent study on the rise of the permanent renter, exploring the data behind affordability, the trade-offs between renting and owning, the lack of family-sized rental housing in major cities, and what a 27-year-old saving today should really be thinking about. Connect with Kari on LinkedIn. Connect with Desjardins on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Check out the study here Economics Study and Economics Study Registration.

Financial influencers are everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn but how do you know if the advice they're sharing is accurate, unbiased, and actually right for your financial situation? Zainab Williams, founder and CEO of Fund Evolve, joins Bruce to walk through her Influencer Safety Score, an AI-powered tool that analyzes financial videos for red flags like sponsored bias, factual inaccuracies, and suitability gaps. Think of it as a food label for your financial content which helps you consume smarter and stay anchored to your true financial picture. Find out more at fundevolve.com and connect on Instagram.

With crypto prices swinging wildly, many Canadians are sitting on gains or losses and aren't sure what to do next. Certified financial planner Jason Heath of Objective Financial Partners and Objective Tax and Accounting breaks down exactly how the CRA treats cryptocurrency: when profits are taxed as capital gains versus business income, how switching between coins triggers a taxable event, what to do with a capital loss, and why the lack of T-slips makes crypto reporting more complicated than most people expect. Whether you bought Bitcoin on a dip or mined your way to a windfall, Jason has the tax clarity you need. Find out more at objectivefinancialpartners.com and connect on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, host Bruce Sellery tackles four pressing personal finance topics for Canadians. Certified financial planner Jason Heath breaks down the tax implications of cryptocurrency, including capital gains and losses, the risks of business income classification, and the importance of proper CRA reporting. Zainab Williams, founder of Fund Evolve, introduces her Influencer Safety Score, an AI-powered tool that helps Canadians evaluate the credibility and personal suitability of financial advice found on TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. Senior Desjardins economist Kari Norman explores the rise of the permanent renter in Canada, examining affordability data, wealth-building trade-offs, and why cities like Toronto and Vancouver are pushing more people to rent for the long term. Finally, Alex Mazer, co-founder and CEO of Commonwealth, makes the case for a Small Employer Retirement Plan Tax Credit which is a policy proposal designed to help the nearly 10 million Canadians who currently have no access to a workplace retirement plan. To find out more about the guests check out: Jason Heath: objectivefinancialpartners.com | X | Facebook | Instagram Zainab Williams: fundevolve.com | Instagram Kari Norman: LinkedIn (Kari) | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Economics Study | Economics Study Registration Alex Mazer: commonwealthretirement.com | LinkedIn Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Carol Willes, Director of Estate Planning at BMO Private Wealth, offers essential guidance for families navigating the financial complexities of caring for a child with a disability. She breaks down the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a tax-sheltered account eligible for up to $70,000 in government grants, and explains when and why a Henson Trust is the right tool for passing on an inheritance without disqualifying a child from provincial benefits. Carol also shares a cautionary real-life story about a well-intentioned estate plan that went wrong, and what every parent in this situation needs to know before it's too late. Connect with Carol on LinkedIn.

Chantel Chapman, CEO and founder of the Trauma of Money Institute, reveals the surprising and deeply personal ways that past trauma, including generational scarcity, relational wounds, and systemic stress, shows up in our financial behaviour. She introduces the concept of "financial fawning" (using money to seek approval and avoid abandonment), explains why scarcity triggers the same brain response as trauma, and shares why naming what's happening in a client relationship can be the single most powerful thing a financial professional can do. Find out more at thetraumaofmoney.com and connect on Instagram with @chantelchapman, and @traumaofmoney.

