Young Money With Tracey Bissett

Breaking money silence is more important than it has ever been before. With inflation rising and increasing interest rates, there are many people suffering—and many of them are suffering in silence. This means instead of receiving the help they require to make better financial decisions during these tough financial times, they feel as though they have to suffer alone. So, how do we start the conversation about money so we can begin to build our wealth? In this episode, Jackie Porter, award-winning CFP, bestselling author, and featured speaker, will be joining the show to share her advice for anyone hoping to help their financial situation regardless of where they are in life. Listen in as Jackie explains financial racism, including how this shows up in our financial systems. You will learn why women and people of color struggle more with finances, how we can help people of color access more financial opportunities, and the importance of frequently revisiting your budget. “Having conversations with people you

Money impacts everyone on a daily basis, yet many people feel disconnected, especially when it comes to spending and savings habits. The truth is that every decision you make, including every purchase, does impact your overall budget and savings. So, how can we change our spending habits to be more aligned with our long-term goals? In this episode, Kathy Kasten, Founder and CEO of Lion Crest Leadership, will be joining the show to share the conscious choices she has made that have led to her ability to live a financially free life—and how you can do the same. Listen in as Kathy explains the importance of living within your means, finding ways to save money, and ensuring you are saving for retirement as soon as possible. You will learn the benefit of focusing on what truly matters in your life, such as family and loved ones rather than money or success. Finally, Kathy describes the lessons she learned throughout the many different jobs she has had over the years. “Money doesn't buy happiness, and you don’t nee

Throughout the pandemic, our budgets and spending habits changed immensely. We started ordering groceries online, added to our subscriptions, signed up for online courses, etc. As we gradually come out of the pandemic, many of us may not have taken the time to reevaluate our budgets, and with inflation hitting all-time highs, our money isn’t going as far as it used to. In this episode, I will be walking through some practical steps to ensure your budget is right sized—meaning you haven’t fallen back into old spending habits without removing any pandemic budget additions.  Listen in as I explain the importance of canceling any new additions from the pandemic that you may no longer be using and making room for the new food expenses, concerts, travel, etc. You will learn how to take a mindful moment before making a purchase, how to feel in control of your spending and debt, and more. "Take time to review your spending and alter your budget.” - Tracey Bissett This Week on Young Money: Why it is essential that yo

Kelley Keehn believes everyone has money problems. That’s as true for millionaires as it is for people who spend years trying to pay off their student debt. However, these last few years have been especially challenging for everyone. With the pandemic and the current state of the economy, it can be difficult to know what to do to secure your finances. So, in this episode, Kelley will be joining the show to share her tips for navigating these uncertain times. Listen in as Kelley explains the importance of reviewing your spending so you know where your money is going and why it is essential to keep an eye on your debts. You will learn why "buy now, pay later" isn’t necessarily a great idea, why you should open the lines of communication with the CRA, and how to make your budget work. "There is money out there for you. Widen your gaze and look for it.” - Kelley Keehn This Week on Young Money: The importance of remembering that everyone is currently feeling the impact of inflation. How to ensure you’re not overs

Stephanie Koonar is a marketing professional, academic, career coach, and workshop facilitator. Stephanie offers “Meaningful Career” private coaching and online courses supporting young people and those in mid-career transitions. Today she joins the show to discuss the importance of finding your reason for living—or ikigai—in order to live a more purpose-driven and fulfilled life. Listen in as she shares her advice for building practical skills, as well as growing your network so you can broaden your knowledge. You will learn the benefit of learning about other cultures, why it is important to be open to different world views, and tips for any job-seekers looking to make their way into a long-term career. “It’s really about applying your gifts and strengths to a career that’s meaningful to you.” - Stephanie Koonar This Week on Young Money: Stephanie’s background and how she became involved in her career. The inspiration that led Stephanie to write her book. What the ikigai framework is and why we should care

As a talent management thought partner and results coach, Lisa Mitchell helps talent leaders embed programs that drive results and elevate organizational culture. Today she joins the show to discuss her experience with financial literacy, including the challenges she has faced financially over the years and her best advice for others hoping to better their financial fitness. Listen in as Lisa describes the importance of investing, paying off your debt, and changing your scarcity mindset. You will learn the benefit of learning how business works, what compound interest is, and what scale is. “Read the fine print and make sure that you understand [what you’re reading].” - Lisa Mitchell This Week on Young Money: What a day in the life of Lisa looks like. The biggest financial challenge Lisa has faced. The importance of investing. How to change your scarcity mindset. Why you should educate yourself on how business works. How Lisa has diversified her financial fitness. What compound interest is. The benefit of t

Throughout the pandemic, immigration plateaued in Canada. However, as we continue to rebuild after the last few years, we have seen a huge influx of newcomers. To better understand the experiences of newcomers and the unique challenges they face as they begin their lives in Canada, Scotiabank conducted interviews with some of these newcomers. In this episode, Tracy Gomes, SVP Retail Customer Value at Scotiabank, will be sharing what they learned from this research and sharing her advice for anyone hoping to improve their banking skills as they live in Canada. Listen in as Tracy describes the top challenges that newcomers experience when they move to Canada, as well as how to build up your financial literacy. You will learn the importance of protecting yourself from fraud, why you should reach out for help if you need it, and the benefit of learning how credit products work. “Moving to a new country presents all kinds of challenges and worries, and getting set up financially can be one of the most significant.

