Financial Literacy Canada Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/financial-literacy-canada Financial Literacy Canada is a podcast dedicated to helping Canadians take control of their personal finances with confidence and clarity. Through in-depth conversations with financial experts, host Max Shabalov finds insights on how Canadians can make more informed decisions about their money. © 2026 Max Shabalov 45fa6b86-703a-5c62-944b-23cbe080f593 no en Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:45:36 -0500 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:07:53 -0500 https://img.transistorcdn.com/RLriyYBzDFkHsVvxPFurtxEx59B-JiIhwQLVmuYn3SE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84Nzgz/MThiOGU2NGMyMDYx/ZmRmY2RjZWU5MTdl/YzIyZi5wbmc.jpg Financial Literacy Canada episodic Max Shabalov Financial Literacy Canada is a podcast dedicated to helping Canadians take control of their personal finances with confidence and clarity. Through in-depth conversations with financial experts, host Max Shabalov finds insights on how Canadians can make more informed decisions about their money. Financial Literacy Canada is a podcast dedicated to helping Canadians take control of their personal finances with confidence and clarity. Canadian personal finance, investing Canada, taxes in Canada, RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP, money management Canada Max Shabalov No No Why Index Investing Is Powerful 5 5 Why Index Investing Is Powerful full e4620a1a-5141-4b1a-bec7-3186cea303ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/923dbba2 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:22:39 -0500 Max Shabalov Max Shabalov 3053 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.

]]> index investing, index funds, ETFs, ETF investing Canada, Canadian investing, passive investing, DIY investing, long-term investing, asset allocation, portfolio diversification, investing for Canadians, Canadian stock market, TFSA investing, RRSP investing, Canadian ETFs, Canadian Couch Potato strategy, investing in Canada, Canadian financial literacy, low-cost investing Canada, PWL Capital, beat the market, market returns, passive vs active investing, mutual funds vs ETFs, investment fees, cost of investing, staying invested, market volatility, rebalancing portfolio, risk tolerance, evidence-based investing, global diversification, Canadian equity bias, currency risk investing, asset allocation ETFs, financial planning Canada, fee-only advisor, portfolio management Canada No Dan Bortolotti Max Shabalov How Our Background and Human Nature Shape Our Relationship With Money 4 4 How Our Background and Human Nature Shape Our Relationship With Money full c4c20113-5c38-4aec-8a5f-85ce1dc7117c https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b83d29a 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.


]]> 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.


]]> Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:01:19 -0500 Max Shabalov Max Shabalov 3253 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.


]]> Canadian personal finance, Psychology of Money, Saving money, Spending Canada, Investing No Max Shabalov Jessica Moorhouse How to Invest Simply and Successfully: A Guide for Ordinary Canadians 3 3 How to Invest Simply and Successfully: A Guide for Ordinary Canadians full b0d0f1c0-3252-4186-b1e0-19a88dc564ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e5356f5 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Tue, 02 Dec 2025 22:58:04 -0500 Max Shabalov Max Shabalov 3734 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.

]]> Canadian personal finance, investing Canada, taxes in Canada, RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP, money management Canada No John Robertson Max Shabalov Smart Ways to Save Money in Canada 2 2 Smart Ways to Save Money in Canada full 765535b7-9b41-40d4-89ee-8412ed42f525 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f93a5db4 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.


]]> 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.


]]> Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:22:19 -0500 Max Shabalov Max Shabalov 2592 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.


]]> Canadian personal finance, investing Canada, taxes in Canada, RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, RESP, money management Canada No Gordon Stein Max Shabalov Understanding Income Tax in Canada: The Basics You Need to Know 1 1 Understanding Income Tax in Canada: The Basics You Need to Know full 3757f4e2-4324-418b-94a3-f2c1e61a49e0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b84ec401 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:32:00 -0500 Max Shabalov Max Shabalov 1820 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.

]]> Canadian tax system, RRSP, TFSA, RESP, FHSA, Income tax Canada, Tax deductions Canada, Tax credits Canada No Amanda Doucette Max Shabalov