PODCAST

The MapleMoney Show

Tom Drake

The MapleMoney Show is a personal finance podcast helping Canadians learn how to make money, save money, invest money, and spend money in a way that helps you create lasting financial freedom. More information at https://maplemoney.com
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Understanding the Basics of Disability and Critical Illness Insurance, with Kristen Fazio
Understanding the Basics of Disability and Critical Illness Insurance, with Kristen Fazio
Today
32 mins
Understanding the Basics of Disability and Critical Illness Insurance, with Kristen Fazio
Understanding the Basics of Disability and Critical Illness Insurance, with Kristen Fazio
When most of us think about insurance, we think of life insurance - protecting our loved ones after we die. But what about insurance to cover you and your family while you’re still alive? This week on The MapleMoney Show, I tackle the subject of disability and critical illness insurance with my guest, Kristen Fazio. Kristen explains how disability and critical illness insurance differs from life insurance. For one, life insurance is very straightforward, you’re either alive, or you’re not. Disability and critical illness insurance are considered living benefits - it protects you while you’re still alive. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/198 This episode of The MapleMoney Show is brought to you by Willful. Did you know that 57% of Canadian adults don’t have a will? Willful has made it more affordable, convenient, and easy for Canadians to create legal Will and Power of Attorney documents online from the comfort of home. In less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve put a plan in place to protect your children, pets, and loved ones in the event of an emergency. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
Today
32 mins
Worthwhile Eco-Friendly Upgrades as a Solo Homeowner, with Jordann Brown
Worthwhile Eco-Friendly Upgrades as a Solo Homeowner, with Jordann Brown
Purchasing an older home and then funding major renovations is hard enough for two people, let alone one. The numbers can get tricky in the current housing market if you’re a solo homeowner. This week on The MapleMoney Show, I brought in an expert. Jordann Brown is a content marketing manager for Zolo and a personal finance expert who writes on topics such as debt management, homeownership, and budgeting. She has been featured in publications including The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and CBC. Over the past few years, Jordann has spent a significant amount of money on eco-friendly renovations to her Halifax home. I sat down with Jordann this week to find out more about her experience, and how she manages her budget as a solo homeowner. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/197 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
1w ago
29 mins
What the Bank Isn’t Telling You About Your Mortgage, with Brighton Gbarazia
What the Bank Isn’t Telling You About Your Mortgage, with Brighton Gbarazia
Does applying for a mortgage seem overwhelming? With all of the complicated rules and jargon, it’s easy to feel like you’re at a disadvantage when dealing with your bank or mortgage broker. This week’s guest is here to help. Brighton Gbarazia is a mortgage broker, finance expert, and author of the book, Master Your Mortgage: What the Bank Won’t Tell You About Buying the Right Home. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, he spent over a decade gathering game-changing skills, knowledge, and wisdom from his roles as a financial advisor and mortgage underwriter at Canada’s largest banks and credit unions. I sat down with Brighton this week to find out what your bank is really looking for in a mortgage application. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/196 This episode of The MapleMoney Show is brought to you by Willful. Did you know that 57% of Canadian adults don’t have a will? Willful has made it more affordable, convenient, and easy for Canadians to create legal Will and Power of Attorney documents online from the comfort of home. In less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve put a plan in place to protect your children, pets, and loved ones in the event of an emergency. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
11-05-2022
31 mins
The Benefit of Having Multiple Emergency Funds, with Alyssa Davies
The Benefit of Having Multiple Emergency Funds, with Alyssa Davies
Does dealing with your finances cause you anxiety? If so, how do you handle it? My guest this week has a clever approach to conquering money-related anxiety - multiple emergency funds. Alyssa Davies is a content manager for Zolo and the published author of The 100 Day Financial Goal Journal. Her newest book, Financial First Aid, hit stores on May 3rd. Alyssa is also the founder of the two-time award-winning Canadian Personal Finance Blog of the Year, Mixed Up Money. I sat down with Alyssa this week to chat about her unique approach to emergency funds, and the complicated relationship between our emotions and our bank account. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/195 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
04-05-2022
28 mins
Investing in Industrial Real Estate, with Chad Griffiths
Investing in Industrial Real Estate, with Chad Griffiths
The Canadian real estate industry is buzzing these days, but many people don’t realize that there’s more to real estate than houses and apartment blocks. Industrial real estate is also booming, and there is an opportunity for some investors to buy in. Chad Griffiths has been an industrial real estate broker since 2005 and an investor since 2014. As a member of a global commercial real estate company and a partner with his local firm, Chad has completed over 500 deals with clients ranging from small companies to large institutional owners. Chad joins the show this week to explain how industrial real estate works, and how a person can get started investing in industrial properties. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/194 Willful’s user-friendly online platform means you can create your legal will and Power of Attorney documents from the comfort of home in less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%
