Great Canadian Piggybank

In this episode, I sit down with Adrian Bar (Canadian in a T-Shirt) to break down a simple “tax playbook” for Canadian families, from young kids all the way to young adults.We walk through how the system actually works in real life:How RRSP contributions can do more than lower your tax bill, they can increase your Canada Child Benefit paymentsWhy teens should file a tax return even if they earn little (or nothing)What changes at age 18 and 19, and how that affects benefits and creditsHow to think about FHSA vs TFSA when helping your kids take their first financial stepsThis is a practical, stage-by-stage conversation to help you stop reacting to taxes and start using them to support your family’s long-term financial picture.If you’re heading into the April 30 deadline, this episode will help you think a little differently about the decisions you’re making right now and the impact they can have later.Show Links:Youtube: youtube.com/c/CanadianinaTShirt/Instagram  instagram.com/canadiantshirtChapter List:00:00 Introduction to Tax Planning for Parents00:50 Maximizing Benefits: The CCB Double Dip Strategy03:33 RRSP vs. TFSA: Making the Right Choice07:39 Filing Taxes as a Teen: Why It Matters11:44 Understanding RESPs and the 13-Week Rule14:25 Prioritizing Withdrawals from RESPs16:08 Navigating RESP Withdrawals and Tax Implications18:29 Navigating Financial Independence for Young Adults18:49 Understanding the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)25:38 Key Financial Rules for Parents28:23 Summary

Kids today rarely use cash but they’re still making money decisions every day. So how do we actually teach them healthy money habits in a digital-first world?In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, Christi Rae sits down with Angelique de Montbrun, CEO of Mydoh and a parent herself, to talk about how kids really learn about money through earning, spending, saving, making mistakes, and having honest conversations at home.They discuss:Why letting kids make small money mistakes is essentialHow digital money changes the way kids understand spendingBalancing parental control with real financial independenceWhy flexibility matters when teaching neurodivergent kids about moneyHow money education needs to evolve as kids growWhat it actually means to raise financially confident kidsThis episode is not sponsored. Christi uses Mydoh in her own household and invited Angelique on because the product sparked meaningful money conversations at home, not to sell anything, but to share what’s genuinely working.Show Links:Website: https://mydoh.onelink.me/GoC3/tgc-piggybankYoutube: www.youtube.com/@mydohappTik Tok  tiktok.com/@mydohInstagram  instagram.com/mydohappFacebook facebook.com/mydohapp/Chapters List:00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Kids00:58 Understanding the Mydoh App04:10 Identifying Gaps in Financial Education06:15 The Role of Parents in Financial Education07:19 Challenges of Digital Money Management07:58 Balancing Control and Autonomy10:13 Adapting Financial Education as Kids Grow12:08 Inclusivity in Financial Tools14:00 Supporting Neurodivergent Kids15:07 The Future of Financial Education with AI17:30 Hopes for the Next Generation's Financial Future

Inheritance is one of the most emotionally charged topics in family life, especially when families aren’t simple. In this episode, Eli explores what happens when wills aren’t equal, focusing on blended families, step-children, second marriages, and situations where “fair” doesn’t always mean “equal.”You’ll learn how unequal inheritances can create conflict, why silence around estate decisions often causes more harm than the decisions themselves, and how thoughtful planning and clear communication can protect relationships, not just assets.This episode is for parents and caregivers who want to make intentional choices, reduce the risk of family rifts, and understand how to structure a will that reflects their values while minimizing confusion and resentment.Show Links:Website  upfinancial.caYoutube: www.youtube.com/@elithemoneyguyTik Tok  tiktok.com/@elithemoneyguyInstagram  instagram.com/elithemoneyguyFacebook  facebook.com/upfinancial. Chapters List:00:00 Navigating Inheritance: Fairness vs. Equality02:46 The Emotional Landscape of Inheritance05:13 Supporting Children with Different Needs07:10 Communication: The Key to Family Harmony08:46 Blended Families and Inheritance Challenges11:19 Cultural Perspectives on Inheritance13:49 Giving with a Warm Hand vs. Cold Hand14:03 The Consequences of Inaction15:44 Tools for Smooth Inheritance Distribution18:05 Taking Action: First Steps for Parents

