Stress Test Season 9
Economic vibes still aren’t great. You want to get ahead, but it feels like you’re just getting by. And life events are coming at you fast: a new home, a career change, a baby. Hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw are back for season nine of Stress Test, The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials. Coming up this season: why some Canadians are moving to warmer and cheaper climates, and the real cost of being a super-commuter. Plus, how does an inheritance factor into your financial plans?
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Season 9
S9 Episode 8 Here’s what young Canadians are putting in their TFSAs
We’re taking a peek into the TFSAs of regular Canadians to give you ideas of how to better use yours. In this episode, Rob chats with Aravind Sithamparapillai of Ironwood Wealth Management to break down TFSAs, FHSAs and RRSPs. Aravind is not an accredited planner. We’re also joined by two guests with very different investment strategies: a tech entrepreneur in the midst of launching his own business, and a millennial whose investment journey started somewhat unintentionally.
S9 Episode 7 Look out employers: Here come Gen Z
Gen Z is entering the workforce — and changing it. These 20-somethings are digital natives, they prioritize work-life balance, and their loyalty is to themselves. In this episode, we talk to two Gen Z’s who took a stand for what they wanted in their workplaces. One even convinced his boss to move the entire company to a four-day work week. And Roma speaks with Dr. Dave Drewery of the Work-Learn Institute at the University of Waterloo about how workplaces can adapt and make the most of their Gen Z workers.
S9 Episode 6 Viral TikToks can crawl into your brain and trigger spending
Maybe you clicked on a link and bought this season’s must-have sneakers. Or maybe you spent an embarrassing amount of money on lights and balloons to replicate that perfect birthday party photo. Well, you’re not the only one whose spending is fuelled by what you’re seeing online. In this episode, Rob chats with a Gen Z woman who planned her summer vacation — using just TikTok. And Roma interviews Casey Lewis, a U.S. consultant who writes After School, a popular newsletter about youth consumer trends.
S9 Episode 5 Counting on an inheritance? Not so fast
Just mention the word “inheritance” and people get their backs up. It’s no surprise that people are reluctant to chat about getting free money. In this episode, Rob chats with Julia Chung, a financial planner, about why you shouldn’t factor an inheritance into your financial plans. We’re also joined by an Edmonton woman whose parents plan to spend every dime in retirement. And an Ontario millennial walks us through whether or not she should take her parents’ offer of an early inheritance.
S9 Episode 4 Would you co-own a house with your parents?
Adult kids are increasingly relying on mom and dad to make their home ownership dreams a reality. In this episode, Rob talks to a real estate agent who specializes in co-ownership. We chat with a B.C. woman who bought a house with her parents — who also see the house as an investment. And our guest from Toronto was able to break into an expensive housing market by purchasing a portion of his father and stepmother’s home.
S9 Episode 3 Home ownership and a baby: Can you afford both?
Having kids has always been expensive. These days, with housing costs soaring for both renters and owners, it can feel impossible to buy a home and start a family at the same time. In this episode, Rob talks to a 28-year-old new mom who’s renting with her partner. Roma chats with a 34-year-old man who chose to move their family in with their in-laws to power save for a downpayment. We’re also joined by Shannon Tatlock, a certified financial planner, to discuss the steps young parents are taking so they’re financially prepared to start a family.
S9 Episode 2 How far would you commute to save money?
Commuting is back above pre-pandemic levels thanks to immigration and a reduction in remote work. In this episode, Rob talks to a 28-year-old lawyer who’s saving a pile of cash by living with her parents. Roma chats with a 34-year-old marketing professor who flies from Edmonton to Vancouver for work. We’re also joined by Clare Kumar, a Toronto-based productivity coach.
S9 Episode 1 Meet the young people leaving Canada for an affordable life
It’s getting harder and harder to build a good life in Canada. Everything is just so expensive. Most of us feel it — especially those of us just starting out. If you can work remotely, have you ever considered packing up and trying to get ahead near the beach? In this episode, we hear from two 30-year-olds; one who’s about to move to Spain and the other who’s been living in Playa del Carmen, with no plans to return any time soon.
Coming Soon Season nine of Stress Test
Economic vibes still aren’t great. You want to get ahead, but it feels like you’re just getting by. And life events are coming at you fast: a new home, a career change, a baby. Hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw are back for season nine of Stress Test, The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials. Coming up this season: why some Canadians are moving to warmer and cheaper climates, and the real cost of being a super-commuter. Plus, how does an inheritance factor into your financial plans?
Season 8
S8 Episode 8 5 personal finance resolutions for 2024 (that you can actually keep)
If your usual resolutions are “go to the gym” or “eat healthy,” don’t forget that a mindful approach to money is also a ticket to improved wellness. We asked listeners in their 20s and 30s some basic personal finance “hygiene” questions when it comes to credit scores, tracking expenses, writing wills, spending on food and first home savings accounts.
Read the transcript in English or French.
S8 Episode 7 Salaries, mortgages and EVs: The top personal finance stories of 2023
Is a $100,000 salary enough for a comfortable life any more? Where are mortgages headed next? Are you electric car curious? Rob and Roma chat with the reporters who wrote some of the best-read personal finance stories from The Globe and Mail this year.
