#18 — Bruce Sellery: Getting Out of Debt So You Can Get Back Into Life
Our guest this week is Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada—a non-profit credit counselling agency that’s helped millions of Canadians avoid bankruptcy, get out of debt and reclaim control of their financial lives.
In this episode, Bruce joins Dave to talk about the growing debt problem in Canada and the personal stories behind it. They dig into everything from credit scores to the rising cost of kids’ sports to the impact of divorce on your finances. Bruce also shares his own unique journey—leaving a corporate job to become a business journalist and help launch BNN, before becoming a financial educator with a bestselling book and podcast “Moolala.”
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by debt or just want to understand how credit counselling really works, this is a candid, insightful and engaging conversation you won’t want to miss.
Show Notes
(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer
(00:55) Intro to Bruce Sellery
(03:37) Leaving a Corporate Career to Be a TV Reporter and Help Launch BNN
(07:06) Personal Finance vs. Business/Investing News
(09:05) How Bruce Developed His Communication Skills
(12:17) The Grace of a Well-Lived Life
(13:44) The Affordability Crisis in Canada
(16:04) What is Credit Canada?
(17:52) Credit Canada’s Non-Profit Structure
(22:12) What Happens if You Need to Claim Bankruptcy?
(23:30) How Do People Get Into Trouble with Debt?
(29:50) What Impacts Your Credit Score?
(32:28) The Housing-Affordability Crisis’s Impact on Debt Levels
(37:42) Divorce and Debt
(39:30) Kids’ Sports Have Become CRAZY Expensive
(43:56) Conclusion
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45:09
#17 — Jim Chuong (The Lazy Canadian Investor): Real Estate and ETF Investing
Our guest this week is Jim Chuong—better known online as “The Lazy Canadian Investor.” With over 1 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, Jim has built a massive audience by breaking down investing concepts in a clear, no-BS way.
In this episode, Dave and Jim cover a wide range of investing topics—from how Jim first got into real estate investing to whether it still makes sense today. They dig into Jim’s philosophy on using leverage, his take on individual stocks vs. ETFs, and why he prefers US-only investing over global diversification. Jim also shares what motivates him to create content and how he approaches simplifying complex financial ideas for everyday Canadians.
If you’re curious about real estate, passive investing or just want to hear from someone who’s built a personal finance brand from scratch—this episode is packed with practical insights.
Show Notes
(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer
(00:55) Intro to Jim Chuong
(01:44) How Jim Learned About Personal Finance
(06:52) Jim’s Early Investing Approach
(09:49) Getting Started with Real Estate Investing
(15:54) Is Real Estate Investing Still Attractive Today?
(20:34) The Toronto Real Estate Market
(22:12) Is Crypto An Investment?
(23:57) Jim’s Philosophy on Leverage and Investing
(25:49) Canada is a Wonderful Country
(27:43) Parenting Teenagers
(29:12) Why Does Jim Make Content Online?
(33:15) US-Only Investing Versus Global Diversification
(36:43) Investing in Individual Stocks vs. Broad-Market ETFs
(39:56) Why Private-Market Investing Isn’t Well Suited for the Average Investor
(42:05) Conclusion
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42:37
#16 — Kelley Keehn: Breaking Free from Debt, the Psychology of Overspending and How to Avoid Financial Fraud
Our guest this week is Kelley Keehn—best-selling author, personal finance expert and media personality who is on a mission to help Canadians build healthier relationships with money.
In this episode, Dave sits down with Kelley to unpack some of the most pressing financial challenges people face today. From the emotional weight of debt to the psychological traps that make it so easy to overspend, Kelley brings both empathy and expertise to the table. They dive into why debt happens in the first place, practical strategies to get out of it and how to avoid the subtle (and not-so-subtle) pressures that push people to spend more than they should. Kelley also shares crucial tips on how to spot and prevent financial fraud in a world where scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Whether you’re struggling with debt, trying to get a better handle on your spending or simply want to protect yourself from financial fraud, this episode is full of valuable insights.
Show Notes
(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer
(00:55) Intro to Kelley Keehn
(03:57) The Crushing Weight of Debt
(06:10) Strategies to Get Out of Debt
(08:31) Snowball vs. Avalanche Method
(10:41) Why Do People Get Into Debt?