27-04-2022
43 mins
Renovating Your Home for Resale, with Jennifer Hooper
Renovating Your Home for Resale, with Jennifer Hooper
When it comes to home renovations, you want to know that the money you spend will lead to a return on your investment down the road. But not all home renos are worth the money when it comes to boosting resale value. How do you know what updates are worth the cost, and which ones to avoid. Jennifer Hooper is a Calgary-based real estate agent with more than 10 years of industry experience. She joins me this week to talk about the types of renovations that increase a home’s resale value and the ones that don’t. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/193 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
20-04-2022
26 mins
Anything Is Possible When You Give, with Bob and Linda Lotich
Anything Is Possible When You Give, with Bob and Linda Lotich
When you look around, it’s easy to see how much need there is in our world. But how do you increase your charitable giving when life seems to be getting more expensive every year? For the past 15 years, Bob and Linda Lotich have shared their best money lessons on their award-winning blog, SeedTime, and the SeedTime Money Podcast. They recently wrote a book, titled Simple Money, Rich Life. Bob and Linda joined the show this week to explain what led them to start “giving their age” as a percentage of their income towards charity every year. Bob’s now in his 40’s. If that sounds impossible, then you’ll want to check out this episode! You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/192 This episode of The MapleMoney Show is brought to you by Willful. Did you know that 57% of Canadian adults don’t have a will? Willful has made it more affordable, convenient, and easy for Canadians to create legal Will and Power of Attorney documents online from the comfort of home. In less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve put a plan in place to protect your children, pets, and loved ones in the event of an emergency. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
13-04-2022
28 mins
Silencing the Critics to Create Online, with Jillian Johnsrud
Silencing the Critics to Create Online, with Jillian Johnsrud
More people than ever are making money by starting online businesses. But while it might sound simple, online entrepreneurship comes with its own set of challenges. This week’s guest is here to help you find the courage to build something online and fire the haters. After becoming financially independent at 32 years old, Jillian Johnsrud turned her personal and professional experience towards a creative life. She is a popular public speaker, teaches online classes, is a coach, and a writer. Her book Fire the Haters: Finding the Courage to Create Online in a Critical World helps creatives and entrepreneurs share their best work with the world. I sat down with Jillian this week to discuss a range of topics, including how to tackle imposter syndrome, the importance of setting emotional boundaries, and the constant fight for balance in a busy world. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/191 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
06-04-2022
43 mins
The Return of CBC Street Cents, with Carley Thorne and Mercedes Gaztambide
The Return of CBC Street Cents, with Carley Thorne and Mercedes Gaztambide
If you’re of a certain vintage, like me, the name CBC Street Cents is sure to trigger memories from adolescence. The popular Canadian TV show, aimed at teenagers, originally aired on CBC Television between 1989 and 2006. Streets Cents is making a comeback, but this time, it’s not on TV. This week, I sat down to chat with two of the lead content creators for the new Street Cents: Carley Thorne and Mercedes Gaztambide. Carley Thorne is a designer, and comedian. She has spent time at Toronto’s Second City and toured North America performing sketch comedy. She translated her love of books into a successful YouTube channel with over 150K subscribers. Mercedes Gaztambide is a new graduate from Ryerson University with a degree in Journalism. Born and raised in Boston, her love of reading and writing started in Harvard University Libraries. Her goal is to find the truth in every story and prepare the next generation of critical thinkers. She knows what her credit score is and can help you find yours. I asked Carley and Mercedes about the upcoming Street Cents Reboot, and we talked about some of the key financial challenges facing young Canadians in 2022. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/190 Willful’s user-friendly online platform means you can create your legal will and Power of Attorney documents from the comfort of home in less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
30-03-2022
45 mins
How to Win at Insurance and More, with Joe Saul-Sehy
How to Win at Insurance and More, with Joe Saul-Sehy
Money can be complicated, even for the experts. It’s why my guest this week hires a financial planner, even though he was a financial advisor for more than 15 years. He joins the show to share some outside-the-box money tips, including how to win at insurance, the value of timelining your goals, why focusing on risk tolerance is a problem, and why you, too, need a financial planner. Joe Saul-Sehy is the co-host of the popular Stacking Benjamins podcast, and co-author of the book called Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Money Management. I sat down with Joe this week to chat about the various money topics he tackles in his new book, and an interesting connection to the Hardy Boys. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/189 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
