On this episode of Overdue Advice, MetCredit’s podcast focused on cash flow strategies and financial literacy, host Bryn Griffiths talks with Noah Booth, a now-third-year student at Dalhousie University and author of the best-selling book “A Rich Future: Essential Financial Concepts for Youth”. As someone who wrote a book on personal finance before graduating high school, Noah brings a fresh, relatable perspective to young people (and parents, educators, and business owners) on how to build strong financial habits from an early age.

Whether you’re navigating your own financial journey or helping your kids avoid common pitfalls, this conversation is packed with practical advice for managing money, budgeting for life changes, and understanding the importance of starting early. The episode explores how basic financial literacy can make all the difference in avoiding debt, achieving stability, and setting up a "rich future," no matter your age. If you're a business leader or a parent worried about your youth's financial readiness, or a young adult wanting a head start, Noah’s story and simple strategies are a powerful guide.

Episode Highlights

• 00:00:59 – Noah’s passion project sparks his personal finance journey and reveals a gap in youth-targeted resources
• 00:03:02 – Why financial literacy is missing in schools and why that matters for young people
• 00:04:03 – The challenges of digital spending and practical tips for mindful money management
• 00:05:31 – How a school presentation evolved into a published book, and partnering with RBC
• 00:08:07 – Family support, early lessons, and using real-life examples—including siblings—in the book
• 00:10:31 – Opportunities and impact since publishing; advice for teachers amplifying financial lessons
• 00:14:23 – Financial concepts apply at any age—breaking the silence on money conversations at home
• 00:15:36 – The power of starting early with budgeting, saving, and compound interest
• 00:16:05 – Overcoming procrastination and taking action for your financial future
• 00:17:32 – Feedback from students and the influence of social media on money management
• 00:19:57 – Budgeting tips for life’s big transitions, like moving away for school
• 00:20:10 – How to find more resources, connect, and apply these lessons via MetCredit and Noah’s website

Whether you’re just starting out or recalibrating your finances, this episode offers overdue advice that can shape your path to security and success … at any age! Be sure to share the book with a young person.

Noah's website: ARichFuture.com

In this insightful and engaging episode of Overdue Advice, host Bryn Griffiths welcomes Lorne Smith, MetCredit’s new Senior Vice President and a 20+ year veteran of the credit collection industry. Lorne shares surprising insights on the evolution of the collections business, his personal journey, and the importance of mentorship, culture, and putting people first. They get into the impacts of technological changes, including AI’s role, and discuss leadership, building strong teams, and adapting in a rapidly shifting industry. It's a window into MetCredit's phenomenal ability to retain great people, from one who started here, worked elsewhere ... and is clearly excited to be back.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:27] - Introduction to Lorne Smith:
  Lorne Smith returns to MetCredit after years away, discussing his early start and long-standing mentorship under COO Marc Billard.

• [00:01:15] - The Importance of Culture:
  Lorne Smith emphasizes MetCredit’s people-first, staff-driven culture and how crucial work-life balance is for him at this stage of his career.

• [00:02:13] - Finding Passion in Collections:
  He describes falling into the industry and discovering a natural fit due to his competitive nature and commitment to problem-solving.

• [00:03:17] - Problem-Solving & Listening:
  Lorne Smith highlights that listening is key to resolving issues in collections, whether dealing with consumers or team members.

• [00:04:17] - Lessons from His Career Gap:
  He learned vital management skills and the importance of balancing competitiveness with staff needs, as well as embracing technological changes.

• [00:06:44] - Putting People First:
  Lorne Smith discusses how genuine care and respect for people, both clients and employees, lead to success.

• [00:07:27] - Industry Evolution & Technology:
  He reviews the shift to digital outreach and stresses the need to continually adapt to the changing demographics and tech landscape.

• [00:08:52] - AI in Collections:
  Lorne Smith weighs the potential and limitations of AI in the industry, expressing cautious optimism while stressing that human interaction remains essential.

• [00:11:17] - Post-Pandemic Learnings:
  Reflecting on how the pandemic affected consumer behavior and the collections process, he notes the importance of strong foundational skills for new collectors.

