Stress Test

It’s been five years since the pandemic lockdowns began. As they dragged on, people working in cramped condos began craving more space – and began relocating to smaller cities, towns or rural areas, where housing was cheaper. So how did it work out for them? In this episode, we check in with guests from previous seasons to discuss their moves, whether it was good for their financial situation and if they’d ever think about moving back. We reconnect with a former pro hockey player who we met in Season 3. He relocated from Toronto to St. John, New Brunswick in the first year of the pandemic. We also hear from a B.C. woman who we spoke with in Season 9. She left her life in Vancouver for the coast of Spain.

We've all seen the ads: Hip investors in their 20s, happy homeowners in their 30s, and content retirees at 65. There's a lot of pressure to reach certain financial milestones by a certain age. But these deadlines aren’t working for everyone. It’s never been harder - or more unrealistic - to hit these milestones at the same age as previous generations. In this episode, Roma speaks with Sam Lichtman, founder of Millen Wealth Advisors, about why we need to adjust our expectations and rethink the personal finance timeline. We also speak with a B.C. man who just bought his first home in his mid-40s.

The news cycle hasn’t stopped since U.S. President Donald Trump was reelected. The past month has seen big ups and downs in the stock market, crypto, and the dollar. Whether you’re a novice investor or have lots of money in the stock market, you’re probably wondering what the second Trump presidency will mean for your finances. In this episode, Rob speaks with Aravind Sithamparapillai, an associate at Ironwood Wealth Management Group, to get his advice on investing during turbulent times. They talk about how tariffs could impact the market, the growing fascination with crypto, and whether now’s a good time to invest in the first place.

When relationships fall apart, the financial pressure of finding a new place to live can hit hard. All of a sudden, both partners need to adjust to covering the cost of rent or mortgage, utilities, and grocery bills - on one income. These financial strains are forcing some couples to live together for months - or years - after a breakup. We hear from a millennial who lived with his ex-wife and children for 8 months after they separated. And Roma chats with Shannon Lee Simmons, founder of the New School of Finance, about how couples are navigating high housing costs when they want to split.

We live in a society that glorifies overworking. But some people are tired of girl-bossing and rise-and-grinding. Instead of working harder for what can feel like less, they’re ready to lean out and embrace what some people call the “soft life.” It means prioritizing your rest and well-being over the corporate rat race. We’ll hear from a millennial who slowed down to the extreme - she quit her job and bought a farm. Then, Rob speaks with Chantaie Allick, the co-founder of Rework, an organization that helps people unlearn grind culture, heal from burnout and build their careers in more sustainable ways.

Buying a home with a partner is hard enough. But a growing number of Canadians aren’t waiting for love - or marriage - before they jump into real estate. About 20 percent of homes sold in Canada are purchased by solo buyers. Single-person households are the fastest-growing type of household in the country, according to census data. Still, it can be surprising to see people make such a huge investment, given the rising price of real estate. We’ll hear from three Canadian solo buyers about how they’ve managed to pull it off. They hustled. They made sacrifices. Two even lived with their parents until their late 20s. It's possible - but it certainly is not easy.

A post-secondary degree is commonly seen as the best way to get ahead. But the cost of university and college is rising - and it’s rising faster than the salary you can earn with a degree. As the math changes, is a post-secondary degree still a no-brainer? We speak with two recent grads about their job prospects after finishing their bachelor's and master's degrees, respectively. And Roma speaks with Jermaine L. Murray, a recruiter and the founder of JupiterHR, about how much employers value higher education in today’s job market.

In this discussion, Ben Felix, Chief Investment Officer at PWL Capital and co-host of the Rational Reminder podcast, challenges the stigma surrounding renting. He highlights how renters can build wealth just as effectively as homeowners through disciplined saving and smart investments. The conversation dives into the hidden costs of homeownership and how psychological factors shape perceptions of success. Felix shares insights on maintaining flexibility and quality of life while advocating for a mindset shift towards financial freedom.

Join Aravind Sithamparapillai from Ironwood Wealth Management, a tech entrepreneur launching his own business, and a millennial investor whose journey started by chance. They dive into the world of Tax-Free Savings Accounts, dissecting strategies for young Canadians. Discover the pros and cons of TFSAs versus RRSPs and the new First Home Savings Account. The millennial shares their thrilling GameStop saga, emphasizing diversification. Tune in for insights into customizing your investment approach and navigating financial challenges!