Read the transcript in English or French.
S8 Episode 6 Can you really afford a dog?
Many Canadians have become first-time pet owners since the pandemic. But with the price of pet food and vet costs soaring, owners are struggling to afford their COVID companions. In this episode, Roma speaks to Shawn Morey, the executive director of the Peterborough Humane Society. We’re also joined by two people that became first-time pet owners in their 20s.
Read the transcript in English or French.
S8 Episode 5 What the tightening job market means for you
During the pandemic, employees had the upper hand in the job market. But the balance of power has shifted back to employers. They’re more hesitant to hire, less willing to offer remote work and less generous with what they are offering. We hear from a recent grad who applied for more than 100 jobs before landing a role, and a recently laid off tech worker with over a decade of experience. And Rob talks to Jermaine L. Murray, a Toronto-based tech recruiter and career coach.
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S8 Episode 4 So, you splurged. Now what?
The urge to splurge is universal. After the bleakness of the pandemic, people are spending more on the big and little things that bring them joy. But there are healthy ways to manage splurge-spending that don’t leave you buried in debt. In this episode, we hear from a Swiftie with a “Taylor Swift” concert obsession. And Roma speaks with Shannon Lee Simmons, a certified financial planner and founder of the New School of Finance.
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S8 Episode 3 The struggle is real: how homeowners are coping with soaring mortgage rates
First, home owners with variable rate mortgages felt the pain of soaring interest rates. Then, people with fixed rate mortgages began to renew at sharply higher rates. In this episode, we hear from first-time homebuyers in Vancouver and Kingston who are now spending more than half their income on housing. And Rob talks to Victor Tran, an Ontario-based mortgage broker.
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S8 Episode 2 Dual income, no kids: How much more fun are they having?
The appeal of the DINK lifestyle – that’s double income, no kids – might seem obvious. But having more control over your life and finances comes with questions about your social safety net in retirement. We spoke to two women who are embracing the DINK life, along with Jay Zigmont, the founder of Childfree Wealth, a financial planning firm that serves people who don’t have kids.
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S8 Episode 1 Adulting with roommates: solo living is a luxury in today’s rental market
A growing number of Canadians are living with roommates longer than they ever expected. What once was seen as a short chapter in life is turning into a long-term way to find affordable housing. Soaring house costs has people searching for roommates well into their 30s and beyond. We spoke to three women in Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax about how living with roommates is helping them make ends meet.
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Coming Soon: Season Eight of Stress Test
What does the “new normal” look like these days? In a period of soaring costs and rampant uncertainty, it means spending a larger chunk of your income on housing—whether that’s high rent or supercharged mortgage payments. Here to help you make sense of it all, join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw for another season of Stress Test, The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials. Also coming up this season: the pains of dogflation, the economics of child-free couples and the splurges that are bringing you joy.
Season 7
S7 Episode 8 Why more Canadians are giving up on home ownership
After years of soaring home prices, there was hope that rising interest rates would lead to lower prices in 2023 and give young Canadians an entry point into the market. And while they did go down, higher mortgage rates have left housing as unaffordable as ever. For those without family help or oversized paycheques, buying a home is just not financially realistic. We’re dedicating the last episode of this season of Stress Test to exploring why people are giving up on homeownership and how they see their financial future.
Read the transcript in English or French.
S7 Episode 7 How soaring rents are transforming student life
Student debt is a growing problem in Canada - one that’s set to get worse in the coming years. And although tuition has crept higher, it’s the soaring cost of rent and everyday living that’s causing the trouble. So what should students consider before making decisions for their post-secondary lives? Paul Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze and a professor at the University of British Columbia, describes how expensive student life has become - and how students are coping. We also hear from a 33-year-old who graduated 10 years ago with $40,000 in student debt, which she’s still paying off. Plus, The Globe’s personal finance reporter Erica Alini shares how rent in both large and small cities is changing the Canadian student experience.
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S7 Episode 6 ‘Punched in the face by my investments’: How to endure stock market swings
It’s tough to save money to invest in the first place, so it stings to watch your investments drop. If you’ve started in the last few years, you’ve just seen your first large ups and downs in the stock market. So how do you know if you’re on the right track? And how do you keep emotions in check? A 38-year-old from Mississauga who started investing during the pandemic shares how he handled the rollercoaster ride and what he’s learned. And Rob speaks to Darryl Brown, an independent investment consultant, about why investors are nervous and how they can better endure big swings in the stock market.
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S7 Episode 5 How climate anxiety is shaping small and large financial decisions
Climate change is a growing concern for many young Canadians, with some questioning where they should live, what they should be saving for and how they should invest. Others wonder whether they should bother planning for a future at all. But is there a smart way to weave our climate concerns into our personal finance decisions? Certified financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons, who says this issue comes up all the time among her clients, shares her thoughts on how to arrange your finances amid climate uncertainty. Plus we hear from a 36-year-old Torontonian who considers his environmental footprint with every decision he makes.
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S7 Episode 4 Save money and the planet: How thrifting can help combat inflation
A $5,700 wedding dress for $64. Expensive baby items for a fraction of the price. Construction materials to renovate a home. When you need something, buying used is a great way to save a pile of cash and keep perfectly good items out of landfills. It isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s gaining more popularity as living expenses soar. In this episode, three guests share their experiences thrifting and their advice for others to get a good deal.