Wills and estates can sound intimidating—but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Eli breaks down the basics of what a will actually is, what an estate includes, and why having a plan matters more than most families realize.You’ll learn what happens if you don’t have a will, the key decisions every will should cover, and the common misconceptions that stop people from getting started. This episode is about understanding the foundation—so you can make informed, confident choices that protect the people you care about.Whether you’re just starting to think about estate planning or putting it off because it feels overwhelming, this conversation makes the essentials clear, practical, and approachable.Show Links:Website  ⁠upfinancial.ca⁠Youtube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@elithemoneyguy⁠TikTok  ⁠tiktok.com/@elithemoneyguy⁠Instagram  ⁠instagram.com/elithemoneyguy⁠Facebook  ⁠facebook.com/upfinancial⁠Chapters List:00:00 Navigating Financial Support for Kids00:32 Understanding Trusts and Estate Planning04:03 Informal vs. Formal Trusts07:40 Balancing Support and Independence10:22 Planning Inheritance: When and How?11:32 Guardianship and Child Welfare12:41 Understanding TFSAs and RESPs14:07 Gifting: Now vs. Later15:45 Supporting Adult Children Financially17:22 Instilling Financial Values in Children

The sandwich generation is exhausted—and for many immigrant and first-generation Canadian families, the pressure runs even deeper.In this episode, Christi Rae sits down with Parween Mander (The Wealthy Wolfe) to create a practical, compassionate survival guide for parents caught between supporting aging parents, raising financially resilient kids, and trying not to sacrifice their own retirement in the process.This conversation goes beyond budgets and spreadsheets to address the real drivers of stress: money guilt, cultural expectations, scarcity mindset, and the emotional burden, often carried by eldest daughters, to be the family’s financial anchor.You’ll learn:How to set financial boundaries with parents without feeling like you’re abandoning themWhy balancing support, savings, and retirement is essential to breaking cycles of scarcityHow to raise cycle-breaking kids without passing down money traumaWhat it really means to move from survival mode to financial safetyThis episode is a reminder that protecting your financial future isn’t selfish, it’s how long-term care for your family actually becomes possible.Ideal for: sandwich-generation parents, immigrant families, first-generation Canadians, and anyone navigating money, boundaries, and guiltShow Links:Website: TheWealthyWolfe.caInstagram: @parween.manderTikTok: @parweenmoneycoachChapter List:00:00 Navigating Financial Pressures in Immigrant Families02:51 Setting Financial Boundaries with Parents05:55 Breaking the Cycle of Financial Scarcity08:38 Teaching Kids About Money Without Trauma11:38 Balancing Family Support and Personal Financial Goals14:38 Understanding Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures16:43 Shifting from Survival Mode to Safety Mode19:22 The Journey of a Financial Counselor

Confused about where to start with your investments? In this episode, Christi Rae sits down with Toby Manson, CPA and certified financial planner with IG Wealth, to break down Canada’s key savings accounts: TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA. Learn which account to open first, when to start contributing to an RRSP, and how the FHSA can help first-time homebuyers. Perfect for beginners, young adults, and parents who want to raise money-smart kids. This episode gives you the confidence and language to take control of your finances, one step at a time.Chapter List:00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Parents00:48 Understanding TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA02:51 Tax Benefits of Registered Accounts05:11 Choosing the Right Account for Young Adults07:11 Transitioning from TFSA to RRSP07:43 Overcoming Financial Intimidation08:51 Navigating DIY Investing vs. Financial Planning10:20 Understanding Financial Planning for Beginners11:35 Building Relationships with Financial Advisors12:38 Balancing Saving and Enjoying Life13:27 Key Takeaways for Young Investors14:35 Summary