Hala Taha is the host of the Young and Profiting (YAP) Podcast, frequently ranked as a #1 education podcast across all apps. Hala is also the founder and CEO of YAP Media, a social media and podcast marketing agency for podcasters, celebrities, and CEOs. In this episode, she joins the show to share her advice for those looking to start their own successful businesses through gaining experience, talent stacking, and finding confidence in their strengths. Listen in as Hala gives her tips for investing and why she believes you should invest instead of compiling your money into a savings account. You will learn the importance of being open to opportunities, why you should ensure you have demand before you invest your money, and the benefit of being flexible. “A lot of people think you need to just get really good at one thing. Well, I would like to argue that if you’re pretty good at ten things, and you can stack them together in a unique way, you can put out incredible offering into the world.” - Hala Taha This

Maya Ray owns and operates FYC Vending, which (in just two short years) she has turned into a 6-figure company. Maya's goal now is to pass on the knowledge and expertise she has built in this industry to students and young adults who are going through what she went through only a few years ago. In this episode, she joins the show to share her success secrets and advice for anyone hoping to start as an entrepreneur. Listen in as Maya explains the importance of finding people you can learn from who are already experts in their field, as well as why you need to research the credibility of where you’re getting your information. You will learn why you can’t wait for things to be perfect to start working towards your goals, how to be more confident in what you’re doing, and the long-term benefit of taking small steps every single day towards your dreams. “Be willing to put yourself out there.” - Maya Ray This Week on Young Money: What a day in the life of Maya looks like. Why budgeting is crucial. The benefit of

Entrepreneurship is often a difficult journey. Starting a business as a woman at a young age simply adds more challenges. Our two guests today have both created something inspirational by themselves and have truly showcased what it means to have an entrepreneurial spirit. Jowana Burgan is a recent Mechanical Engineering Graduate who has initiated the Girls Mechanic Team, running hands-on workshops that educate and empower women on the basics of car maintenance. Melisa Cela is an International Business graduate who founded a successful Lash Extension business. In this episode, they share their advice for being a young entrepreneur. Listen in as Jowana explains the importance of being persistent when you are going after what you want, why you shouldn't be afraid to charge for your hard work, and the value of remembering you’re in control of your own destiny. Melisa describes the importance of having people skills, why you should focus on happiness over how much money you make, and the benefit of starting a savi

Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard the word “inflation” numerous times. Inflation refers to a general progressive increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy. When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services; consequently, inflation corresponds to a reduction in the purchasing power of money. So, how does this impact you and your goals? In this episode, I will break down this topic in depth so that you feel confident in your understanding of inflation. Listen in as I explain the pros and cons of inflation, as well as the cause behind the inflation we are currently experiencing. You will learn what you can do to protect yourself, the importance of knowing what your financial situation is, and how to set realistic financial goals throughout this time period. “We need to know realistically what our goals are, and we need to know how much money is coming in and how much is going out.” - Tracey Bissett This Week on Young Money: The pros and cons o

In the fast-paced, over-worked society that we live in, setting aside time for rest throughout the day is becoming crucial for mental health. However, it is tricky to find a comfortable spot to take a snooze. This is where Plufl comes in. Inspired by the classic dog bed, the Plufl is designed to alleviate stress and anxiety by providing a space to recharge. Noah Silverman and Yuki Kinoshita, Co-Founders of Plufl, will be joining the show to share their advice for other young entrepreneurs, including their secrets to success. Listen in as they describe the importance of not having debt and how to get helpful feedback on your product ideas. You will learn missteps to avoid on your entrepreneurship journey, why you shouldn’t wait for the “perfect time,” and how to leverage the resources available to you. “You have to be selective with the advice you get and people you surround yourself with.” - Yuki Kinoshita This Week on Young Money: The day-to-day life of Yuki and Noah. How the idea of Plufl came to be. The

Today we are showcasing two more young money scholarship recipients, Bradford Sonnenberg and Jasmine Hasmatali. These students are incredibly insightful and share their post secondary experiences, including what is and isn’t working for them. They also describe in depth how scholarships have impacted their lives and share their advice for anyone thinking about applying for scholarships themselves. Listen in as Bradford talks about how scholarships have been a life-saver, as well as the importance of finding a balance of taking school seriously—but not too seriously. Jasmine opens up about the importance of taking risks and why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask or apply for scholarships. Both offer incredible insight that you don't want to miss! “Don’t let bad marks on assignments that you’ve tried on bother you.” - Bradford Sonnenberg This Week on Young Money: Advice for young millionaires in the making. Tips for how to get your own scholarship. The impact a scholarship can have on your life. Why you should alw

