Scammers are getting smarter, and package delivery scams are on the rise.

Scammers are getting smarter—and more manipulative.

Whether it’s a fake emergency call from a loved one or a phony business request from your boss, these scams are designed to catch you off guard. We’ll break down how deepfake scams work, share tips on how to spot the red flags, and show you how to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.

In this episode of Tandia Talks Money, we’re exposing the sneaky tricks scammers use and how you can shut them down before they even start. From phishing emails to too-good-to-be-true investment schemes, we’ll help you stay sharp, skeptical, and scam-proof.

So many Canadians are in the same boat, but here’s the thing: debt doesn’t define you, and you can totally break free. We’ll chat about how to recognize when you're stuck in the “debt loop,” why it’s so important to stop the shame and blame game, and how to start shifting your mindset so you can take control. I’ll also share a funny (and eye-opening) story about my weekend getaway with the kids and how I was shocked at the cost of a simple sub sandwich. It’s a reminder that small things really do add up!

In this episode, Carla breaks down how to take control in a world of uncertainty, using the 5-Second Rule to make quick, confident decisions—even when the headlines are overwhelming. From tackling inflation to finding balance in your spending, we explore practical, no-nonsense tips for navigating the ups and downs of 2025. Ready to feel more in control of your finances? Tune in for actionable advice that’ll help you move forward with confidence—even when the world feels like it’s turning upside down.

Sure, it sounds like something straight out of a political debate, but tariffs affect your wallet more than you might think. Whether you're in Canada or the U.S., tariffs are impacting your prices, job security, and economic growth—whether you realize it or not. So what exactly are tariffs, and why should you care?

In this episode of Tandia Talks Money, Carla, explains how RRSPs and TFSAs can be your financial BFFs. These accounts might sound fancy, but they’re really just smart, tax-friendly places to stash your money. Whether you’re saving for retirement or a vacation, getting started now means future-you will be thanking you—probably from a beach.

Ah, the sweet nostalgia of rotary phones—each digit clicking away as you patiently dialled, only to misdial and start all over again. Sound familiar? Managing your finances can feel a lot like that. But here’s the thing: just like dialling a landline, it’s all about slowing down and taking things one step at a time.

This episode is all about striking the perfect balance between enjoying life’s little splurges (because, yes, you deserve them) and keeping your budget intact.

In this episode, we share a simple, one-week plan to help you tackle the holidays without stress.

This episode covers the top fraud schemes to watch out for this festive season, from fake online shops to phishing emails disguised as delivery notices. Whether it’s spotting a phantom sale or shutting down a fake charity plea, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead of the Grinches lurking in cyberspace.

Can money really buy happiness? With holiday spending in full swing, we break down how thoughtful financial choices—like investing in experiences, giving back, and planning ahead—can bring more joy and less stress to your life.

Could skipping your daily latte truly make you a millionaire, or is this just another financial myth that oversimplifies the path to success?

Inspired by Taylor Swift’s ability to define her journey through unique “eras,” this episode dives into how you can apply the same mindset to your financial journey. It’s time to reflect, re-evaluate, and take control of your finances with confidence and purpose.

From forgotten subscriptions to impulse buys and unused memberships, these small costs can add up fast. In this episode, we’ll show you the everyday money leaks that are harder to spot than a missing sock and how to plug them before they cost you more.

Ever wonder why it feels so awkward to discuss finances, even though we’ll chat about almost anything else? In this episode, we explore why money is such a taboo topic and offer easy ways to break the silence. From normalizing small conversations about budgeting to creating non-judgmental spaces for sharing tips and tricks, this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you get comfortable talking money with friends, family, and colleagues.

