Great Canadian Piggybank

Stocks, ETFs & Bonds: The Basics Every Parent Should Know | Mark McGrath

Christi Rae — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Stocks. ETFs. Mutual funds. Bonds.

These are words we hear all the time when people talk about investing, but do you actually know what you’re buying or how these investments fit together?

In this episode, Christi sits down with Mark McGrath, a Certified Financial Planner, co-founder of Finance (an advice-only financial planning firm for Canadian physicians), and co-author of Wealthier: The Investing Field Guide for Millennials, to break down the investing basics every parent should understand before teaching their kids.

You’ll also learn:

What you are actually buying when you purchase a stock
Why owning individual companies is different from owning the market
How ETFs and index funds work
Why lower fees matter when investing
What bonds are and why they still have a role in a portfolio
Why bond ETFs can go up and down in value
How to think about building a simple first investment portfolio for your kids

Whether you’re opening your first investment account, managing an RESP, or simply want to feel more confident talking to your kids about money, this episode will help you build the foundation you need.

Because before we can teach our kids about investing, we need to understand it ourselves.

Show Notes:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcgrathcfp/

IG:https://www.instagram.com/markmcgrathcfp/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mark.mcgrath.3597

Website: https://www.phynance.ca/

Book: Wealthier: The Investing Field Guide for Canadian Millennials

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Stocks and Ownership

02:15 The Allure of Individual Stocks

03:42 The Case for Diversification

06:33 Exploring ETFs and Index Funds

09:10 The Rise of ETFs

12:02 Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

12:29 The Impact of Fees on Investments

18:45 Understanding Fees and Financial Products

21:12 Demystifying Bonds: A Complex Investment

24:01 Bonds vs. Bank Loans: The Strategic Choice

27:01 Bond ETFs: Understanding Volatility

31:25 The Current State of Bonds: Are They Dead?

32:33 Building a Balanced Portfolio: Stocks, Bonds, and More

33:45 Investment Advice for Beginners: Starting Young

36:33 The Importance of Diversification in Investing

Season 3 Trailer

Christi Rae — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Season 3 of The Great Canadian Piggybank is almost here!

As our kids get older, the money questions get bigger too.

Should we be teaching our kids to invest? What do you say when your kid wants to buy crypto? How much financial freedom should we give them? Are we preparing them for life after high school—or just saving for it? And how much do we really need to spend on everything that comes with raising kids?

This season, Christi Rae sits down with financial experts, authors, educators and parents to talk about stocks, ETFs, crypto, RESPs, ADHD and money, the cost of raising kids, youth sports, financial independence and more.

No lectures. No judgment. Just practical conversations to help Canadian parents raise kids who feel more confident about money and the decisions they'll eventually have to make on their own.

Season 3 starts September 15. Follow The Great Canadian Piggybank so you don't miss an episode.

Parents’ Guide to Helping Kids Pick the Right Gift, Not Extra Gifts | Karen Holland

Christi Rae — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:22:00 GMT

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 stuff

Show Links:

Take the DIMS test: https://giftingsense.org/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mindful Gift Giving

01:52 Challenges in Gift Giving

03:56 23B in Unredeemed Gift Cards in the US

06:23 Introducing the DIMS Score Calculator

08:45 How to Use the DIMS Score

10:31 Applying Mindful Spending to All Purchases

13:34 Engaging Grandparents in Thoughtful Gift Giving

14:41 Building Confidence Through Financial Literacy

14:51 The Importance of Early Financial Education

16:46 Do Kids Really Enjoy Doing the DIMS Score?

18:54 One Small Change You Can Make This Holiday Season

19:51 Where Should Parents Start?

First Paycheque Tips for Teens: Building Lifelong Financial Habits | Shannon Lee Simmons

Christi Rae — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:20:03 GMT

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 work

If 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 Simmons

03:05 Teen's First Job

06:54 Allowances Before 1st Jobs

08:34 Types of 1st Jobs

10:40 File Taxes When You are 18

12:26 How To File Taxes

14:27 Understanding a Paycheck

16:10 CPP - Canadian Pension Plan

18:21 Good Social Media

23:22 Practical Tips for Parents

Money, AI, and Climate: How to Future-Proof Your Kids’ Finances | Bruce Sellery

Christi Rae — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:30:00 GMT

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 Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Uncertain Financial Times

