In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, Bruce dedicates a full hour to personal finance legend David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber. Nearly four decades and millions of copies later, Chilton has fully updated his Canadian classic for a new generation facing soaring housing costs, ubiquitous credit and constant social-media-fueled temptation. He shares the story behind the original book, why he chose a barbershop narrative, how he self-published before it was cool, and what really happened when Canada Trust and Costco helped turn The Wealthy Barber into a phenomenon. Bruce and David also talk about family, travel, homeschooling, and what it was like for his kids to grow up with “the Wealthy Barber guy” as their dad. Then, they dig into the money lessons that still matter most: paying yourself first, crushing high-interest debt, using spending summaries to spot the leaks, and why car costs are quietly wrecking so many budgets. David explains how small daily changes can add up to fully funding a TFSA, why side hustles can be a game-changer, and how high-fee products still undermine long-term returns. He also looks ahead to the future of money, from AI and employment to open banking, and shares the one change he wishes every Canadian would see: practical, engaging financial education for teens that actually sticks. Find out more check out thewealthybarber.com and connect on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter. 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

Investment coach Aman Raina shares his personal story supporting a parent with dementia and outlines signs it may be time to help: compulsive calls, unpaid bills, or social withdrawal. He offers a compassionate playbook: start with check-ins, get power of attorney in place, organize key documents and accounts, and understand bank rules so you’re acting on-side. For adult children juggling careers and families, Aman’s framework reduces overwhelm and helps you move from awkward conversations to concrete steps that safeguard your parents’ money and their dignity. Find out more on agingparentsfinance.com and connect on Threads, BluSky and LinkedIn.

Portfolio manager Matt Ardrey demystifies the RRSP-to-RRIF conversion: when it must happen, how minimum withdrawals are calculated, and ways to avoid common pitfalls like OAS clawback and large end-of-life tax bills. He covers in-kind transfers (to fund a TFSA or non-registered account without selling), coordinating multiple RRIFs, and building a portfolio that reliably generates income so you’re not forced to sell at a loss. Practical, Canadian-specific guidance to make decumulation smoother and more tax efficient for the long haul. Connect on X/Twitter and LinkedIn.

TikTok creator Claudia Gleason walks through her simple, transparent payday routine, starting with the pay amount, then allocating to emergency savings, rent, debt paydown, and goal buckets like travel. She explains using multiple high-interest savings accounts (or labeled buckets) to keep goals visible, how she leaves herself a realistic biweekly spend, and why public accountability helps habits stick. You’ll learn a flexible framework you can copy in minutes (no investing degree required) plus ideas for prioritizing funds when life changes (moving, big purchases) without abandoning long-term goals. Find Claudia on TikTok and connect on Instagram.

Willful CEO Erin Bury explains the real-world costs of dying without a will - court delays, guardianship decisions for children, and extra legal fees and why powers of attorney for personal care and finances matter just as much. She debunks the “old or rich” myth, shows how modern online Will tools make it fast, affordable, and updatable, and shares the life events that should trigger action (kids, marriage/divorce, buying a home). Plus: tips for choosing an executor, organizing passwords and account lists, and why “progress over perfection” protects your family now. Connect with Willful on Instagram and X/Twitter. Connect with Erin on Instagram and X/Twitter.

This week on Moolala: Money Made Simple, Bruce Sellery explores the “light bulb moments” that change how we manage money, starting with wills and estate planning. Willful CEO Erin Bury explains why every Canadian adult should have a will and powers of attorney, how today’s online tools make it fast and affordable, and what really happens to your family if you don’t. Then creator Claudia Gleason breaks down her viral payday routine on TikTok: biweekly budgeting, naming savings buckets, and balancing emergency funds with fun money—so you can borrow the parts that fit your life. Next, Matt Ardrey from TriDelta Private Wealth, demystifies the RRSP-to-RRIF conversion: minimum withdrawals, tax implications, in- kind transfers, and portfolio tips for sustainable retirement income. Finally, investment coach Aman Raina shares practical signs it may be time to help your parents with their finances, plus steps to make that conversation and the paperwork easier. To find out more about the guests check out: Erin Bury: Instagram | X/Twitter Willful: Instagram | X/Twitter Claudia Gleason: TikTok | Instagram Matt Ardrey: X/Twitter | LinkedIn Aman Raina: agingparentsfinance.com | Threads | BluSky | 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 | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Jonathan Hackett, Head of Sustainable Finance at BMO, explains how the bank’s Indigenous Bond channels capital to Indigenous-owned businesses, community infrastructure, and on-reserve lending while meeting institutional investor demand for measurable social impact. We dig into how these bonds differ from “plain vanilla” debt, why supply and long-term holding matter, and what retail investors can realistically do (think sustainable bond funds). Plus: a candid look at risk management, data, and why doing the homework often leads to lower loan losses and better long-term outcomes.