Mischa Oak, LGBTQ+ keynote speaker and author of Rainbow Wisdom: 18 LGBTQ+ Life Lessons for Everyone, joins Bruce to explore why inclusion still matters in the modern workplace. Mischa shares how "thinking queerly" means breaking out of imposed boxes, the critical difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and how allies can "queer the space" in their daily interactions. He also explains why queer joy isn't just a cultural phenomenon; it's a proven driver of creativity, innovation, and organizational performance Find out more mischaoak.com and connect on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, host Bruce Sellery tackles three powerful conversations that connect identity, emotion, and financial well-being. First, LGBTQ+ keynote speaker and author Mischa Oak joins Bruce to discuss Rainbow Wisdom: 18 LGBTQ+ Life Lessons for Everyone, which explores queer joy as a workplace superpower, the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and what real allyship looks like in practice. Then, Chantel Chapman, CEO and founder of the Trauma of Money Institute, unpacks how past trauma, from childhood poverty to generational scarcity, shapes our financial behaviours today, including a concept she calls "financial fawning." Finally, Carol Willes, Director of Estate Planning at BMO Private Wealth, guides parents caring for a child with a disability through the critical financial and legal tools available to them, including the RDSP, the Henson Trust, and the do's and don'ts of estate planning in these complex family circumstances. To find out more about the guests check out: Mischa Oak: mischaoak.com | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn Chantel Chapman: thetraumaofmoney.com | Instagram: @chantelchapman @traumaofmoney Carol Willes: LinkedIn Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Cherolle Prince, Director of Fraud and Identity Management at Equifax Canada, unpacks the alarming rise of first-party fraud — when individuals misrepresent their own identity or inflate their income to qualify for credit. With economic pressures pushing more Canadians to the financial edge, Equifax data shows first-party fraud is up over 30% year over year, doubling in both credit cards and banking. Cherolle explains how AI-powered detection tools and lender collaboration are fighting back, and why this growing trend ultimately tightens credit access for everyone — even those who play by the rules. Connect on LinkedIn(Cherolle), X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn(Equifax).

Ron Butler, principal broker at Butler Mortgage and host of the Angry Mortgage Podcast, breaks down exactly how home equity lines of credit work, the key differences between a HELOC and a traditional mortgage, and the real risks of using one to cover vacations, pay off credit cards, or fund rental properties. He also explains why a HELOC is a demand loan — meaning the bank can reduce or call it on just 24 hours' notice — and offers one simple self-assessment to determine whether you have the financial discipline to manage one responsibly. Find out more at butlermortgage.ca and connect on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Organizational psychologist Dr. Liane Davey explains the concept of "thoughtload" — the invisible drain on your performance caused by cognitive overload, emotional triggers, and depleted energy. She shares how to identify your overwhelm style (whirlwind, stickler, brooder, or rogue), why multitasking is counterproductive, and practical tools like three-tiered priority lists and dedicated "focus and forge" time blocks to help you work smarter, reduce anxiety, and replenish your energy reserves. Find out more at lianedavey.com and connect on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, host Bruce Sellery tackles three pressing issues facing Canadians today. Organizational psychologist Dr. Liane Davey introduces the concept of "thought load" , an invisible tax on your performance and presence driven by rising cognitive demands, emotional triggers, and depleted energy reserves. Liane shares practical strategies to identify your overwhelm style and reclaim your focus. Then, Ron Butler, principal broker at Butler Mortgage and host of the Angry Mortgage Podcast, breaks down the pros and cons of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), explaining how they work, when they make sense, and the critical difference between a mortgage and a demand loan. Finally, Cherolle Prince, Director of Fraud and Identity Management at Equifax Canada, reveals why first-party fraud, which is when individuals misrepresent their own financial information to qualify for credit, is surging at over 30% year over year, and what lenders and AI tools are doing to fight back. To find out more about the guests check out: Dr. Liane Davey: lianedavey.com | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | X Ron Butler: butlermortgage.ca | X | Instagram | Facebook Cherolle Prince: LinkedIn(Cherolle) | X | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn(Equifax) Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Licensed insolvency trustee and Spergel partner Rob Kilner joins Bruce to break down the explosive growth of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platforms and the serious financial risks they pose for Canadian consumers. Rob explains the concept of debt stacking of how small incremental payments across multiple accounts can quietly spiral into unmanageable debt and reveals that "interest-free" BNPL isn't truly free, as costs are typically baked into product pricing. He also shares what happens to BNPL debt in a consumer proposal and offers practical principles for using these platforms more responsibly. Find out more at spergel.ca and connect on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