01:22 Optimism in Uncertain Times

02:59 Navigating Unpredictability

03:13 The Circle of Control

06:09 Emergency Funds and Financial Education

09:45 Benefit of Gig Economy

11:20 The Importance of Customer Service Skills

12:41 Sustainable Spending Models

15:31 Living Below Your Means

16:03 Common Mistakes

17:25 Final Tip

18:07 Using Money as a Tool

19:16 Practicing Delayed Gratification

Why Parents Know What to Do With Money, But Still Don’t Do It | Preet Banerjee

Christi Rae — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:15:00 GMT

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/yourmoneydegree

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preetbanerjee/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PreetBanerjee

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@preetbanerjee

Chapter List:

00:00 Understanding the Financial Behavior Gap

02:47 The Empathy Gap and Future Self

06:36 Automating Financial Decisions

10:06 Taking Action on Financial Intentions

11:57 Teaching Money Skills for an AI Future

15:53 Creating Emotional Safety Around Money Conversations

17:59 Summary

Fair vs Equal: Inheritance, Blended Families, and Preventing Conflict | Eli The Money Guy

Christi Rae — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:52:00 GMT

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.ca
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@elithemoneyguy
Tik Tok  tiktok.com/@elithemoneyguy
Instagram  instagram.com/elithemoneyguy
Facebook  facebook.com/upfinancial.

Chapters List:00:00 Navigating Inheritance: Fairness vs. Equality

02:46 The Emotional Landscape of Inheritance

05:13 Supporting Children with Different Needs

07:10 Communication: The Key to Family Harmony

08:46 Blended Families and Inheritance Challenges

11:19 Cultural Perspectives on Inheritance

13:49 Giving with a Warm Hand vs. Cold Hand

14:03 The Consequences of Inaction

15:44 Tools for Smooth Inheritance Distribution

18:05 Taking Action: First Steps for Parents

Is Social Media Distorting Your Child’s Wealth? Understanding Money Dysmorphia | David Delisle

Christi Rae — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:15:00 GMT

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/@theawesomestuff

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theawesomestuff

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnlyBuyTheAwesomeStuff

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theawesomestuff

TedX Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG8V8UIXXQM

The Golden Quest Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Golden-Quest-Your-Journey-Rich/dp/1777718929

Chapters List:

00:00 What is Money Dysmorphia

02:30 The Impact of Social Media on Perception

05:16 Recognizing Signs of Money Dysmorphia

06:50 The Awesome Stuff Movement

10:23 Experiences vs. Material Goods

13:21 Mindful Spending and Parenting Strategies

15:01 Encouraging Autonomy in Financial Decisions

16:26 Defining Awesome Stuff for Kids

17:51 Engaging Conversations About Money

19:02 Money Dysmorphia Summary

2025 Wrap Up: 7 Money Lessons from the Experts

Christi Rae — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:45:00 GMT

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 Podcast

Joline Godfrey: https://www.bounce-10.com ⁠

Douglas Price: Seventeen to Millionaire ⁠

Shannon Lee Simmons: https://www.newschooloffinance.com/

Dan Bortolloti: ⁠https://rationalreminder.ca

⁠Robin Taub: https://www.thewisestinvestment.com/

Melissa Leong: ⁠https://www.melissaleong.com/

Karen Holland: https://giftingsense.org/

Richard Coffin: https://www.youtube.com/@theplainbagel

Kornel Szrejber: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildWealthCanadaShow

Nejeed Kassam: ⁠https://www.copi.money/

Lesley-Anne Scorgie: https://www.mevest.ca

Chapters List:

00:00 Introduction to Money Conversations

00:33 Lesson 1: Talk about Money

01:22 Lesson 2: Understand their Money Personality

02:12 Lesson 3: Family Values

02:30 Lesson 4: Delayed Gratification

02:57 Lesson 5: Allowance is a Tool

03:24 Lesson 6: Needs vs Wants

04:17 Lesson 7: You are the Boss of your Money

Finfluencers Exposed: How to Tell Good Advice from Bad | The Plain Bagel

Christi Rae — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:29:00 GMT

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 literacy

Show Links:

The Plain Bagel:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theplainbagel

X: @The_Plain_Bagel

Free Financial Classes:- https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/- https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-accounting-and-finance/teachers-and-guidance-counsellors/financial-literacy-classroom

Professional Accreditation Check:

CFA: https://directory.cfainstitute.org/

CFP: https://www.fpcanada.ca/planner-directory

Registered Financial Advisors: https://info.securities-administrators.ca/nrsmobile/nrssearch.aspx

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to TikTok Money Advice

01:49 The Dangers of Bad Financial Advice

03:43 Why Aren't There Regulations in Online Financial Advice?

