About The Podcast
The Dollars Seen Differently podcast breaks down financial topics to make them more accessible for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. Hosted by Ryan Hooey, each episode features a down-to-earth conversation with financial experts, offering practical tips and resources on topics like accessing government benefits, smart saving strategies, managing debt, taxes, financial aid for education, and more.
Disclaimer
The Dollars Seen Differently podcast is produced by CNIB in collaboration with financial experts to provide educational content on financial literacy. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as personal financial advice. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of CNIB. CNIB and its affiliates shall not be held liable for any actions taken by listeners based on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are solely responsible for their financial decisions and should exercise caution and discretion when implementing any strategies discussed in the podcast.
Dollars Seen Differently – Playlist
Episodes
Episode 1: Common Money Questions with the CNIB National Youth Council
This episode explores financial literacy topics aimed at youth with sight loss, focusing on key concerns like the importance of understanding money management from a young age, banking options, online financial institutions, and strategies to avoid impulse purchases. Laura Mackenrot provides insights into the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), emphasizing its role in long-term financial planning for people with disabilities. She also discusses the significance of building good credit, handling student loans, and planning for retirement through sound financial decisions. The conversation offers practical tips for youth navigating financial independence and highlights resources like Prosper Canada for additional support.
Guests:
CNIB National Youth Council – Danica Frappier and Eitel Houedakor
Plan Institute – Laura Mackenrot, Senior Help Line Advisor and RDSP Facilitator
Subscribe and listen to Episode 1 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 2: Finding Government Benefits with Prosper Canada
Prosper Canada, a national charity, offers financial empowerment tools for Canadians, including the Benefits Way Finder and the Disability Benefits Compass. These free, accessible tools help users identify and apply for government benefits, particularly those often overlooked by low- to moderate-income individuals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these tools in enhancing financial well-being by providing easy access to various financial supports across Canada.
Guest: Prosper Canada – Janet Flynn, Manager of Program Delivery and Integration.
Subscribe and listen to Episode 2 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 3: Disability Benefits (Disability Tax Credit & CPP Disability Benefit)
This episode discusses two significant financial benefits available to Canadians with disabilities: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD). The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit aimed at individuals with severe, prolonged disabilities, helping reduce taxes and access other programs like the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), Child Disability Benefit (CDB), and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The CPPD provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to a disability, provided they have made sufficient contributions to the CPP and have a severe and prolonged disability. The speakers emphasize the importance of filing appeals if applications are denied and provide tips for the application process.
Guests: Disability Alliance BC
Sharareh Saremi, Program Manager for the Advocacy Access Program
Cynthia Minh Director for the Tax AID and Access RDSP programs
Subscribe and listen to Episode 3 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 4: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
Ryan Chin from Sun Life Financial and Peridot Financial Solutions explains the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), designed for Canadians with disabilities to save long-term and grow tax-free until withdrawal. The RDSP offers government benefits through grants and bonds, potentially providing up to $90,000 in combined contributions over the plan’s lifetime. Ryan discusses eligibility requirements, making contributions, and how contributions can be matched through the Canada Disability Savings Grant (CDSG). And he shares how the Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) can offer additional money to low-income individuals, even if they don’t contribute. He also emphasizes that knowledgeable advisors can be valuable in navigating RDSP complexities.
Guest: Ryan Chin, Financial Planner at Sun Life, CFP, CLU, MBA, QAFP
Subscribe and listen to Episode 4 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 5: Registered Accounts
In this episode, financial expert Selene Mathews-Negash discusses various registered accounts available in Canada, including the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). She debunks common myths, such as the misconception that RRSP funds are locked in until retirement and explains the importance of using these accounts to maximize savings. Selene also highlights the significance of starting an emergency fund and offers advice on where to begin investing based on individual goals, emphasizing the importance of government-provided grants and bonds in accounts like the RESP. The episode provides listeners with practical insights into choosing and utilizing the right accounts for their financial needs.