In this episode, we're focusing on the importance of sprucing up your home for better curb appeal, which is crucial in today’s competitive sales market! Carla offers several useful ideas to catch a few more eyeballs when you put your property up for sale, starting with the least expensive and moving up to bigger budget options. Everything from a fresh coat of paint to simple upgrades like new countertops or fixtures to bigger upgrades like a new deck or landscaping can have a big impact. Oh, and don’t forget to declutter! Perhaps the simplest reno of all—taking things out of a space—has the surprising result of making it feel new again and hardly costs anything to do. Of course, you may be thinking, 'These ideas all sound great, but how do I finance them?’ Don’t worry, Carla’s got you! She lays out 5 options for financing your renovations (big or small), which can include home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, or even refinancing your mortgage. As always, for any financing decision, it’s best to consult professional advice, and thankfully, this is where Tandia can help!

Does it sometimes feel like you need a dictionary to keep track of all the mortgage terms out there? Not to worry, because Carla’s got your back. She explains the most common terms you’ll hear when you’re shopping for a mortgage and breaks down how they are used and what to look out for. Carla also adds in some additional steps for first-time home buyers to help you feel more prepared, including helpful tips like saving for a larger down payment to mitigate or lessen your mortgage insurance amount and staying on top of your credit score (and taking steps to improve it if needed) so you can access the best available mortgage rates. As usual, Carla wants to empower you to make more informed decisions about your finances and reminds us that, just like any life goal, a little bit of planning can make all the difference!

Carla is here to guide us through this journey to make sure our taste buds and bank accounts don’t get burned. Think of a mortgage interest rate as the cost of borrowing money to buy a house. Our banking BFF guides us through the two types of interest rates available on mortgages and discusses the various pros and cons of each. Carla also answers some commonly asked questions about them and breaks down some key tips for navigating the market and how to make sure you’re getting the very best rate for yourself (tip: credit unions can help!). Whether it’s your first mortgage or your tenth, Carla is here to keep you informed and empowered in your home buying journey! Let's do this!

This week, Carla takes us through the ins and outs of mortgage options like renewal, refinancing, and switching, along with the pros and cons of each. Just like dating, finding that perfect mortgage match will take a little bit of work, but it’s so worth it when you find the right fit! When looking into these options, it’s important that you ask yourself what your financial goals are, and don’t be shy about reaching out to a professional like a mortgage broker for some sage advice tailored to your specific situation. Carla also dives into the specifics of second mortgages and secured loans—two types of financing that can be really useful to access the equity in your home if you need it, with caveats that there are still pros and cons to each. Ultimately, managing your mortgage is about taking informed steps toward financial health and flexibility. Remember, your approach to money doesn’t have to be set in stone; it can grow and change just like you!

Understanding your mortgage can feel like learning a new language with a lot of dollar signs, but Carla is here to help make things more digestible. In this episode, she tackles the ins and outs of mortgages, explaining the three main types: fixed rate, variable rate, and interest-only. She breaks down how these options align with different financial situations and long-term goals and dives into amortization, showing how payments shift from covering interest to reducing the principal over time. Carla also covers the impact of mortgage terms on financial flexibility, key features like pre-payment options and portability, and the difference between open and closed mortgages. With her guidance, choosing the right mortgage might just feel a little less daunting.

In this episode, she tackles the high interest rates that make home buying and mortgage renewals stressful. Forget the jokes about millennials and brunch; this is about understanding how our daily choices impact our financial wellbeing. High interest rates affect not just mortgages but also the everyday costs of goods and services. Carla breaks it down: Recognize your thought patterns, understand your emotional triggers, and take conscious action. Cut unnecessary spending, negotiate with lenders, and stay proactive. With mindfulness and determination, you can navigate high interest rates and build a brighter financial future.

This season, we're tackling the dream (and challenge) of home ownership. With the real estate market's wild ride, owning a home can feel like a far-off fantasy, especially for millennials facing skyrocketing interest rates. But fear not! Carla (your banking BFF) will unpack these challenges and share savvy strategies to navigate the market's twists and turns. From smart budgeting and mortgage shopping to staying cool under pressure, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're eyeing your first home or thinking about refinancing, Carla's here to help you make savvy decisions and turn that home ownership dream into reality. With Tandia by your side, let's thrive in this crazy market together!