Financial Literacy Canada

Why Index Investing Is Powerful

Most people begin investing by asking, “What should I buy?” But according to Dan Bortolotti, that’s the wrong place to start. Dan - portfolio manager at PWL Capital, founder of Canadian Couch Potato, and author of Reboot Your Portfolio - joins Financial Literacy Canada to explain why beating the market shouldn’t be your goal… and why most people who try end up underperforming. In this conversation, we also explore: * The evidence behind index investing * Why diversification across Canada, the U.S., and international markets matters * Why Canadians should own Canadian equities (despite Canada being only ~3% of the global market) * How index ETFs work * And how to decide whether you truly need a financial advisor If you want to invest with less stress, fewer decisions, and more long-term confidence, this episode may help you develop a clearer roadmap.

How Our Background and Human Nature Shape Our Relationship With Money

Most personal finance advice focuses on numbers: budgets, investing, and strategies to grow your money. But what if your biggest money challenges have less to do with math, and more to do with your past? My guest today is Jessica Moorhouse, financial educator and author of Everything But Money. Jessica has spent over a decade helping Canadians understand not just how money works, but why we behave the way we do with it. In our conversation, Jessica explains how childhood experiences, family patterns, trauma, and human psychology shape our relationship with money. We discuss common emotional struggles like shame, fear, and anxiety, the toxic money behaviors many people fall into. If you’ve ever felt stuck financially despite knowing what you “should” do, this episode offers a more human, honest approach to building a healthier relationship with money.

How to Invest Simply and Successfully: A Guide for Ordinary Canadians

You’ve probably heard plenty of advice about the importance of investing. But how do you actually get started if you don’t know much about it? My guest today is John Robertson - author of The Value of Simple, one of the most respected investing guides in Canada. John has spent decades helping Canadians understand the basics of investing, and is known for breaking down complex ideas into clear, practical steps anyone can follow. In our conversation, John explains the different types of investments, why most people should avoid picking individual stocks, and why index fund ETFs are often a smarter, more reliable choice. He also explains his four-step process for starting to invest on your own and some common beginner mistakes to watch out for. Whether you’re completely new to investing or already on your way, this episode delivers valuable insights and down-to-earth wisdom to help you build a more confident financial future.

Smart Ways to Save Money in Canada

You’ve heard the advice that to get ahead financially, you need to cut costs, and save more. But what if there was a way to do that without giving up the things you enjoy - no drastic lifestyle changes, just smarter decisions that free up cash every month? My guest today is Gordon Stein, a keynote speaker, an educator and an author of Cashflow Cookbook. In our conversation, we talk about how Canadians can save hundreds of dollars a month by rethinking routine expenses - from utilities and insurance to subscriptions and even the way you shop. We also discuss the mindset shift that makes saving feel effortless, how investing those savings can compound into long-term freedom and the metrics you can use to measure your finances. If you’ve ever felt that saving money means missing out, this episode will show you a smarter, simpler way to take control of your finances and keep more of what you earn.

Understanding Income Tax in Canada: The Basics You Need to Know

When people think about income tax, they often think about tax filing season. But understanding how taxes actually work is one of the most important parts of building wealth. Taxes influence where we save and how we invest. My guest is Amanda Doucette, a tax lawyer, TEP, and host of The Tax Chick podcast. In our conversation, Amanda breaks down the fundamentals of Canada’s tax system — what taxable income really means, how marginal tax rates work, and why understanding these basics helps you make smarter use of registered accounts like the RRSP, TFSA, RESP and FHSA.