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. 2d ago

    47 Why We Feel Poor Even When We’re Not: The Psychology of Comparison, Money & “Enough”

    Why do so many of us feel like we’re falling behind financially — even when the numbers say we’re doing fine? In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li unpack the growing phenomenon of “subjective poverty”: the emotional, psychological, and social forces that make us feel poor, regardless of our actual income. Drawing on new research from McGill University, global well‑being studies, behavioural economics, neuroscience, and the realities of today’s cost‑of‑living pressures, this episode explores why comparison has become one of the most powerful drivers of financial anxiety — and what we can do to break the cycle. You’ll learn: Why people with the same income can feel dramatically different about their financial security How social comparison — especially online — warps our sense of “enough” Why inflation feels worse than the data suggests How dopamine, hedonic adaptation, and loss aversion fuel lifestyle creep Why social media reshapes our expectations and makes us feel left behind How our brains create loops of worry, rumination, and financial insecurity Why relative poverty often hurts more than objective financial strain How gratitude, values‑based living, and controlled comparison can reset your internal baseline Why defining your own version of “enough” is one of the most powerful financial skills you can build If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, “Why do I feel behind when I know I’m doing okay?”, this episode will help you understand the forces at play — and how to reclaim your sense of stability, satisfaction, and financial confidence. Good talk.

  2. Sep 25

    46 Mailbag: our audience's biggest money questions answered, and maybe a soap box rant or two

    In this special Mailbag episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li dive into the questions, reactions, frustrations, and aha‑moments listeners have shared across dozens of episodes. From happiness and taxes to social media manipulation, renting vs. owning, retirement fears, prenups, back‑to‑school savings, and even Pokémon‑card “investing,” this episode brings together the conversations you’ve sparked — and the ones you didn’t know you needed. This is one of the most wide‑ranging, honest, and entertaining episodes yet. You’ll hear: Why the Happiness episode resonated so deeply — and why scores are falling among young people How newcomers to Canada are reframing their understanding of taxes and public trust The real‑world dangers of social media misinformation, from health myths to AI‑generated influencers How Gen Z is fighting back with flip phones and phone‑free zones The emotional firestorm around renting vs. owning, shame, status, and societal pressure Why prenups are having a moment — and why couples should talk money as seriously as wedding planning How listeners saved $1,200 using our back‑to‑school timing strategies What people got wrong (and right) about retirement planning, and why Doretta’s retirement episode became a fan favourite Why understanding your paycheque matters more than you think The psychology behind collectibles, NFTs, Pokémon cards, and why they’re not investments How parents are using our performative self episode to teach teens about values vs. social pressure This episode is a reminder of why we created Not Just Money: because money touches everything — identity, happiness, relationships, security, and the stories we tell ourselves. If you’ve ever sent us a question, argued with us in your head, or had a “holy crap, I never thought of that” moment while listening… this one’s for you. Good talk.

  3. Sep 18

    45 Maximize RESPs in Canada: While avoiding common mistakes parents make

    If you’re a parent, aunt, uncle, or grandparent in Canada, this episode is one you cannot afford to skip. Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) are one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — financial tools available to families. In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down exactly how RESPs work, why they matter, and how to make sure every child in your life gets the educational head start they deserve, while helping you avoid common mistakes caregivers make. You’ll learn: What an RESP actually is — and why it’s one of the best education savings tools in Canada Why you should open an RESP the day your child is born, even if you can’t contribute yet How RESPs evolved over time to become more fair and accessible How the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) works — including the 20% match and the $7,200 lifetime maximum How the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) supports lower‑income families with up to $2,000 in free contributions Why RESPs are not just for university — they cover college, trade school, apprenticeships, CEGEP, and eligible programs abroad What RESP funds can actually be used for: tuition, books, laptops, rent, food, transportation, tools, and even a car in certain cases How long an RESP can stay open (up to 35 years!) and why that flexibility matters What happens if your child doesn’t pursue post‑secondary education — and why you don’t lose your money The difference between individual and family RESPs — and how to choose the right one Why RESP providers differ — and how fees, restrictions, and investment options can impact your child’s future How withdrawals work once your child starts school, including Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) Why children with RESPs are statistically more likely to attend and graduate from post‑secondary education This episode is your complete guide to RESPs — how to open them, how to maximize government contributions, how to invest inside them, and how to use them strategically when your child begins their education journey. If you want the children in your life to launch into adulthood with confidence — and without crushing student debt — this episode is essential listening. Good talk. Links: Government of Canada list of RESP providers and the benefits they offer CRA list of approved expenditures: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/registered-plans-administrators/bulletins/resp-bulletin-1.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

  4. Sep 11

    44 Retirement is within reach: Pensions, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs & How to Build Your Future