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S7 Episode 3 Fertility treatments can be a massive, unexpected cost for Canadians. Here’s what you should know
For the one in six Canadian couples who experience infertility, the path to having a baby can be difficult emotionally, physically and financially. Same sex couples and people trying to get pregnant without a partner are on the same road. And for all these aspiring parents, fertility treatments aren’t cheap. In this episode, Roma speaks to Dr. Tamara Abraham, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, about the IVF process. Plus, several Canadians who are undergoing fertility treatments share what it’s costing them and things to consider now if you’re interested in having kids one day.
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S7 Episode 2 Taxes 101: Tips to make the most of your return this season
Tax season can be, well, taxing. Whether you’re a gig worker trying to keep track of receipts or a remote employee struggling to figure out how much home office space to claim, filing a return can be daunting. We know most of you don’t have an accountant on your favourite contacts list, so we’re dedicating this episode to all things taxes. Rob speaks to expert Jamie Golombek to demystify some tax basics and offer tips to get you through this tax season.
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S7 Episode 1 Why millennials and Gen Z are Alberta-bound for a more affordable life
In 2022, the number of people moving to Alberta hit its highest level in almost a decade. At the same time, a record number of people left Toronto for other provinces. And it all comes down to affordability. In this episode, we’ll delve into the factors contributing to the rise in interprovincial migration and hear from Canadians who made the move - and how it’s worked out for them.
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Coming Soon: Season Seven of Stress Test
The economy is looking shaky and everyone’s trying to save money, whether it’s on rent, groceries or just living life. The good news? The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials is back for another season. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw as they make sense of a changing financial reality - and help you achieve your goals. Up this season: how thousands of Canadians are leaving Toronto and Vancouver for cheaper living in Alberta, why you should care more about tax season and the high cost of fertility treatments for those struggling to have a family.
Season 6
S6 Episode 8 Rising interest rates brought pain for new homeowners - and opportunity for house hunters
When we first launched Stress Test, the homeownership story was one of low interest rates, climbing prices and bidding wars. But the real estate market has changed drastically this year - now it’s a story of rising interest rates, falling prices and fewer listings. So what does it mean for new and potential homeowners? In the last episode of the season, we’re checking in with recent buyers to see how they’re feeling in this changing market - and whether recent changes have helped them or hindered them. We hear from two Canadians with variable mortgages - one who bought at the top of the market and is feeling the pain of rising mortgage payments and another who has made peace with his scenario since he got the house he wanted. Plus, we hear from a couple who was finally able to buy a home due to lower real estate prices, regardless of higher rates.
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S6 Episode 7 Why more Canadians are choosing to be childfree or delay parenthood
Canadians are waiting longer to have kids. If they do, they’re having fewer. And people say money is one of the big reasons why they’re going childfree. In this episode, we’re looking at the most personal of personal finance topics: the cost of deciding whether to have children, when and how many. We hear from a 27-year-old woman from Mississauga, Ont., who is pushing back plans to have kids until she can afford a home. We also hear from a 28-year-old from Vancouver who has decided not to have kids at all for financial reasons. Plus, Roma speaks to Melissa Leong, a Toronto-based personal finance expert and mom of two, about how much kids cost and why people are delaying the expense - or avoiding it altogether.
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S6 Episode 6 Is it still a good time to ask for a raise, with a recession looming?
Chances are your salary isn’t rising as fast as inflation. But before you march into your boss’s office to demand a raise, remember there’s a recession looming. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask - but your pitch needs to be researched and realistic. In this episode, Rob speaks to compensation expert Manny Campione about what’s going on in the job market and how to effectively negotiate your salary. Plus, we hear from a 27-year-old from Edmonton who first tried to negotiate a raise at his work, but wound up switching jobs to get the pay he wanted.
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S6 Episode 5 Renovating can help you get the home you otherwise can’t afford
For those struggling to get a foothold in Canada’s expensive real estate market, home improvements aren’t a luxury - they’re a necessary evil to secure housing that fits their needs. But is doing the work a more affordable option than buying the perfect place? In this episode, we’re looking at how renovations can get you the home you want but otherwise can’t afford. We hear from two 35-year-old guests and their recent renovation experiences. The first, who lives in Victoria, B.C., bought a home but needed to build a rental suite to help pay the mortgage. The second decided to renovate his starter home in Hamilton, Ont. after he and his wife found out they were pregnant - with twins. Plus, Rob speaks with Shir Magen, the CEO of HomeStars about the popularity of renovations, the types of renos that add value to your home and money-saving tips for those considering heading down the reno route.
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S6 Episode 4 Recession-beating tips for the job market, housing, investing and cost of life
With all the bleak economic headlines, it’s impossible not to wonder if we’re in for a recession. Scare-mongering aside, now is a great time to prepare your finances in case a downturn materializes. In this episode, we’ve gathered advice from four experts on how to prepare for the changes in the job and housing markets, investing and the cost of living.