Tim Hewson, CEO and co-founder of Legal Wills, joins Bruce to explore how estate planning has been transformed by the digital era. From cryptocurrency and social media legacy accounts to iPhoto libraries and frequent flyer miles that vanish at death, Tim explains what your executor needs to access, what can and can't be passed on to beneficiaries, and why every Canadian adult needs an up-to-date will. He also introduces the LifeLocker service that helps you document all your digital and financial assets, so nothing falls into a digital black hole. Find out more at legalwills.ca and connect on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Leadership strategist and author Dan Pontefract joins Bruce to unpack the "age debt crisis": the organizational failure to plan for and value older workers and why a demographic shift from a bell-shaped to a bulb-shaped workforce means companies can no longer afford to ignore age. Dan explains why simply replacing experienced employees with AI is a dangerous short-term play, how companies like BMW and Unilever are rethinking age inclusivity in the workplace, and what both individuals and organizations need to do now to prepare for a world where working into your 70s and 80s is the new normal. Find out more at danpontefract.com and connect on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Threads and TikTok.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, host Bruce Sellery tackles three money and work topics you can't afford to ignore. Leadership strategist and author Dan Pontefract joins to discuss his new book The Future of Work is Grey, exploring the untapped value of older workers, the looming "age debt crisis," and why organizations that ignore aging demographics risk a $5.4 trillion knowledge loss. Then, Tim Hewson, CEO and co-founder of Legal Wills, breaks down how estate planning has evolved in the digital age from Bitcoin and frequent flyer miles to iPhoto libraries and legacy account holders and why every adult needs an up-to-date will. Finally, Licensed Insolvency Trustee Rob Kilner of Spergel reveals the real risks of Buy Now, Pay Later platforms, including debt stacking, hidden fees, and the psychological trap that keeps consumers spending without realizing it. To find out more about the guests check out: Dan Pontefract: danpontefract.com | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Threads | TikTok Tim Hewson: legalwills.ca | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Rob Kilner: spergel.ca | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Certified financial planner Jackie Porter joins Bruce Sellery to make the case for financial awareness, a deeper, more actionable layer of understanding that goes beyond basic literacy. Jackie explains why knowing your cash flow, net worth, and financial blind spots is essential for both risk management and optionality: the freedom to make choices on your own terms. Through real client stories, she illustrates how this awareness can unlock the ability to take a year off, weather an unexpected job loss, or ensure your assets are used exactly the way you intend right up to the end of your life. Find out more at askjackie.ca and connect on Instagram and LinkedIn.

After nearly 30 years as the personal finance columnist at the Globe and Mail, Rob Carrick has launched a new podcast, the FinDustry, co-hosted with Shannon Lee Simmons. Rob joins Bruce to talk about why he's turned his lens toward financial advisors themselves, how the industry has evolved on transparency and fees, and what clients should actually expect for their money. He also tackles the rise of advice-only planning, the challenge of decumulation in retirement, and whether AI is coming for the advisory profession. Find out more at robcarrick.ca and connect on Substack, LinkedIn and X.

Heather Scoffield, CEO of the Canadian Tax Observatory, walks Bruce through new independent research on Canada's First Home Savings Account. While the program was designed to help young Canadians save for their first home, the data tells a more complicated story with higher-income earners are maxing out the account, older Canadians are taking advantage of the lack of age restrictions, and the Bank of Mom and Dad is quietly channeling wealth through the program. Heather weighs in on what a more progressive housing policy could actually look like. Find out more at X, LinkedIn, and Substack.