Most parents know what they should do with money save more plan ahead and talk to their kids about finances. So why is it still so hard to follow through?In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank host Christi Rae sits down with Dr. Preet Banerjee one of Canada’s leading experts in behavioral finance to unpack why knowing better does not lead to doing better. They explore how fatigue stress and our brain’s focus on the present sabotage good financial intentions and why willpower is the wrong tool for the job.You will learn how small systems automation and intentional friction can help parents close the gap between intention and action how kids absorb financial habits from what we model not what we say and why creating emotional safety around money matters more than getting everything right.This episode is for parents who want to raise money smart kids without guilt perfection or burnout.Show Links:Website: https://www.preetbanerjee.com/Financial Course: https://www.airfoilacademy.com/courses/yourmoneydegreeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/preetbanerjee/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PreetBanerjeeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preetbanerjeeChapter List:00:00 Understanding the Financial Behavior Gap02:47 The Empathy Gap and Future Self06:36 Automating Financial Decisions10:06 Taking Action on Financial Intentions11:57 Teaching Money Skills for an AI Future15:53 Creating Emotional Safety Around Money Conversations17:59 Summary

The financial world our teens are entering looks nothing like the one we grew up in.From one-click buying and buy-now-pay-later to housing anxiety and constant social comparison, today’s kids face money pressures we never had.In this episode, Christi Rae is joined by Rob Carrick, longtime personal finance columnist at The Globe and Mail and co-host of The Stress Test podcast, to unpack what’s changed—and what still matters. Drawing on more than 30 years of financial journalism (and parenting), Rob explains why old money rules don’t always apply, how friction-free spending is reshaping behaviour, and why parents shouldn’t feel guilty for helping their kids financially in today’s economy.Together, they explore:Why one-click buying and buy-now-pay-later make budgeting harder for teensHow parents can talk honestly about money mistakes without shameWhat saving should look like for teens (and what it shouldn’t)Rethinking home ownership, renting, and “success” in Canada todaySimple questions that open meaningful money conversations at homeThis episode is for parents who want to raise financially confident teens—without fear, guilt, or outdated advice.Show Links:Website: https://robcarrick.ca/Substack:https://robcarrickpf.substack.com/StressTest Podcast: Stress TestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000463112714Chapters List:00:47 Biggest Shift03:49 Parental Guilt05:19 Helping Out Financially07:03 Keeping Kid's Grit09:21 Modern Update to 10% Rule12:47 Habit of Saving12:58 Moneys Skills that Matter14:11 Housing Alternatives16:43 Simplest First Step18:23 High Risk Investing19:36 One Question to Ask Tonight20:56 Takeaways

How Teens Build Credit in Canada: Credit Cards, Buy Now Pay Later, and Common MistakesCredit can shape your teen’s financial future long before adulthood, sometimes without parents even realizing it. In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, host Christi Rae is joined by Barry Choi, founder of Money We Have and a regular contributor to The Globe and Mail, to break down how teens actually build credit in Canada today.We cover how supplementary credit cards work, when teens should get a credit card in their own name, and why buy now, pay later options like Klarna and Afterpay are becoming a hidden risk for young people. Barry explains the most common credit mistakes teens and young adults make, why obsessing over a perfect credit score isn’t helpful, and how parents can teach responsible credit habits without fear or shame.If you’re raising a teen in Canada, this episode will help you turn credit into a practical life skill, not a financial landmine.Show Links:Website: ⁠https://www.moneywehave.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/barry_choi⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/moneywehave⁠Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BarryChoi/shorts⁠TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@barry_choi⁠Chapter List:00:00 Building Credit01:30 Credit Basics02:03 How is Credit Different Today?02:52 How to Build Credit04:45 When to Obtain a Credit Card05:24 Buy Now, Pay Later Options08:40 Common Credit Mistakes09:29 Credit Scores10:48 When to CoSign12:43 TakeAways

Is social media shaping how your child views money and making them feel like they never have enough? In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, host Christi Rae explores money dysmorphia, a growing issue affecting kids and teens whose perception of wealth is distorted by constant online comparison.Joined by David Delisle, author of The Golden Quest and creator of The Awesome Stuff, Christi breaks down how social media influences children’s money mindset, why comparison culture fuels financial anxiety, and how parents can spot early signs of unhealthy money beliefs in their kids.You’ll learn practical tools for teaching kids healthy financial habits, including how to shift money conversations away from guilt, pressure, and power struggles. David introduces a simple question: “Is this your awesome stuff?” , that helps children connect spending decisions to their values, experiences, and what truly brings them joy.This episode is ideal for parents looking for realistic, age-appropriate ways to talk to kids about money, navigate social media’s impact on finances, and raise money-smart children in a world where “more” always seems better.Show Links for David Delisle:Website: http://www.theawesomestuff.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theawesomestuffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theawesomestuffFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnlyBuyTheAwesomeStuffTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theawesomestuffTedX Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG8V8UIXXQMThe Golden Quest Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Golden-Quest-Your-Journey-Rich/dp/1777718929Chapters List:00:00 What is Money Dysmorphia02:30 The Impact of Social Media on Perception05:16 Recognizing Signs of Money Dysmorphia06:50 The Awesome Stuff Movement10:23 Experiences vs. Material Goods13:21 Mindful Spending and Parenting Strategies15:01 Encouraging Autonomy in Financial Decisions16:26 Defining Awesome Stuff for Kids17:51 Engaging Conversations About Money19:02 Money Dysmorphia Summary

Season 2 of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank gets practical.Christi Rae helps Canadian parents understand the money topics many families avoid — from estate planning and building credit, to RRSPs, TFSAs, and FHSAs.Through thoughtful conversations with trusted voices in Canadian personal finance, such as Rob Carrick, Preet Banerjee and Barry Choi, we get clear, real-life explanations. This season also explores the emotional side of money, including family expectations, guilt, and responsibility — especially for first-generation Canadians.If you’re trying to teach your kids about money, you’re in the right place.

In this 2025 wrap-up episode of Season 1 of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, host Christi Rae shares the seven biggest money lessons she’s learned from a year of conversations with financial experts.From breaking the silence around money and understanding your child’s money personality, to using allowance as a learning tool and teaching needs versus wants through real-life trade-offs, this episode focuses on practical, everyday ways parents can teach financial literacy.If you’re looking to raise money-smart kids without lectures or stress, this episode will help you feel more confident, intentional, and supported.2025 Expert Guest Links:Jessica Moorhouse: ⁠https://jessicamoorhouse.com/⁠Bruce Sellery: Moolala PodcastJoline Godfrey: https://www.bounce-10.com⁠Douglas Price: Seventeen to Millionaire⁠Shannon Lee Simmons: https://www.newschooloffinance.com/Dan Bortolloti: ⁠https://rationalreminder.ca⁠Robin Taub: https://www.thewisestinvestment.com/Melissa Leong: ⁠https://www.melissaleong.com/Karen Holland: https://giftingsense.org/Richard Coffin: https://www.youtube.com/@theplainbagelKornel Szrejber: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildWealthCanadaShowNejeed Kassam: ⁠https://www.copi.money/Lesley-Anne Scorgie: https://www.mevest.caChapters List:00:00 Introduction to Money Conversations00:33 Lesson 1: Talk about Money01:22 Lesson 2: Understand their Money Personality02:12 Lesson 3: Family Values02:30 Lesson 4: Delayed Gratification02:57 Lesson 5: Allowance is a Tool03:24 Lesson 6: Needs vs Wants04:17 Lesson 7: You are the Boss of your Money

In this short holiday episode, I share what I’m doing differently with money this year — not as advice, but as a real-life experiment in our own family.Based on everything I’ve learned so far from this podcast, I walk through four simple ways we’re approaching the holidays with less stress and more intention: 1) using the DIMS score for big-ticket gifts, 2) prioritizing low-cost experience gifts, 3) giving my daughter full responsibility for buying our gifts with a set budget, 4) creating a “do list” instead of a “buy list.”This episode is for Canadian parents who want to teach their kids about money, budgeting, and values during the holidays — without turning money into a source of anxiety or taking away the magic.Show Links: Free DIMS Score Tool: https://giftingsense.org/