Guest: Celine Mathews-Negash, Premium Advisor and Associate Portfolio Manager at Wealthsimple, CFP, CIM
Subscribe and listen to Episode 5 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 6: Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Students
Joanna Angelidis from BCIT and Ellis Parsons from CNIB discuss financial aid options for students, especially those with disabilities. They explore various resources, including the Canada Student Grant for Students with Disabilities and provincial student loans, while emphasizing the importance of early planning, understanding eligibility requirements, and staying organized throughout the application process. They advise students to consult both financial aid and accessibility services at their post-secondary institution to receive comprehensive guidance. Ellis explains that students can customize loan amounts and avoid loans if grants meet their needs. The discussion covers the six-month grace period for student loan repayments post-graduation, suggesting students aim for grants to avoid repayment altogether. Persistence, organization, and leveraging support networks are highlighted as crucial to navigating financial aid.
Guests:
Joanna Angelidis, Associate Director of Student Well-Being and Accessibility at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Ellis Parsons, Program Lead, Career and Employment (Youth), CNIB
Subscribe and listen to Episode 6 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 7: Scholarships For Students With Disabilities
In this episode, Sheldon Brown highlights CNIB’s wide range of scholarships and bursaries, which support students across Canada, addressing both financial need and accessibility requirements for those with sight loss. Katja introduces NEADS’ financial assistance program, which offers grants and partner-funded scholarships, aimed at reducing student debt and improving accessibility on campus. Both speakers emphasize the importance of early preparation, meeting eligibility criteria, and making an emotional connection in scholarship applications. Katja also mentions disabilityawards.ca, a useful resource to search for additional disability-specific scholarships.
Guests:
Sheldon Brown, CNIB Scholarships
Katja Newman, NEADS (National Educational Association of Disabled Students)
Subscribe and listen to Episode 7 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 8: Debt & Taxes: The Basics
This episode covers the essentials of financial literacy, focusing on debts, loans, and taxes. The episode discusses different types of loans—such as credit cards, lines of credit, mortgages, and payday loans—highlighting their pros and cons. The speakers emphasize the importance of managing debt responsibly, understanding interest rates, and the dangers of consumerism. They also explain how poor financial decisions can lead to long-term consequences, including damaged credit scores and mental stress. The episode wraps up by discussing the importance of filing taxes annually, even for those without income, and how missing tax deadlines can result in lost government benefits and penalties.
Guests: The Financial Empowerment Initiative
Tayo EL-Nathan, Executive Director and Dotun Ayodele, CPA
Subscribe and listen to Episode 8 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 9: Life Insurance
Ryan Chin from Sunlife Financial and Peridot Financial Solutions explains the importance and types of life insurance available for individuals, including those with disabilities. Chin shares that life insurance is often sought to cover debts, leave a legacy, or handle final expenses, and it can help protect loved ones financially. He introduces three main types of life insurance: Term Insurance (temporary, covering a set period), Permanent Insurance (covers an individual’s entire life), and Participating Permanent Insurance (a policy that grows in value over time through dividends). He discusses eligibility, the application process, and how risk factors like age, health, and lifestyle impact premiums and policy approval. For those with pre-existing conditions, some policies may still be available with risk assessment. Chin encourages consulting with a knowledgeable advisor to determine the right coverage based on personal needs and goals.
Guest: Ryan Chin, Financial Planner at Sun Life, CFP, CLU, MBA, QAFP
Subscribe and listen to Episode 9 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube
Episode 10: An Introduction to Cryptocurrency
Graham Dobbs from TMU discusses the basics of cryptocurrency. Graham explains that cryptocurrency, unlike traditional currency, is a decentralized digital form of money, often managed through blockchain technology. He explores types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, altcoins, and stable coins, and discusses the security risks, volatility, and privacy features that distinguish them from traditional currencies. Graham also considers how cryptocurrencies may act more as a speculative investment than as practical currency substitutes. This episode offers listeners an informative look into cryptocurrency’s complex role in today’s economy, highlighting both its potential and challenges.
Guest: Graham Dobbs, Senior Economist, The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University
Subscribe and listen to Episode 10 on: iTunes / Spotify / Overcast / Soundcloud / TuneIn / YouTube