(12:01) It’s So Easy to Spend Today
(14:23) Everybody Wants You to Spend
(17:24) Spending Summaries
(20:32) How Taking a Timeout Can Help You to Spend Purposely
(21:59) Credit Scores
(25:48) Pay Yourself First, But Revisit the Amount
(27:39) Are FHSAs Always Best?
(29:05) Don’t Chase Discounts on Things You Don’t Need
(32:39) Buying Used Can Come With Opportunity Costs
(34:17) How to Prevent Financial Fraud
(43:45) What’s The Worst Investment Kelley Has Ever Made?
(44:17) What’s The Smartest Investment Kelley Has Ever Made?
(45:39) Conclusion
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47:10
#15 — Gerry Dee: Lessons Learned From Comedy, Athletics and “Mr. D” (15ish Minute Money)
Our guest this episode is the legendary Canadian comedian Gerry Dee! You know him as the creator and star of “Mr. D” and the host of “Family Feud Canada”—but did you know “The Wealthy Barber” is one of the five books he’s ever read?
In this 15ish minute episode, Gerry sits down with Dave to talk about the lessons he learned during his early career as a teacher, his leap into stand-up comedy, his big break with “Mr. D” and how all of those experiences shaped how he thinks about money.
Tune in for laughs, insights and a fun dose of nostalgia!
Show Notes
(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer
(00:55) Intro to Gerry Dee
(02:14) Gerry’s Early Life
(04:20) Gerry’s Career as a Comedian & Entrepreneur
(07:56) Lessons Learned From Gerry’s Athletic Background
(12:16) When Gerry’s Career Took Off
(13:43) The Story of Mr. D
(14:33) Gerry’s Investing Approach
(17:41) The Best Investment Gerry Ever Made
(18:17) Does Gerry Follow The Wealthy Barber Principles?
(20:08) Conclusion
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21:24
#14 — Office Hours #1 (Live Call-In Q&A)
Welcome to the very first “Office Hours” episode of The Wealthy Barber Podcast where Canadians call in with real financial questions and Dave Chilton offers guidance through his signature mix of wisdom, wit and practical advice.
From coast to coast, listeners asked about everything from budgeting for big home repairs to whether “Pay Yourself First” applies to before- or after-tax income to investing tips for those who got a later start and much, much more. No jargon, no fluff—just honest, helpful education from one of Canada’s most trusted voices in personal finance.
Don’t miss this candid, fast-paced and surprisingly fun Q&A session. Got a question of your own? Submit it through our website’s contact form or DM us on social media and you might be featured in the next “Office Hours” episode!
FILMED: April 1, 2025
Show Notes
(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer
(00:48) Best Investments for the Short-Term?
(03:18) Which Index Funds to Pick as a Passive Investor?
(06:47) Advice if You Started Investing Later in Life?
(11:13) Is “Pay Yourself First” Before or After Tax?
(14:26) How to Budget for Major Home Expenses?
(16:56) What Should You Look For in a Financial Advisor?
(19:58) Lump Sum vs. Dollar-Cost Averaging
(23:51) Is the 4% Rule Still Valid Today?
(28:51) Send Us Your Questions!
The Wealthy Barber Podcast is Canada’s go-to source for approachable, entertaining, and free financial education. Hosted by none other than David Chilton—former Dragon on CBC’s ”Dragons’ Den” and the best-selling author of ”The Wealthy Barber” and ”The Wealthy Barber Returns”—this podcast is here to help Canadians manage their money better. Much better.
Dave Chilton has spent over 35 years demystifying personal finance, offering understandable, unbiased, and actionable advice that has empowered millions of Canadians to achieve their financial goals. Now, he’s bringing that same wisdom to your favourite podcasting platforms, with regular episodes designed to make personal finance simple, relatable, and yes, even entertaining.
Episodes of The Wealthy Barber Podcast features Dave in conversation with expert guests from across the spectrum of Canadian personal finance. From investing and real estate to taxes, RESPs, and even money psychology, no topic is off-limits. Plus, don’t miss our special “Office Hours” episodes, where Dave answers real questions from audience members, delivering informed, balanced, and sometimes downright funny advice.
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