Psychologist and Deloitte behavioural scientist Michelle Hilscher joins Bruce Sellery to explore the emotional mechanics behind financial scams. From manufactured urgency and false intimacy to overconfidence bias and the myth that education alone keeps you safe, Michelle breaks down why anyone, regardless of age, income, or savviness can fall victim. She also shares a practical framework for protecting yourself and having difficult conversations with loved ones you think may be at risk. Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, Bruce Sellery explores the emotional and psychological tactics scammers use to manipulate their victims with psychologist and Deloitte behavioural scientist Michelle Hilscher. It's all about unpacking why awareness alone isn't enough to protect you and what questions you should ask yourself before you click. Heather Scoffield, CEO of the Canadian Tax Observatory, shares eye-opening research on Canada's First Home Savings Account and who it's really benefiting. Rob Carrick discusses his new podcast The FinDustry, co-hosted with Shannon Lee Simmons, exploring the financial advisory industry from the inside. And certified financial planner Jackie Porter breaks down the difference between financial literacy and true financial awareness, including why understanding your cash flow and net worth could be the most powerful move you make for your financial future. To find out more about the guests check out: Michelle Hilscher: LinkedIn Heather Scoffield: X | LinkedIn | Substack Rob Carrick: robcarrick.ca | Substack | LinkedIn | X Jackie Porter: askjackie.ca | Instagram | LinkedIn Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of Willful, shares why more Canadians are naming pet guardians and leaving money for their pets' care. Bruce and Erin cover how pets are treated in Canada, what a cash gift or trust can look like, how to avoid family disputes by writing clear instructions, and practical details to document (vet info, meds, routines) so pets are cared for if something happens. Find out more about Willful at willful.co and connect on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Connect with Erin on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Bruce speaks with Logan Gibson, founder and CEO of Kindly, about the growing reality of caregiving and the time and emotional load it puts on families. Logan explains how Kindly matches families with licensed social workers and provides navigation across planning and crisis moments, including legal/financial preparation, hospital transitions, and exploring home care and living options. Find out more on kindly.ca and connect on LinkedIn.

Award-winning psychologist and author Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe joins Bruce to break down the science of hope and why it's different from optimism—especially when finances feel uncertain. They talk about hope as trust and agency (not an outcome), how small financial “wins” can reinforce healthier behaviors like saving, and why burnout and toxic positivity can block the spaciousness people need to move forward. Find out more at drrobyne.ca and connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, and check out the Podcast.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, Bruce talks with award-winning psychologist and author Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe to explore the surprising connection between hope and money, and why hope isn't just optimism, but a practical strategy rooted in trust, agency, and small financial “wins.” Bruce also speaks with Logan Gibson, founder and CEO of Kindly, about how families can navigate aging and caregiving with better planning and support, from legal/financial prep to crisis transitions. Plus, Erin Bury, co-founder and CEO of Willful, explains how (and why) more Canadians are including pets in their wills, including pet guardianship and what a cash gift or trust for ongoing care can look like. To find out more about the guests check out: Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe: drrobyne.ca | Instagram | LinkedIn | Podcast Logan Gibson (Kindly) : kindly.ca | LinkedIn Erin Bury: Instagram | LinkedIn Willful: willful.co | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Credit Canada credit counsellor Brandon Thonson joins Bruce Sellery to unpack the current state of household debt in Canada, where consumers now owe $1.77 for every dollar earned. Brandon shares what he's seeing on the front lines, from people using debt to service debt, to mortgage renewals jumping 15–20%, to a 39% increase in counselling requests at Credit Canada. He identifies the warning signs that debt is becoming unmanageable, explains what to expect during a credit counselling session, and outlines solutions, including debt consolidation programs, conversations with financial institutions, and Credit Canada's GOLD coaching program. A compassionate, no-judgment conversation about taking control of your finances. Find out more at creditcanada.com and connect on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Licensed insolvency trustee Joshua Harris, CEO of Harris & Partners, joins Bruce Sellery to break down what makes debt uniquely challenging for seniors in Canada. They discuss the realities of living on a fixed income from CPP and OAS, how ageism limits earning potential, and the critical difference between consumer proposals and bankruptcy filings. Joshua explains which assets are protected, including the fact that government pensions are non-garnishable, addresses common fears about losing your home, and shares what happens to debt when a person passes away. If you're a senior dealing with debt or love someone who is, this is essential listening. Find out more at harrisandpartnersinc.com and connect on LinkedIn.