05:05 Common Misleading Financial Advice

06:30 Red Flags in Financial Advice

11:47 Good Online Creators

13:06 Advice for Young Investors in a Noisy Market

16:11 One Piece of Advice to Parents to Help Avoid Scams

18:11 90% of benefits comes from 1st 10% of effort

Wills & Estate Planning for Parents: The Basics You Can’t Ignore | Eli The Money Guy

Christi Rae — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:48:00 GMT

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.ca⁠

Youtube: ⁠www.youtube.com/@elithemoneyguy⁠

TikTok ⁠tiktok.com/@elithemoneyguy⁠

Instagram ⁠instagram.com/elithemoneyguy⁠

Facebook ⁠facebook.com/upfinancial⁠

Chapters List:

00:00 Navigating Financial Support for Kids

00:32 Understanding Trusts and Estate Planning

04:03 Informal vs. Formal Trusts

07:40 Balancing Support and Independence

10:22 Planning Inheritance: When and How?

11:32 Guardianship and Child Welfare

12:41 Understanding TFSAs and RESPs

14:07 Gifting: Now vs. Later

15:45 Supporting Adult Children Financially

17:22 Instilling Financial Values in Children

The Sandwich Generation Survival Guide: Boundaries, Budgets, and Guilt | Parween Mander

Christi Rae — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:25:00 GMT

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 them
Why balancing support, savings, and retirement is essential to breaking cycles of scarcity
How to raise cycle-breaking kids without passing down money trauma
What it really means to move from survival mode to financial safety

This 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 guilt

Show Links:

Website: TheWealthyWolfe.ca

Instagram: @parween.mander

TikTok: @parweenmoneycoach

Chapter List:

00:00 Navigating Financial Pressures in Immigrant Families

02:51 Setting Financial Boundaries with Parents

05:55 Breaking the Cycle of Financial Scarcity

08:38 Teaching Kids About Money Without Trauma

11:38 Balancing Family Support and Personal Financial Goals

14:38 Understanding Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures

16:43 Shifting from Survival Mode to Safety Mode

19:22 The Journey of a Financial Counselor

Teaching Kids About Money in a Cashless World: A conversation with Mydoh CEO Angelique de Montbrun

Christi Rae — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:15:00 GMT

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 essential
How digital money changes the way kids understand spending
Balancing parental control with real financial independence
Why flexibility matters when teaching neurodivergent kids about money
How money education needs to evolve as kids grow
What it actually means to raise financially confident kids

This 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-piggybank

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@mydohapp
Tik Tok tiktok.com/@mydoh
Instagram instagram.com/mydohapp
Facebook facebook.com/mydohapp/

Chapters List:

00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Kids

00:58 Understanding the Mydoh App

04:10 Identifying Gaps in Financial Education

06:15 The Role of Parents in Financial Education

07:19 Challenges of Digital Money Management

07:58 Balancing Control and Autonomy

10:13 Adapting Financial Education as Kids Grow

12:08 Inclusivity in Financial Tools

14:00 Supporting Neurodivergent Kids

15:07 The Future of Financial Education with AI

17:30 Hopes for the Next Generation's Financial Future

Paying for Post-Secondary: A Canadian Parent’s Guide to RESPs, Student Debt & Smart Choices | Dan Bortolotti

Christi Rae — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:01:00 GMT

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 journey

A 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.ca

https://pwlcapital.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Post-Secondary Education Costs

00:28 Evaluating the Worth of Higher Education

03:42 Scenario 1: Full Post Secondary Savings with RESPs

06:23 Investment Strategies for RESPs

08:48 Scenario 2: Partial Post Secondary Savings

11:20 Tapping into Home Equity for Education?

