Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery

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.

Financial educator and author Kelley Keehn shares the core message of her book Save Yourself and why changing money outcomes often starts with changing your money story. Kelley and Bruce explore identity, shame, and the brain-based patterns that trip people up, plus how AI can help people get more honest, build awareness, and start rewriting the narrative that keeps them stuck. Find out more at kelleykeehn.com and connect on Instagram, Facebook and check out Save Yourself.

Willpower is unreliable, especially in a world where spending is frictionless. CPA and author Robin Taub explains “situational agency,” the idea of designing your environment to make good money choices easier. Bruce and Robin dig into practical levers like paying yourself first, automating bills, and removing spending triggers so you can spend less, save more, and stick with habits that support your long-term goals. Find out more at Substack and connect on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Tuition can be a major barrier for international students pursuing Canadian graduate programs. Shawn Good, President and CEO of Libro Credit Union, explains how Libro partners with leading business schools, including the Smith School of Business at Queen's University, to offer financing and support. Shawn and Bruce discuss access, inclusion, and what it means to evaluate borrowers when traditional credit history is limited. Find out more at libro.ca and connect on LinkedIn (Libro), Instagram (Libro) and Facebook (Libro). Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Willpower is a great idea, but it rarely holds up when money decisions get real. In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, Bruce Sellery explores situational agency with CPA and author Robin Taub, breaking down how to design your environment so saving becomes easier and impulsive spending gets harder, from “pay yourself first” automation to removing digital spending triggers. Then, Farzana Damji (Senior Director, RBC Insurance) shares what divorcing couples need to know about life insurance, beneficiaries, and timing, including common mistakes that can create costly consequences. Plus, Shawn Good (President and CEO, Libro Credit Union) explains a financing option aimed at helping international students access high-cost Canadian business programs, and financial educator Kelley Keehn discusses Save Yourself and how identity, psychology, and even AI tools can help people change their relationship with money. To find out more about the guests check out: Robin Taub: Substack | LinkedIn | Instagram Kelley Keehn: kelleykeehn.com | Instagram | Facebook | Save Yourself Farzana Damji: rbcinsurance.com | LinkedIn | LinkedIn (RBC) | Facebook (RBC) Shawn Good: libro.ca | LinkedIn (Libro) | Instagram (Libro) | Facebook (Libro) | 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

Artificial intelligence is reshaping financial services, and the biggest changes may be happening where you cannot see them. Bruce speaks with financial planner and fintech expert Jason Pereira about how AI can automate back-office work, improve self-serve tools, and help advisors spend less time on paperwork and more time coaching clients. Jason also explains why AI answers can still be wrong, what “good enough” tech adoption looks like inside massive institutions, and why open banking in Canada keeps lagging. If consumers ever get real control over their financial data, Jason says underwriting for mortgages, loans, and credit could become faster, more personal, and far less frustrating. Connect with Jason on Facebook,  X, and Instagram.

What's different about money for queer people, and what can everyone learn from that perspective? Bruce talks with author Nick Wolny about Money Proud: The Queer Guide to Generate Wealth, Slay Debt, and Build Good Habits to Secure Your Future. They unpack how stress, identity, and life priorities shape financial decisions, why “minority stress” can affect everything from saving to emotional regulation, and how allies can show up with small check-ins that matter. Nick also shares the idea of the “golden cage,” where lifestyle inflation traps people in jobs they do not even like, and why building a sustainable, joyful life is a real personal finance strategy. Find out more at nickwolny.com and connect on Instagram and X.

Pay transparency is rolling out across Canada, and it changes the job search in a big way. Bruce Sellery speaks with career coach and Mums at Work founder Allison Venditti about why posting salary ranges matters, how transparency can reduce the motherhood-driven gender pay gap, and what employers need to fix behind the scenes to avoid internal inequities. They also dig into return-to-office mandates and why they can push out top talent, especially women and caregivers, plus the biggest gaps in Canada's parental leave system and the policy ideas Allison wants on the table next. Find out more at thisismomsatwork.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook.