Christi sits down with Melissa Leong—author of Happy Go Money—to explore the emotional side of teaching kids about money. We dig into why your child’s relationship with money is shaped less by allowance and more by the everyday stress, habits, and conversations at home.What we cover:- The first money lessons every child should learn before age 12- Simple habits for ages 3–5, 6–9, and 10–12- How to talk about money without guilt or anxiety- Connecting money to happiness (not stress or stuff)- The one skill to model when life is chaoticWhy it matters:- Kids absorb how we talk about money—and how we react to it.- You don’t need perfect finances to raise money-smart kids.- Money skills and happiness skills grow together.Show Links:https://www.melissaleong.com/Chapters List:00:00 The Emotional Side of Money02:16 Understanding Money and Happiness05:40 Age 5: Trade offs06:36 Age 6-9: Delaying Gratification and Decision Making09:05 Age 10-12: Practice Opportunities10:58 Common Mistakes in Teaching Budgeting13:03 Emotional Intelligence and Money Management14:55 Building a Money Personality15:40 Creating Memorable Experiences with Money16:56 Modeling Calm Transparency in Money Matters19:17 Neutral Money Conversations for a Calmer Home21:23 My Takeaways

In this holiday episode, Christi Rae sits down with Karen Holland, founder of Gifting Sense, to explore how gift-giving can become one of the most powerful money-teaching moments of the year. Instead of getting swept up in holiday spending pressure, Karen shows parents how a simple habit, pausing, gathering information, and reflecting, can help kids make smarter choices, avoid disappointment, and develop lifelong financial confidence.We cover:- How to talk to kids about gifts without saying “no” all the time- The Does It Make Sense? framework and why it works- Teaching kids to consider cost, value, and usage- Reducing holiday overwhelm and overspending- Building family traditions that focus on connection, not stuffShow Links:Take the DIMS test: https://giftingsense.org/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mindful Gift Giving01:52 Challenges in Gift Giving03:56 23B in Unredeemed Gift Cards in the US06:23 Introducing the DIMS Score Calculator08:45 How to Use the DIMS Score10:31 Applying Mindful Spending to All Purchases13:34 Engaging Grandparents in Thoughtful Gift Giving14:41 Building Confidence Through Financial Literacy14:51 The Importance of Early Financial Education16:46 Do Kids Really Enjoy Doing the DIMS Score?18:54 One Small Change You Can Make This Holiday Season19:51 Where Should Parents Start?

Christi sits down with Richard Coffin, the creator of The Plain Bagel — to unpack the good, and the bad of TikTok “finfluencers.” Together, they break down how parents can help their kids navigate financial advice online without falling for scams, hype, or bad information.Richard explains why kids are drawn to money content, what red flags to watch for, and simple tools families can use to verify whether an influencer is trustworthy.What we cover:- Why TikTok finance content can feel so engaging - The biggest red flags that signal misleading financial advice- How to tell whether an influencer is qualified to give advice- Simple, fast ways to fact-check financial claims with your kid- The surprising reason many trustworthy creators have fewer followers- What parents can do this week to help their kids build real financial literacyShow Links: The Plain Bagel:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplainbagelX:  @The_Plain_BagelRecommended FinFluencers:- https://www.youtube.com/@theplainbagel- https://www.youtube.com/@TwoCentsPBS- https://rationalreminder.ca/- https://www.youtube.com/@BenFelixCSI- https://www.youtube.com/@PBoyle- https://www.youtube.com/@MoneyMacro- https://www.youtube.com/@AswathDamodaranONValuationFree Financial Classes:- https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/- https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/teachers-and-guidance-counsellors/financial-literacy-classroomProfessional Accreditation Check:CFA: https://directory.cfainstitute.org/CFP: https://www.fpcanada.ca/planner-directoryRegistered Financial Advisors: https://info.securities-administrators.ca/nrsmobile/nrssearch.aspxChapters:00:00 Introduction to TikTok Money Advice01:49 The Dangers of Bad Financial Advice03:43 Why Aren't There Regulations in Online Financial Advice?05:05 Common Misleading Financial Advice06:30 Red Flags in Financial Advice11:47 Good Online Creators13:06 Advice for Young Investors in a Noisy Market16:11 One Piece of Advice to Parents to Help Avoid Scams18:11 90% of benefits comes from 1st 10% of effort

