Stress Test

Gen Z is revolutionizing the workplace with their focus on work-life balance, individualism, and tech-savviness. Dr. Dave Drewery and two Gen Z representatives share insights on adapting to this new generation. Topics include shifting to a four-day work week, prioritizing mental health, and the importance of aligning with Gen Z's values in the workplace.

Casey Lewis, writer and consultant, discusses youth consumption trends in relation to TikTok on the podcast. Topics include the influence of social media on consumer behavior, spending on experiential travel, app features on TikTok, financial pressures from social media, and the impact on travel choices and spending.

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.

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.

Certified financial planner Shannon Tatlock joins the discussion on young parents managing finances while starting a family. Topics include saving for a downpayment, budgeting for maternity leave, living with in-laws for financial savings, and the challenges of owning a home versus having children.

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.

Two 30-year-olds share their experiences of leaving Canada for a more affordable life near the beach. Topics include remote work opportunities, challenges faced in Canada, reasons for moving abroad, financial benefits of relocating, and cultural experiences in Mexico.

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?

The podcast discusses personal finance resolutions for 2024, including budgeting for dining out, the importance of having a will, exploring first-time home savings accounts, and regularly checking credit card statements to maintain financial health.

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.