Not Just Money

notjustmoneypodcast
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Money is the fuel of possibility. Managing it well is possibility lived. Managing it poorly is possibility stolen.  We say it’s “just money” – but it never is. Money shapes our lives — where we live, what we dream about, how secure we feel, what we think we’re worth, what we think we deserve. And it’s not just about numbers. It’s about who we are, what we believe, and the stories we tell ourselves. Join our hosts, Doretta and Li, for deep conversations on money and meaning. Because Money is never just Money. Tune in every Friday @ 7am for a new episode. Connect with us Email: NotJustMoneyPodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @NotJustMoneyPod 

  1. 6d ago

    40 TFSAs vs RRSPs: How to Choose the Right Account for Your Income, Goals & Future

    RRSP or TFSA — which should you prioritize? In this back‑to‑basics episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down everything Canadians need to know about these two powerful registered accounts. Whether you’re early in your career, earning a higher income, or trying to build long‑term financial security, understanding how RRSPs and TFSAs work is essential. They explore: The core differences between tax‑deferred RRSPs and tax‑free TFSAs How contribution limits work (and why unused room carries forward) Why RRSPs were created — and how they fit into Canada’s retirement system How TFSA contribution room is calculated (and why they’re so popular) When RRSP withdrawals are taxable — and when they’re not The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) and Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) Why overcontributing leads to harsh penalties How employer RRSP matching can change your strategy Income‑based rules of thumb for choosing between RRSPs and TFSAs Why your RRSP refund can be a powerful TFSA funding tool The risks of speculative investing inside registered accounts How these accounts fit into a broader financial plan This episode gives you the clarity to make smart, tax‑efficient decisions — without the jargon, confusion, or pressure. Links: Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/home-buyers-plan.html Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/lifelong-learning-plan.html CRA Comparison: HBP vs LLP https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/home-buyers-plan-lifelong-learning-plan.html

  2. Aug 7

    39 Back‑to‑School Sales: How to Save Smart, Avoid Retail Traps & Teach Kids About Money

    Back‑to‑school is now the second biggest shopping season of the year, worth more than $4.5B in Canada alone and driven by millions of families gearing up for September. In this episode, Li and Doretta break down how retailers use basket‑building, bundling, deadlines, influencer marketing, and kid “pester power” to get you spending more than you planned. They also reveal where the real value deals are—home office supplies, kids’ clothing, dorm essentials, toiletries, and more—and why late August and early September can be the smartest time to buy. You’ll learn: Why families spend $600–$750 per child when electronics are included How retailers use “basket recommendations” and free‑shipping thresholds to grow your cart What items are true loss leaders (and which are not) Why August is peak pricing and September is clearance season How back‑to‑school shopping can become a powerful financial literacy lesson for your kids Whether you’re a parent, a student, or just someone who loves a good deal, this episode helps you shop intentionally, avoid psychological spending traps, and make your money work harder—not just disappear into impulse buys.

  3. Jul 31

    38 Surveillance Pricing: How Companies Use Your Data to Set Your Price (Dynamic Pricing, AI, Privacy & Consumer Protection)

    Surveillance pricing is no longer a futuristic fear — it’s coming, and it could change how every one of us shops. In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down what surveillance pricing actually is, how it differs from dynamic pricing, why Toronto’s mayor wants to ban it for groceries, and how AI-driven algorithms can quietly determine your personal price based on your online behaviour. They explore: The difference between dynamic pricing and surveillance (personalized) pricing How companies use your browsing history, device, location, shopping habits, and third‑party data to predict your “maximum willingness to pay” Why surveillance pricing is considered algorithmic price discrimination at scale The role of AI in accelerating individualized pricing What regulators in Canada are watching — Competition Bureau, privacy law, consumer protection Why privacy is now a money issue, not just a civil rights issue How loyalty programs, cookies, and tracking shape the prices you see Practical steps to protect yourself when shopping online This episode is essential listening for anyone who shops online, uses loyalty programs, or wants to understand how AI and data surveillance are reshaping everyday prices. Link: https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/publications/algorithmic-pricing-and-competition-discussion-paper

  4. Jul 24

    37 Where Did Your Money Go? How to Read Your Pay cheque (Gross vs Net, Taxes, CPP, EI & Payroll Myths)

    Most people glance at their pay cheque and move on — until something looks “off.” In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down what your pay stub actually tells you, why your take‑home pay is often lower than expected, and how to understand every line on your pay statement. Whether you’re a student working your first job, a full‑time employee, or someone who’s never really looked at their pay stub, this episode gives you the clarity you need to understand where your money is going — and why. You’ll learn: The difference between gross pay and net pay What mandatory deductions really are: income tax, CPP/QPP, EI What employer deductions cover (and why they’re worth it) How raises actually affect your taxes (hint: a higher tax bracket never makes you poorer) Why two people with the same salary can have different take‑home pay How to spot errors in your pay cheque What to do if you don’t receive a pay stub The risks of working under the table — from EI eligibility to CPP retirement impacts This is a practical, back‑to‑basics episode that helps you understand your income, your deductions, and your financial rights as an employee. If you’ve ever wondered “Where did my money go?”, this one’s for you.

