Cost of Living
- Episódios
- 56
- Publicação
- semanal
- Último episódio
- 6 nov 2026
Sobre o podcast
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.
Episódios 56
Should we cut seniors' benefits?
Ottawa is spending more than ever on seniors’ benefits — more than $80 billion annually — and that’s only going to climb. So, is it time to look at OAS reform (again)? Plus, how the fashion industry is …
Notas do episódio
Ottawa is spending more than ever on seniors’ benefits — more than $80 billion annually — and that’s only going to climb. So, is it time to look at OAS reform (again)? Plus, how the fashion industry is responding to a wave of people literally downsizing while using GLP-1’s. And, Paul Haavardsrud speaks to economist Chris Ragan about why the federal government needs to get a handle on the deficit now, before a crisis hits.
Are we in a 'golden age of fraud' in Canada?
For years, Greg Martel was running one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in Canadian history. He stole $300 million dollars. Then, he skipped town. Financial crime reporter Zak Vescera explains how Martel got away …
Notas do episódio
For years, Greg Martel was running one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in Canadian history. He stole $300 million dollars. Then, he skipped town. Financial crime reporter Zak Vescera explains how Martel got away with it – and why Canada is ripe for this kind of crime. Also, how to play McDonald's Monopoly contest without ever buying a single fry. And how AI jargon like 'LLM' and 'hyperscaler' can make us tune out, even when we probably shouldn't.
Canada wants to build big. But are we building the right things?
Canada is leaning into the resource economy, spending billions on megaprojects. But could we be falling into the 'staple trap?' Again? Also, how many mini Mars bars have you crushed lately? We explain how Big …
Notas do episódio
Canada is leaning into the resource economy, spending billions on megaprojects. But could we be falling into the 'staple trap?' Again? Also, how many mini Mars bars have you crushed lately? We explain how Big Candy makes us powerless to resist those tiny Halloween treats. And, shoplifting has become a big expensive problem in Canada. We look at what it costs all of us.
Are we too loyal to our loyalty programs?
Loyalty apps promise us deals and insider status, but how much information are we giving in return? Reece Rogers, a writer for WIRED magazine, dug into what McDonald’s knows about him — and whether his loyalty …
Notas do episódio
Loyalty apps promise us deals and insider status, but how much information are we giving in return? Reece Rogers, a writer for WIRED magazine, dug into what McDonald’s knows about him — and whether his loyalty is paying off. Plus, how music residencies are changing the concert tour and a look at why reverse mortgage debt in Canada is on the rise.
How much can you save by welding a piggybank shut?
You'll find out when you tune into our super duper savings show! Also, we look at how much Canadians need to save to enjoy retirement and explore why we over-value the things we save (like Beanie Babies). Plus …
Notas do episódio
You'll find out when you tune into our super duper savings show! Also, we look at how much Canadians need to save to enjoy retirement and explore why we over-value the things we save (like Beanie Babies). Plus, we hear from a money coach who says if you want to save big — you need to think big. So, don't sweat the small stuff and go ahead and order that latte. (This episode originally aired June 28, 2026)
What the U.S. bond market means for your mortgage
This week, we unravel the befuddling world of U.S. bond yields (it'll be fun, we promise!) and explain why and how they're influencing Canadian lending rates. Also, how do you take your coffee? Black? Iced? …
Notas do episódio
This week, we unravel the befuddling world of U.S. bond yields (it'll be fun, we promise!) and explain why and how they're influencing Canadian lending rates. Also, how do you take your coffee? Black? Iced? Instant? If you picked that last one, you're part of a growing number of caffeinated Canadians. Plus, a brief history of the weekend.
We avoided an oil crisis. Then diesel prices spiked.
When the Strait of Hormuz closed, many feared the worst. Analysts predicted oil could hit $200 a barrel, ushering in a global energy crisis. That hasn't happened, but it doesn't mean we're out of the woods …
Notas do episódio
When the Strait of Hormuz closed, many feared the worst. Analysts predicted oil could hit $200 a barrel, ushering in a global energy crisis. That hasn't happened, but it doesn't mean we're out of the woods. Also, are Pokémon cards a good investment, or are collectors being played? And — what it's really like to go bankrupt?