Pay transparency is becoming the law across Canada, and it is reshaping how people job hunt, negotiate, and get paid. Bruce Sellery talks with career coach and Mums at Work founder Allison Venditti about why salary ranges matter, how pay transparency can help close the motherhood-driven gender pay gap, and what employers need to get right as policies roll out. Then Bruce explores AI and personal finance with fintech expert Jason Pereira, from how automation is transforming bank back offices to how smarter client-facing tools could change the way Canadians manage money. Plus, author Nick Wolny joins to discuss Money Proud and what personal finance can look like through a queer lens. To find out more about the guests check out: Allison Venditti: thisismomsatwork.com | Instagram | Facebook Nick Wolny: nickwolny.com | Instagram | X Jason Pereira: Facebook | X | 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

Life doesn't always go according to plan, and Marlene Chiarotto's story is a powerful reminder of why financial preparedness matters. As a CPA, Marlene thought she had her financial life under control—until she became a widow at age 42 with two children to support. In this segment, she discusses her book "Achieve Financial Freedom on Your Terms" and the profound lessons she learned about money, legacy, and values through this life-changing experience. Marlene shares practical wisdom about setting SMART goals, the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, and how to align your financial decisions with what truly matters to you. This conversation offers both tactical financial advice and the perspective that comes from navigating real hardship. Find out more about Marlene on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and having the right realtor can make all the difference. Anne Alkok, broker of record at Wahi, shares expert guidance on how to select a realtor who's right for you and how to maximize that relationship. She discusses the important questions to ask potential agents, the value they provide throughout the process, and what you should expect from a professional real estate relationship. With statistics showing that only about 1 in 10 licensed realtors in the Toronto area sell at least one house per month, Anne's insights help you identify experienced professionals who can truly serve your needs. Find out more at wahi.com and connect on Instagram

Medical students face unique financial challenges that most other professionals don't encounter. With average debt loads of $150,000 (and access to lines of credit up to $400,000), delayed earning years, and the complexities of running fee-for-service practices as sole proprietors, physicians need specialized financial education. Dr. Stephanie Zhou developed a groundbreaking financial literacy curriculum for medical students at the University of Toronto to address these exact issues. In this segment, she discusses the importance of understanding debt management, business fundamentals, and financial planning for those in the medical profession. If you're a medical student, physician, or simply interested in professional-specific financial education, this conversation offers valuable insights. Find out more at physiciansficonference.com and connect on Instagram,| LinkedIn and YouTube.

Amanda Schultz, founder of Scene Change, knows firsthand how challenging it can be to pivot from the entertainment industry to corporate roles. After working as a TV producer on shows like Big Brother Canada, Amanda made the leap to corporate consulting and now helps other entertainment professionals do the same. In this conversation, she shares how skills like adaptability, project management, and storytelling are incredibly valuable in corporate settings, even if they don't appear that way on a traditional resume. Whether you're considering a career change or just curious about how to better communicate your transferable skills, this segment offers practical guidance and encouragement. Find out more at scenechange.ca and connect on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

This episode explores money management across different career stages and industries. Amanda Schultz, founder of Scene Change, shares her journey from TV producer on shows like Big Brother Canada to corporate consulting, and how she's helping entertainment professionals translate their unique skills, like adaptability and project management, into other industries. Dr. Stephanie Zhou discusses her groundbreaking financial literacy curriculum for medical students at the University of Toronto, addressing the unique challenges physicians face with high debt loads (averaging $150,000), delayed earning years, and the complexities of running fee-for-service practices. Bruce Sellery also speaks with Anne Alkok, broker of record at Wahi, about maximizing your relationship with a realtor and what to look for when choosing one for buying or selling your home. The episode concludes with CPA Marlene Chiarotto discussing her book "Achieve Financial Freedom on Your Terms" and the powerful lessons she learned about money, legacy, and values after becoming a widow at age 42. From career transitions to professional-specific financial education to major life changes, this episode covers essential money topics for wherever you are in your journey. To find out more about the guests check out: Amanda Schultz: scenechange.ca | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook Dr. Stephanie Zhou: physiciansficonference.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Anne Alkok: wahi.com | Instagram Marlene Chiarotto: Facebook | 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

In our increasingly digital world, financial scams are becoming frighteningly sophisticated. Larry Zelvin, head of the Financial Crimes Unit at BMO Financial Group, exposes how criminals are weaponizing AI to commit fraud through deepfakes, phishing emails, and digital pickpocketing. Discover the warning signs of AI-enabled scams, why QR codes require extra caution, and what banks are doing behind the scenes to protect customers with voice recognition and fraud detection AI. Larry shares red flags to watch for, including urgency tactics, unusual payment methods, and deals that seem too good to be true, plus practical tips for protecting yourself when traveling, vetting suspicious websites, and defending against the latest fraud tactics. Essential listening for anyone who wants to stay one step ahead of scammers. Find out more on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

