Welcome to CMT

Hi, my name is Flora. I started this blog to share everything I know about personal finance because it’s such an awkward topic to bring up in real life conversations.

Since you’re here, I take it that you’re volunteering for the position of Captive Audience. Good call. You won’t be disappointed.

Let me guess, you’re driven, passionate about life, and fully committed to reaching your potential. Most importantly, you want to make money work for you, not the other way around.

I hear ya. I’m in the exact same boat.

I’m on a journey to reach financial freedom – the freedom to choose where, when and how I work.

The Person Behind Casual Money Talk

I wasn’t always great with money.

During my early 20s, I pretty much just YOLO’d: I ate out regularly, traveled to exotic places and curated a half-decent wardrobe. 

It was an exciting time, but money-wise, all I had to show for was a small amount of cash savings, a 4-digit RRSP account, one life insurance contract, and the remaining balance of my student loan.

I wish I was more mindful of my budget.

Flora Pang

When the reality of “adulting” had finally kicked in around the time I got engaged (to the only man who can tolerate my idiosyncratic combination of weirdness and nerdiness), I realized that I need to manage my money better if I want to secure a better future for me and my loved ones.

This much-needed financial wake-up call prompted me to re-examine my life priorities, read a ton on personal finance, and set lofty yet achievable financial goals.

Together with my husband, we are now charting a strategic path toward financial success, which we define as (in sequential order): 

  • Buy a place of our own in Toronto – COMPLETED (sold)
  • Buy a place of our own in Paris – IN PROGRESS
  • Have €1 million in net worth
  • Achieve financial independence

What Makes Casual Money Talk Special?

This website used to be all about documenting my personal journey to financial freedom.

Somewhere along the way, I caught the social justice bug, and decided to switch gears and make this site less about me, and more about money issues that plague those who need financial help the most.

Casual Money Talk’s new motto is: inspiring financial confidence in people, one non-judgmental advice, one relatable story at a time. (If it looks a lot like Starbucks’ motto to you, you’re not crazy)

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for any of the following:

  • Empowerment – it’s entirely possible to rock your finances even if you’ve had a “late” start and made a few money no-nos in life (who hasn’t?)
  • Fresh and actionable advice – ones that transcend common sense, clickbait and boilerplate answers that run amok on the Internet
  • Personal stories – see how folks from all walks of life have found their way out of their own maze of financial roadblocks
  • Honest opinions  we will continue to lend our voice to the marginalized and speak up for social issues unabashedly
  • Jokes, lots and lots of them – enough for an open mic act at a 2nd-tier comedy club

A Few Posts To Get You Started

From financial basics, to more advanced topics, to content that’s just for fun, Casual Money Talk has something for everyone, no matter where they are on their financial journey.

If you’re the binge reading type, the Archives will serve you well.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Feel free to enjoy this random assortment of articles:

Submit Your Money Story

Eager to pen your epic money saga and have it published on Casual Money Talk? We’ll make sure to give your article a sweet home here. 

See article submission requirements.

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