Moolala: Money Made Simple With Bruce Sellery

Newcomers face a steep learning curve: chequing vs. savings, why credit history matters, and how to get a first credit card. On this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery, Head, Customer Growth & Segments, at BMO Sumit Sarkar walks through the earliest money moves to make—often before you land—plus digital tools that map personal goals and help establish credit. Learn why a primary bank relationship is so valuable, how to open accounts pre-arrival (with in-country verification later), and what to expect as you set up life in a cash-light, credit-heavy system. Clear steps to get stable fast, with confidence. Find out more at bmo.com and connect on X/Twitter and LinkedIn.

CFP Owen Winkelmolen introduces Advice (with two i’s), a low-cost platform that helps do-it-yourselfers build and iterate a proper retirement plan. Input income, expenses, assets, debts, and goals—then let strategy tools explore hundreds of “what ifs” in seconds: RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, CPP/OAS timing, tax brackets, income splitting, and estate trade-offs.  On this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery, we discuss why accumulation is simple but decumulation is where real value is created, and why you should start that plan ~5 years before retiring. Quick to set up, easy to refine—so you can spend confidently for the long run. Find out more at adviice.ca.

Author Adam Ferguson proposes an unconventional contract: before your kid gets a smartphone, they complete 50 real-world experiences—from cooking a family meal and doing laundry to building a fire and planning a road trip. On this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery, he explains why the list is a “carrot,” not a crackdown, and how it builds resilience, connection, and competence.  We tackle the spicy items (self-defense, “break a minor law”) and talk age & stage—why Grade 8 is a useful target while recognizing maturity varies. Parents will get practical ideas to replace infinite scroll with meaningful, confidence-building moments. Find out more at beforethephone.com.

Career strategist Janel Abrahami joins Bruce on this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple to demystify the career pivot. From low-risk mini moves to big leaps like entrepreneurship or going back to school, she outlines six clear options and when to use each. Learn the simple test for timing a change (learning, earning, or loving), how to frame a so-called “bridge job” without saying it out loud, and why building a personal Board of Advisors speeds decisions.  Janel’s “energy résumé” method helps you sort energizers from drainers, apply the “five whys,” and flip dislikes into must-haves—so your next role makes sense on paper and in real life. Find out more at janelabrahami.com and connect on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

In this episode, career strategist Janel Abrahami shares a practical framework for knowing when to change lanes, the six types of pivots you can make (from mini moves to major overhauls), and how to use a personal Board of Advisors and an “energy résumé” to decide what’s next. Then, author Adam Ferguson walks through his provocative checklist for kids—50 things to do before you get a phone —and why those experiences build skills, character, and connection. For newcomers to Canada, BMO’s Sumit Sarkar explains first steps for banking, credit, and building a personalized plan with BMO’s tools. Finally, Owen Winkelmolen (Adviice—yes, with two i’s) shows how DIYers can build and iterate a retirement plan, and why decumulation strategy matters more than you think. To find out more about the guests check out: Janel Abrahami: janelabrahami.com | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn Adam Ferguson: beforethephone.com Sumit Sarkar: bmo.com | X/Twitter | LinkedIn Owen Winkelmolen: adviice.ca Bruce Sellery is a personal financ

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming — from saving a down payment to understanding mortgage rules. In this segment of Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery, Bruce talks with Andrew Peker, founder and CEO of Homie, a new Canadian fintech app designed to help first-time homebuyers understand, track, and grow their buying power. Andrew explains how Homie works: Pulling real financial data securely through partners like Plaid and Equifax Canada Showing users what they can afford based on how a mortgage underwriter would see them Offering habit-building nudges — from avoiding new car loans that could hurt your approval, to staying aware of interest rate impacts Helping users plan for hidden costs like cash reserves, land transfer taxes, and closing fees If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Canada or helping someone become one, this segment will give you practical insight into mortgage readiness, budgeting smarter, and avoiding costly mistakes on the road to homeownership. Find out more at meethomi

What if you didn’t have to wait until 65 to enjoy retirement? Bruce sits down with Jillian Johnsrud — coach, speaker, and author of Retire Often: How Anyone Can Take Multiple Career Breaks to Unlock Adventure, Advance Their Career, and Find Financial Freedom. Jillian shares how mini retirements — intentional breaks of a month or longer — can help you reset, pursue meaningful goals, travel, or spend time with family without sacrificing your long-term financial health. She explains: How to budget for a mini retirement: replace one month of income and cap extra costs at ~50% of take-home pay Why it’s smart to front-load affordable, physically demanding adventures early in life Creative ways to offset costs, from renting out your home to home exchanges How mini retirements can actually advance your career by reducing burnout and opening new opportunities The mindset shifts needed to see career breaks as investments rather than setbacks If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking across Europe, taking a sabbatical to

