Cost of Living

Nov 15 2024 28 ep. 26 mins 1.4k

Cost of Living Podcast artwork

Money talks. We translate. Every Friday, Paul Haavardsrud looks at the way money shapes our lives in ways big, small, obvious, and unseen. From Big Macs to Big Banks, the Cost of Living connects the dots between the economy and everyday life.

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What do Star Wars, Twilight and Harry Styles have in common?

Nov 15 2024 27 mins

They've all inspired thousands of Fan Fiction stories. But what used to be dismissed as amateur writing has now become major fodder for publishers and Hollywood. Also, how breaking up with your boo can lead to breaking up with your favourite grocery store. Plus, why Canadians are drinking less booze.

How private equity is gobbling up the Canadian economy

Nov 08 2024 27 mins

Tim Hortons, Westjet, the Bay — over the last 15 years, private equity firms have been on a buying spree. But what is it, exactly? Also, how a new rule south of the border could make canceling that pesky streaming subscription easier and we talk Trump, tariffs and Canadian oil.

What Trump's tariffs could cost Canadians

Nov 06 2024 10 mins

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has promised to impose 10 - 20% tariffs on anything coming into the U.S. It's part of a seismic shift in Republican economic thinking — to put the American worker first. But would it work? And what would it mean for us? (Originally aired September 6, 2024)

Why thrifting has lost some of its thrill

Nov 01 2024 27 mins

Remember when you could find vintage designer stuff at Goodwill? These days, you're more likely to find piles of fast fashion. So what happened? Also, we explore why North America is swooning over Asian beauty products and the promise of "glass skin." Plus, what a warming Arctic means for business in Canada's great white north.

Why apples got so fancy (and pricey)

Oct 25 2024 27 mins

We explore how the Honeycrisp sparked a revolution in choice, and why we're willing to pay the price. Also, what it takes to make sure Fido is well taken care of when you're gone. Also, tiny condos used to be no-brainer investments but — not anymore. Thousands of them are now sitting on the market in Toronto. So, could this mean the return of livable spaces?

Mind the prosperity gap

Oct 17 2024 27 mins

Canadians pay more for the same stuff as Americans, but earn less. We explore why the gap is widening and what it means for our future. Also, table for one? More people are dining alone and restaurants are welcoming them with open arms. Plus, why big companies are a fact of life in Canada.

The oldest trick in the book

Oct 11 2024 25 mins

From the hard sell to the limited time offer, companies have turned the art of the sale into a science. So why not put it under the microscope? We look at four different marketing tactics, and explain how they encourage us to turn off our brains and open our wallets.

Why some travelers are falling out of love with Airbnb

Oct 04 2024 27 mins

As the price the gap between short-term rentals and hotels shrinks, some people are wondering, "Why do I have to take out the trash?" Also, why it's so wicked expensive to rent a car right now and — do middle managers deserve more love and respect than they're getting?

Freedom 25, 35, and 45?

Sep 27 2024 27 mins

Sabbatical, adult gap year, micro-retirement — Why more workers are taking breaks throughout their career instead of waiting till they're 65. Also, is the mortgage stress test too stressful? Plus, the legacy of Tupperware and the woman who turned it into a party.

Here comes the sun

Sep 20 2024 25 mins

A world charged by solar energy has been on the horizon forever. Now it's closer than ever. What all that cheap power can mean for us. Also, impulse buying can add up and bring you down. We bring you some tips on how to resist yet another pair of black loafers. Plus, we'll meet one family who's leaving the country to find an affordable home.