  5. Jul 17

    36 Be Like Taylor: Why You Need a Marriage Contract (Prenups, Money, and Real-Life Planning)

    Taylor Swift’s wedding sparked endless speculation — but the real lesson isn’t the dress, the venue, or the guest list. It’s the financial planning behind the scenes. In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down why marriage contracts (prenups) aren’t just for celebrities or wealthy couples — they’re for anyone building a life together. Whether you’re entering marriage with assets, debt, a business, children, or simply a desire for clarity and fairness, a marriage contract can be one of the smartest financial decisions you make. They explore: What a marriage contract actually is — and what it covers Why prenups aren’t about expecting divorce Common myths (and Hollywood misconceptions) about prenups How contracts protect assets, businesses, inheritances, and future plans Why honest money conversations matter more than the document itself How to approach the topic with your partner respectfully and confidently Why Taylor Swift’s legal strategy is a model for everyone  Li also shares her personal experience creating her own marriage contract, how she and her husband navigated the conversations, and why she sees it as a gift to her future self. If you’re thinking about marriage, already planning one, or simply want to understand how to protect your financial future, this episode is essential listening.

  6. Jul 10

    35 Taylor Swift’s Wedding, the $40K Wedding Boom, and the One Lesson Everyone’s Missing

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding may have dominated the internet, but Doretta and Li are asking a different question: What does this moment reveal about the way we think about weddings today? In this episode of Not Just Money, the hosts dig into the real story behind modern weddings — the soaring costs, the cultural expectations, the social‑media‑driven pressure to create a “perfect” event, and the surprising history behind traditions like white dresses and diamond rings. They break down: Why weddings now cost $30,000–$40,000 for the average Canadian couple How the wedding industry ballooned into a $5B business The psychology behind personalization, performance, and Pinterest‑level expectations The hidden correlation between wedding spending and divorce Why Taylor Swift’s rumoured 40‑page prenup is actually the smartest part of the whole event The one wedding takeaway no one else is talking about Whether you’re planning a wedding, avoiding one, or just fascinated by the cultural shift, this episode challenges everything you think you know about “the big day.” Next week: A full deep dive on marriage contracts (prenups) — why you need one, what they protect, and how they’re becoming a modern essential.

  7. Jul 3

    34 The Art of Travel: How to Plan Meaningful Trips, Avoid Stress & Get Real Value From Your Vacation… the stuff AI can’t tell you

    Summer is here — and so is travel season. But great travel isn’t just about cheap flights or perfect itineraries. In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li explore the art of travel: how to plan trips that actually enrich your life, match your purpose, respect your budget, and leave you feeling restored instead of exhausted. They dive into: Why your “travel why” matters more than your destination How travel can shape identity, deepen perspective, and spark self‑discovery The psychological trap of “Instagram travel” — and how to avoid it How to align travel goals with partners, kids, parents, or friends The emotional impact of mismatched travel styles (and how to prevent conflict) The joy of anticipation — and why planning boosts happiness How reading novels, poetry, or history about your destination transforms the experience Practical travel strategies: When to book flights for the best prices Hotels vs Airbnbs vs hostels vs university residences Why packing light saves money and sanity How to use eSIMs to avoid roaming fees Why grocery stores are your secret travel weapon How to compare total accommodation costs (parking, breakfast, cancellation policies) When to splurge — and when to save How to travel with kids, seniors, or friends without losing your mind Why renting a car, booking attractions early, and using local tours can elevate your trip How to avoid being “house poor” while still making room for travel in your financial plan This episode blends personal stories, practical advice, and thoughtful reflection to help you travel with intention — not pressure, comparison, or FOMO. If you want your next trip to feel meaningful, restorative, and aligned with your life (not just your social feed), this conversation is for you. Update: Li is wrong. There is only one Mona Lisa. Sorry, Louvre!

  8. Jun 26

    33 Prediction Markets: Investing or Gambling? What Canada’s New Rules Mean for You

    Prediction markets have officially arrived in Canada — but are they innovative forecasting tools or just gambling dressed up in financial language? In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down what prediction markets really are, how they work, why regulators are suddenly paying attention, and what Canadians need to know before putting a single dollar into forecast contracts. They explore: What prediction markets are and how “yes/no” contracts actually work Why Wealthsimple Predict and other platforms are entering the Canadian market The strict rules set by CIRO — and why Canada is not allowing political, sports, or celebrity prediction contracts How prediction markets exploded in the U.S. (and why sports betting now dominates the space) The risks of market manipulation and why institutional investors can skew probabilities The growing link between mobile betting, debt, and gambling addiction — especially among young men Why regulators see prediction markets as sitting between derivatives, speculation, and gambling Whether these tools genuinely improve forecasting… or simply monetize human behaviour Li also shares her candid view on why prediction markets may become yet another “get rich quick” trap targeting financially stressed young adults — and why friction matters when it comes to protecting people from harmful financial habits. If you’ve seen the headlines about prediction markets coming to Canada and wondered whether they’re an opportunity or a danger, this episode gives you the clarity you need.

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About

Money is the fuel of possibility. Managing it well is possibility lived. Managing it poorly is possibility stolen.  We say it’s “just money” – but it never is. Money shapes our lives — where we live, what we dream about, how secure we feel, what we think we’re worth, what we think we deserve. And it’s not just about numbers. It’s about who we are, what we believe, and the stories we tell ourselves. Join our hosts, Doretta and Li, for deep conversations on money and meaning. Because Money is never just Money. Tune in every Friday @ 7am for a new episode. Connect with us Email: NotJustMoneyPodcast@gmail.com YouTube: @NotJustMoneyPod 

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  • Creator
    notjustmoneypodcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Not Just Money