Stress Test

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? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Many Canadians have become first-time pet owners since the pandemic. But with the price of pet food and vet costs soaring, owners are struggling to afford their COVID companions. In this episode, Roma speaks to Shawn Morey, the executive director of the Peterborough Humane Society. We’re also joined by two people that became first-time pet owners in their 20s. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During the pandemic, employees had the upper hand in the job market. But the balance of power has shifted back to employers. They’re more hesitant to hire, less willing to offer remote work and less generous with what they are offering. We hear from a recent grad who applied for more than 100 jobs before landing a role, and a recently laid off tech worker with over a decade of experience. And Rob talks to Jermaine L. Murray, a Toronto-based tech recruiter and career coach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The urge to splurge is universal. After the bleakness of the pandemic, people are spending more on the big and little things that bring them joy. But there are healthy ways to manage splurge-spending that don't leave you buried in debt. In this episode, we hear from a Swiftie with a “Taylor Swift" concert obsession. And Roma speaks with Shannon Lee Simmons, a certified financial planner and founder of the New School of Finance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guest Victor Tran, an Ontario-based mortgage broker, discusses the challenges faced by homeowners with soaring mortgage rates. Topics include the impact on variable rate mortgage holders, financial strain, decision-making for a variable rate mortgage, financial challenges and anxiety, and the impact on young homebuyers. The podcast also explores renewing a mortgage and affordability challenges.

Financial planner Jay Zigmont joins two women who embrace the DINK (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle to discuss the benefits of being child-free. They explore the financial impact of raising children, the freedom and choices that come with not having kids, and the importance of planning for the future care independently. The podcast also delves into the societal pressures faced by those who choose to be child-free and the advantages of prioritizing careers and financial freedom.

Canadians are living with roommates for longer due to high rent costs. Soaring house prices have people searching for roommates in their 30s. We hear from women in Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax about their experiences. Living with roommates helps make ends meet in today's rental market.