When a large sum of money arrives after a traumatic event, whether from a life insurance payout, civil settlement, or class action lawsuit, the emotional complexity can be overwhelming. Trauma therapist Shannon Maroney joins us to explore the intersection of money and trauma, addressing the shame, guilt, and fear that often accompany these windfalls. Learn why you should wait at least one year before making major financial decisions, how to view settlement money as a "pay forward" rather than payback, and strategies for making emotionally congruent decisions that align with your values. Shannon shares crucial insights on building trust with advisors, understanding your relationship with money, and using these funds to create meaning and security in your life while you're still healing. Find out more at shannonmoroney.com and connect on Instagram.

What if managing money wasn't about willpower, but about working with your existing habits? Mike Michalowicz, author of The Money Habit, reveals a revolutionary approach to personal finance using multiple bank accounts as a modern envelope system. Discover how behavioral intercepts work, why debit cards are more powerful than credit card points, and how Parkinson's Law can help you spend less automatically. Mike shares his personal story of losing everything on Valentine's Day and the hard-earned wisdom that led to his transformation. Learn practical strategies for achieving cash confidence, managing debt, and navigating the financial seasons of your life, from recovery to funding to balance. Find out more at mikemichalowicz.com and connect on Instagram and LinkedIn.

What if managing money wasn't about willpower, but about working with your existing habits? Mike Michalowicz, author of The Money Habit, reveals a revolutionary approach to personal finance using multiple bank accounts as a modern envelope system. Learn how to achieve cash confidence through behavioral intercepts, why debit cards beat credit card points, and how Parkinson's Law can help you spend less automatically. Plus, trauma therapist Shannon Maroney shares crucial insights on navigating financial windfalls that arrive after traumatic events—from life insurance payouts to civil settlements—and how to make emotionally congruent decisions about money when you're still healing. In our increasingly digital world, financial scams are becoming frighteningly sophisticated. Larry Zelvin, head of the Financial Crimes Unit at BMO Financial Group, exposes how criminals are weaponizing AI to commit fraud through deepfakes, phishing emails, and digital pickpocketing. Discover the warning signs of AI-enabled scams, why QR codes require extra caution, and what banks are doing behind the scenes to protect you. From managing debt with behavioral psychology to protecting yourself from the latest fraud tactics, this episode delivers practical strategies for every stage of your financial journey. Whether you're building better money habits, processing a financial windfall, or defending against scammers, you'll find actionable advice to help you get a better handle on your money. To find out more about the guests check out: Mike Michalowicz: mikemichalowicz.com | Instagram | LinkedIn Shannon Maroney: Instagram Larry Zelvin: LinkedIn | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube 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 | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Claudia Hepburn, CEO of Windmill Microlending, explains how her national charity helps skilled immigrants overcome financial barriers to professional accreditation in Canada. Windmill provides affordable micro-loans of up to $15,000 at just below prime rates, along with financial literacy training, career coaching, and mentorship to help newcomers challenge exams and get re-accredited in their fields. With the average client more than tripling their income after receiving support, Windmill is proving that removing financial obstacles can unlock tremendous potential for Canada's economy. Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Writer, editor, and critic David Berry explores the complex relationship between art and money, revealing that less than 15% of artists throughout history have ever made a full-time living from their creative work. He discusses the importance of artists viewing themselves as their own patrons, finding sustainable day jobs that leave time for creativity, and overcoming the cultural stigma that thinking about money somehow poisons artistic expression. Berry emphasizes that passion alone won't sustain you when you go to bed hungry—managing money is essential to honoring your creative gift. Find out more at thedavidberry.com and connect on Instagram.