Has Canada won over global investors?
Mark Carney is rolling out tax breaks and opening some airports to private money in an attempt to woo foreign investors. Between those moves and a proposed cinq-à-sept with Europe, a lot of stuff went down this …
Notas do episódio
Mark Carney is rolling out tax breaks and opening some airports to private money in an attempt to woo foreign investors. Between those moves and a proposed cinq-à-sept with Europe, a lot of stuff went down this week. We ask Rob Russo, Canadian correspondent for The Economist, what it all means. Plus, a look at the rise of vertical films and the one thing that seems to be uniting Canadians: a growing dislike for data centres.
BONUS REPLAY: How to privatize a Canadian airport
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will open Canada's four largest airports to some private investment. It's been done before in other countries, like England and Spain. In this replay from last May, we look at …
Notas do episódio
Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will open Canada's four largest airports to some private investment. It's been done before in other countries, like England and Spain. In this replay from last May, we look at one of the world's most successful models for privatizing airports and ask: what could Canada learn from it?
Does the economy really matter to Alberta separatists?
Most economists say Alberta is in for hard times if it splits from Canada. But dire predictions don't seem to faze true believers. So, how much influence can economic analysis have on this vote — or any other? …
Notas do episódio
Most economists say Alberta is in for hard times if it splits from Canada. But dire predictions don't seem to faze true believers. So, how much influence can economic analysis have on this vote — or any other? Plus, how to spot Airbnb listings that have been enhanced by artificial intelligence. And, why more kids should run lemonade stands!
Why do we board planes front to back?
It's our Labour Day Q & A show! We're tackling some questions you posed — like, why are vitamin bottles so big when the contents are so small? Is it safe to rely on credit card benefits to cover rental car …
Notas do episódio
It's our Labour Day Q & A show! We're tackling some questions you posed — like, why are vitamin bottles so big when the contents are so small? Is it safe to rely on credit card benefits to cover rental car insurance? And why do we have to pay sales tax on donated goods if somebody else already paid tax on them?
We can't stop talkin' tariffs. But do Americans care?
Canadians have to pay attention to the trade war — the majority of our exports go to the U.S. But what do Americans in the heart of the U.S. auto sector think? Also, we explain why more friends are opening …
Notas do episódio
Canadians have to pay attention to the trade war — the majority of our exports go to the U.S. But what do Americans in the heart of the U.S. auto sector think? Also, we explain why more friends are opening joint bank accounts together and chat with actor Ben Mackenzie (Ryan from The O.C.) about his new anti-crypto documentary Everyone is Lying to You for Money.
After the trade deal collapse, what now?
At the last minute, trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. have fallen apart. Now, with 50 per cent tariffs on some Canadian exports, Prime Minister Carney says we have no choice but to fight back …
Notas do episódio
At the last minute, trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. have fallen apart. Now, with 50 per cent tariffs on some Canadian exports, Prime Minister Carney says we have no choice but to fight back. Former NAFTA negotiator Barry Appleton explains how that fight could go, and how things fell apart in the first place. Also, we look at what a continuing trade war could mean for small businesses and explain the in's and out's of doing a "credit lock" to protect yourself from scammers.
Why the siren call of the ice cream truck is hard to resist
Craving a popsicle? Boxes of 'em are available at the grocery store. So why do we run for the ice cream truck like it's our last chance for frozen refreshment? We explore AI's growing influence in the music …
Notas do episódio
Craving a popsicle? Boxes of 'em are available at the grocery store. So why do we run for the ice cream truck like it's our last chance for frozen refreshment? We explore AI's growing influence in the music industry and whether it's really a problem. And we talk to Skyler Chan about his dreams of building a hotel on the moon. Yup. A moon hotel.