A lot of people think they have a financial plan — but do they really? Bruce is joined by Sandi Martin, a certified advice-only financial planner, to break down what a real financial plan looks like and why it matters. You’ll also hear why a real plan is more than just an investment portfolio or a set of bank statements, how to stress-test assumptions (like inflation and market returns), and why focusing on the top three “needle-moving” actions is better than a 15-point to-do list. Sandi explains how to avoid “straight-line” planning mistakes by considering worst-case scenarios, and why an annual review keeps your plan relevant as life changes. If you’ve ever wondered whether the plan you got from your bank or investment advisor is actually setting you up for success, this conversation will help you tell the difference — and take steps toward a truly comprehensive, purpose-driven financial plan. Find out more at sandimartin.ca and connect on Instagram and Bluesky

Vacant office towers could be the key to solving Canada’s housing affordability crisis. Bruce speaks with Robert Barnard, CEO of Toboggan Flats, about their innovative plan to convert underused downtown office buildings into co-living spaces for young professionals. You’ll hear about: Target rents of $1,100–$1,300 all-in, aimed at roughly 30% of the average salary for 25–34-year-olds. How shared living can help young workers save for future home ownership. Landlord and investor incentives, including reduced building density, steady nighttime occupancy, and the environmental benefits of reusing existing buildings. The focus on curated events, roommate matching, and staff support to make co-living more than just a room — it’s about fostering a real sense of community downtown. If you’ve wondered how Canada can create affordable housing without years-long construction timelines, this conversation is full of practical insights on office-to-residential conversions, co-living trends, and the future of urban housi

Housing costs keep climbing, but smart ideas (and smarter planning) can help you move forward. In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple with Bruce Sellery, we explore four timely topics: turning empty office towers into co-living spaces for young professionals, what a real financial plan actually includes, how to design mini retirements without derailing your future, and a first-time homebuyer app that helps you understand and grow buying power. First, Robert Barnard of Toboggan Flats explains how co-living office conversions in Canada can deliver private rooms with shared amenities, stronger communities, and faster timelines by reusing office infrastructure. It’s an affordable housing approach that leverages existing buildings instead of starting from scratch. Then, advice-only financial planner Sandi Martin walks through the seven pillars of a real financial plan—purpose & goals, cash flow, debt, risk/insurance, investments, retirement/financial independence, and estate & lifetime tax—plus how

Would you buy your next home through a platform that gives you cash back — thousands of dollars after closing? Bruce Sellery speaks with Benjy Katchen, CEO of Wahi, about their innovative approach to real estate. Learn how Wahi’s digital-first platform combines technology with expert guidance to create efficiencies — and passes those savings back to buyers. Plus, discover what kind of homebuyer is best suited for this model and how it fits into Canada’s evolving housing market. You’ll learn Cashback for Homebuyers: Wahi gives buyers 10% of the buyer-agent commission back — often thousands of dollars — just days after closing. Tech + Realtors: The platform uses a "Netflix-meets-Tinder" app experience combined with desk-based realtors to cut costs while still providing expert guidance. Who It’s For: Ideal for tech-savvy homebuyers who prefer an efficient, data-driven process without sacrificing support during negotiations. This episode is packed full of ideas on how to look at real estate as a way to stretch

Divorce isn’t just an ending — it’s a beginning. Bruce Sellery speaks with Olivia Howell, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, about how divorce registries are helping people rebuild their homes, routines, and lives after a separation. Discover how these registries work, why they reduce the overwhelm of starting over, and how they help friends and family show meaningful support. You’ll Learn From Wedding Registry to Divorce Registry: Olivia shares how her own divorce inspired the creation of Fresh Starts Registry — a platform to help people rebuild their homes after a breakup. Practical Support, Not Just Gifts: Registries include vetted bundles for every room and budget — from $7 shower curtains to full kitchen sets — to make starting over easier. More Than Divorce: Fresh Starts Registry also supports other life transitions, like coming out, job loss, moving, and post-illness recovery. If you are feeling overwhelmed going through a divorce this conversation is packed with ways of learning that you a

Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of today's world? You're not alone — but uncertainty might actually be your secret weapon. In this episode of Moolala: Money Made Simple, host Bruce Sellery sits down with Scott Stirrett, author of The Uncertainty Advantage and founder of Venture for Canada, to explore how uncertainty can be transformed from a source of anxiety into a catalyst for growth. Scott shares his personal journey — leaving Goldman Sachs at 22, navigating OCD during the pandemic, and building a national nonprofit — to illustrate how confronting the unknown can lead to resilience, purpose, and opportunity. You’ll learn: What “uncertainty” really means and why today’s world is four times more uncertain than in 2008 Six pillars for building your “uncertainty muscle” including adaptability, antifragility, and entrepreneurial thinking How young professionals (and anyone, at any career stage) can thrive during disruptive times Why cultivating both strong and weak professional ties is essential for opportuni