Financial journalist and author Renée Sylvestre-Williams reveals the hidden financial penalties that single Canadians face, from shouldering housing costs alone to missing out on tax benefits like income splitting in retirement. She explains why building a strong support team—including lawyers, financial advisors, and friends—is critical for solo earners, and emphasizes the importance of estate planning and powers of attorney when you don't have a spouse to automatically inherit your assets or make decisions on your behalf. Connect on Instagram and find out more on Substack and pick up The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners

Financial educator and behavioral finance expert Preet Banerjee explains how artificial intelligence is transforming the financial services industry, from chatbots handling customer service to the promise of democratizing quality financial advice for everyday Canadians. He warns about the dark side of AI, including sophisticated hyper-personalized phishing scams targeting new employees, and shares practical strategies to protect yourself while using AI to fact-check financial advice and make smarter money decisions. Connect on Instagram.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how Canadians manage their money, but is it helping or hurting? Financial educator and behavioural finance expert Preet Banerjee reveals how AI is transforming financial services, from chatbots providing 24/7 customer support to the promise of democratizing quality financial advice for everyday Canadians. But there's a dark side: scammers are using AI to create sophisticated, hyper-personalized phishing attacks that can drain your bank account before you realize what's happened. Preet shares practical strategies to protect yourself while leveraging AI's benefits, and explains why adding friction to your spending decisions might be the smartest financial move you can make. Then, financial journalist Renée Sylvestre-Williams tackles the hidden costs of being single in Canada, from higher housing costs to retirement anxiety, and why building a strong support team is more critical than ever for solo earners. The episode continues with writer David Berry discussing his book on how artists navigate the often-contradictory relationship between creative expression and financial survival, revealing why most successful artists throughout history never made a full-time living from their art alone. Finally, Claudia Hepburn, CEO of Windmill Microlending, explains how her national charity is helping skilled immigrants overcome the financial barriers to professional accreditation in Canada through affordable micro-loans of up to $15,000. With the average client more than tripling their income after receiving support, Windmill is proving that small financial interventions can create life-changing opportunities for newcomers ready to contribute their skills to the Canadian economy. To find out more about the guests check out: Preet Banerjee: Instagram Renée Sylvester-Williams: Instagram | Substack | The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners David Berry: thedavidberry.com | Instagram Claudia Hepburn: LinkedIn | Instagram | 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 | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

ADHD coach and former CFO Leanne Gawley joins Credit Canada facilitator Kelly Cowan to explore how ADHD affects financial management. She explains how ADHD brains are wired for immediate dopamine hits versus delayed gratification, leading to impulse buying driven by instant gratification, lack of impulse control, and FOMO (fear of missing out). Leanne discusses "time blindness"—where the future doesn't feel like now—and why deadline-driven completion is so common. She shares practical strategies including breaking budgets into 10-minute segments, implementing waiting periods (2-24 hours) before purchases, and asking support partners the key question: "How can I best support you?" Resources available through the Canada ADHD Society can provide additional support. Find out more at leannegawley.ca and connect on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Simon Brascoupe introduces "Braiding Mind, Body, and Spirit," a culturally relevant financial wellness resource developed with Prosper Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada. Using the braiding metaphor, the resource addresses Mind (financial tools and knowledge), Body (protection strategies), and Spirit (holistic teachings). Simon discusses how the resource helps address "sudden wealth syndrome" when receiving lump sum payments, and includes activities like "Coloring My Dreams" for visualization, "My Money is Medicine" for reframing money as a positive force, and financial wellness journaling. He also highlights the challenge of limited bank access in Indigenous communities, with only three to four First Nations in Ontario having banks. Connect with Simon on Instagram.

Lisa MacIntyre-Smith, CEO of Furble, explains why veterinary care costs are rising faster than standard inflation due to staffing shortages, medication supply issues, and advanced diagnostic equipment. With 50% of pet parents now skipping vet visits due to costs, Lisa introduces a solution: prescription medications delivered directly to homes at reduced costs compared to veterinary clinics. Many pet owners don't even realize their vet has written prescriptions for medications like flea and tick prevention, which can be filled through pharmacy partners at significant savings. Find out more at furble.com and connect on Instagram and X/Twitter.

Personal finance columnist Lesley-Anne Scorgie shares the three key indicators that it's time to break up with your financial advisor: poor communication, underperformance against benchmarks over seven years, and an inability to think holistically about your finances. She explains how to request a "total household rollup performance report" to evaluate your advisor's true performance, how fee structures like 2%+ MERs make it harder to meet benchmarks, and why many advisors are now lowering fees to compete with robo-advisors. Lesley-Anne also walks through the surprisingly simple logistics of transferring assets to a new advisor and provides scripts for having that difficult conversation. Find out more at mevest.ca and connect on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.