When making purchasing decisions, it is becoming apparent that many of us are beginning to take into consideration the ethicality of what we are buying and how it is produced. Spending ethically doesn’t have to be difficult, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t save money while doing so. Our guest today, Tanja Hester, knows this topic very well. Tanya is the author of two award-winning books, Work Optional and Wallet Activism, and is best known for retiring from her career at the age of 38. In this episode, she will be sharing several things to think about next time you’re faced with a spending decision to ensure you’re spending ethically. Listen in as Tanja explains why you don’t have to be making a lot of money to purchase ethically sourced goods, as well as how to think about the consumerism problems. You will learn the flaws in how we currently think about activism, how to look into what you’re funding by purchasing from a specific company, and how to ensure you’re purchasing from businesses that actually

It is never too early to learn about scholarships and the impact they can make on not only your education, but also your entire life. In this episode, we are shining a spotlight on two of the Young Money Scholarship recipients: Alain Lavoie and Alexandra Snider. These post secondary students are incredibly bright and will share so many great tips with you about their post secondary experiences and how scholarships have changed their lives. Listen in to learn why doing what you enjoy is so important—because if you don't, you won’t be successful in hitting your goals. You will hear the importance of getting educated, why you should always believe in yourself, and how your perspectives can be broadened by attending post secondary school.  “Education is the most powerful tool.” - Alain Lavoie This Week on Young Money: Why education is the most powerful tool in the world. The importance of doing what you enjoy. How to be more successful at hitting your goals. Why you must believe in yourself. The benefit of appl

After going through financial problems herself, Alyssa Davies discovered a need for a safe and non-judgemental space for people to discuss their finances. This discovery led to the creation of her finance blog, Mixed Up Money, which has now won Canadian Personal Finance Blog of the Year twice. Today Alyssa joins the show to discuss the importance of having open conversations about finances so that people can become educated and protect themselves from financial uncertainty. Listen in as she explains why having an emergency fund is crucial, as is having a backup fund that you can rely on in a relationship in case something happens later down the line. You will learn the importance of automating whatever you can, how to evaluate your safety net, and what to do if you’re experiencing financial abuse. “I recommend to all of my friends in relationships to have a backup fund because you never know what life will throw your way.” - Alyssa Davies This Week on Young Money: What a day in the life of Alyssa looks lik

When I started podcasting in 2017, I was nervous about the technology and apprehensive about how I would sound, not sure I’d have enough to say or that anyone would want to listen. Once I started creating these episodes and receiving your feedback, all of my worries washed away. I love knowing that this show is helping so many people begin their financial journey and work their way to a financially fit future. So, in this episode, I will be sharing the top lessons that have weaved their way into this show throughout the years. Listen in as I explain what helped me reach 250 episodes, as well as my advice for anyone else in a similar situation. You will learn the importance of not getting swept up in your friends' spending habits, why you don’t need to follow the biggest celebrity experts' advice, and why it's important to start as soon as possible. “We always learn more as we take small, imperfect actions, but it doesn’t mean that we always advance. Sometimes we make missteps and need to regroup.” - Tracey

Canadians choose Interac products an average of 18 million times a day to pay and exchange money. Through their world-class privacy, fraud mitigation, governance, and digital identity and authentication expertise, they help keep Canadian customers safe and secure when transacting. Anurag Kar, Associate Vice President of Money Movement Products at Interac Corp., joins the show today to discuss the recent news that Interac surpassed a billion e-transfer transactions in the last 12 months, as well as the overall key findings of the study. Listen in as Anurag breaks down how e-transfers work and what the “request money” feature is all about. You will learn the percentage of Canadians who are users and have access to Interac products, why so many people are spending more money on experiences these days, and how to cut down on the awkward follow-up when splitting payments with friends. “A lot of individuals—instead of the awkwardness of chasing down your friends saying 'hey, can you pay me back?'—they’re using th

The earlier you can master your money, the more you can make it work for you to accomplish the things you want to in life. And given that the school system doesn't do a good job of preparing young adults for the harsh economic realities they will be facing personally or as business owners, being able to support someone achieve their goals has always been my dream. So, in this episode, I am so excited to announce this round of Young Money Scholarship recipients.  I know firsthand the power that education can bring to help you achieve your life goals, and I know that it takes money from many different sources to pay for it. Being a believer that understanding financial matters is a fundamental life skill inspires me to find new and straightforward ways to make money make sense and increase financial confidence for the younger generation—and I hope this inspires you to do the same. “I’m on a mission to redefine the economic future of the world for the next century by addressing financial literacy of young adult

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) arrangements are becoming an increasingly popular payment option, especially when shopping online. BNPL is a type of short-term financing that allows consumers to make purchases and pay for them at a later date, often interest-free. Although this method was traditionally used for larger, more expensive items such as vehicles and houses, this has become far more popular among a broader range of products such as clothes, groceries, and entertainment. In this episode, I am going to be discussing both the pros and the cons of this popular repayment method and what to be aware of if you choose to “pay later.” Listen in as I explain how Buy Now, Pay Later works and whether it is similar to making a purchase on your credit card. You will learn the importance of knowing what the repayment plans are, why you should still only buy what you truly need, and who this could positively impact to help get urgent items or budget more effectively. “It’s necessary to understand how your payments work