Guns vs. Butter
Should Canada invest in guns (defence)? Or butter (schools, roads, hospitals)? Military spending is already way up in this country, and is expected to keep rising. Host Paul Haavardsrud discusses the …
Notas do episódio
Should Canada invest in guns (defence)? Or butter (schools, roads, hospitals)? Military spending is already way up in this country, and is expected to keep rising. Host Paul Haavardsrud discusses the implications of this with Eugene Lang at Queen's University. Plus, the phrase "hot girl walk" is trademarked in Canada. Yes, really. We look at the growing appeal of trademarking viral phrases. We also examine how the relationship between Scholastic, a for-profit U.S. company, and Canadian schools became so unshakeable.
Is Canada really poorer than Alabama? (Encore Edition)
Sure, if you compare our economies based on GDP per capita. But is GDP per capita the best way to measure our standard of living? From donuts to chia seeds, we explore why so many products have their own …
Notas do episódio
Sure, if you compare our economies based on GDP per capita. But is GDP per capita the best way to measure our standard of living? From donuts to chia seeds, we explore why so many products have their own national day on the calendar. Plus, is putting all your hard-earned cash into a house really the best decision for you? We explore the case for renting versus buying.
Why some prices go up when others go down (Encore Edition)
The price of services, like haircuts, is climbing, but the price of some goods, like microwaves, is dropping. So what gives? Something called the Baumol effect. Also, we look at the growing popularity of "admin …
Notas do episódio
The price of services, like haircuts, is climbing, but the price of some goods, like microwaves, is dropping. So what gives? Something called the Baumol effect. Also, we look at the growing popularity of "admin parties," and ask if being yourself at work can be a career-killer when Paul Haavardsrud speaks to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, author of Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is Overrated.
Are critical minerals over-hyped? (Encore Edition)
Many see critical minerals as an untapped resource and major economic opportunity for Canada. But could their real value be more strategic than economic? Plus, we explain how all the weird food ends up at …
Notas do episódio
Many see critical minerals as an untapped resource and major economic opportunity for Canada. But could their real value be more strategic than economic? Plus, we explain how all the weird food ends up at HomeSense and Winners, and look at what's behind the resurgence of old-school film cameras.
The billionaire backlash (Encore Edition)
Today's tech billionaires are rich in a way the world has never seen, and they're not shy about flaunting the power that comes with it. It has some people asking: "Should there even be billionaires?" Plus, we …
Notas do episódio
Today's tech billionaires are rich in a way the world has never seen, and they're not shy about flaunting the power that comes with it. It has some people asking: "Should there even be billionaires?" Plus, we ask if braces are the new midlife motorcycle and explore the long, and sometimes hilarious, history of corporate blunders.
A former bike thief explains why it's so easy to steal your ride (Encore Edition)
Back in the day, bike thieves could snip through cheap cable locks, but they were stymied by the more expensive U-locks. Then, one power tool came along and changed everything. Also, why more women are …
Notas do episódio
Back in the day, bike thieves could snip through cheap cable locks, but they were stymied by the more expensive U-locks. Then, one power tool came along and changed everything. Also, why more women are travelling solo and and why many of us are just one "turning point moment" away from chucking it all and quitting our jobs.
The super duper savings show!
There's more than one way to save, so why not try something new? Like an "unbreakable piggy bank"? Plus, how much do Canadians need to save to enjoy retirement? We explore why we over-value the things we save …
Notas do episódio
There's more than one way to save, so why not try something new? Like an "unbreakable piggy bank"? Plus, how much do Canadians need to save to enjoy retirement? We explore why we over-value the things we save, and hear from a money coach who says if you want to save big you've got to think big, and stop feeling guilty about buying those daily lattes.
AI bots can shop for you. But should we trust them?
AI agents can do all sorts of tasks for us — including shopping — but how do we know the bots are working for us, and not the company that made them? Plus, we ask if 99 cent price tags are finally being phased …
Notas do episódio
AI agents can do all sorts of tasks for us — including shopping — but how do we know the bots are working for us, and not the company that made them? Plus, we ask if 99 cent price tags are finally being phased out, and make the case for why we might be in the golden age of free TV. So let's enjoy it while it lasts.