13:45 RESP Flexibility

15:39 Scenario 3: No Post Secondary Savings

16:49 Final Thoughts on Education Funding Strategies

18:21 Consequences For Failing a Class

How Parents Can Adapt to Their Teens’ New Money Reality | Rob Carrick

Christi Rae — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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 teens
How parents can talk honestly about money mistakes without shame
What saving should look like for teens (and what it shouldn’t)
Rethinking home ownership, renting, and “success” in Canada today
Simple questions that open meaningful money conversations at home

This 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 Test

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000463112714

Chapters List:

00:47 Biggest Shift

03:49 Parental Guilt

05:19 Helping Out Financially

07:03 Keeping Kid's Grit

09:21 Modern Update to 10% Rule

12:47 Habit of Saving

12:58 Moneys Skills that Matter

14:11 Housing Alternatives

16:43 Simplest First Step

18:23 High Risk Investing

19:36 One Question to Ask Tonight

20:56 Takeaways

Avoid Passing Financial Baggage to Your Children | Jessica Moorhouse

Christi Rae — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 01:30:01 GMT

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 Podcast

Chapters

00:00 Jessica Moorhouse Introduction

00:32 Money is More than Math

02:25 Healthy Financial Role Models

04:11 Avoid Passing on Your Anxiety

06:52 Unintentional Negative Money Messages

10:11 Breaking the Cycle

11:31 Final Takeaways

Introduction

Christi Rae — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 02:00:00 GMT

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.

Allowance Tips for Parents: How Much to Give, When, and Why | Robin Taub

Christi Rae — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:49:00 GMT

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/RobinTaubFinancialConsulting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robintaub/

Chapters:

00:00 The Power of Allowance

02:37 Should Allowance Be Tied to Chores?

04:20 Determining Allowance Amounts

06:05 What If Families Can't Afford an Allowance?

07:11 Digital vs. Cash Allowance

09:47 Starting Allowance: Age and Method

11:50 Stop Allowance When Teen Gets a Job?

12:56 Shifting from Allowance to Budgeting

14:03 Aligning Financial Personalities with Values

17:33 One Step to Take this Week

How to Teach Kids Money Skills Before Social Media Influences Them | Joline Godfrey

Christi Rae — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:00:00 GMT

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/enlQU1N

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Financial Parenting

00:54 What is Financial Parenting?

02:18 Starting with Values

04:41 Different Types of Financial Parents

08:45 What if you aren't confident with finances?

12:13 FISH: Financial, Intellectual, Social, Human Wealth

13:53 Bounce10's Mission

17:30 One Step Parents Can Start Today

How to Help Your Teen Build Credit: A Guide for Canadian Parents | Barry Choi

Christi Rae — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:50:00 GMT

How Teens Build Credit in Canada: Credit Cards, Buy Now Pay Later, and Common Mistakes

Credit 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_choi⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/moneywehave⁠

Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BarryChoi/shorts⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@barry_choi⁠

Chapter List:

00:00 Building Credit

01:30 Credit Basics

02:03 How is Credit Different Today?

02:52 How to Build Credit

04:45 When to Obtain a Credit Card

05:24 Buy Now, Pay Later Options

08:40 Common Credit Mistakes

09:29 Credit Scores

10:48 When to CoSign

12:43 TakeAways

Which Account Should You Open First? TFSA vs RRSP vs FHSA | Toby Manson

Christi Rae — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:25:00 GMT

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 Parents

00:48 Understanding TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA

02:51 Tax Benefits of Registered Accounts

05:11 Choosing the Right Account for Young Adults

07:11 Transitioning from TFSA to RRSP

07:43 Overcoming Financial Intimidation

08:51 Navigating DIY Investing vs. Financial Planning

10:20 Understanding Financial Planning for Beginners

11:35 Building Relationships with Financial Advisors

12:38 Balancing Saving and Enjoying Life

13:27 Key Takeaways for Young Investors

14:35 Summary

Season 2 Trailer

Christi Rae — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:36:44 GMT

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.

Investing Without Fear: Tips for Beginners | Douglas Price

Christi Rae — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:30:00 GMT

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 Millionaire

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Investing

00:31 The Journey from Music to Finance Education

04:31 Why Does Investing Feel so Intimidating?

05:17 First Steps to Investing at 18

07:49 Exploring the Benefits of TFSA

10:49 Comparing TFSAs and RRSPs

13:06 What Should You Invest In?