Allowance isn’t just pocket money, it’s one of the best ways to teach kids real-world money skills. In this episode, Christi sits down with Robin Taub, author of The Wisest Investment, to talk about how parents can use allowance as a practical tool for raising financially confident kids.You’ll learn:- Why allowance matters and how it helps kids learn responsibility, independence, and decision-making.- Ages 5–8: How to introduce allowance and simple lessons about earning, saving, and spending.- Ages 9–12: How to evolve allowance as kids start setting goals and managing bigger spending decisions.- Ages 13–17: How to use allowance to teach budgeting, smart spending, and preparing for financial independence.- How to avoid common allowance pitfalls — and keep money conversations positive, not stressful.Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your family’s approach, this episode will give you the tools to turn allowance into your child’s first — and wisest — investment.Show Links:https://www.thewisestinvestment.com/https://robintaub.com/https://www.instagram.com/robin.taub/https://www.facebook.com/RobinTaubFinancialConsultinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robintaub/Chapters:00:00 The Power of Allowance02:37 Should Allowance Be Tied to Chores?04:20 Determining Allowance Amounts06:05 What If Families Can't Afford an Allowance?07:11 Digital vs. Cash Allowance09:47 Starting Allowance: Age and Method11:50 Stop Allowance When Teen Gets a Job?12:56 Shifting from Allowance to Budgeting14:03 Aligning Financial Personalities with Values17:33 One Step to Take this Week

Christi Rae sits down with Kornel Szrejber — host of the Build Wealth Canada podcast and a leader in Canada’s FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. Kornel shares what Gen Z and Gen Alpha can realistically do to achieve financial freedom in a world of high housing costs and inflation.You’ll learn:​The real meaning of financial independence (FI) versus “retiring early”​Whether FIRE is still achievable for young Canadians today​How to start investing with index ETFs​How to spot solid financial advice vs. risky “get rich quick” content online​Kornel’s 3 actionable steps to start your own FI journeyTune in to get inspired and learn to see money as a path to freedom, not stress.Show Links:https://www.buildwealthcanada.ca/https://www.youtube.com/@BuildWealthCanadaShowChapters:00:00 Understanding the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early)Movement02:21 Financial Independence for the Younger Generation02:43 What is the 4% Rule03:29 Ways to Achieve Financial Independence (FI)05:52 Balancing FI with Value Driven Lifestyle08:18 Partial Financial Independence09:28 Finfluencers and Get Rich Quick11:41 Understanding Index Investing12:57 The Impact of Finfluencers on Gen Z15:09 Advice for Young Investors15:11 3 Steps to Starting the FI Journey

Curious how AI can actually help you teach your kids about money — without replacing your role as a parent? In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggybank, I chat with Nejeed Kassam, founder of Copi.Money, about using AI as an ally in financial education.We explore:How AI can level the playing field for kids who don’t get money lessons at homeRed flags to watch for in financial apps and AI toolsWhy “financial instincts” still matter more than dataHow parents can stay in the loop as coaches and co-learnersThe line between using AI as a helper, not a crutch for money conversations at homeIt’s a grounded, hopeful conversation about raising resilient, money-smart kids in a tech-driven world.Episode Link:https://www.copi.money/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI in Financial Education02:59 Red Flags in Evaluating AI Tools05:35 Trust and Safety in AI Financial Tools07:58 The Parent's Role in Financial Education09:45 AI as a Supplement to Traditional Financial Teaching12:06 The Hype vs. Reality of AI in Youth Finance14:16 Introducing Copi.Money: A New Financial Tool17:30 Comparing AI Tools to Traditional Methods19:07 Using AI as an Ally in Teaching Money19:35 Summary