Canadians are crowdfunding to pay their bills
Thousands of Canadians have launched GoFundMe campaigns this year, asking for help with everyday expenses. But, as more of us struggle with the cost of living, is crowdfunding the best way to keep up? Also …
Notas do episódio
Thousands of Canadians have launched GoFundMe campaigns this year, asking for help with everyday expenses. But, as more of us struggle with the cost of living, is crowdfunding the best way to keep up? Also, just how much does it cost small towns to maintain giant roadside attractions? And we ask: what does the rise of Elon Musk, the world's first trillionaire, say about capitalism in the 21st century? Paul Haavardsrud speaks to Quinn Slobodian, co-author of Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed.
On the brink of CUSMA talks, should Canada get tough?
Canada's free trade deal is up for renegotiation and the stakes are high. More than 70 per cent of our exports head south. So does Canada need to play tough at the CUSMA table? Also, we hear from small …
Notas do episódio
Canada's free trade deal is up for renegotiation and the stakes are high. More than 70 per cent of our exports head south. So does Canada need to play tough at the CUSMA table? Also, we hear from small businesses across the country about their hopes and worries for trade talks and take a closer look at Canada's sacred cow: supply management.
Why Canadians are clinging to their jobs (even when they hate them)
Switching jobs is always a risk, but with high unemployment and iffy economic vibes, right now it feels even riskier. That's why more Canadians are hanging onto their jobs, which is not so great for them — or …
Notas do episódio
Switching jobs is always a risk, but with high unemployment and iffy economic vibes, right now it feels even riskier. That's why more Canadians are hanging onto their jobs, which is not so great for them — or the economy. Plus, we explore why tinned fish is reeling in a sea of protein-hungry consumers. And, this year’s World Cup is expected to be the biggest money-making event in sports history. So, who gets a piece of that pie?
"Superfake" counterfeits are flooding into Canada. Here's why.
High quality "superfakes" are on the rise, and luxury shoppers are lovin' it. They cost a fraction of the real thing, but who loses when everyone's buying knock-offs? Plus, shrinkflation is everywhere. So …
Notas do episódio
High quality "superfakes" are on the rise, and luxury shoppers are lovin' it. They cost a fraction of the real thing, but who loses when everyone's buying knock-offs? Plus, shrinkflation is everywhere. So what’s being done in Canada to stop it? And, we explore how the Google search bar is changing and why it matters.
Could Canada profit from privatizing its airports?
The feds are considering it, and countries like Spain and the U.K. have already gone that way. We looks to their example for what Canada can learn. Plus, the pros and cons of buying a rebuilt car and a …
Notas do episódio
The feds are considering it, and countries like Spain and the U.K. have already gone that way. We looks to their example for what Canada can learn. Plus, the pros and cons of buying a rebuilt car and a conversation with economist Justin Wolfers about why he's trying to bring economics to the people.
How the avocado won our wallets
Canada imports 20 times more avocados today than three decades ago — and that's no accident. We explore how the green fruit went from exotic specialty to kitchen staple. Also, how theatres are squeezing more …
Notas do episódio
Canada imports 20 times more avocados today than three decades ago — and that's no accident. We explore how the green fruit went from exotic specialty to kitchen staple. Also, how theatres are squeezing more money out of fewer customers and why some divorcees are still living with their ex.
What will Canada do about prediction markets?
Betting on a future event — like, who will be a bridesmaid at Taylor Swift's wedding — is the whole point of prediction markets. Every year, Americans spend billions on these kind of bets, but Canada hasn't …
Notas do episódio
Betting on a future event — like, who will be a bridesmaid at Taylor Swift's wedding — is the whole point of prediction markets. Every year, Americans spend billions on these kind of bets, but Canada hasn't fully opened the door to them. So, should we let this type of trading in, put restrictions on it, or just say no? Also, what's old is new again as more Canadians take up film photography. And we find out how Nike lost its cool factor.
Should you invest instead of buying a home?
Buying real estate is seen as a surefire way to build wealth. But it's not the only option. With prices coming down and more rentals being built, the case for renting in Canada is looking better than it has in …
Notas do episódio
Buying real estate is seen as a surefire way to build wealth. But it's not the only option. With prices coming down and more rentals being built, the case for renting in Canada is looking better than it has in years. Also, have you been diagnosed with ADHD? Well, there's a financial planner for that. And we talk to the Canadian planning to build a hotel on the moon.
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