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S6 Episode 3 Love in the time of inflation: How to manage rising costs when dating
Pandemic lockdowns made it harder for people to make new romantic connections. Now, inflation is making it more expensive. This has left people searching for creative ways to meet the love of their life - while spending less. In this episode, Rob and Roma hear from three Canadian daters to learn how they’re coping with higher costs and offer advice for ways to not break the bank while dating.
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S6 Episode 2 You’re not bad at money - you’re suffering from money shame
You’re broke, but you blow $100 on a dinner you can’t afford. Or maybe your colleagues are making more money doing the same job as you, but you don’t ask for a raise. You feel like you’re bad with money and your way of coping is to ignore your finances. These are common behaviours that can lead to something called money shame. In this episode, Roma speaks to Chantel Chapman, a Richmond, B.C.-based financial trauma researcher and educator about what money shame is, how it affects our financial decisions and how to move past it. Plus, we hear from Irina, a millennial who shares her personal experiences with money shame.
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S6 Episode 1 How supercharged rents are crushing Canadians
Rents are soaring across the country, especially in Canada’s biggest cities. To secure a place to live, some Canadians are competing in bidding wars or spending over 50 per cent of their monthly income on rent. Others are settling for short-term leases and long commutes. In this episode, we hear from three renters about what they went through to try and find a place to live and what it cost them. Plus, Rob talks to Shaun Hildebrand, the president of Urbanation, which researches condo, rental and development markets in the Greater Toronto Area where rents are “supercharged”. Shaun shares what’s driving rents so high and how the real estate market affects rentals. Plus, he gives tips for those looking for an affordable place to live.
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Coming soon: Season 6 of Stress Test
Just when you thought pandemic-related financial challenges were ending, we have a new plot twist: the threat of a recession. The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials is back to help make sense of it all. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw this season as they tackle the cash crunch many Canadians are facing when it comes to things like housing and dating, and provide practical advice to help you navigate rough economic waters.
Season 5
S5 Episode 8 Retirement might look different for Gen Z and millennials. Here’s how to plan for it
For our last episode of this season, we’re talking retirement – why it’s changing, and how to plan for it. We hear from Vicky (25), Irina (34) and Brent (36), who each have different visions of retirement and what they’re doing – or not doing – to plan for it right now. Plus, Rob speaks with Shannon Lee Simmons, a Toronto-based certified financial planner whose core clients are millennials and Gen Z, about shifting views of retirement and how you can best prepare.
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S5 Episode 7 Tempted to buy a home with siblings or friends? Here’s what you need to know
Most people buy homes with their partners or by themselves. But others are ditching the traditional paradigm. Today, we’re talking about unconventional homebuyers: family members, friends and others that team up to get into the property market. We hear from two sisters who are trying to buy a house together – and who are struggling to get into the market even after joining forces. Plus, Roma speaks with Leah Zlatkin, a mortgage broker at Mortgage Outlet and expert at LowestRates.ca, about what you should know before buying a home with others and why legal agreements are critical for those considering buying as a group.
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S5 Episode 6 Mortgage 101: Everything you need to know about mortgages right now
If you’re a homeowner or want to be one, you probably have questions about mortgages. Like where to get a good deal, what factors to pay attention to and how to choose between fixed and variable rates. This week, we’ve got answers. Consider this episode your Mortgage 101 course. Mortgage planner and Globe and Mail columnist Robert McLister joins Rob and Roma to discuss mortgage basics and the changing interest rate environment. Plus, we hear from Angela Calla, a mortgage broker based in Port Coquitlam, B.C.
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S5 Episode 5 How TikTok changed the vibe of personal finance advice
Gen Z and millennials are getting a lot of their money advice from TikTok, where personal finance videos have more than 5.8 billion views. In this episode, we look at why the social media platform is resonating, how to use it effectively and what advice you should be wary of on the app. We hear from a 25-year-old TikTok user from Mississauga, Ont., about how he started getting personal finance advice from the platform. Plus, Roma speaks to Ellyce Fulmore, aka @queerd.co, a TikTok content creator from Calgary, Alta. Ellyce, who identifies as queer and neurodivergent, shares how her experience helps her create personal finance advice for audiences traditionally ignored by the financial industry.
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S5 Episode 4 How to balance green or ethical investing with making money
Being concerned about the planet and your finances can go hand in hand. Today, we’re talking about the rise in what’s called ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing and how people can balance their values with their financial goals. We hear from a 30-year-old in Ottawa who’s getting started in ESG investing because she cares about the environment – and she wants to make money. Plus, Rob speaks to The Globe’s business reporter Jeff Jones to learn more about how ESG funds are performing and how to keep an eye out for greenwashing.
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S5 Episode 3 Is the middle class dead for millennials and Gen Z?
Many millennials and Gen Z’s have done everything “right” - they’ve graduated, found good jobs, are paying off their debt and saving money. So why is it so hard to live the middle class lifestyle their parents and older peers had at their age? In this episode, we hear from Cody, a 33-year-old living in Hamilton, Ont., who is frustrated at not being able to achieve many of his financial and life goals despite being a fiscally responsible adult. Plus, Rob talks to Paul Kershaw, a professor at the University of British Columbia and founder of Generation Squeeze, a group that researches intergenerational fairness, about why many millennials feel like the middle class is dead.