This week Bruce Sellery explores three timely money topics to help you navigate today’s changing financial landscape.   First, we look at the state of the labour market during uncertain times with Scott Stirrett, author of The Uncertainty Advantage. Learn how to adapt your career strategy, build resilience, and strengthen your professional network when the job market feels unpredictable.   Next, Olivia Howell, co-founder and CEO of Fresh Starts Registry, joins us to talk about divorce registries — an innovative way for individuals to get the essential items they need as they begin a new chapter after separation.   Finally, Benjy Katchen, CEO of Wahi, explains how their cashback program from a digital real estate platform and brokerage can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket after buying a home.   If you’re facing a big life transition, worried about your job security, or curious about how to save money on your next home purchase, this episode is packed with practical insights

Retiring abroad. Jen Barnett, co-founder of Expatsi, takes us through the financial considerations people have to make before spending retirement in a new country. Then, A budgeting app for newcomers by newcomers, designed to increase financial confidence. It’s called Butterfly. Credit Canada’s Tanvi Chitnis is here to tell us how it works. And, Darrell MacMullin, SVP Product and Solutions at Mastercard in Canada, takes us through their emerging tech trends report. Plus, we’ll speak with Michelle Hilscher from BEworks about their behavioural science course for financial advisors. To find out more about the guests check out: Jen Barnett: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Tanvi Chitnis: creditcanada.com | Facebook | X | Instagram Michelle Hilscher: LinkedIn Darrell MacMullin: LinkedIn | 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

Imagine taking a year off work, by choice, and long before your retirement. Jillian Johnsrud, a coach who helps people take career breaks, tells us how to prepare financially. Then, how to effectively change jobs. Michael Horn, author of JOB MOVES: 9 Steps For Making Progress In Your Career, shares his tips. And, the financial cost of ignoring burnout. Olga Morawcynski, founder of Heal-3 and a mental wellbeing advocate, tells us about her journey. Plus, getting laid off and sharing your experience on TikTok. Giovanna Ventola, founder of Rhize, shares why she turned to social media after losing her job and how she’s now helping others with their job search. To find out more about the guests check out: Jillian Johnsrud: retireoften.com | Instagram Michael Horn: jobmoves.com | LinkedIn | X Heal-3: heal-3.com | LinkedIn Olga Morawcynski: LinkedIn Giovanna Ventola: TikTok | Instagram | LinkedIn Rhize:  rhizetogether.com | LinkedIn Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and best-selling author. As the founder

Books to improve your finances. The first one is about what it means to be wealthy. Daniel Crosby, psychologist and behavioral finance expert, will be here to talk about his book The Soul of Wealth. Then, a new financial literacy book for kids. Author Cinders McLeod takes us through the latest book in the MONEYBUNNY series called How Do YOU Spend? And, twenty lessons from retirement thought leaders. Christine Benz tells us about her book How to Retire. Plus, we speak with Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, about her new book called Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work.  To find out more about the guests check out: Daniel Crosby: X | LinkedIn Daryl Fairweather:Linktree Cinders McLeod:Instagram | X Moneybunny:Instagram | X | Facebook Christine Benz:morningstar.com | X | 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

Newcomers and building credit. Founders of Mundo Together Carolina Restrepo and Juan Cala came to Canada around six years ago. They share their experience building up their credit history when they first came here. Then, an app for newcomers called “Welcome to Canada”. PeaceGeeks CEO Jennifer Freeman takes us through its features. And, managing your money in a way that works with your beliefs. Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf, founder and CEO of Manzil, tells us about their halal financial services. Plus, we speak with Juan Sebastian D’Achiardi, of TransUnion Canada, about a tool that can help improve credit access for new and young Canadians.  To find out more about the guests check out: Juan Cala & Carolina Restrepo: mundotogether.com | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok Jennifer Freeman: LinkedIn PeaceGeeks: PeaceGeeks AI Career Coach | X/Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram Welcome To Canada: LinkedIn | Facebook | X/Twitter | TikTok Mohamad Sawwaf: X/Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Juan Sebastian D’Achiardi: LinkedI

So how can financial advisors better serve their female clients. Cary Carbonaro is an author and certified financial planner. She joins us to talk about her book “Women and Wealth: A Playbook to Empowering Clients and Unlocking Their Fortune”. Find out more at carycarbonaro.com and book Cary at carycarbonaro/speaking. Connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X/Twitter.

Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more common in everyday life. Payment networks like Visa and Mastercard are turning to AI technologies, like AI agents, to shop for you and actually “buy” things for you.  Tor Constantino, a writer for Forbes, joins us to explain how it all works. Find out more at torconstantino.com and connect on LinkedIn and X/Twitter.