Award-winning Toronto Star journalist Moira Welsh joins Bruce Sellery to discuss her new book The Astonishing Lives of Older Women: How to Create Pleasure Over Peril in the Age of Peak Longevity. Moira shares powerful real-life stories of women in their 70s, 80s, and beyond who are struggling financially, from a woman who lived in her car for nine months to another who went from a yacht club lifestyle to a trailer park. They explore how divorce, the wage gap, and the motherhood penalty leave women vulnerable in later life, and discuss innovative solutions like communal living that are helping women regain stability, community, and hope. Connect with Moira on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Bluesky.

Credit Canada credit counsellor Brandon Thonson joins Bruce Sellery to unpack the current state of household debt in Canada, where consumers now owe $1.77 for every dollar earned. Brandon shares what he's seeing on the front lines, from people using debt to service debt, to mortgage renewals jumping 15–20%, to a 39% increase in counselling requests at Credit Canada. He identifies the warning signs that debt is becoming unmanageable, explains what to expect during a credit counselling session, and outlines solutions, including debt consolidation programs, conversations with financial institutions, and Credit Canada's GOLD coaching program. A compassionate, no-judgment conversation about taking control of your finances. Find out more at creditcanada.com and connect on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Vikki Brown lays out common cross-border scenarios (inheritances, property sales, pensions) and the simplest ways to transfer funds. They compare big bank cross-border setups with fintech tools like Wise, explain how FX fees are often built into rates, and cover large-transfer strategies like wiring to a Canadian USD account or using Norbert's Gambit—plus what to consider around timing and possible tax complications. Find out more at moderncents.ca and connect on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Credit Canada's Himank Bhatia, certified Credit Counsellor and Financial Coach, discusses what debt looks like in real life right now: payday loan spirals, divorce-driven debt, sports betting debt, and higher-income households living in “fragile luxury.” He explains how fear and shame keep people stuck, why minimum payments create an interest trap, and how support and structured plans (including options to freeze interest) can help people get out of debt. Check out Credit Canada on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube X, and TikTok.

Jonathan Bennett shares what business owners often don't anticipate: selling can feel like letting go of a big part of your identity. He talks about the grief-like emotional curve, what can go wrong when founders don't fully “let go,” and why taking intentional time after a sale can help avoid rebound decisions and set up a healthier next chapter. Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn.

Barry Choi explains why credit card travel insurance is never one-size-fits-all. Coverage can change based on your age, health, trip length, and even how you booked (including using points). They dig into where credit card insurance can be helpful, where it can be misleading, and why rental car coverage can have gaps, such as low coverage caps and no liability protection. Connect with Barry on Instagram.

Planning a trip and counting on your credit card for travel insurance? Personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi breaks down what credit card travel insurance may cover (and where it can fall short), including key "it depends" factors like age, pre-existing conditions, how you paid (cash vs points), rental car coverage limits, and why standalone policies can be stronger. Then, executive advisor Jonathan Bennett from Clearly Then explores the emotional realities of selling a business: identity, grief, and how to prepare for the "now what?" after an exit. Next, Credit Canada's certified credit counsellor and financial coach, Himank Bhatia, shares the most common debt stories he hears, from payday loan spirals and divorce-related debt to sports betting and the rising cost of living, and why shame and isolation can be the biggest obstacles to getting help. Finally, certified financial planner Vikki Brown from Modern Cents explains practical ways to move money from the US to Canada, compares banks vs. fintech options like Wise, and outlines what to watch for with exchange rates, fees, Norbert's Gambit, and potential tax considerations. To find out more about the guests check out: Barry Choi: Instagram Jonathan Bennett: LinkedIn Himank Bhatia: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X | TikTok Vikki Brown: moderncents.ca | LinkedIn | Instagram Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Mortgage delinquency is often measured by payments that are 90 days overdue, but mortgages are usually the last debt people fall behind on. CMHC's Aled ab Iorwerth explains the broader risks of Canada's high household debt levels and the early indicators that financial stress may be building. Connect on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, X and Facebook.