    Retirement isn’t funded by one magic number — it’s built piece by piece, year by year, through multiple income streams. In Part 3 of our retirement income series, Doretta and Li break down how Canadians actually fund their retirement today, and what that means for anyone planning their future. This episode goes beyond the basics of CPP, OAS, and GIS to explore the rest of the “retirement house”: workplace pensions, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, investment income, home equity, and even post‑65 employment. If you’ve ever wondered how much you’ll need — or how you’re supposed to get there — this episode gives you clarity, strategy, and peace of mind. You’ll learn: Why workplace pensions are disappearing — and how that shifts responsibility to you The difference between defined benefit and defined contribution pensions How today’s retirees actually use RRSPs and RRIFs — and why deaccumulation can feel harder than saving Why RRIF withdrawals affect OAS/GIS eligibility (and how to plan around it) How TFSAs have become a powerful retirement tool — especially for tax‑efficient withdrawals What average retirees have saved in TFSAs (and why younger Canadians will benefit even more) How non‑registered investments, home equity, and part‑time work fit into the retirement picture Why retirement spending happens in phases: go‑go, slow‑go, and care years How to think about “how much you need” without getting overwhelmed by million‑dollar targets Why focusing on your savings rate is more effective than chasing a single retirement number How financial planners model retirement income — and how you can do it yourself This episode helps you understand the real structure of retirement income in Canada — and how to start building your own secure, flexible, and resilient future. Good talk.

  5. Sep 4

    43 Retirement: How you already have money in the bank with CPP, OAS, and GIS

    Most people plan for retirement without ever understanding where their income will actually come from. In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li break down the real sources of retirement income in Canada — the foundational benefits every Canadian is entitled to, how they work, and what they mean for your long‑term financial planning. If you’ve ever wondered “Will I have enough?”, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and a starting point. You’ll learn: Why retirement planning must start with understanding your income foundation How long Canadians are actually living — and why planners now use age 95 The three pillars of government‑provided retirement income: 1. CPP/QPP — how contributions work, how benefits are calculated, and why CPP is funded for decades 2. OAS — how residency affects eligibility, how clawbacks work, and why most Canadians receive it 3. GIS — the tax‑free supplement for low‑income seniors Why CPP won’t “run out of money” — and why fear‑mongering is wrong How early CPP works (and the permanent reduction you need to know about) How OAS and GIS interact — and why timing matters Why your retirement income will come from multiple sources, not just savings How to check your own CPP estimate today Why understanding your foundation reduces fear and motivates better saving This episode is Part 2 of our retirement income series — your blueprint for building the financial “house” that will support you for decades. Links: CPP https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/news/chief-actuary-government-canada-releases-32nd-actuarial-report-canada-pension-plan?utm_source=chatgpt.com  ;  QPP:   https://www.retraitequebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/publications/our-programs/quebec-pension-plan/actuarial-valuations/summary-actuarial-valuation-quebec-pension-plan-31-december-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com )

  6. Aug 28

    42 Build a Budget You Can Actually Stick To: Simple Steps for Stress‑Free Money Management (Encore)

    This week, we are bringing back a critical topic as we delve deeper into retirement. As we begin to talk about withdrawal strategies, being able to budget (even if you have never done it before), becomes a skill you need to dust off! Repeating Episode 03 - here comes the budget tips you need. If the word budget makes you cringe, you’re not alone — but you are in the right place. In this episode, Doretta and Li walk you through how to create a simple, realistic, and sustainable budget that helps you live well within your means, save with purpose, and spend on what truly matters. You’ll learn: What a budget really is — and why it’s your most powerful financial tool How budgeting reduces stress, improves sleep, and strengthens relationships Why budgets aren’t restrictive — they’re liberating How to map out your income, expenses, needs, wants, and goals The difference between mandatory and discretionary spending How to build a budget that reflects your values and lifestyle Why a spending diary can transform your financial awareness Three practical strategies to make your budget stick How to include saving (even small amounts!) without feeling deprived Why simplicity beats perfection every time This episode is packed with practical steps, mindset shifts, and real‑life stories to help you finally build a budget you can stick to — and actually enjoy. Next week: We are back to retirement with our first segment on understanding your government benefits in retirement, the foundation of your house. Good talk.

  7. Aug 21

    41 Being Retired: What No One Tells You About Money, Identity, Purpose & the Emotional Shift

    Retirement is supposed to be the reward for decades of saving — but what actually happens when the paycheques stop and the future finally arrives? In this deeply personal episode of Not Just Money, Li interviews Doretta about the real experience of being retired: the identity shift, the emotional challenges, the unexpected joys, and the financial realities no one prepares you for. This episode goes far beyond “Do I have enough saved?” and explores the questions most people never ask — but should. You’ll hear: How you know it’s time to retire (and why the decision is rarely clear‑cut) The surprising emotional shift from saving to spending Why “future you is a stranger” — and how that complicates retirement planning The difference between objective enough and emotional enough How childhood money trauma shapes retirement fears The challenge of losing work identity — and rebuilding purpose What retirees actually spend more or less on Why frugality becomes part of your identity (and how to loosen its grip) How relationships change after retirement — friendships, partners, and family What Doretta wishes she had told her 30‑, 40‑, and 50‑year‑old self The importance of curiosity, creativity, and structure in retired life Why health — not money — becomes the true foundation of retirement This is an honest, vulnerable, and practical conversation about what retirement really feels like — financially, emotionally, and psychologically. If you’re saving for retirement, approaching it, or already living it, this episode will help you rethink what you’re planning for. What questions do you have about retirement that we didn’t cover? Email us at Notjustmoneypodcast@gmail.com.

  8. Aug 14

    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

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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
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Not Just Money