In this episode, we welcome back one of Canada's most trusted and widely read financial experts to discuss the state of Canadian personal finance. Rob Carrick is a columnist for The Globe and Mail, where he has brought his boots-on-the-ground perspective to readers for more than 20 years. He also co-hosts the Stress Test Podcast, where regular Canadians offer real-life perspectives on the biggest stress tests that their personal finances face in the wake of COVID-19. Tuning in, you’ll find out which issues are at the forefront of Rob’s readers’ lives. Next, he shares his perspective on GICs and ETFs and draws a comparison between affordable housing today and the mutual fund market of 20 to 30 years ago. We talk about the lack of comprehensive advice that Canadians are receiving from their planners, the state of affordable housing in the country, and why so many Canadians say they are giving up on home ownership altogether. We also compare housing returns to the stock market and discuss successfully using a reverse mortgage, the non-financial challenges faced by retirees, and more. For a comprehensive overview of the state of personal finance in Canada (and some practical advice for protecting yourself and prospering in a challenging economy), don’t miss today’s episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

(0:00:19) Introducing today’s returning guest, Rob Carrick. 

(0:02:38) Issues at the forefront of Rob’s readers’ lives today. 

(0:04:02) His perspective on GICs, ETFs, and simplification. 

(0:09:33) Comparing today’s EFT Market with the mutual fund market of 20 to 30 years ago. 

(0:15:24) The lack of comprehensive advice Canadians are receiving from their planners.

(0:20:03) Rob’s perspective on affordable housing, as outlined in his Globe and Mail article. 

(0:24:52) Why a growing number of adults continue to live with their parents into adulthood. 

(0:28:48) Reasons that many Canadians say they are “giving up on home ownership.” 

(0:31:44) Housing returns in comparison to the stock market. 

(0:35:13) Successfully using a reverse mortgage. 

(0:37:28) Some of the non-financial challenges faced by retirees. 

(0:41:06) The number of parents supporting their adult children today. 

(0:45:03) How adult children are pitching in to support their parents.

 0:49:06) Rob’s advice for educating the next generation on financial planning.

Links From Today’s Episode:

Rational Reminder on iTunes — https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-rational-reminder-podcast/id1426530582.

Rational Reminder Website — https://rationalreminder.ca/

Shop Merch — https://shop.rationalreminder.ca/

Join the Community — https://community.rationalreminder.ca/

Follow us on X — https://twitter.com/RationalRemind

Follow us on Instagram — @rationalreminder

Benjamin on X — https://twitter.com/benjaminwfelix

Cameron on X — https://twitter.com/CameronPassmore

Cameron on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronpassmore/

Mark McGrath on X - https://twitter.com/MarkMcGrathCFP

Mark McGrath on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcgrathcfp/

Rob Carrick — http://robcarrick.ca/

Rob Carrick on X — https://twitter.com/rcarrick 

Rob Carrick Email — carrick@globeandmail.com

Stress Test Podcast — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/stress-test/

Carrick on Money — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/carrick-on-money/

The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/

‘Young adults are giving up on home ownership, and a lot of them are furious about it’ — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/article-young-adults-are-giving-up-on-home-ownership-and-a-lot-of-them-are/

How Not to Move Back in With Your Parents – https://www.amazon.com/How-Move-Back-Your-Parents/dp/038567192X

Wealthsimple — https://www.wealthsimple.com/

Episode 39 — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/39

Episode 172 — https://rationalreminder.ca/podcast/172