Great Canadian Piggybank

Christi Rae

Most Canadian parents want to teach their kids about money but don’t always know where to start. Financial professionals often talk over our heads. School often doesn’t cover finances. And parenting is already busy and overwhelming This podcast was created to meet parents where they are with empathy, clarity, and no shame. It’s about learning together, one simple idea at a time.

  1. 4d ago

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

    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 stockWhy owning individual companies is different from owning the marketHow ETFs and index funds workWhy lower fees matter when investingWhat bonds are and why they still have a role in a portfolioWhy bond ETFs can go up and down in valueHow 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

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

  2. Season 3 Trailer

    Season 3 Trailer

    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.

    Season 3 Trailer

  3. Apr 7

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

    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 paymentsWhy 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 creditsHow to think about FHSA vs TFSA when helping your kids take their first financial stepsThis 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

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

  4. Mar 3

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

    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 essentialHow digital money changes the way kids understand spendingBalancing parental control with real financial independenceWhy flexibility matters when teaching neurodivergent kids about moneyHow money education needs to evolve as kids growWhat it actually means to raise financially confident kidsThis 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

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

  5. Feb 24

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

    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

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

  6. Feb 17

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

    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

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

  7. Feb 10

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

    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 themWhy balancing support, savings, and retirement is essential to breaking cycles of scarcityHow to raise cycle-breaking kids without passing down money traumaWhat it really means to move from survival mode to financial safetyThis 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

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

  8. Feb 3

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

    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

    Which Account Should You Open First? TFSA vs RRSP vs FHSA | Toby Manson
See All (30)

Trailers

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Most Canadian parents want to teach their kids about money but don’t always know where to start. Financial professionals often talk over our heads. School often doesn’t cover finances. And parenting is already busy and overwhelming This podcast was created to meet parents where they are with empathy, clarity, and no shame. It’s about learning together, one simple idea at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Christi Rae
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Christi Rae
  • Show Website
    Great Canadian Piggybank

You Might Also Like