Two Girls Investing Podcast
Two Girls Investing Podcast is a weekly personal finance show aimed at Canadian women who want to get their money in order without intimidating jargon. Friends Colleen and Jess share their own financial journeys, including paying off debt, learning to invest, and navigating major money decisions. One is a busy mom tackling home debt while the other has a decade of investing experience. Through honest and humorous conversations, they cover budgeting, saving, debt payoff, beginner investing, and life’s biggest financial choices. They are not financial advisors but aim to normalize money talk and make it fun and accessible.
Episodes
How to Invest: Avoiding Beginner Mistakes & Earning Cash Back with Wealthsimple
In this episode, we (Jess and Colleen) break down the most costly mistakes beginner investors make and how to build a clean, straightforward portfolio today without the noise. Before getting into portfolio pitfalls, we share a quick laugh over local community Facebook drama and break down why switching to the Wealthsimple 2% cash back card beats complicated big-bank points systems. Then, we get ho
We're BACK - What Would We Do if We Started Investing From $0 Today?? + Frivolous Things We Spent Our Money On This Summer 💰
After an unplanned couple-month summer break due to busy schedules, the hosts return, share plans to improve their recording setup, release weekly episodes, seek sponsors, and eventually create courses and educational content for Canadian women. They discuss recent “frivolous” spending they don’t regret. They then outline what they would do if they were starting investing from scratch at 25 in Can
Gamifying your Debt, One-Income Security & Private Equity for Beginners
In this TGIF (Two Girls Investing Friday) episode, Jess & Colleen catch up on Jess’s music studio recording process. They then explain private equity by contrasting private vs. public companies, using examples like Dragon’s Den and startup investors, and describe how everyday investors can access private equity indirectly by buying publicly traded private equity firms or ETFs that hold them, n
Hidden Rental Costs, Business Expenses & is the FHSA Right for You?
Jess & Colleen discuss unexpected “hidden costs” in investing, homeownership, and business operations. Jess shares surprises from a newly purchased up/down duplex rental property, including an unfinished backyard, choosing gravel over grass to reduce tenant maintenance, and contractor quotes for wood privacy fence and gravel. Colleen shares hidden business costs, moving from manual Excel payro
You've Maxed out Your TFSA, RRSP and FHSA...Now What?!
Jess and Colleen discuss balancing summer adventures with finances, praising Jess’s discipline after a big Africa trip and her plan to do mostly local activities in Yukon, with only a short, costly trip to Haines, Alaska, while saving vacation money for winter travel. They compare this delayed-gratification approach with the other host’s summer expenses for children, including costly camps ($400–$
Canadian Investing Made Simple: TFSA, RRSP, ETFs, REITs & Tickers Explained
Jess and Colleen, hosts of TGIF, Two Girls Investing Friday share a personal update about Jess recording original music in a studio for the first time, then continue their investing discussion from the prior episode by outlining what you can hold inside registered accounts like a TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA (and also non-registered accounts): stocks, bonds, ETFs (including all-in-one stock/bond ETFs), hi
Setting Up Automated Investing in Wealthsimple (Plus Debt Payoff & Travel Compensation Wins)
In this episode of TGIF: Two Girls Investing Friday, Jess and Colleen catch up and share some massive weekly wins! One paid off a huge chunk of personal debt in about three months by focusing on lowering credit utilization and tackling higher-interest balances, while the other successfully claimed airfare compensation after an overnight delay (pro-tip: delays over three hours may qualify!).They th
Your Ultimate Guide to Wealthsimple and How to Choose a TFSA or RRSP
Jess hosts TGIF solo while Colleen is away and answers a listener question from Pam about using Wealthsimple and whether to invest through a TFSA or RRSP. She explains Wealthsimple as a Canadian fintech offering chequing and investing accounts, and reviews three investing approaches: traditional financial advisors, robo-advisors, and self-directed investing, emphasizing how higher fees can signifi
Money Myths: Why Budgeting Alone Won’t Build Wealth and When Debt Can Be Good
Jess and Colleen catch up on busy family schedules and rising costs, then discuss tax surprises when owning businesses, prompting plans to calculate and set aside amounts monthly and contribute more to RRSPs while balancing liquidity. They continue their “money myths” series, emphasizing that budgeting and saving are essential foundations but not enough for wealth and time freedom; investing to ou