23-03-2022
49 mins
How to Make Talking About Money Easy, with Michelle Arpin Begina
How to Make Talking About Money Easy, with Michelle Arpin Begina
Why are so many people afraid to ask for help when they’re having money trouble? What about opening up to a spouse or partner about their shared finances? My guest this week shares the 3 steps you can take to make talking about money easy. Want to know more? Don’t miss this episode! If you still think of wealth as a numbers game, you haven’t met Michelle Arpin Begina. An Advisor, Author, and Speaker, Michelle has taken her own money story and transformed it into a passion for financial literacy that marries wealth management and financial therapy. Michelle and I sat down to discuss a common problem; not being able to solve financial problems with those closest to you, because you’re afraid to bring up the subject. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/188 This episode of The MapleMoney Show is brought to you by Willful. Did you know that 57% of Canadian adults don’t have a will? Willful has made it more affordable, convenient, and easy for Canadians to create legal Will and Power of Attorney documents online from the comfort of home. In less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve put a plan in place to protect your children, pets, and loved ones in the event of an emergency. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
16-03-2022
32 mins
Why Financial Advice Still Matters, with Sheldon Brow
Why Financial Advice Still Matters, with Sheldon Brow
What kind of investor are you? With the advent of technology and the emergence of low cost discount brokerages, more Canadian investors are taking a DIY approach with their money. Does that mean that financial advice no longer matters? Sheldon Brow is the founder & CEO of Fintech platform Pocket Finance. He’s passionate about empowering clients with full and fair disclosure, inclusion, and bridging gaps to financial guidance and deeper client engagement. He’s also an open banking enthusiast and finance futurist. I sat down with Sheldon recently to discuss why it’s still important to seek the advice of various experts when it comes to your money. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/187 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
09-03-2022
31 mins
Getting Good with Money, with Jessi Fearon
Getting Good with Money, with Jessi Fearon
Do you consider yourself to be good with money? The truth is, we have all struggled to manage our finances at some point. In fact, according to this week’s guest, there are four different ways that people struggle with money. The good news is that you can train yourself to overcome your weaknesses. Jessi Fearon is a personal finance writer and coach who seeks to challenge, encourage, and equip women to take the steps they need to achieve financial freedom. Jessi is the author of the book, Getting Good with Money: Pay Off Your Debt and Find a Life of Freedom - Without Losing Your Mind. Jessi firmly believes in living a real life on a budget and that personal finance is, in fact, personal. She seeks to help others learn how to make their money work for them. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/186 Willful’s user-friendly online platform means you can create your legal will and Power of Attorney documents from the comfort of home in less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
02-03-2022
31 mins
Here’s Why Anyone Can Start Investing, with Keisha Bailey
Here’s Why Anyone Can Start Investing, with Keisha Bailey
If you’re not currently investing your money, what’s preventing you from getting started? Are you worried about the risks involved? Do you lack the know how, or are personal circumstances, including your current financial situation, getting in the way? My guest this week understands the barriers that stop people from learning to invest, because she’s been there. Keisha Bailey is the industry powerhouse behind the Profit Jumpstarter brand and is an experienced Financial Strategist, Investment Educator and Entrepreneur. She spent 17 years making money for wealthy individuals and corporations before shifting her expertise towards serving the up and coming generations of wealth builders. Keisha joins me on the show to explain how actions you take today will impact the kind of lifestyle you will have tomorrow. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/185  Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
23-02-2022
29 mins
Finding the Fun in Reducing Financial Stress, with Emily Guy Birken
Finding the Fun in Reducing Financial Stress, with Emily Guy Birken
Have you ever avoided checking your credit card balance because it was too stressful? According to my guest this week, it’s human nature to push away the hard things in life. Thankfully, there are ways you can reduce your financial stress and gain flexibility with your finances. Emily Guy Birken is a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer and the author of five books including Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy. Emily joined me this week to talk about some of the money mindset issues that she’s tackled in her books. And that doesn’t mean you can’t find lighthearted humour in this topic, even while we discuss everything from the holocaust, to a zombie apocalypse. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/184 This episode of The MapleMoney Show is brought to you by Willful. Did you know that 57% of Canadian adults don’t have a will? Willful has made it more affordable, convenient, and easy for Canadians to create legal Will and Power of Attorney documents online from the comfort of home. In less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve put a plan in place to protect your children, pets, and loved ones in the event of an emergency. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
16-02-2022
40 mins