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S5 Episode 2 Gas prices are soaring. Are electric vehicles an affordable solution?
If you’re a Canadian driver, soaring gas prices are causing you to dig deeper at the pump these days. But is there any way to lower your vehicle costs? Today, we’re talking about the cost of car ownership and whether electric vehicles have made the move from being a luxury purchase to an affordable one. Rob speaks to Robert Karwel, an automotive industry expert at J.D. Power, for a closer look at what’s changed in the Canadian vehicle market and the potential for going electric. Plus, we hear from Dominic, a 24-year-old from Gatineau, Quebec who bought an electric vehicle to save money. Yes, you read that right!
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S5 Episode 1 Returning to the office will cost you and not everyone’s willing to pay
Your boss wants you back in the office, but after two years of remote work, you’re not sure you want to go. Whether you measure the cost in time or money, going back to work can be pricey. Many Canadians have grown to love their work from home lifestyle, and they’re eager to keep it. In the first episode of our new season, we hear from a 20-something who’s job-hunting because his employer is asking employers to return to the office two to three days a week. We also hear from a manager in her early 40s on why she decided to close her office for good. Plus, The Globe’s future of work reporter Vanmala Subramaniam speaks with Roma to discuss changes in the workplace and what to expect going forward.
Read the transcript in English or French.
S5 Trailer Coming soon: Stress Test Season 5
So much has changed in the last two years including how we work, where we live and what’s important to us. But your money matters just as much as it did pre-pandemic – maybe even more. The Globe’s personal finance podcast is back this month for its fifth season. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw as they talk with real people and experts to tackle the money questions on your mind. Up this season: the cost of going back to the office, the price of gas versus electric vehicles, the rise of ethical investing and the latest challenges when buying a home.
S4 Episode 8 Cryptocurrencies are booming. But should you invest?
Cryptocurrencies are in the spotlight because of their dramatic ups and downs. So what are people who buy cryptocurrency thinking? And is it a smart investment? In our final episode of Season Four, Rob and Roma delve into the trend that is crypto investing. We hear from two investors: a Toronto millennial woman who started investing in crypto as a pandemic hobby, and a cautionary tale about crypto investing from a 26-year-old from Niagara Falls, Ont. Plus, Rob speaks with Braden Dennis and Simon Belanger of the Canadian Investor Podcast about their tips on crypto investing for those looking to get started.
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S4 Episode 7 Parents are bankrolling their kids’ house down payments - but can they afford it?
Home prices have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic, threatening to price a generation of young buyers out of the market. It’s gotten so bad that some parents are flat out giving their adult kids the money they need for a down payment. But what is that doing to their own finances? How widespread is this help? In this episode, we hear from parents of Gen Z and millennials about helping their kids buy homes - and what that means for their own finances.
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S4 Episode 6 Are you giving your parents money?
Are you helping your parents by paying for groceries, house bills or even funding their retirement? The overwhelming trend in Canada is for parents to be supporting their adult kids financially. But today, we’re talking to the Gen Z and millennials who are in the opposite position and helping support their family. We hear from a 27-year-old from Stoney Creek, Ont., who has been helping her parents with monthly payments for over five years. Plus, Roma speaks to Natasha Knox, a Vancouver- based financial planner, about how common this is among her clients and how it impacts their financial planning.
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S4 Episode 5 Rents are soaring. What does it mean for millennials and Gen Z?
If you’re a renter, you already know how unaffordable it’s getting. So how are people dealing with the rising costs? And what does it mean for their other financial goals - and for their life? We hear from a 25-year-old renter in Kelowna, B.C., who says finding a place to live was more stressful than finding a job. Then, we hear from a millennial couple with two young children who are renting in Markham, Ont., and have very different opinions about their current living situation. Plus, Rob speaks to The Globe’s real estate reporter Shane Dingman about what he’s been seeing when it comes to the rental market in Canada and potential solutions to help renters get a leg up.
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S4 Episode 4 From investing to housing, personal finance experts share their predictions for 2022
2021 was a year of surprises in personal finance. Who would have thought inflation would take off, housing could get even hotter and that job-hopping would be commonplace amid a global pandemic? So, what’s next? In this episode, Rob and Roma ask four personal finance experts - Robb Engen, Preet Banerjee, Erica Alini and Barry Choi - what they’ll be watching in 2022. Plus, Rob and Roma share their own thoughts.
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S4 Episode 3 What you might not know about buy now, pay later plans
If you’ve bought anything online recently, chances are you’ve seen the buy now, pay later (BNPL) option when checking out. BNPL is an instalment payment plan that allows you to spread out the cost of your purchase over several increments, and often interest-free too. It sounds convenient and especially tempting around holiday season, but is it smart personal finance? In this episode, Rob and Roma delve into how BNPL has surged in popularity during the pandemic. We hear from two women in their 20′s who have tried BNPL and had very different experiences. Plus, Rob speaks to Jessica Moorhouse, a financial educator and host of the More Money podcast, to hear why she thinks consumers should be skeptical.
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S4 Episode 2 Inflation is squeezing our finances. What can we do about it?