Money Myths: You Don’t Need to Be Rich to Invest & Income Doesn’t Equal Wealth
In this TGIF (Two Girls Investing Friday) episode, Jess and Colleen introduce a discussion on common money myths and share a preview of two major ones. First, they debunk the idea that you need to be rich to start investing, noting that fractional shares and dollar-cost averaging make it possible to begin with very small amounts, especially when investing is automated from each paycheck; they also
Why Community Matters and How Investment Fees Can Cost You
Jess and Colleen share that their podcast is about sharing their different financial journeys to normalize Canadian women talking about money, reduce isolation through community, and highlight how finances affect stress, mental health, and relationships, noting finances as a leading cause of divorce in Canada and that AI can’t replace real community support. They invite listeners to comment, share
Travel Credit Card Points and Beginner Investing Mistakes
Jess returns from a short hiatus with updates on her upcoming house purchase, complex tax preparations, and plans to record her music. The conversation shifts to credit card points strategies. Jess explains why she prefers a card with no foreign transaction fees and maximizes value by redeeming points for travel instead of statement credits. Jess and Colleen note the importance of paying off the b
Credit Card Points 101: Welcome Offers, Annual Fees, and Booking Bora Bora With Points
In this TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday episode, Colleen continues a conversation with guest Jaya while Jess is away, focusing on credit card points strategies. Jaya explains she never carries a credit card balance and emphasizes that welcome offers work best when you pay in full, since interest can erase rewards value. They discuss minimum-spend requirements, typical bonus ranges, and using plann
How to Travel for Less: Hacks, Point Transfers, and Everyday Multipliers
Colleen hosts TGIF Fridays without Jess and interviews Jaya, a Yukon-based traveler and mom of four, about using points and miles to reduce travel costs. Jaya emphasizes first understanding the value and redemption options of existing points (e.g., statement credits vs bank travel portals), then choosing cards with category multipliers, and eventually using transferable points via programs like RB
Embarrassing Money Spends and Staying Calm in a Market Dip
In this TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday episode, Jess & Colleen chat about lingering winter weather and concerns about snowmelt flooding. They share embarrassing money stories, including late-night postpartum purchases, which leads into a discussion on how small app charges and forgotten subscriptions can add up. They recommend regularly reviewing phone subscriptions and note that companies ma
HELOC Strategies, Mortgage Renewals, and Why MER Fees Matter
In this TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday episode, the hosts discuss cold March weather before diving into mortgages and HELOCs as many Canadian mortgages come up for renewal. They review responsible HELOC uses like debt consolidation, and explain the Smith Maneuver concept of borrowing against growing home equity to invest, noting the risks of borrowing to invest if markets decline and the need to
The Snowshoe Strategy, Diversification 101 and when to use a HELOC
In this TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday episode, Jess and Colleen discuss building wealth without jargon by focusing on diversification and how home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) fit into mortgage and debt strategy. They explain why a diversified portfolio helps manage risk, using a “stiletto vs. snowshoe” analogy, and Jess shares her own mix: mostly stock ETFs across the US, Canada, and global
The Real Estate Trick Investors Use to Get Their Next Down Payment
In this TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday episode, Colleen & Jess continue their real estate series by focusing on how to access a down payment for rental properties that typically require 20% down. They share personal money wins and lessons about resisting unnecessary purchases, including returning clothes and missing an electronics return window. Jess explains how profits from selling a renova
20 - How To Invest in Real Estate: Hacks & Actionable Steps
The hosts, Jess and Colleen, of TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday discuss actionable ways to start investing in real estate, focusing first on house hacking—buying a primary residence (including duplexes, triplexes, or suites) and renting part of it to help cover the mortgage—highlighting access to lower down payments (5% up to $500,000 and 10% up to $1,000,000), lower interest rates, and the rule t
