Mo' Money Podcast | Personal Finance With Jessica Moorhouse

Jason Vitug is an author, entrepreneur, speaker and founder of Phroogal.com, and he's on a mission to teach everyone that financial freedom is possible no matter who you are or where you live. I chat with him in this episode about his latest book, You Only Live Once: The Roadmap to Financial Freedom, and how he went from working in Silicon Valley to road tripping it across the United States to inspire and teach others about the power of personal finance. Long description: If you're looking for some #WednesdayWisdom, or just need a dash of inspiration to get you through the rest of the week, this is the episode you've been waiting for. Jason Vitug will get you pumped and ready to take on life, because that's what he's all about. And he doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walks! Jason worked his way into a sweet gig in Silicon Valley, a dream to many of us with big aspirations and fantasies about living the good life. But he soon realized that despite having a great job and paycheque, he wasn't happy or fu

For this special solo episode, I share what's been happening on the new homeowner-front since my first episode of the season where I announced that my husband and I bought our first place. Long description: In my first episode (and first solo episode) for season 3 of the Mo' Money Podcast, I shared with you the big news that my husband and I bought our very first place. After one failed house hunt two years ago, we restarted our search in July and ended up buying a townhouse in Toronto. Not only that, we were able to put 25% for our down-payment so we could keep our monthly payments as low as possible. Well, since I recorded that episode at the beginning of September, a lot has happened. We've owned our home for 1 1/2 months, and we've already experienced quite a few ups and downs as new homeowners. Some of the Not So Fun Things About New Homeownership Overall, we are still super happy with our decision, but it has hands down been the most stressful period in our lives (save for maybe planning our wedding 3 y

Mrs. Frugalwoods is a testament to what extreme frugality can look like if you do it right. Extreme frugality, very different than minimalism so don't get them confused, is all about financial independence. When you let go of your need or obsession to buy and accumulate stuff, and focus on living simply, buying what you need (not just what you want), and spending your money on what really matters — well, maybe then you'll be able to live on 66 acres in the woods while working remotely too. Long description: Not long after I recorded this episode of the podcast with the lovely Mrs. Frugalwoods, I got to meet her in-person at FinCon 2016. In case you don't know, FinCon is a massive personal finance blogging conference, and this year there was over 1,200 attendees so it's a miracle I found Mrs. Frugalwoods amongst the crowd! Mrs. Frugalwoods did not disappoint in the flesh either. She was just as sweet, genuine and friendly as she came off during our interview together. She also has this calmness about her that

Faced with the reality that she had to pay her own way through university if she wanted a degree, Taylor Milam is a true example that hard work and resilience can really pay off. Long description: My third episode in my special podcast listener series features Taylor Milam from San Diego. Her debt story may sound very familiar to you if you had to pay for school on your own, work a few jobs at night and still depend on student loans to finish your degree. But her story is also a great example of where resilience and hard work can take you. Sure, Taylor had to get student loans to pay for school, but she also worked relentlessly to pay them off as soon as she could. And she did! After only 7 months she was able to pay off $14,000 in student debt. Now, she's on a mission to help people just like her get out of debt, and more importantly stay out of debt, on her blog The Freedom from Money. Got a story that you think would be good to share on an episode on of Listener series? Please email me! For more podcast ep

It was such a delight to chat with Alison Green from AskAManager.org about her amazing blog and to pick her brain about interviewing as a new post-grad, revamping your resumé, and switching careers. If you're a student, Millennial, or just listening to this episode at work and really wish you weren't at work, this is an episode you will get so much out of. Make sure to check the show notes so you can find out how to submit your work/career questions to Alison too. Long description: It was honestly such a dream to chat with Alison Green from Ask a Manager. As I mentioned in the episode, I read her blog religiously the year I moved to Toronto and was trying to switch careers from advertising sales to digital marketing.  Not only was it a great view into what other people have to deal with in their offices on a day-to-day basis, but she has some darn good advice! Probably the best career advice I've ever gotten. I absolutely credit Alison with helping me revamp my resumé and landing my current job. And it wasn'

I hosted and organized my very first event recently, called the Millennial Money Meetup. It was graciously sponsored by EQ Bank, and featured fellow money experts and bloggers Barry Choi, Michelle Summerfield and Daniel Teo. This event was all about creating a community and a safe space for Millennials to get together and talk about something that's generally considered taboo...money. Not only did we get a full house, I got a lot of great feedback and everyone had a rockin' time! This is definitely the first of many Millennial Money Meetups, and I can't wait for the next one. Show notes: http://jessicamoorhouse.com/59

This episode is all about fees, and my guest, Transcend Private Client president Chris Ambridge, has a wealth of knowledge to share all about it. We also discussed CRM2, the new amendments coming into play to make it more clear how much we're paying in fees, and we talked about the different ways advisors are compensated, so you have a better understand of why they may suggest certain investment products to you. Long description: This episode is all about fees, because even though it paying fees on investments may seem like a little thing...it's not. Like my guest Chris Ambridge, president of Transcend Private Client, mentions in the episode, surprisingly 2/3 Canadians don't know their paying fees. Reality check people, you are paying fees! Everyone pays fees on investments. How else do you think banks and wealth management firms make money? But even though we are paying fees, and there really isn't any way around that, it's important to know how much you're paying. That's why we also discussed CRM2 and how t

My second episode in my special podcast listener series features Lindsay VanSomeren, who is originally from Colorado, but now lives in Alaska with her husband. Her story is also a debt story like my first listener series episode with Amanda from Ottawa, but instead of student debt or consumer debt, she's dealing with housing debt. And no, not just carrying a mortgage, but the cost of fixing and maintaining a home. I guess some could call this a "Money Pit" situation (any fans of the 1986 Tom Hanks movie?), but what Lindsay is dealing with could honestly happen to anyone. Even if you get a housing inspection, you sometimes don't know what's wrong with the place you've bought until you've lived in it for a little while. It's sort of the dark side of home ownership that doesn't get too much attention. Luckily, Lindsay was kind enough to share her story, her experience and the lessons she's learned from it so you can avoid getting into a similar situation. Or if you are dealing with a housing nightmare, take some

For this episode, I chat with a truly wonderful man, who is so full of positivity and financial expertise, I can't believe I booked him for this interview! I'm of course talking about the one and only Bruce Sellery. He's a TV host, author, speaker and business journalist who makes money easy to tackle and kind of fun. In this episode, we talk about his successful career and how it all came to fruition, how he got to become a published author, and what the most important things everyone should know when it comes to personal finance. This episode of the Mo' Money Podcast is brought to you by WealthSimple. To learn more about the the fastest-growing automated investing service in Canada and to get your special $50 bonus when you open a new WealthSimple account, go to: wealthsimple.com/jessicamoorhouse. Bruce Sellery is seriously a delight! I was so nervous about contacting him because I'm definitely a fan and just love what he's doing in the personal finance space. But Bruce being the genuine guy that he is, go

For my first episode in my special podcast listener series. My first guest is Amanda D. from Ottawa. I originally interviewed her in June for my "4 Women Who Will Inspire You to Crush Your Debt" blog post, but I knew I needed to interview her for my podcast. She's an incredible woman who got into $64,000, then got herself out of it through sheer willpower, initiative and hard work.  Long description: For my first episode in my special podcast Listener Series. My first guest is Amanda D. from Ottawa who works as a Healthcare Professional. I originally interviewed her in June for my 4 Women Who Will Inspire You to Crush Your Debt blog post, but I knew I needed to interview her for my podcast. Amanda is an incredible woman who got into $64,000, then got herself out of it through sheer willpower, initiative and hard work. I know her story will be able to inspire, motivate and educate others going through something similar. And if you have a story that you think would be good to share on an episode on of Listener

Did you miss me? I sure missed you! It was great to take the summer off to take a break from the podcast and record a slew of new episodes for season 3, but a lot has happened these past few months. I share all my big news, including me being a new homeowner, going back to school (again!) and my first ever event aptly titled the Millennial Money Meetup. Long episode description: I’m back! Did you miss me? I certainly missed you! But man did I need a break. Not that it was much of a break if I’m honest. All summer I’ve been more busy than I was before I went on a podcast hiatus. I really did think I was going to spend at least most of the summer relaxing, enjoying the weather and recharging. But that didn’t happen. Not by a long shot. I have a bit of a problem you see. I get a lot of new ideas that pop into my head. And although most of those ideas are total crap, lots of them are good and I go full force in trying to make them happen. For instance, did I mention I’m a homeowner now? That was an idea I had (we

For this special episode of the Mo' Money Podcast, I interview my younger sister Sarah about what it feels like to have just graduated university, how she managed her money during school and was able to avoid getting into student debt, and what her plans are now that she's a post-grad in the "real world." I also offer some helpful tips on things I learned when I was in my sister's shoes, like how best to search for a job, how much money to have saved up before moving out and how to keep focused without sweating the small stuff.

In the final episode for season 2 of the Mo' Money Podcast, I do a special solo show to reflect on the 30 biggest lessons I've learned over the course of my 30 years on Earth in terms of money, life and balance. Long episode description: This episode of the Mo’ Money Podcast is brought to you by Lowest Rates, who are providing $250 for today’s giveaway! To find the lowest rates when it comes to mortgages, insurance and credit cards visit LowestRates.ca. Today is a pretty big day for me. It’s my one year anniversary of the Mo’ Money Podcast (with 52 episodes in the frickin’ can!), it’s the end of season 2 of my podcast (season 3 to resume in September), and this week is my birthday week. I officially turn 30 on Saturday, but in my mind my birthday lasts a full week. Now, this very special solo podcast episode is based on my blog post about the 30 life lessons I’ve learned before turning 30. I thought it would be cool to not just write about this, but also to explain what I’m talking about verbally. Honestly, a