If you drive a car, buy groceries or pay for shelter, chances are you’ve noticed that right now you’re paying a lot more for things than you did last year. With the inflation rate higher than it’s been in decades, how concerned should you be? And what can you do to combat the rising costs? We hear from two millennials — a Torontonian hit by soaring food prices and a new homeowner in Calgary — to learn where Canadians are feeling the pinch and how they’re adapting. Plus, Roma talks to The Globe’s economics columnist David Parkinson about what’s causing the rapid increase in inflation and how much longer it might be with us.
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S4 Episode 1 Is a hot housing market pricing Canadians out of their small towns?
If you’ve listened to our show over the last few seasons, you already know that soaring home prices have caused all kinds of problems for Gen Z and millennials looking to buy in big cities like Toronto and Vancouver. The search for more affordable housing sent some first-time buyers to smaller cities and towns. But how has that impacted the young Canadians who already lived in those places? What happens to affordability for locals with home ownership dreams? In this episode, Rob and Roma finally leave their home studios and hit the road with the rest of the Stress Test team to find the real story in Belleville, Ontario.
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Coming soon Season 4 of Stress Test
Your favourite personal finance podcast is back for a fourth season. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw as they talk to real people and experts to tackle the money questions that have been on your mind. Coming up this season: what rising inflation means for you, those ‘buy now pay later’ options you’re seeing everywhere and of course, housing. Listen to the trailer and catch up on previous episodes now.
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Season 3
S3 Episode 9 What it’s been like to invest during a pandemic
Investing has been one of the biggest financial stories of the pandemic. There was the stock market crash in March 2020, followed by a huge rebound. We’ve heard about meme stocks and cryptocurrencies. But what does it all mean for Gen Z and millennials? In the final episode of season three, we hear from listeners about their investment stories and how they reacted to all the ups and downs during COVID-19.
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S3 Episode 8 One family’s solution to Canada’s housing crisis
One way to cut housing costs is for multiple generations of a family to live together: often children, their parents and their grandparents. The concept isn’t new and it has many benefits, including affordability in expensive housing markets. But how do you make it work both financially and personally? We hear from a family that moved three generations into a home they designed and built in North Bay, Ont. Plus, Rob talks to Murtaza Haider, a professor of real estate management at Ryerson University, and real estate consultant Stephen Moranis about what multigenerational housing looks like in Canada. They also look at tips for people who want to move forward with this type of housing arrangement.
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S3 Episode 7 The high cost of daycare
Paying for childcare is not the first or second thing that comes to mind when you decide to start a family. So how do you plan for the impending costs that can be so high in Canada that some call it “the second mortgage”? We hear from Kristi, a 34-year-old who made the move from Saskatchewan to Victoria, B.C., with her husband during the pandemic while juggling debt, a new job, unemployment - and their first baby. Plus, Roma talks to Janine Rogan, a Calgary-based chartered professional accountant with a six-month-old at home. Janine breaks down how to financially prepare for the cost of daycare.
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S3 Episode 6 What’s a wedding worth?
The pandemic ruined many wedding plans. But even before that, a culmination of peer pressure and over-the-top consumerism had pushed the cost of weddings sky-high. It’s made some couples ask: What is a wedding worth? We hear from Jasmine, a glamorous but cost-conscious millennial who got married just as the world first shut down during COVID-19. Plus, Karen Cleveland, co-author of the book called The New Wedding Book: A Guide To Ditching All the Rules, talks with Roma about the need to rethink weddings from a personal finance perspective.
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Bonus Making the most of your pandemic savings
Fewer spontaneous coffees, commuting costs and vacations have left some with a tidy sum in their savings. This week, we’re sharing an episode of The Decibel, The Globe and Mail’s daily podcast hosted by Tamara Khandaker. In this episode, Rob and Roma join Tamara to talk about what to do with new-found savings, the meaning of “revenge spending” and how to stave off FOMO in a post-vaccine world.
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S3 Episode 4 Salary negotiation 101: How to ask for a raise
A lot of people feel uncomfortable negotiating with their boss for a raise and other perks. But if you don’t ask, you won’t get. And it’s definitely a lot easier to save money if you’re making more of it. We hear from a group of friends (who tell each other everything) as they discuss their recent experiences asking for a raise. Plus, Roma talks to Hadiya Roderique, who taught negotiation at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and also was a lawyer. She shares her tips on how to make your case like an expert.
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S3 Episode 3 Going solo: How to set yourself up for financial success if you’re single
How much does it cost to be single? And how do you set yourself up for financial success with half the earning power? We hear from a 34-year old woman who experienced a breakup and realized the importance of having financial independence regardless of your relationship status — and figured it out. Plus, Rob speaks to Bridget Casey, founder of personal-finance blog Money After Graduation, for money advice specific to singles.
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S3 Episode 2 Big city exodus: How far would you move to buy an affordable home?
Here’s the dilemma: The real estate market is too hot where you are but you still want to buy a home. During the pandemic, there has been a surge of Canadians who are leaving big cities in search of real estate - and we mean really leaving. What happens when you go off the beaten trail in search of buying an affordable home? We hear from Jordan Owens, a 30-something world traveler, who made the move from Toronto to Saint John, New Brunswick – and bought a home for $99,000. Plus, Rob and Roma delve into poll data that shows just how popular this trend has become.