19 - Olympics Mindset, Money Wins, and Real Estate Basics (Why Your Home Isn’t Always an Investment)
In this TGIF episode of Two Girls Investing, Jess & Colleen draw parallels between Olympic progression and the investing mindset. Using their backgrounds as figure skaters, they highlight athletes like 42-year-old Deanna Stellato-Dudek to prove that it’s never too late to start, whether in sports or finance.Key Highlights:Celebrating Wins: The hosts share a listener's success in paying off a c
18 - Spend on Coffee, Save on Taxes and The RRSP vs. TFSA Guide to Tax Deductions
In this episode of 'TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday,' Jess and Colleen dive into personal finance strategies with a focus on the everyday choices that can impact financial health. They begin with a light-hearted chat about balancing life's small luxuries, like coffee outings, with broader financial goals. The conversation then transitions into detailed discussions on saving on taxes, the benefits
17 - From Kenya to Kickbacks: Travel Tales & Tax Write-Offs
In this episode of TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday, the hosts return from a brief hiatus during which one of them visited Kenya. They share details about the mesmerizing safari and coastal experiences in Kenya, discussing the cost implications of currency. They then pivot to discuss business ventures, with Colleen detailing her journey of turning her love for shopping into a successful subscriptio
16 - The True Cost of Kenya: Travel Goals vs. Long-Term Investing
In this episode of TGIF: Two Girls Investing Friday, Jess and Colleen break down the fundamentals of budgeting and saving for a major trip, as Jess prepares for her upcoming visit to Kenya. They discuss the costs involved, including flights, safari expenses, and accommodations, and share strategies for saving and budgeting over a lengthy period. Additionally, Jess and Colleen touch on topics like
15 -The -55°C Survival Guide: Hidden Costs & Why a $50 Shirt Costs More Than You Think
In this episode of TGIF - Two Girls Investing Friday, Jess & Colleen discuss their personal experiences with extreme winter conditions in the Yukon and the financial implications it carries. They talk about the increased costs related to vehicle maintenance, fuel, and children's winter gear, providing a real-world perspective on unexpected expenses. The conversation also delves into the concep
14 - The Cost of Cold: Managing Utility Spikes & Our 2025 Financial Wins and Setbacks
In this episode of TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday, hosts Jess and Colleen catch up after a holiday break and delve into their personal experiences of surviving an intense cold spell in the Yukon with temperatures plunging between -45 to -50°C. They discuss the practical and financial challenges encountered, including soaring heating bills, increased gas usage, and the difficulties in maintaining
13 - Christmas on a Budget & The Perfect Portfolio Mix
In this episode of TGIF: Two Girls Investing Friday, the hosts discuss practical and relatable strategies for saving money during the Christmas season, from splitting gift costs with family members to utilizing local recycling programs for gift certificates. They also detail how to build a diversified portfolio, emphasizing the importance of considering timeline, goals, and risk tolerance. Listene
12 - From Black Friday to Bull Markets: Shopping, Sales and Market Cycles
In this episode of Two Girls Investing Fridays, hosts Jess & Colleen delve into the concepts of bull and bear markets, explaining what they are and how they impact investing strategies. The hosts discuss their personal experiences with the fluctuating market, offering practical advice on how to maintain investments during downturns and the importance of dollar-cost averaging. Alongside market
11 - How to Get a Vacation Without Breaking the Bank & DRIP Explained
In this episode of TGIF (Two Girls Investing Friday), the hosts dive into the concept of Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIP) and how they can benefit your investment portfolio. They explain how reinvesting dividends can promote compounding growth and provide a buffer during market downturns. The hosts also share personal tips on affordable vacation strategies, like splitting costs with friends for
10 - Boring Money Moves That Make You Richer: How to Master Interest Rates and Save 10x More
In this episode of TGIF (Two Girls Investing Friday), the hosts Jess and Colleen explore practical and often overlooked ways to save money in everyday life. They share personal stories, such as using apps for discounts on meals and shopping at discount stores like The Last Hunt and Poshmark. Beyond these tips, they delve into the world of interest rates, explaining how they are set and the role th