Unsubscribes, insurance hassles, forms, and passwords are a modern time-suck. Chris Colin explains the “admin night” idea, the simple rules that make it work, and how community and time-boxing can help people finally get those nagging tasks done. Find out more at chriscolin.com and connect on Bluesky and Instagram

The promise of AI is fast answers, but tax rules are personal and easy to misapply. Anita Balakrishnan shares what accountants are seeing, the types of errors that show up most often, and why complex situations still need a real professional double-check. Find out more at thelogic.co and connect with Anita on LinkedIn.

Canada's filing system is largely voluntary, but millions of Canadians still do not file each year. Jennifer Robson explains how auto-filing could work, who it is designed to help first, and why filing is often the “gateway” to benefits like GST credits, child benefits, and other supports. Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

AI tools can be helpful, but when it comes to taxes, they can also be confidently wrong. In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, Bruce Sellery talks with Jennifer Robson, Associate Professor, Carleton University, about the federal government's SimpleFile initiative and how automatic tax filing could help more Canadians file returns and unlock benefits. Then Anita Balakrishnan, Reporter at The Logic, breaks down why accountants are increasingly seeing AI-generated tax mistakes and what to watch for before relying on tools like ChatGPT. For a lighter take on grown-up chores, Chris Colin, Journalist at the Wall Street Journal, explains how hosting an “admin night” can make boring tasks less painful. Finally, Aled ab Iorwerth, Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC, shares key context on mortgage delinquencies and the early warning signs that a household may be heading into financial distress. To find out more about the guests check out: Jennifer Robson – Associate Professor, Carleton University: LinkedIn | Bluesky Anita Balakrishnan – Reporter, The Logic: thelogic.co | LinkedIn Chris Colin – Journalist (Wall Street Journal contributor): chriscolin.com | Bluesky | Instagram Aled ab Iorwerth – Deputy Chief Economist, CMHC: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | X | Facebook Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Signing a lease can feel like reading fine print you're expected to ignore, but the stakes are high. Lawyer Lisa Mackie explains the key terms renters should understand, common red flags, what landlords can and cannot ask for, and how provincial rules, municipal bylaws, and federal protections (like privacy and human rights) shape your rights. Find out more on ahbl.ca and connect on LinkedIn(ahbl) and Instagram(ahbl). Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn.

Parents supporting adult children is common, but often hidden. Lindsey Stanberry reframes it as a “boomer lifestyle subsidy” and explores why people stay quiet, how childcare and education support can be as powerful as a cheque, and how being more open can reduce shame, comparison, and confusion. Find out more on thepurse.co and connect on Instagram.

Doug Hoyes breaks down what the latest bankruptcy study shows: higher balances, more creditors, and growing strain that is increasingly structural rather than tied to one crisis event. They unpack the impact of inflation, housing costs, and why people should reach out for help early, before high-interest borrowing makes the math impossible. Find out more on hoyes.com and connect on X.

Online shopping, tap-to-pay, and one-click checkout remove the pause that used to protect our budgets. Hanna Horvath explains “friction maxxing” and shares practical tactics to slow impulse buys, like deleting shopping apps, removing saved payment info, using a 24 - 48 hour waiting rule, and making saving and investing automatic. Find out more on Substack and connect on Instagram and TikTok.

