Not Just Money

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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

    51 What's Your Death Date? Life Expectancy, Longevity, Retirement Planning & the Science of Living Longer

    Can you calculate your death date? Not exactly. But you might be surprised by how much science, statistics, and data can tell us about life expectancy, longevity, and how long your retirement savings may need to last. In this special Halloween episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li dive into the fascinating world of actuaries, mortality tables, life expectancy calculations, and longevity forecasting. They explore how governments, insurance companies, pension plans, and financial planners estimate how long people are likely to live and why those calculations matter for everything from life insurance premiums to retirement planning. You'll learn: What actuaries actually do and why their work affects your financial life The difference between life expectancy at birth and remaining years of life expectancy Why your life expectancy can actually increase as you get older How mortality tables and survival probabilities are created Why financial planners often plan to age 95 or 100 How insurance companies price life insurance using actuarial data How pension plans estimate future retirement obligations Why longevity is one of the biggest risks in retirement planning The difference between population averages and individual outcomes How lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, exercise, weight, and overall health can influence life expectancy Why genetics matter, but aren't the whole story Doretta and Li also test several popular life expectancy calculators and compare their results, including tools developed by researchers, actuaries, and longevity experts. The calculators discussed include: International Longevity Illustrator (Society of Actuaries Research Institute) https://ili.soa.org/ Project Big Life (Ottawa Hospital Research Institute) https://www.projectbiglife.ca/life-expectancy-calculator Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator https://www.livingto100.com/ Along the way, they uncover surprising insights about how longevity is measured, why most people misunderstand life expectancy statistics, and how small lifestyle choices can dramatically change the odds of living to 90, 95, or even 100. Whether you're planning for retirement, thinking about your long-term financial future, or simply curious about how long you might live, this episode offers a practical and thought-provoking look at one of life's biggest unknowns. Good talk.

  2. Oct 23

    50 Boomers, Millennials & Inflation: Housing, Cars, Clothes and the Real Cost of Living in Canada

    Was life really more affordable for Boomers? Or are Millennials and Gen Z facing challenges previous generations never had to deal with? In this episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li dig into the numbers behind one of the biggest debates in personal finance: How has inflation changed the cost of living across generations? Using historical Canadian data from 1985, 2005, and 2025, they compare housing, household goods, appliances, furniture, clothing, transportation, technology, and everyday expenses to uncover what's actually become more expensive, what's surprisingly cheaper, and why the answer is far more complicated than most headlines suggest. You'll learn: Why housing affordability challenges are very real — and how they compare to previous generations How home prices, mortgage rates, and household income interact to determine affordability Why average Canadian home prices have increased more than threefold since 1985 How much of household income is now required to carry a mortgage compared to previous decades Why major appliances, furniture, clothing, and technology are dramatically cheaper in inflation-adjusted terms How lifestyle inflation and expectation inflation affect our perception of affordability Why comparing generations is harder than simply adjusting for inflation How technology has replaced dozens of products and expenses from previous generations What inflation calculators can and cannot tell us Why the growing gap between rich and poor may be a bigger issue than inflation itself Doretta and Li also explore the hidden forces behind financial nostalgia. Were Boomers really better off? Are Millennials as disadvantaged as they're often portrayed? And how much of our financial frustration comes from changing expectations rather than changing prices? This episode challenges common assumptions about inflation, purchasing power, housing affordability, and generational wealth, offering a more nuanced view of what it means to build a middle-class life in Canada today. If you've ever wondered whether things were really better "back in the day," this episode is for you. Good talk. Links: Bank of Canada Inflation Calculator https://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/related/inflation-calculator/ RBC Housing Affordability Report https://www.rbc.com/en/economics/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/03/Affordability-gains-become-weaker-and-sparser-in-Canada-.pdf?utm_

  3. Oct 16

    49 Financial Stress & Mental Health: What the Latest Research Reveals About Money, Anxiety, and Well‑Being

    Money doesn’t just shape our bank accounts — it shapes our mental health. In this research‑packed episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li explore the powerful, often overlooked relationship between financial wellbeing and mental wellbeing, drawing on new studies from Canada and around the world. Financial hardship, comparison culture, social media pressure, rising costs, and uncertainty about the future are taking a toll — especially on Millennials and Gen Z. But the data also shows where we do have control, and how financial literacy, confidence, and values‑based decision‑making can meaningfully improve our mental health. You’ll learn: The three dimensions of financial wellbeing (material, psychological, and future resilience) Why Canadians can meet their bills but still feel financially unwell How financial hardship strongly correlates with depression and anxiety across 24 countries Why perceived financial wellbeing predicts mental health more than actual income or debt How comparison — especially feeling poorer than peers — lowers happiness, meaning, and life satisfaction The behavioural signs of financial anxiety: avoidance, hypervigilance, doom spending, decision paralysis, shame, and relationship strain Why even financially secure people can feel chronically anxious about money How financial anxiety and mental health challenges reinforce each other What the research says about financial literacy interventions — and why habits matter more than concepts The limits of financial education (it can’t fix inadequate income) and where it can make a meaningful difference Why grounding your financial life in your own values, goals, and realistic expectations is essential for peace of mind This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stressed about money — whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or objectively doing fine but still feeling anxious. The research is clear: financial wellbeing and mental health are deeply connected, and understanding that relationship is the first step toward taking control. Good talk. Links: (for the research nerds) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666560325000933 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212657026000747   https://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/feeling-poorer-peers-linked-lower-wellbeing-even-when-incomes-are-similar-373318 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214804325000679    https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/financial-education-budgeting-longitudinal.html    https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/programs/research/online-intereventions-increase-young-womens-confidence-final-report.html    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39529498/

  4. Oct 9

    48 The Power of Gratitude: How Thankfulness Rewires Your Brain, Redefines Wealth & Stops the Comparison Trap

    In this Thanksgiving‑themed episode of Not Just Money, Doretta and Li explore one of the most misunderstood — and most powerful — tools for financial well‑being: gratitude. Not the $13.99‑on‑Amazon journal version, but the deeper psychological, ethical, and human version that has shaped cultures, religions, and philosophies for thousands of years. Building on last week’s episode about why we feel poor even when we’re not, this conversation dives into how gratitude interrupts the comparison cycle, quiets the dopamine‑driven chase for “more,” and helps us recognize the wealth already present in our lives — wealth in its original meaning: well‑being. You’ll learn: Why gratitude is a two‑step process (and why most modern wellness advice only teaches half of it) How gratitude hijacks your brain’s network to refocus attention on what truly matters Why comparison culture makes us feel poorer — and how gratitude breaks the cycle The neuroscience behind rumination, wanting, and the hedonic treadmill How ancient traditions, Indigenous teachings, and modern psychology all converge on the same truth Why defining “enough” is essential for financial peace The surprising link between gratitude and generosity — including research showing grateful teens donate 60% more Why humility (not humiliation) is a forgotten virtue in a world obsessed with self‑optimization How gratitude helps us see the richness of time, relationships, nature, creativity, and community Why Thanksgiving’s meaning — recognizing plenty and sharing it — is the antidote to consumerism If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of wanting more, comparing more, or feeling like what you have isn’t enough, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful, and deeply human reset. Wishing you a grateful, grounded Thanksgiving. Good talk.

  5. Oct 2

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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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
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Not Just Money