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S3 Episode 1 Priced out: Young Canadians on trying to buy in a wild real estate market
One of the biggest surprises of the pandemic has been the incredible rise of house prices in major cities and smaller towns across the country. It’s great if you’re selling. But for young Canadians with dreams of buying a home, it’s demoralizing. We hear from three 20-somethings who have done everything right – good jobs, minimal debt, strong savings plans – and still can’t afford to buy the homes they had diligently planned for. Rob and Roma reflect on the past year and how rising house prices are making home ownership unaffordable.
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S3 Episode 0 Coming soon: Season 3 of Stress Test
Stress Test is returning for its third season of pandemic personal finance. Join The Globe’s columnist Rob Carrick and editor Roma Luciw as they delve into more of the topics impacting your wallet one year into COVID-19 lockdowns. On deck this season: negotiating salaries, kiboshed weddings and the thing everyone’s talking about — how hard it is to buy a house. Listen to the trailer and catch up on previous episodes now.
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Season 2
S2 Episode 8 Are your parents giving you money?
Are you getting financial help from your parents or family? Do you feel guilty or embarrassed about it? If the answer is yes, you are far from alone. In the final episode of this season of Stress Test, we look at data showing the surprising extent to which parents are going to help their adult kids financially, and how this assistance has become more common in the pandemic. We hear from a 26-year-old Torontonian who is relying on money from her parents to make ends meet amid the instability of the last year. Plus, Roma speaks to Natasha Knox, a Vancouver- based financial planner about the underground parental economy.
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S2 Episode 7 Retiring in your 30s: How some Canadians are making big changes to escape the workforce
Feeling beaten down by work? In this episode, we talk about young adults who crave financial independence and are willing to save and invest aggressively to gain that freedom. Rob and Roma discuss the practicality of the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and why it looks more appealing than ever amid COVID-19. Plus, we hear from Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung, a 38-year-old couple that retired a few years ago early and have stayed financially independent, even in the pandemic.
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S2 Episode 6 Why it’s time to stop shaming the renting lifestyle
Do you feel you’re not really “adulting” unless you own your own place? Are you embarrassed to admit you’re still a renter? Rob and Roma take on the long-standing narrative that says property ownership is the best path for everyone and map out a route for financial success as a renter. We hear from a millennial who has found the loft of her dreams and has chosen to embrace renting for good. Plus, fellow renter and financial consultant Preet Banerjee shares his advice for how renters can end up with a comparable amount of wealth as a homeowner, in addition to a great lifestyle.
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S2 Episode 5 Personal finance resolutions for a pandemic year
Yeah, we know. New Year’s Resolutions have a bad rep. But what better time to reassess your financial health than in Year Two of a global pandemic? In this episode, Rob and Roma talk money goals and share some personal finance resolutions you might want to consider.
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S2 Episode 4 Eating in: How COVID-19 has shifted our food spending
When it comes to food, the pandemic has transformed our spending habits. But are we saving money? How have we replaced restaurant and bar spending? Are meal kits and online grocery shopping here to stay? In this episode, Rob and Roma dig into the world of food – and share what they’ve been doing differently over the last 9 months. Plus, an Ottawa-based 31-year-old tell us why she’s jumped on the food-box-trend. And Rob and Roma speak to Sylvain Charlebois, The Food Professor, about how our eating habits have shifted, why food prices will keep climbing and how Canadians can save money at the grocery store.
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S2 Episode 3 Why are young Canadians leaving the cities they love?
Has being in lockdown made your condo feel like a shoebox? Are you thinking about giving up on downtown living for more space in the suburbs? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, we look at the why some young adults are abandoning city living for smaller communities with lower house prices... and more space. We hear from a 34-year-old who left Toronto for a bigger home in southern Ontario’s wine country. Plus, Rob and Roma speak with Pascal Chan, a millennial who works at the Canadian Real Estate Association, about where people are moving, why and what you should think about if you’re considering doing the same.
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S2 Episode 2 Yes, you absolutely need to talk about money with your significant other (before you move in)
High rent and house prices have many young Canadians moving in together early to share costs. But what happens when one’s a spender and the other’s a saver? And what if one partner makes significantly more money, or has more debt? In this episode, Rob and Roma discuss how couples can avoid money blowouts. We hear from a 30-something Toronto-based lawyer who started dating his girlfriend during the pandemic. The couple is now looking at options for moving in together. Plus, Rob and Roma speak to Liz Schieck, a certified financial planner who has helped plenty of young couples navigate the pitfalls and challenges of joining their finances.
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S2 Episode 1 Everything you need to know about credit scores
Credit scores put the personal in personal finance. They’re your entire life as a borrower compressed into one number. But what qualifies as a “good” score, and why do these numbers bounce around all the time? What can be done to improve a bad score? Rob and Roma are back together (but apart) in their makeshift podcast studios (because, well, pandemic) for another season of your favourite personal finance podcast. In this episode they get answers to your credit score questions from Julie Kuzmic of Equifax Canada. Plus, we hear from Keith Emery, the co-CEO of Credit Canada Debt Solutions, about how people wind up with a bad credit score in the first place.