PWL Capital Portfolio manager, Dan Bartolotti, walks through how to support parents or relatives in financial trouble without sinking your own plan. We discuss assessing whether you can help via a real financial plan (not back-of-the-envelope), setting clear boundaries to avoid enabling overspending, and deciding when “strings attached” make sense. You’ll hear best practices for sibling coordination, navigating incomplete info or embarrassment, and preparing for cognitive decline with tools like trusted contacts and powers of attorney.

Fee-only planner and author Shannon Lee Simmons shares the formative experience that shaped her approach to rainy-day money and why the act of saving beats chasing a perfect number. We cover how to size an emergency fund based on your income risk (entrepreneur vs. salaried), the psychology of having cash on hand to avoid debt, and a pragmatic target: cover core bills and groceries for at least one cycle. You’ll learn how to protect your sleep at 3 a.m., keep “mad money” untouchable, and build a buffer that fits your real life, not someone else’s rule of thumb. Connect with New School of Finance on Instagram and connect with Shannon on Instagram.

In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, host Bruce Sellery explores the “lightbulb moments” that change how we handle money. Fee-only planner and author Shannon Lee Simmons shares the personal story that shaped her approach to emergency funds, why the act of saving matters more than a magic number, how to tailor the size of your fund to your risk and income, and practical ways to avoid sliding into debt when life throws a curveball. Then, portfolio manager Dan Bartolotti of PWL Capital tackles a thorny topic: helping parents or loved ones financially. He lays out clear steps to decide if and how you can help without jeopardizing your own retirement, set healthy boundaries, and navigate family dynamics with transparency. Plus, Jonathan Hackett, Head of Sustainable Finance at BMO, explains the bank’s Indigenous Bond - how sustainable debt can channel capital to Indigenous businesses and communities. Finally, certified death doula Michelle Leray demystifies end-of-life support and connects it to estate planning and family conversations you should start now.  Subscribe, review, and share to help more Canadians get confident about their money. To find out more about the guests check out: Shannon Lee Simmons: Instagram New School of Finance: 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 | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn

Becky Western-Macfadyen, Manager of Financial Coaching and Education of Credit Canada, introduces EASE (Economic Abuse Support and Empowerment), a program designed to help survivors of intimate-partner violence recover financially. She explains how economic abuse damages credit and confidence, and how trauma-informed financial coaching restores control, security, and long-term independence. Connect with Becky on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X/Twitter.

Financial coach Alanna Abramsky, founder of Broad Money, explains seven proven ways to manage cash flow, from zero-based and 50/30/20 budgets to pay-yourself-first and the envelope system, and how to pick the one that aligns with your habits, goals, and income. Learn simple ways to track spending, plan ahead, and stay consistent so budgeting feels realistic, not restrictive. Find out more at broadmoney.ca and connect on Instagram.

Rob Kilner from Spergel shares insights from their national Debt Load and Psychological Well-Being Study, revealing how financial pressure, social-media comparison, and stigma heighten anxiety and depression. He discusses real-world solutions, from debt management plans to professional credit counselling, that help Canadians reduce stress, rebuild stability, and regain peace of mind. Connect with Rob on X/Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Becca Mintz, Vice-President of Credit & Data at Capital One Canada, clears up the biggest misconceptions about credit scores, like whether checking your score hurts it, if income matters, and how “soft” versus “hard” inquiries work. She offers practical tips for building and repairing credit responsibly, managing utilization, and spotting reporting errors before they cost you points. Connect with Becca on Instagram and Facebook.

This episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple with host Bruce Sellery dives into the practical, the psychological, and the empowering side of money management. First, financial coach Alana Abramsky, founder of Broad Money, outlines seven proven approaches to budgeting, from zero-based and goals-based methods to the envelope system, showing how to find a money plan that fits your lifestyle. Then, Becca Mintz, Vice President of Credit and Data at Capital One Canada, joins Bruce to bust common credit myths, including whether checking your score hurts it, how income affects credit, and what “hard hits” and “soft hits” really mean. Plus, Rob Kilner from Spergel shares insights from their annual Debt Load and Psychological Well-Being Study, revealing how debt stress, social media pressures, and stigma intersect and what truly helps people move toward financial recovery. Finally, Becky Western-Macfadyen from Credit Canada introduces EASE, a groundbreaking program that helps survivors of intimate partner violence regain financial stability and confidence. To find out more about the guests check out: Becca Mintz: Instagram | Facebook Rob Kilner: X/Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Alanna Abramsky: broadmoney.ca | Instagram Becky Western-Macfadyen: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X/Twitter 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

Author Jane Blaufus shares hard-won lessons on having courageous conversations about money and estate planning. She outlines where to start (with yourself), how to bring in family without escalating conflict, and the four pro “legs” to consult: financial advisor, lawyer, accountant, and funeral pre-planning. Jane also stresses writing everything down from wishes to contacts and key documents so loved ones aren’t making 90+ decisions in crisis. Gentle, practical steps to protect the people you care about. Find out more at janeblaufus.com and connect on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Rebecca Oakes, VP of Analytics at Equifax Canada, introduces Optimal Path, an AI-driven tool that translates your credit data into realistic, step-by-step actions to raise your credit score. Think concrete guidance on utilization, payment consistency, and balances, plus estimated point gains over the next ~3 months. Rebecca explains how the model personalizes advice (not one-size-fits-all), where consumers will access it via banks/fintechs, and how AI can both improve coaching and combat fraud. Clear, actionable insights for Canadians looking to build stronger credit. Find out more at equifax.ca and connect on X/Twitter and LinkedIn.

Psychiatrist Dr. Sally Satel, medical director of a methadone clinic, explains contingency management - a harm-reduction approach where clients receive small, escalating rewards (e.g., gift cards) for clean tests. She covers why this behavioural nudge works especially for stimulant addictions (where no gold-standard meds exist), typical program structures, cost/benefit logic, and how incentives can jump-start a virtuous cycle toward work, relationships, and stability. A nuanced, evidence-informed look at an approach that’s effective yet often misunderstood. Find out more on Substack and connect on X/Twitter.

Bruce talks with retired Globe and Mail personal-finance columnist Rob Carrick about 30 years of investor wisdom. Rob explains why low-cost ETFs win for most Canadians, the hidden risks of high-yield dividend stocks, and why bonds are helpful, but not perfect, shock absorbers. He also breaks down how to think about market crashes (buying when it feels worst), the danger of chasing trends like private credit/equity for retail investors, and why money you’ll need within five years doesn’t belong in stocks. Practical, time-tested guidance for building a calmer, smarter portfolio.  

This episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple digs into real-world tools and timeless lessons to help you manage your money with more confidence. We start with Equifax Canada’s Rebecca Oakes on “Optimal Path,” an AI-driven feature that translates your own credit data into clear, realistic steps - think concrete targets for utilization, payment consistency, and score impact over the next three months. Then psychiatrist Dr. Sally Satel explains “contingency management,” a harm-reduction approach where clinics pay meth users small, escalating rewards to sustain abstinence and why the data shows it works for tough clinical cases. Veteran personal-finance columnist Rob Carrick joins Bruce to unpack 30 years of lessons, from ETF simplicity and diversification to the traps of trend-chasing, dividend myths, imperfect bond hedges, and why market crashes are buying opportunities (if your timeline is long enough). We close with author Jane Blaufus on having courageous conversations about money and estate planning - what to discuss, how to persist, and why writing it down matters when life gets hard. Practical, candid, and Canadian: this episode helps you take the next step, wherever you’re starting. To find out more about the guests check out: Dr. Sally Satel: Substack | X/Twitter Rebecca Oakes: equifax.ca | X/Twitter | LinkedIn Jane Blaufus: janeblaufus.com | 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 | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn