Tandia Talks Money

Mastering Money: A Stress-Free Start to 2024

 Welcome to the official Season 2 finale of Tandia Talks Money! As we dive into the new year, join Carla in breaking down the simplicity of mastering personal finance. We all know getting good at money can feel like a daunting task, so she’s sharing some non-intimidating tricks of the trade. From gaining clarity on your income to focusing on fundamentals like consistent saving, prudent investing, automating your finances with ease, and so much more, Plus, Carla’s diving into 10 transformative...

Mind Over Money

Carla's back on the mic this week to explore the powerful concept of "mind over money". This mindset shift is all about going beyond the numbers, delving into how your thoughts and attitudes shape your financial journey. Think of it like being the captain steering your financial ship—empowering and in control. This approach not only helps you navigate financial challenges more gracefully but also acts as a shield against future stressors. Carla breaks down practical steps for embracing "mind ...

Investing in Health: The Chiropractic Connection

Health is wealth, baby! This season, we've focused on the importance of investing in yourself and the powerful impact that can have on your financial future. Keeping this in mind, on today's episode, Carla is joined by her dear friend and chiropractor, Dr. Chelsea Spano, to uncover the link between chiropractic care and financial well-being. She addresses common roadblocks to seeking care, budgeting for health investments, and the proactive approach needed for long-term benefits. Dr. Chelsea ...

Bitter Financial Truths with Sweet Solutions

Forget stressing over a $7 latte—today, Carla’s diving into the intricacies of debt acquisition and cutting through the noise of financial success to reveal the genuine culprits behind our money struggles. Why, you might ask? Because life is for living, and financial well-being means finding balance amid bills, budgets, and the occasional splurge. From exposing interest rates as silent architects of our financial destinies to cautioning against the fast-food allure of easy credit, Carla’s giv...

Unwrapping Holiday Moolah Magic

'Tis indeed the season of joy and giving, and as we step into the last week of November, Carla’s hopping on the mic to help us as we usher in the holiday spirit, the financially savvy way! In this episode, she’s unwrapping 10 practical strategies to help us navigate the holiday season while ensuring a financially prosperous year ahead. From setting financial intentions to practicing mindful gift budgeting, enjoying frugal festivities, and connecting with your financial self, these steps will ...

The Subtle Art of Financial Well-Being

Carla is back and stronger than ever, and this week we’re exploring the theme of "The Subtle Art of Financial Well-Being." Taking inspiration from Mark Manson's insightful wisdom in "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," Carla guides us in applying these concepts to our personal finance journey. With a blend of resilience and enlightenment, we're diving into mindful decision-making to sculpt a more balanced and empowered financial life. Rather than equating constant financial success with hap...

From Stress to Success: The Money Mindset Makeover

This week, Carla’s hopping back on the mic and guiding us through the rollercoaster ride that is our relationship with money. While money can be a beautiful thing, it can also be the source of our stress and anxiety struggles, so she’s helping us strike the delicate balance between chasing wealth and finding personal contentment. Together, we’ll explore six common reasons for financial roadblocks, and Carla’s providing practical tips to navigate around them. From boosting financial literacy t...

Mastering Time, Mastering Money: A Formula for Success

In the words of the great Hootie and the Blowfish "Time, why are you punishing me?”. In today’s world, we all know the struggle of trying to balance our daily tasks, work, family, and the digital distractions that have become an integral part of modern life, especially since the COVID era, where time has become even more valuable. This week, Carla is diving into all things time management and the direct impact it can have on us. She offers five practical steps to help you become a time manage...

Mind Over Money: Rewiring Your Brain for Financial Empowerment

It’s no secret that money plays a significant role in our lives, one that impacts our priorities, choices, mental health, and overall wellbeing. This week, Carla’s hopping back on the mic to bestow some of her infamous wisdom to explore the significance of mindfulness practices when it comes to money management and the ways they can empower us to make better financial decisions. She addresses emotional spending, the fear of scarcity, and the impact our upbringing can have on our financial beh...

Setting Clear Expectations for Financial Success!

Welcome back to Season 2! This season, we’re diving even deeper into the world of financial stability and bringing you the best tips, tricks, and advice for managing your finances. This week, we're taking inspiration from Ms.Shania Twain's anthem, "Any Man of Mine," to empower your financial journey and set clear expectations. We're here to remind you that your financial mindset is all about empowerment, setting standards, and making your money work for you. Your money mindset paves the way f...

Welcome to Season 2!

Money Talks and Season 1 Walks: Season Finale

This week on Tandia Talks Money, we are bidding farewell to season 1! But don't worry, we'll be back for Season 2 this Fall to bring you more financial tips and tricks to help you on your financial journey. Adulting is hard and can be as challenging as trying to fold a fitted sheet—it's like a puzzle that never quite fits! But fear not; Carla is here to help you shift your mindset and break free from those financial shackles! This week, Carla reflects on Season 1 and shares some additional ti...

Embracing the Challenges of the Sandwich Generation

This week, Carla is back to delve into the challenges faced by millennials, aka the sandwich generation, who find themselves juggling the responsibilities of raising their own children while also caring for their aging parents. Our guest speaker, Vince, the CEO of Villa Italia Retirement Home in Hamilton, Ontario, shares his insights and expertise on how to navigate this complex phase of life. We explore the difficulties of adulting, the uncertainty of the future, and the importance of planni...

Conquering Imposter Syndrome in Finance

This week, Carla is back and she’s ready to delve into the discussion of imposter syndrome and how it can impact us financially. Imposter syndrome—a deadly mix of self-doubt, uncertainty, and fear—plagues even the best of us. But fret not! Carla is here to shed light on how imposter syndrome can show up when it comes to our financial well-being and how these self-sabotaging behaviors can hinder our financial success. Don't let imposter syndrome rob you of your financial dreams. Be sure to tun...

Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Financial Growth

Life can often feel like a rollercoaster, with so many ups and downs whether it’s from starting a family, getting married, going through a divorce, or managing a loss. Each milestone brings the unique challenges of adulting and the financial transitions that accompany it. If you are experiencing any of these, just know you are not alone! This week, Carla shares four relatable stories of individuals who have embraced life's curveballs and emerged stronger on the other side. From Sara, who tran...

Financial Strategies for Modern Families

This week, Carla is back to share her top strategies to help us thrive in the face of modern challenges when raising a family. With costs of living skyrocketing, grocery bills soaring, and the rising costs of housing and childcare expenses, it can sometimes feel like we're just one unexpected expense away from breaking the bank. But fear not! Carla, the mastermind of financial triumph, is here to spill her top-notch tips on navigating the treacherous waters of financial success. And hey, it's...

Breaking Down the Building Blocks of Responsible Investing

Together, we've conquered challenges like dial-up internet (oh, the memories!) and mastered the Macarena (imagine those epic dance moves!). Now, we're geared up to take on anything that comes our way! This week, Carla is here to break down an amazing article from NEI Investments, a valued partner of Tandia Credit Union. We're going to explore the fascinating topic of The Building Blocks of Responsible Investing in a way that's not only informative but also fun and easy to understand. Consider...

Strategies for Crushing Your Financial Burden

Let's face it, managing your personal finances can sometimes feel like a daunting task to master when it comes to paying off debt, but fear not! Carla is back to share her key tips and tricks for mastering your finances and tackling your debts with confidence. Living with debt is a reality that many millennials face, but we won't let it steal the spotlight on your financial future. Carla shares several steps you can implement to set up your financial strategy to allow you to still enjoy the t...

Conquering the Canadian Housing Market

Get ready to channel your inner mountaineer because this week, Carla is tackling the mighty challenges of entering the Canadian housing market. Fear not, fellow climbers, because this week, Carla has your back with a bag full of tips on how to conquer the mighty mountain of homeownership. This week, we’re talking all about home ownership and the challenges that many millennials and first-time home buyers are currently facing with the steep and competitive real estate market across Canada. Car...

Dollars and Sense: Saving Big with Clever Financial Hacks

Get ready to dance your way to financial success as we dive into the world of financial hacks and dupes. Budgeting can often feel like a dull and painful routine, but fear not! This week, we have 5 hacks up our sleeves that will have you grooving to sweet financial success. Starting out with the "Grocery Store Tango", we’ll talk through all things savings when it comes to grocery shopping and how to lower those grocery bills without sacrificing taste. "The Subscription Shuffle" will reveal cl...

Money Moves 101: The Art of Building Your Financial Foundation

Guess who's back, back back....back again! Carla is back, and she’s here to help you achieve all of your financial goals! Today, we're diving into the essentials of building your financial foundation. No, we're not just dreaming of winning the lottery and living the high life in a rental. We're talking about real goals that are specific, realistic, and achievable, like tackling debt or saving for your first home. So put on your budgeting boots, because we're here to show you how you can creat...

Tandia Talks Money: Season 1 - Coming Soon!

One-Hit Wonders: How to Avoid Falling for Fraudsters' Tricks

April may be here, but we're not letting our guard down against fraudsters! While March was Fraud Awareness Month, protecting yourself against scams and cybercrime is a year-round endeavour. That's why Carla is joined by Rachel, our cyber-crime super hero and Director of Cyber Market Intelligence and Financial Crimes at Interac Corporation. In this episode, Rachel shares her insights on the creativity and adaptability of fraudsters and the lengths they'll go to get their hands on your informa...

Tips for Staying Proactive against Fraud in Your Day-To-Day Life

We’ve all heard of fraudsters, but do we really know how to detect a scam when we're faced with one in the moment? With March being Fraud Awareness Month, Carla is here to make sure we don't fall for fraudsters and their sneaky tricks. In this episode, she discusses the creativity scammers will go to and shares a few of the most common scams out there to beware of. From the infamous Nigerian Prince scam to phishing scams or the newer "Can you hear me?" scam, fraudsters are always coming up wi...

Swiping Left on Romance Scammers: Protecting Your Heart and Your Wallet

Wise men say that only fools rush in, and news flash: it's still Fraud Awareness Month, so let's get real about romance scams and the dangers of falling for fake love. These scammers are like Cupid's evil twin, using fake profiles to target lovestruck individuals looking for companionship. They'll use all kinds of cheesy lines and emotionally manipulative tactics to gain your trust and eventually ask for money. But don't be fooled; Carla's got some hot tips to help you protect yourself and in...

Thinking Twice: Proactive Practices for Fraud Prevention

Every year, millions of hard-working, respectable citizens fall victim to fraud. From investment scams to identity theft, it’s incredibly common for it to find its ugly way into so many of our lives, and this March, in honour of Fraud Awareness Month, Carla is addressing it! Sure, it isn’t the most thrilling topic in the world, but it’s beyond necessary to discuss, and let’s face it, we could all use some help when it comes to outsmarting the pesky fraudsters out there. With an in-depth break...

Female Financials: Let’s Go Girls

As women, our relationship with money can be incredibly complex. From wage gaps to being mothers, caretakers, and so much more, there are a variety of factors that can work against us as we attempt to financially flourish in our lives. Although the majority of these hinderances are beyond our control, there are steps we can take to improve our financial situations, and today, Carla is saying "let’s go girls" and bestowing some of that Shania energy on all the ladies listening out there. So go...

Tell Me (Money) Lies: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction

This week, Carla is wrapping up the month with something fresh and different! As February comes to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity for some self-reflection and personal growth, and what better way to do that than with a fun little game? If you grew up in the 90s, you A. remember what a magazine actually is and B. remember the personality quizzes found in the most popular magazines like Cosmo or Seventeen (IYKYK). In this episode, we’re shaking things up, travelling back in time to a wor...

Financial Independence: Single & Slaying 

Let’s face it, being single in February can be a tough gig at times. You’re constantly being bombarded by all things centered around Valentine’s Day, and it can bring out a full range of emotions. On one hand, you might be feeling lonely, but on the other, you might be relieved that you don’t have to share your candy. So many sides to the coin! Another major benefit of being single is the ability to pursue your very own financial independence, and today, Carla is back on the mic to hype you u...

V-Day Essentials: 10 Financial Questions to Ask Your Partner

Well, it’s almost Valentine's Day, and the smell of overpriced flowers and chocolate is in the air! If you’re in a relationship, you know it can be a challenge to know what to do every year in order to celebrate accordingly. For some, Valentine’s Day is an elaborate date night out on the town, a trip to the spa, or going to see a movie; for others, it’s a total afterthought. If you’re stuck on what to do this year, no sweat. Carla’s got your back and is hopping on the mic this week to give yo...

Mixing Love & Money: A Complex Recipe

Ah, February! The month of love. Being in 2023, we now know more than ever that love comes in many different forms. From self-love, to romantic love, it’s a many-splendored thing that we have the pleasure of experiencing in our lives. But, as a financial institution, Carla and the Tandia team have quite literally seen it all, and know that when it comes to mixing love and finances, it isn’t all sunshine and roses. Let’s be honest, no matter what kind of relationship you’re in, dealing with fi...

Taking Financial Control: It’s Your Life and It’s Now or Never 

The end of January can feel both relieving and daunting all at once. On one hand, we’re thrilled to be one month closer to warmer days, and on the other, we’re feeling guilty over the new year’s goals and intentions that may have fallen by the wayside. But the good news is that February is a new month and a new opportunity to take control of your financial reality. As the great Jon Bon Jovi once said, "It’s my life, and it’s now or never" and as a closeted fan, Carla is back on the mic to hel...

Let’s Talk: Financial & Mental Wellness

They say true happiness comes from within, not from purchased possessions. While money may not be able to buy you eternal happiness, having the freedom to pay for basic needs and enriching experiences certainly does help. No matter how you slice it, the direct correlation between your financial well-being and your mental health is hard to ignore. On today’s episode, Carla is addressing the "domino effect" of our financial health on our overall well-being, with a spotlight on mental health in ...

Blue Monday Madness: Surviving and Thriving

It’s a new year, and Carla is back on the mic with a fresh new doo and a healthy dose of financial wisdom to kick things off strong on this particularly blue Monday. Every year around this time, the warm fuzziness of the holidays has faded, the resolutions have more than likely been broken, and the bills are piling up like nobody’s business. Let’s face it, January is kind of the worst. But have no fear; Carla is here to guide you through these blues and help you realistically achieve any fina...

Emotional Investing: Should Old Acquaintances Be Forgotten?

Should an old acquaintance be forgotten in 2023? When it comes to emotional investing, that’s a big fat yes. As the year officially comes to a close, it’s an ideal time to reflect and decide what financial behaviours we want to bring into the New Year and what we ultimately need to leave behind. On today’s episode, Carla is joined by Kush, a fellow Tandia employee and wealth management extraordinaire, to tackle the complexities of emotional investing. In an economy where the market is in a co...

Combating Cyber Criminals: Stop, Look, and Think

Making a list and checking it twice... with online shopping? On today’s episode, Carla is providing the ultimate crash course in cyber safety, just in time for the holidays! We are living in a world of convenience, and shopping online has become the norm. Well, with all good things, there must be one inconvenient truth, and that truth is... cyber criminals. Yes, they do exist, they are smooth as can be, and they’ll "getcha" if you’re not careful. So tune in and get ready to own the holiday se...

‘Tis The Season: Tips to Avoid Getting Wrapped Up

It’s officially the most wonderful time of the year! But let’s face it, as wonderful as the holidays may be, they can also become incredibly expensive and overwhelming. Typically behind the holly jolly parties, gifts, and baking sessions, lives credit card debt, overspending and poor financial decisions. This week, Carla is kicking off the season to help guide you and your bank account towards a more cheerful experience, so you can enjoy every moment to the fullest without getting wrapped up ...

Basic Banking Rights: Sparking Joy & Living Your Best Life

As November comes to a close and we wrap financial literacy month up in a beautiful bow, Carla is back on the mic to ensure you’re the sharpest tool in the tool shed when it comes to understanding your financial rights as a consumer. Remember that little welcome package your financial institution provided when you first opened your account? The one you probably never opened? No shame in that game! This week, Carla is simplifying the fine print, breaking down our financial rights and key respo...

Dynamic Duos & Credit Card Woes with Jay Rodriguez

You know they say, "Two is better than one," and when it comes to today’s episode, we’d have to agree. Carla’s back on the mic with the other half of her dynamic duo from the Tandia team, the ever-so-talented Jay Rodriguez. Tune in as the two continue the financial literacy month festivities by sharing what you should consider before borrowing money, responsible borrowing, and how to land where you belong with your credit score. With no shortage of musical talent, the Batman and Robin of podc...

Frenemy Faceoff: The Debt Dilemma

Frenemies...we all have them! It's a complex type of relationship that has a tendency to loom over us, often serving as a royal pain in the behind. This week, Carla is taking on the ultimate frenemy we are all familiar with in some capacity—DEBT. We understand that it’s all fun and games initially, until you actually have to deal with it and you think to yourself, "Will this be around forever?" (Spice Girls reference—IYKYK). Fear not, Carla is here to arm you with the tips and tricks you need...

Giving It To You Straight: Small Changes, Big Impact

In life, whether we like it or not, change is inevitable. Our daily lives are so chaotic that we typically don’t even realize our current financial picture until we’re forced to face it in times of stress. In honour of November being financial literacy month, Carla is giving it to you straight this week, providing a bit of relief and empowerment to help carry you through the uncertainty of our changing world. She’s your financial BFF after all and is here to share a few pointers, keep things ...

Ask Us Anything: Monster Mashing Your Financial Fears

BOO! Feeling spooked by the financial fears keeping you up at night? Fear not, because Carla has some good news...there’s hope (and lots of mini chocolate bars)! Welcome to the Halloween edition of Ask Us Anything, where we answer the questions submitted by you (anonymously, of course!) and put a spell on all the things that financially scare you. On this episode, Carla is laying your nocturnal worry cycle to rest—providing the tools and advice necessary to keep those haunting thoughts at bay...

Confessions Of A Millennial: Outsmarting HomeSense & Breaking the Debt Cycle

You’ll say, we’ve got nothing in common, but this week, Carla begs to differ. On today’s episode, we’re jumping right back into our confessionals submitted by the Tandia community and exposing some of your juiciest financial secrets (anonymously, of course). But fear not, we can all relate to being personally victimized by an impulse purchase (or 4) at the HomeSense checkout, feeling ridiculous for leaning on your parents as an adult, and drowning in credit card debt without a clear roadmap. ...

People Before Profits with Tandia’s CEO Richard Davies

Looks like we’ve made it...to 1 year of the podcast! To celebrate just how far we’ve come, in tandem with International Credit Union Day on October 20th, Carla is joined by none other than Tandia’s CEO, Richard Davies. With over 40 years of credit union experience under his belt, Richard shares the vast wealth of knowledge he’s accumulated within the field, highlighting the uniquely powerful nature of these institutions—past, present, and future. So raise a glass and let's celebrate these spe...

The Tandia Tell All: Bringing Money to Life

We are a year into the podcast (insert loud cheering here) and wanted to introduce you to that distinct voice you hear in the intro and outro of the show. If you thought it was Carla, she is flattered that you thought her voice acting skills were so incredible, but it’s not her, it’s Money! Money has been with Tandia for many years and was created to personify money, so it is less intimidating and more inviting, kind of like this podcast. This week, Carla shares the history of Tandia so you c...

Demystifying Credit Unions: Let’s Get Down to Business

Let’s get down to banking business and empower our financial futures, shall we? A new month means a new theme so Carla’s back on the mic to officially deem October as the month of all things credit unions. In honour of International Credit Union Day on Thursday, October 20th, it’s time to celebrate the beauty of these fine institutions with an informative Q&A. Because seriously, what is the difference between a credit union and a bank? Find out for yourself by simply sitting back, relaxing, a...

Confessions of a Millennial: Secret Spending & Botox Bankruptcy

Got a secret? Can you keep it? On today’s episode, we are getting spicy as we share some dirty little financial secrets submitted by the Tandia community, anonymously of course. We polled the audience and the cash confessions rolled in with everything from overdraft nightmares to secret Starbucks spending to going bankrupt on Botox. Think of Carla as your financial hairdresser, or whoever you divulge your deepest secrets to, and feel free to submit your cash confessional to be featured on the...

Inflation & Interest Insights: Tips to Weather the Storm

Life is full of financial curveballs, and while you may not be the next Babe Ruth, Tandia can certainly help you take a fair swing at your finances. On today’s episode, Carla is joined by the Vice President of Member Solutions at Tandia Financial Credit Union, Shauna Wakeman, to discuss current and future market trends. They may not have a crystal ball, but Carla and Shauna have a few educational predictions that you don’t want to miss. Remember, advice is free, so don’t be scared to reach ou...

Back to Credit Basics: Using Plastic with Confidence

Do you know the difference between a credit card and a prepaid card? This week, Carla is heading back to credit basics and covering the ins and outs of the variety of cards available to Canadians. She shares the important questions to ask yourself before you sign that dotted line or make a big purchase with plastic. Credit can have a whole lot of benefits when used the right way, so tune in to build your credit confidence! P.S. If you are in the market for a new card, head over to tandia.com ...

Ask Us Anything: Your Burning Financial Questions Answered

This week, Carla is channeling her inner Delilah (American radio legend) and answering all your burning questions about finances. She discusses topics such as the best savings accounts, budgeting, the recession, and TFSAs for first-time home buyers. Thanks to everyone who submitted their questions to @tandiafinancialcreditunion and if you wish you were one of those people, make sure to submit them for the next episode of Ask Us Anything.      Carla answers your burning questions, including:  ...