9 - The Broke to Balanced Episode: Budget Tools + Bonds for Instant Stability
In this episode of TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday, hosts Jess and Colleen discuss their personal budgeting methods in response to a listener's question. Jess shares her experience with budgeting apps like Mint and Pocket Guard, emphasizing the benefits of automation and categorization. Colleen, on the other hand, prefers using an Excel spreadsheet to track expenses and debts manually. They explor
8 - We Hate Saving Money - But Here's How You Can Make Free Money Through Dividends
In this episode of TGIF: Two Girls Investing Friday, hosts Jess and Colleen discuss the frustrations of Facebook Marketplace and other money-saving methods they disdain but sometimes use. They explain how dealing with online marketplaces and calling insurance providers for better rates can be tedious but financially rewarding. Then, they dive into understanding dividends, discussing the benefits o
7 - Day Trading vs. Passive Long-Term Investing: Real Talk for Canadians Who Want to Invest
In this episode of TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday, Jess and Colleen dive into the differences between day trading and passive long-term investing. They discuss personal financial wins and setbacks, and the impact of fees over time. Key topics include the power of dollar cost averaging and the benefits of self-directed investing. They also emphasize the importance of time in the market and debunk
6 - RRSP or TFSA?? How to Decide & Money Wins From This Week
In this episode of TGIF Two Girls Investing Friday, hosts Jess and Colleen discuss practical ways they saved money this week, such as working out at home and preparing cost-effective meals. They delve into the differences between two key Canadian investment accounts: the RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) and the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account). The episode covers how each account works, ta
5 - TFSA Secrets, Smart Diversification & How to Stop Overpaying Your Bank
Welcome to TGIF (Two Girls Investing Friday), where Jess and Colleen break down financial concepts in a fun and accessible way. This episode dives into the ins and outs of TFSAs, teaching you how to use this tool to build wealth. They answer a listener question about using Wealthsimple for investments, discuss minimizing bank fees, and highlight the importance of diversification in investing. They
4 - What are Stocks, ETFs & Mutual funds?? And How We Saved $100 This Week
Jess and Colleen, the hosts of Two Girls Investing Friday, share updates on their financial experiences. Jess discusses the challenges of attending a work conference and celebrates a significant investment milestone, while colleen talks about managing her store and personal finances. The episode covers practical tips on saving money, such as utilizing credit card insurance for car rentals and prep
3 - To Rent or Buy? The Real Costs of Homeownership (and How We're Paying Off Debt)
Navigating Wins, Setbacks, and Debt Payoff Strategies. Join Jess and Colleen in episode three as they celebrate the successful launch of their podcast, share personal updates, and dive into the world of debt payoff strategies. They discuss the pros and cons of renting vs. home ownership, detailing Jess’s purchase of a second rental income property and Colleen’s experience with significant home ren
2 - ADHD and Impulse Spending - Smart Money Hacks That Actually Work
In this episode of the 'Two Girls Investing' podcast, Jess and Colleen discuss their unique financial journeys and share practical tips on managing money challenges. They delve into the impact of ADHD on finances, the importance of paying off high-interest debt, and the necessity of building an emergency fund. They also talk about the weird ways they save money. Join them for an insightful discuss
1 - How We Started Two Girls Investing (and the Money Mindset That Changed Everything)
In the inaugural episode of the Two Girls Investing podcast, hosts Colleen and Jess share their excitement about launching their podcast after a brief hiatus. They discuss their motivations for starting TGI, their personal financial journeys, and the rapid growth of their platform, which initially became overwhelming. They look forward to providing financial education tailored to Canadian women, c
TGI Teaser Episode
Are you ready to talk about money without the headaches and without the boring financial jargon? We're Jess and Colleen, the hosts of Two Girls Investing podcast, and this is your first look at what we're all about. We're not financial advisors - we've just learned a lot over the years and we want to share it all with Canadian women. Colleen's journey is all about paying off debt and talking abou