It's never been easier to spend money, and that “one click” convenience is quietly reshaping our budgets. In this episode, Bruce explores friction maxing with certified financial planner and money psychology expert Hanna Horvath, including practical ways to slow down impulse purchases and make saving more automatic. Then, insolvency trustee Doug Hoyes breaks down what his firm is seeing in Canada's latest bankruptcy study, from higher balances and more creditors to mounting pressure from food costs, unemployment, and housing. Next, Lindsey Stanberry (The Purse) tackles the taboo topic of parents supporting adult children, and why more transparency around the “bank of mom and dad” matters. Finally, lawyer Lisa Mackie shares what renters should know before signing a lease, including key terms, red flags, and how laws at different levels of government shape your rights. To find out more about the guests check out: Hanna Horvath: Substack | Instagram | TikTok Doug Hoyes: hoyes.com | X Lindsey Stanberry: thepurse.co | Instagram Lisa Mackie: ahbl.ca | LinkedIn(ahbl) | Instagram(ahbl) | LinkedIn Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Wealth manager and author Geoff Saab (Low Risk Rules) makes the case for simpler, lower-cost, fully liquid investing, especially for entrepreneurs who are used to taking risks in business. They talk about the hidden cost of fees, why illiquidity can be dangerous, and why even pros cannot consistently predict market outcomes, making a disciplined long-term approach more reliable. Find out more on Substack and connect on X.

Jon Shell, Chair of Social Capital Partners and a board member at Employee Ownership Canada, explains employee ownership trusts (EOTs) and how they allow employees to collectively own a privately held business through a trust. They cover what changed in 2024, why policy and tax incentives matter, how EOTs are financed, and what research from the US and UK suggests about performance, investment, and long-term incentives. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn.

Wealthsimple's David Mak explains how securities lending works for retail investors, including why someone would lend shares, what borrowers do with them, and how fees are set. Bruce asks the practical questions around risk, collateral, and whether lending affects your ability to sell, plus how stock lending has become more visible as retail investing grows. Find out more at wealthsimple.com and connect on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Glassdoor career pivot strategist Janel Abrahami joins Bruce Sellery to unpack “career minimalism,” the trend of doing the bare minimum at work to make room for life outside the office. They discuss why it resonates with Gen Z and beyond, how it can be a seasonal strategy rather than a forever mindset, and what employees should understand about trade-offs like performance reviews, advancement, and income. Find out more at janelabrahami.com and connect on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

What does career minimalism really mean, and why is it showing up in Gen Z work culture? Bruce Sellery speaks with Glassdoor career pivot strategist Janel Abrahami about the idea of doing the minimum at work to create space for health, family, and life outside the office, plus what this trend can look like for employees and employers. Then, Wealthsimple's David Mak breaks down securities lending (stock lending), including how investors can potentially earn extra income by lending shares, what borrowers use those shares for, and how risk and collateral work. Next, Jon Shell from Social Capital Partners explains employee ownership trusts in Canada, how EOTs can help business owners transition succession to employees, and why employee ownership could strengthen communities and the Canadian economy. Plus, wealth manager and author Geoff Saab (Low Risk Rules: A Wealth Preservation Manifesto) shares why simple, low-fee, liquid investing can beat “prestige” products over the long run. Listen for practical takeaways you can use right now, whether you are building a career, growing a portfolio, or planning a business exit. To find out more about the guests check out: Janel Abrahami: janelabrahami.com | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn David Mak: wealthsimple.com | X | Instagram | Facebook Jon Shell: LinkedIn Geoff Saab: Substack | X Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder of Moolala and the CEO of Credit Canada, Bruce is on a mission to help you get a better handle on your money so you can live the life you want. High energy & low B.S., this is Moolala: Money Made Simple. Find Bruce Sellery at Moolala.ca | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Divorce is emotionally and logistically overwhelming, which is exactly why insurance details can get missed. Farzana Damji, Senior Director at RBC Insurance, walks through the biggest pitfalls, including outdated beneficiaries, cancelling coverage too soon, and not discussing insurance during settlement conversations. They cover life insurance, disability, and critical illness, and the key questions newly single people should ask to protect financial stability. Find out more at rbcinsurance.com and connect on LinkedIn (RBC) and Facebook (RBC). Connect with Farzana on LinkedIn.