Join Christi Rae and financial expert Lesley-Anne Scorgie, (author of numerous financial books and founder of MeVest) as they share practical tips for helping 18–25 year olds launch into adulthood with financial confidence.Learn how to:Budget as a tool for freedom and self-careStart saving and investing early (robo-advisors, ETFs, crypto basics)Navigate debt and the gig economyMake values-based money decisionsBalance financial responsibility with enjoying life todayPerfect for parents guiding young adults or 20-somethings navigating their first independent finances.Episode Links:MeVest: https://www.mevest.caChapters:00:00 Introduction to Financial Confidence for Young Adults00:53 The Importance of Early Financial Habits03:17 Investing: Starting Early and Choosing Wisely05:20 Navigating Financial Influencers and Social Media06:31 Understanding High-Risk Investments and Crypto07:57 Reframing Budgeting as Empowerment10:01 The Impact of Gig Work on Wealth Building12:43 Financial Well-Being and Young Adults13:39 Balancing Life Goals and Financial Realities17:02 10% Save Rule Reimagined18:19 3 Step Starter Plan

With tuition and living costs climbing fast, parents are asking: is university still worth it? Christi Rae sits down with Dan Bortolotti, cohost of the Rational Reminder podcast, financial planner at PWL, and former managing editor of Today’s Parent, to explore how Canadian families can plan smarter for post-secondary costs.From RESPs and government grants to managing shortfalls, student debt, and tough trade-offs, Dan shares practical strategies for every stage of saving — whether you started early or are just getting started.Topics covered:- RESP essentials and how to maximize the 20% government grant- How to invest inside your child’s RESP (and when to reduce risk)- What to do if you haven’t saved enough or at all- Using TFSAs or home equity responsibly- Teaching kids financial responsibility in their education journeyA calm, clear guide for parents who want to help their kids build a strong future—without derailing their own.Share this with another parent, and listen with your teen.Episode Links:https://rationalreminder.cahttps://pwlcapital.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Post-Secondary Education Costs00:28 Evaluating the Worth of Higher Education03:42 Scenario 1: Full Post Secondary Savings with RESPs06:23 Investment Strategies for RESPs08:48 Scenario 2: Partial Post Secondary Savings11:20 Tapping into Home Equity for Education?13:45 RESP Flexibility15:39 Scenario 3: No Post Secondary Savings16:49 Final Thoughts on Education Funding Strategies18:21 Consequences For Failing a Class

Your teen’s first paycheque is more than just money in the bank — it’s a chance to build lifelong money skills. Don’t waste it.In this episode, I’m joined by Shannon Lee Simmons, Certified Financial Planner, founder of New School of Finance and author of Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life. Together, we unpack how to turn that first job into a powerful learning moment for both teens and parents.We cover:- What every teen should understand about pay stubs, deductions, CPP, and EI- How parents can guide without lecturing (and avoid the #1 mistake)- Why teens often blow their first paycheque — and how to change that- Practical ways to encourage saving and goal-setting early- The money talk every teen needs before starting workIf your teen is 16–18 and earning their own money for the first time, this episode will show you how to help them keep, save, and enjoy their pay — without wasting the opportunity.Share this episode with another parent — or listen with your teen — to spark the conversations that build real money confidence.Episode links:https://www.newschooloffinance.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Shannon Lee Simmons03:05 Teen's First Job06:54 Allowances Before 1st Jobs08:34 Types of 1st Jobs10:40 File Taxes When You are 1812:26 How To File Taxes14:27 Understanding a Paycheck16:10 CPP - Canadian Pension Plan18:21 Good Social Media23:22 Practical Tips for Parents

How do you raise money-smart kids in today’s world of apps, online shopping, and endless “I wants”? In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, Christi Rae sits down with financial literacy pioneer Joline Godfrey, author of Raising Financially Fit Kids and founder of Bounce10, to explore the concept of financial parenting, why raising kids who are financially confident is about values as much as dollars.Together, they unpack:- What financial parenting is and how it goes beyond allowances, chores, and savings jars.- The three types of parents Joline sees today: intentional, frazzled, and outsourcing and how each can support their kids.- Why repeating money values (like “just because we can doesn’t mean we should”) is more powerful than one-time lessons.- How parents who feel financially insecure can still teach their kids—by co-learning together.- Why relying only on apps isn’t enough, and how to connect money lessons to family values.- Joline’s FISH framework (Financial, Intellectual, Social, and Human capital) and why teaching kids that wealth is more than money builds resilience for the future.Whether you’re overwhelmed, intentional, or somewhere in between, this episode will give you practical tools, fresh ideas, and reassurance that you don’t need to be a financial expert to raise financially fit kids.Show Links:Bounce 10: https://www.bounce-10.com/Raising Financially Fit book: https://a.co/d/enlQU1NChapters:00:00 Introduction to Financial Parenting00:54 What is Financial Parenting?02:18 Starting with Values04:41 Different Types of Financial Parents08:45 What if you aren't confident with finances?12:13 FISH: Financial, Intellectual, Social, Human Wealth13:53 Bounce10's Mission17:30 One Step Parents Can Start Today

