

Cost of Living
CBC
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Is Trump really an 'existential threat' to Canada’s auto sector?
The U.S. President would like to see Canadian auto jobs move to the United States. But how likely is that to happen? Also, why Canadians have a tough time switching banks and why it could be hard to redevelop the historic Hudson's Bay buildings.

Jan 23, 2026 • 29min
WestJet's big squeeze and other business blunders
Al Lewis, who writes Business Blunders on Substack, explains why big companies make big mistakes (Hint: it's money). We'll explore why your money problems may call for a financial therapist, and not just an adviser. Also, we ask Chris Sands of Johns Hopkins University what could happen if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Trump's tariffs are illegal.

Jan 16, 2026 • 27min
What has Canada risked for a deal with China?
Canada's trade deal with China is good for canola farmers, but for automakers? Not so much. So what does that say about the federal government's hopes for the economy? Also, why many of us are just one "turning point moment" away from chucking it all and quitting our jobs. And, why more women are travelling solo.

Jan 9, 2026 • 28min
How Scholastic became so tight with Canadian schools
Scholastic has been selling books, pens and posters to students for decades. Along the way, it's become one of the world's largest publishers of children's books, with titles like The Hungers Game and Harry Potter. So how did the relationship between a for-profit U.S. company and Canadian schools become so unshakeable? Also, we ask: Does happiness breed success, or is it the other way around?

Jan 3, 2026 • 28min
How AI could make pricing even less predictable (Encore Edition)
If it feels like the price of everything from airfares to juice boxes never stay put — you're not wrong. And artificial intelligence could make those prices even more slippery. Also, we explain why more travellers are opting for a seat upgrade and explore how YouTube at the world.

Dec 27, 2025 • 28min
Why do booze-free drinks cost nearly as much as the real thing? (Encore Edition)
This week, we answer some of your burning questions about the economy. Like, why does Canada import stuff that we produce here? Should you pay in CAD when travelling abroad? And, how expensive is the #rvlife (Originally aired October 12, 2025)

Dec 19, 2025 • 28min
The genius of Hallmark economics
Hallmark's holiday movie formula is as polished as a glass snow globe. And why not? Between product placements and sponsorships, the movies are a winner for the card company. We take a look at the business sense behind the sensibility. Also, we make a spirited defense of IRL shopping and ask: How did Canada's economy weather a stormy 2025?

Dec 12, 2025 • 28min
The class divide could be coming to a ski hill near you
Pricey VIP experiences are increasingly for sale in places like theme parks, concert venues and ski resorts. So what does it mean for us to be divided into the haves and the have-mores? We examine what the sale of Warner Bros. could mean for the future of entertainment. And why are Canadians paying through le nez for French butter?

Dec 5, 2025 • 28min
What the hell is happening to American capitalism?
The U.S. used to be pretty hands off, let the market do its thing. Now it wants to be the puppet master. So what happened? Also, we explain why advent calendars have become so commercial and we talk to a historian about why certain toys catch lightening in a bottle. Remember Tickle Me Elmo?

Nov 28, 2025 • 26min
When it comes to inflation, it's personal
In this discussion, reporter Danielle Nerman shares insights on why Canadians are opting to repair their aging cars amid soaring new vehicle prices. Economist Mark Blyth analyzes the unequal impacts of inflation across different demographics, linking personal inflation experiences to rising political polarization. Journalist Leah Hendry guides listeners through using a personal inflation calculator, highlighting real stories from Canadians like Sarah and Richard, whose experiences illustrate the profound effects of inflation on everyday life.