14:35 How to Talk to Teens about Investing

15:38 Action Steps for Teens and Parents: Starting to Invest

Smart Money Tips for 18–25 Year Olds: Adulting with Confidence | Lesley-Anne Scorgie

Christi Rae — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:43:00 GMT

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-care
Start saving and investing early (robo-advisors, ETFs, crypto basics)
Navigate debt and the gig economy
Make values-based money decisions
Balance financial responsibility with enjoying life today

Perfect for parents guiding young adults or 20-somethings navigating their first independent finances.

Episode Links:

MeVest: https://www.mevest.ca

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Financial Confidence for Young Adults

00:53 The Importance of Early Financial Habits

03:17 Investing: Starting Early and Choosing Wisely

05:20 Navigating Financial Influencers and Social Media

06:31 Understanding High-Risk Investments and Crypto

07:57 Reframing Budgeting as Empowerment

10:01 The Impact of Gig Work on Wealth Building

12:43 Financial Well-Being and Young Adults

13:39 Balancing Life Goals and Financial Realities

17:02 10% Save Rule Reimagined

18:19 3 Step Starter Plan

How Young Canadians Can Achieve Financial Freedom in 2025 | Kornel Szrejber

Christi Rae — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:33:00 GMT

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 journey

Tune 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/@BuildWealthCanadaShow

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding the FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early)Movement

02:21 Financial Independence for the Younger Generation

02:43 What is the 4% Rule

03:29 Ways to Achieve Financial Independence (FI)

05:52 Balancing FI with Value Driven Lifestyle

08:18 Partial Financial Independence

09:28 Finfluencers and Get Rich Quick

11:41 Understanding Index Investing

12:57 The Impact of Finfluencers on Gen Z

15:09 Advice for Young Investors

15:11 3 Steps to Starting the FI Journey

AI and Parenting: How to Teach Kids About Money | Nejeed Kassam

Christi Rae — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:07:00 GMT

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 home
Red flags to watch for in financial apps and AI tools
Why “financial instincts” still matter more than data
How parents can stay in the loop as coaches and co-learners
The line between using AI as a helper, not a crutch for money conversations at home

It’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 Education

02:59 Red Flags in Evaluating AI Tools

05:35 Trust and Safety in AI Financial Tools

07:58 The Parent's Role in Financial Education

09:45 AI as a Supplement to Traditional Financial Teaching

12:06 The Hype vs. Reality of AI in Youth Finance

14:16 Introducing Copi.Money: A New Financial Tool

17:30 Comparing AI Tools to Traditional Methods

19:07 Using AI as an Ally in Teaching Money

19:35 Summary

Financial Skills Every Child Needs by Age 12: Building Smart Money Habits | Melissa Leong

Christi Rae — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:28:00 GMT

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 chaotic

Why 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 Money

02:16 Understanding Money and Happiness

05:40 Age 5: Trade offs

06:36 Age 6-9: Delaying Gratification and Decision Making

09:05 Age 10-12: Practice Opportunities

10:58 Common Mistakes in Teaching Budgeting

13:03 Emotional Intelligence and Money Management

14:55 Building a Money Personality

15:40 Creating Memorable Experiences with Money

16:56 Modeling Calm Transparency in Money Matters

19:17 Neutral Money Conversations for a Calmer Home

21:23 My Takeaways

Why I Started The Great Canadian Piggybank

Christi Rae — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:34:10 GMT

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.

The Parent's Tax Playbook: From Diapers to Dividends | Adrian Bar (Canadian in a T-Shirt)

Christi Rae — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:44:00 GMT

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 payments
Why 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 credits
How to think about FHSA vs TFSA when helping your kids take their first financial steps

This 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/canadiantshirt

Chapter List:

00:00 Introduction to Tax Planning for Parents

00:50 Maximizing Benefits: The CCB Double Dip Strategy

03:33 RRSP vs. TFSA: Making the Right Choice

07:39 Filing Taxes as a Teen: Why It Matters

11:44 Understanding RESPs and the 13-Week Rule

14:25 Prioritizing Withdrawals from RESPs

16:08 Navigating RESP Withdrawals and Tax Implications

18:29 Navigating Financial Independence for Young Adults

18:49 Understanding the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

25:38 Key Financial Rules for Parents

28:23 Summary

Bonus: 4 Holiday Money Lessons for My Kid (A Real-Life Experiment)

Christi Rae — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:27:00 GMT

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/