In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, Christi Rae chats with Douglas Price, author of Seventeen to Millionaire, a practical and approachable book that teaches teens how to start investing and build long-term wealth.Douglas shares his journey from music educator to personal finance author, explains why investing can feel intimidating for beginners, and breaks down the first concrete steps teens (and parents) can take to start investing confidently. From understanding TFSAs and RRSPs to setting up automatic investments and building money habits, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for families.Tune in to learn how to help your teen gain financial confidence and take the first steps toward a lifetime of smart money decisions.Please share this episode with a parent who is starting to think about investing with their kid. Show Links:Seventeen to MillionaireChapters00:00 Introduction to Investing00:31 The Journey from Music to Finance Education04:31 Why Does Investing Feel so Intimidating?05:17 First Steps to Investing at 1807:49 Exploring the Benefits of TFSA10:49 Comparing TFSAs and RRSPs13:06 What Should You Invest In?14:35 How to Talk to Teens about Investing15:38 Action Steps for Teens and Parents: Starting to Invest

How do you raise kids who can thrive financially in a world of AI, climate change, and rising costs?In this episode of The Great Canadian Piggy Bank, Christi Rae sits down with Bruce Sellery, host of the Moolala podcast, bestselling author, and financial columnist for CBC , to talk about building financial resilience in kids (and parents too).Bruce shares why optimism matters, why living within your means is still the #1 money skill, and how to teach kids about money through everyday conversations instead of lectures. From emergency funds to side hustles, customer service skills to delaying gratification, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can start using at home.Tune in and get inspired to raise kids who can thrive financially, no matter what the future holds.Please share this episode with a parent, who you think will really enjoy listening. Show Links:Moolala PodcastChapters00:00 Uncertain Financial Times01:22 Optimism in Uncertain Times02:59 Navigating Unpredictability03:13 The Circle of Control06:09 Emergency Funds and Financial Education09:45 Benefit of Gig Economy11:20 The Importance of Customer Service Skills12:41 Sustainable Spending Models15:31 Living Below Your Means16:03 Common Mistakes17:25 Final Tip18:07 Using Money as a Tool19:16 Practicing Delayed Gratification

Are you accidentally passing your money anxieties on to your kids? In this episode, Christi Rae talks with financial counselor and bestselling author Jessica Moorhouse about how our upbringing and culture shape the way we think about money. They explore why money is more than just math, how to recognize your own financial anxieties, and practical ways to create open, judgment-free conversations with your kids. If you want your children to grow up with confidence instead of money stress, this conversation is for you.Please share this episode with a parent, who you think really needs to hear this right now. Show Links:https://jessicamoorhouse.com/More Money PodcastChapters00:00 Jessica Moorhouse Introduction00:32 Money is More than Math02:25 Healthy Financial Role Models04:11 Avoid Passing on Your Anxiety06:52 Unintentional Negative Money Messages10:11 Breaking the Cycle11:31 Final Takeaways

If we don’t teach our kids about money, TikTok and AI will. In this trailer episode, host Christi Rae shares why she started this podcast.Each week, Christi will sit down with money experts, educators, and authors to explore practical ways to teach Canadian kids and teens about financial literacy, budgeting, saving, and smart money habits.Whether you’re looking for tips on how to start money conversations at home, wondering how to balance allowances with digital payments, or just want to avoid passing your own money stress onto your children, this podcast is for you.Subscribe today, share with others and join the journey to raising Canadian kids who feel confident, capable, and ready to make smart financial choices.

Welcome to The Great Canadian Piggy Bank — the podcast for busy Canadian parents who want to raise money-smart kids without needing a finance degree.