Living A Frugal Life In A Tiny House, with Michael Bartz
Living A Frugal Life In A Tiny House, with Michael Bartz
Have you thought about downsizing your home to reduce expenses? Or maybe you’ve been saving for a down payment on your first house, while watching the real estate market continue to rise, making you feel left behind? What if you considered something more extreme to meet your housing goals while helping your finances? Michael Bartz is an actor, podcast producer and host, as well as an environmentalist. In 2017 he took a big step to lowering his environmental footprint by building his own off-grid Tiny House. It took four years, but he finished it and now he and his partner live on a farm in southern Alberta. He has no mortgage, no debt, and keeps his cost of living extremely low, which allows him to pursue creative endeavours full-time. Downsizing in all sorts of ways has allowed Michael to live his biggest life. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/183 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
09-02-2022
39 mins
Why NFTs Might Be the Next Big Thing, with Mike Damazo
Why NFTs Might Be the Next Big Thing, with Mike Damazo
You’ve heard of Bitcoin and possibly the blockchain, but what about NFTs and how they might become a major part of our metaverse future? Today, we’re going to hear about how you can purchase these digital items that you truly own and can resell, hopefully for a profit. Mike Damazo is a video creator for Cult of Money, as well as his own channel, MDNFT. He is incredibly passionate about the NFT space, as well as cryptocurrency and DeFi in general. He’s also is known as BAYC #916, based on an NFT that he owns. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/182 Willful’s user-friendly online platform means you can create your legal will and Power of Attorney documents from the comfort of home in less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
26-01-2022
36 mins
Recovering from Shopping Addiction to Achieve FI, with Sara Rose Danesi
Recovering from Shopping Addiction to Achieve FI, with Sara Rose Danesi
Have you ever been accused of being a shop-a-holic? Maybe it’s a title you’ve given yourself. People often get teased for the shopping addiction, not realizing that sometimes, the addiction may be real. Sara Rose Danesi, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and author of the blog, FITE addiction. Dr. Danesi writes about her personal struggle with shopping addiction and process for recovery as she pursues Financial Independence. She strives to empower others to experience the freedom of FI through financial sobriety. Sara joins me on the show this week to explain the different types of shopping addiction, and how to know when your urge to spend has become a problem. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/181 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
19-01-2022
37 mins
How to Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health, and Wealth, with Andrew Hallam
How to Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health, and Wealth, with Andrew Hallam
Do you feel like your life needs more balance? Sometimes, in our pursuit of a better job, or more money, we lose sight of what really matters. We search for happiness, but then realize that financial or career success might not be making us any happier. My guest this week is here to talk about balance: How to invest and spend for happiness, Health, and Wealth. Andrew Hallam is one of the world's most prolific personal finance speakers, having spoken at corporations and organisations in more than 32 different countries. As the author of Millionaire Teacher and Millionaire Expat, he's the only Canadian personal finance writer to have a book hit #1 for Amazon's personal finance and investing categories in Canada, the US, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Andrew and his wife have been globally nomadic for the past eight years. His latest book is called, Balance: How to Invest and Spend for Happiness, Health and Wealth. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/180 This episode of The MapleMoney Show is brought to you by Willful. Did you know that 57% of Canadian adults don’t have a will? Willful has made it more affordable, convenient, and easy for Canadians to create legal Will and Power of Attorney documents online from the comfort of home. In less than 20 minutes and for a fraction of the price of visiting a lawyer, you can gain peace of mind knowing you’ve put a plan in place to protect your children, pets, and loved ones in the event of an emergency. Get started for free at https://maplemoney.com/willful and use promo code MAPLEMONEY to save 15%.
12-01-2022
41 mins
2022: A Look at the Year Ahead, with Rob Carrick
2022: A Look at the Year Ahead, with Rob Carrick
When it comes to personal finance, 2021 was another year to remember, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Interest rates remained low and government COVID supports continued for the most part. But inflationary pressures hit hard, and Canadian families from coast-to-coast felt the impact from increased prices on everything from vehicles to gasoline and groceries. For the 3rd consecutive year, Rob Carrick of the Globe and Mail joins me to discuss economic and personal finance trends in the year ahead. I ask Rob for his thoughts on government COVID supports, and whether he sees them continuing in 2022. We also chat about the continued rise in house prices, low interest rates, and the impact of inflation on Canadian families in the coming year. You can find the show notes for this episode at https://maplemoney.com/179 Do you prefer to invest in socially responsible companies? If so, our sponsor Wealthsimple will help you build a portfolio that focuses on low carbon, cleantech, human rights, and the environment. To get started with Socially Responsible Investing, head over to https://maplemoney.com/wealthsimple today!
05-01-2022
31 mins