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S2 Episode 0 Stress Test, season two
Stress Test is back. Join The Globe’s personal finance team, columnist Rob Carrick and editor Roma Luciw, for another season of delving into the topics that impact the wallets of Canadians between the ages of 20 and 40. Listen to the trailer and season one now and subscribe to get season two in your feed.
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Season 1
S1 Episode 8 Should you move back in with your parents?
Should you move back in with your parents if it makes sense financially? In the last episode of this season, we talk to a 23-year-old who moved back home after COVID-19 left her jobless. Plus, we hear from Rob’s family about what it was like when his 26-year-old son Will moved back home. Rob and Roma revisit Rob’s book “How Not to Move Back in With Your Parents” 10 years later to see what’s changed.
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S1 Episode 7 The cost of kids
Kids are incredibly cute - and incredibly expensive. Amid soaring housing costs and a precarious job market, how much does the cost of kids factor into your decisions about whether to have them? In this episode Rob and Roma discuss how much money they’ll really cost you. We hear from a 33-year-old mother about the hefty price tag of raising four kids. Plus, Roma speaks with money expert Melissa Leong about how to save and what to plan for when you’re deciding to start a family.
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S1 Episode 6 Can you afford to live the downtown lifestyle?
Many young Canadians gravitate towards living in bigger cities, but can you afford it? In this episode, we hear from a group in their 30s that are living downtown Toronto – they even let Rob and Roma get a peek at their credit card statements. Plus, Rob talks to Bridget Casey, the millennial writer of personal-finance blog Money After Graduation, about how to effectively manage your money while also enjoying the type of lifestyle you want.
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S1 Episode 5 Does investing change during a pandemic?
So you want to be smart with your money and invest, but the stock market fluctuations during COVID-19 make it hard to know what to do. In this episode, Rob and Roma discuss the importance of investing and what’s changed since the pandemic. We hear from a 26-year-old at the beginning of his investing journey. Plus, Rob talks to Ben Felix, a millennial investment advisor about what other young Canadians should know when investing.
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S1 Episode 4 How to crisis-proof your finances
Were your finances ready for a major disruption like COVID-19? In this episode, Rob and Roma discuss how to avoid common money mistakes. We hear from a 36-year-old whose service industry job in Whistler was wiped out by the pandemic. Plus, Roma talks to Vancouver–based financial advisor Julia Chung about everything from TFSAs and RRSPs to credit scores and the worst kinds of debt. If you’re looking for solid financial-planning strategies and information about the savings tools available, this episode is for you.
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S1 Episode 3 What you should know before you buy a home
Real estate is always a hot topic, but the pandemic adds even more questions about how and when to buy. In this episode, Rob and Roma look at Canada’s obsession with housing. We hear from a millennial who bought a condo right before the coronavirus struck. Plus, Rob chats with John Pasalis, the founder of a Toronto-based real estate brokerage, about all your home-buying concerns.
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S1 Episode 2 Why you got into debt, and how to get out
Even before the pandemic, debt was a huge problem for Canadians. Between massive mortgages, student loans, lines of credit and credit cards, a lot of us are struggling to pay what we owe and stressed about it. In this episode, Rob and Roma explore our strange relationship with debt and the factors that contribute to it. We hear from a millennial saddled by her debts, and her journey to find a way out. Plus, Roma speaks to Shannon Lee Simmons, a financial planner about tangible steps to manage debt.
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S1 Episode 1 How to survive the gig economy
Everyone is being impacted by COVID-19, but gig workers are impacted on a whole other level. In the first episode of Stress Test, Rob and Roma speak to a gig worker about her experience looking for a job in her field and what happened when the pandemic hit. Rob speaks to Kathryn Mandelcorn, a certified money coach about her recommendations for gig workers to manage their finances in times of uncertainty. If you are a contract or freelance worker, this episode is for you.
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S1 Episode 0 Trailer: Stress Test
Introducing a new podcast from The Globe and Mail that delves into the topics impacting the wallets of Canadians between the ages of 20 and 40. Join The Globe’s personal finance team, columnist Rob Carrick and editor Roma Luciw, as they guide you through a period in which the basic rules of managing your money have been tested. Subscribe now to get it in your feed.
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Rob Carrick has been writing about personal finance, business and economics for 30 years. He joined The Globe and Mail in late 1996 and shortly afterward suggested the paper offer more coverage of personal finance. He’s been writing about investing and personal finance ever since. Rob’s personal finance column appears in The Globe twice weekly, and his Portfolio Strategy column for investors appears on alternating Saturdays. Rob also produces occasional videos and a twice-weekly e-mail newsletter called Carrick on Money. His first podcast, called The Retirementality, covered retirement issues for Gen Y, Gen X and boomers. Rob is the author or co-author of five books, the most recent of which is How Not to Move Back in With Your Parents: The Young Person's Complete Guide to Financial Empowerment.
Roma Luciw has been The Globe’s personal finance editor for over 10 years –steering coverage of anything that helps Canadians manage their money, from managing debt loads and investing to mortgages and saving for retirement. In 2015, Roma steered the launch of the Gen Y money hub, which won an international EPPY award for excellence in digital journalism. She is passionate about financial literacy, especially among young people, and has with her colleague Rob Carrick, travelled to university and college campuses across the country, hoping to arm today’s young people with the tools they need to make smart financial decisions.