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Financial Literacy Canada

Financial Literacy Canada

Written by: Max Shabalov
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Financial Literacy Canada is a podcast dedicated to helping Canadians take control of their personal finances with confidence and clarity. Through in-depth conversations with financial experts, host Max Shabalov finds insights on how Canadians can make more informed decisions about their money.© 2026 Max Shabalov Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Why Index Investing Is Powerful
    Feb 22 2026

    Most people begin investing by asking, “What should I buy?”

    But according to Dan Bortolotti, that’s the wrong place to start.

    Dan - portfolio manager at PWL Capital, founder of Canadian Couch Potato, and author of Reboot Your Portfolio - joins Financial Literacy Canada to explain why beating the market shouldn’t be your goal… and why most people who try end up underperforming.

    In this conversation, we also explore:

    • The evidence behind index investing
    • Why diversification across Canada, the U.S., and international markets matters
    • Why Canadians should own Canadian equities (despite Canada being only ~3% of the global market)
    • How index ETFs work
    • And how to decide whether you truly need a financial advisor

    If you want to invest with less stress, fewer decisions, and more long-term confidence, this episode may help you develop a clearer roadmap.

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    51 mins
  • How Our Background and Human Nature Shape Our Relationship With Money
    Jan 3 2026

    Most personal finance advice focuses on numbers: budgets, investing, and strategies to grow your money. But what if your biggest money challenges have less to do with math, and more to do with your past?

    My guest today is Jessica Moorhouse, financial educator and author of Everything But Money. Jessica has spent over a decade helping Canadians understand not just how money works, but why we behave the way we do with it.

    In our conversation, Jessica explains how childhood experiences, family patterns, trauma, and human psychology shape our relationship with money. We discuss common emotional struggles like shame, fear, and anxiety, the toxic money behaviors many people fall into.

    If you’ve ever felt stuck financially despite knowing what you “should” do, this episode offers a more human, honest approach to building a healthier relationship with money.


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    54 mins
  • How to Invest Simply and Successfully: A Guide for Ordinary Canadians
    Dec 3 2025

    You’ve probably heard plenty of advice about the importance of investing. But how do you actually get started if you don’t know much about it?

    My guest today is John Robertson - author of The Value of Simple, one of the most respected investing guides in Canada. John has spent decades helping Canadians understand the basics of investing, and is known for breaking down complex ideas into clear, practical steps anyone can follow.


    In our conversation, John explains the different types of investments, why most people should avoid picking individual stocks, and why index fund ETFs are often a smarter, more reliable choice. He also explains his four-step process for starting to invest on your own and some common beginner mistakes to watch out for.

    Whether you’re completely new to investing or already on your way, this episode delivers valuable insights and down-to-earth wisdom to help you build a more confident financial future.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
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