The one and only Gail Vaz-Oxlade and I chat about her career as a personal finance guru, TV host and best-selling author. She also shares her top money tips for getting rid of debt, kicking bad financial habits to the curb and leading a more balanced life. Long episode description: This episode of the Mo’ Money Podcast is brought to you byWealthSimple. To learn more about the the fastest-growing automated investing service in Canada and to get your special $50 bonus when you open a new WealthSimple account, go to: wealthsimple.com/jessicamoorhouse. Before I even recorded my first podcast episode almost a year ago, there was one guest I always dreamed of interviewing. At the time I thought it was just that, a dream, but one year and 51 episodes later it’s now a reality! I’ve been a huge fan of Gail Vaz-Oxlade for years. I obsessively watched Til Debt Do Us Part when I was 24, broke and living in a basement with two equally broke roommates. It was her say-it-like-it-is attitude and helpful advice that motivated

For this episode, I interview my grandma Audrey, my dad's mom. She has an incredible story, though she may disagree with me. Sometimes it's hard to realize how much stuff you've accomplished and experienced when it's your life, but that's why I love having this podcast. Not only did my grandma immigrate from Scotland to Canada in the 1950s and start a new life with her young family in her early 20s, she was also a teacher for her entire career and was able to save enough to retire at 62. I've never really heard her story from her before this episode, so it was a real treat talking with her, I hope you enjoy it too! Long episode description: My grandma Audrey grew up in Insch, Scotland, a village located outside the city of Aberdeen. Growing up as a woman during that time, there weren’t as many options for work as there are now, but my grandma followed her passion and had a long career as a school teacher. Both my grandmas were teachers funnily enough. When she was in her early 20s, she got married, had my dad

I talk with licensed insolvency trustee Doug Hoyes about the key things everyone should know about debt and bankruptcy. Long episode description: I haven’t personally had much experience with debt, having only had a very small student loan to pay off after university (which I was able to crush in less than a year), but the fact is I’m the exception not the rule. Most households have debt, and so I wanted to make sure I did a podcast episode all about it. I’ve known Doug Hoyes for a little while as I’ve been a guest on his podcast Debt Free in 30 a few times. He is seriously the nicest guy, and also incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the world of bankruptcy and insolvency (two very hard words to say if you’re me, apparently!). In this episode, we go through the basics of debt and bankruptcy, such as the difference between secured and unsecured debt and what a consumer proposal is and then Doug shares some of his tips on what you can do now to avoid going into bankruptcy. Doug brought up a really good po

Jen Hemphill is proof that if there's a will, there's a way to balance family, money and career. Being an army wife isn't easy, especially when you have to move around the country with your family every few years. Most people with spouses in the military have a hard time maintaining a career living this lifestyle, but Jen found a way to have a career, help support her family financially and educate others about the importance of personal finance by starting her own money coaching business. In this episode she shares her story of growing up as a latch-key kid from a humble family, and how that influenced her to be a dedicated stay-at-home mom while pursuing her ambitions to be an entrepreneur who could help other women take control of their finances too. Long episode description: Jen Hemphill is an entrepreneur, money coach, mother and army wife, and in this episode of the Mo’ Money Podcast she chatted with me about how she started her own business while juggling the family finances and being a full-time stay-

I talk with Brad Baldridge, college funding consultant and blogger and podcast host of Taming the High Cost of College. It's almost impossible to get a good job without higher education these days, but many people are getting into more debt than they can handle by going to college unprepared. Brad shares his tips on how to be smart with your money, how far in advance you should plan for the costs of college, how you can get free money to pay for tuition and how you can save even more come tax time. Long episode description: We all know that gone are the days when you can graduate with a high school diploma and get a good paying job. If you don’t further your education after high school, your opportunities are very limited when it comes to career advancement. Then again, that doesn’t mean you should go to university and resign yourself to a post-grad life with $50,000 in student loans hanging over your head. To set yourself up for a successful career, you need to get a higher education, either at technical col

Todd Tresidder from Financial Mentor and I talk about how he was able to retire from his career as a hedge fund manager at early age of 35. But he didn't just put up his legs and relax once he retired, he put his energy into growing a money coaching business from scratch so he could other people find financial freedom just like he was able to. Long episode description: Todd Tresidder from Financial Mentor is a numbers guy. It helped him craft a successful career as a hedge fund manager, as well as figure out a way to retire at the ripe age of 35. But his plan wasn’t to just save up a bunch of money and spend the rest of his days on the beach sipping margaritas. Financial freedom to him meant he could finally spend his time doing something he loved. What I really enjoyed about talking with Todd was that he was just as open about his failures as he was about his successes. Although society tells us we are to aim for perfection and failure isn’t an option, in reality failure is natural and a big part of succeedi

In this episode, I talk with Kristina Wilson from the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) about the most important dos and don'ts when it comes to house hunting. Buying a home isn't as glamorous as all those home buying reality shows make it seem. It's a lot of work, there are a lot of documents to be aware of, and making one of the most expensive purchases of your life should not be taken lightly. Luckily RECO is here to help with experts like Kristina as well as a number of other useful resources to help any homebuyer make a financially responsible decision. Long episode description: This podcast episode is all about real estate — one of my favourite topics! If you’re a longtime blog reader, you already know I had quite the experience when my husband and I were trying to buy a house in Toronto last year. After two straight months of house hunting and bidding wars, we decided to take a rest and continue renting. If you’re not familiar with my house hunting blog series, definitely check out these detailed p