• [00:13:09] - Building & Growing in Mississauga:
  Lorne Smith shares his ambitions for expanding MetCredit’s reach in Central Canada and the importance of relationship-building.

• [00:14:03] - Looking Ahead:
  He discusses the challenges of sustainable growth and the necessity of building a solid foundation for staff development and company advancement.

• [00:16:28] - A Sense of Belonging:
  Lorne Smith expresses gratitude for returning to MetCredit and the positive, family-like atmosphere cultivated by leadership.

Listen in for practical strategies, career advice, and forward-thinking perspectives on collections and leadership in a changing world!

Host Bryn Griffiths welcomes back Nawshad Khadaroo, General Manager of the Credit Institute of Canada (CIC), for a conversation about the fast-changing world of credit and debt collection. Nawshad shares his wealth of experience as a credit professional and non-profit executive, offering a deep dive into how the credit industry—and the Credit Institute itself—has adapted since 2020.

Listeners will hear about how the CIC was uniquely prepared for the pandemic’s challenges, having already embraced virtual learning and meetings before COVID-19 struck. Nawshad highlights the continued importance of agility and innovation in the face of rapid technological advancements, emphasizing the growing role of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the credit profession. He advocates for a balanced approach: credit professionals should embrace AI to streamline repetitive tasks, while still prioritizing the human connections and strong communication that are essential for long-term success.

This episode also explores the evolving educational offerings at the CIC, including new executive-level certifications, mentorship programs, and a commitment to intergenerational knowledge sharing. Nawshad discusses the diversity and passion of CIC’s membership, touching on the value of networking and community—evident at their recent symposiums and upcoming centennial celebrations.

Whether you’re new to credit, a seasoned professional, or simply interested in how organizations adapt to disruption, this conversation is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and inspiration for continuous learning and growth.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00:47] How the Credit Institute was prepared for virtual operations before the pandemic, so their transition during COVID-19 accelerated their use of online meetings and course delivery.

[00:02:40] Nawshad emphasizes that continued reflection and adaptability are necessary, especially with disruptions like automation and artificial intelligence transforming the credit industry.

[00:04:25] He highlights that AI assists with repetitive tasks, allowing credit professionals to focus on relationship-building, which remains essential in the industry.

[00:05:29] The Institute has updated its programs to keep pace with industry changes, including introducing a new executive certification to help members stay relevant and advance their careers.

[00:07:23] Nawshad underscores the enduring importance of strong communication skills and human rapport for credit professionals, even as technology evolves.

[00:08:57] He points out that, despite younger generations being comfortable with technology, the personal touch and building rapport are irreplaceable in credit management.

[00:09:33] Adopting new technologies and shifting mindsets are key challenges; using AI can free up time to deepen client relationships and provide advisory support.

[00:10:31] The need for continuous learning to keep up with rapid change, stating he personally stays informed on trends like AI to better adapt.

[00:11:36] How industry events, like their upcoming Jasper conference, offer invaluable opportunities for networking and sharing best practices within the credit community.

[00:12:31] The relationships and networks built at symposia and conferences can last a lifetime and are vital to professional longevity in credit.

[00:13:12] The Credit Institute of Canada, established in 1928, represents and advocates for credit professionals, providing education and raising the industry’s profile.

[00:14:42] Nawshad encourages anyone interested in a credit career to reach out, highlighting the industry’s rewarding nature and the Institute’s support throughout members’ career paths.

[00:16:21] Mentoring across generations is a big part of the Institute’s culture, with senior professionals guiding and coaching younger entrants through programs like CIC Connect.

[00:17:35] The credit world is a complex, interlinked system requiring collaboration between credit managers, agencies, and businesses, all contributing value to the ecosystem.

[00:19:04] How the Institute works to strengthen connections among credit professionals from all types of organizations, facilitating efficient systems and collective progress.

Links:
Canada's Best Collection Agency: www.MetCredit.com
Credit Institute of Canada: https://creditinstitute.org/