Stress Test - podcast cover

Stress Test

The Globe and Mailwww.theglobeandmail.com
You had your best-laid plans and then COVID-19 came along and hammered the entire economy. But you’ve got this – if you have the right information. Join The Globe and Mail’s personal finance team, columnist Rob Carrick and editor Roma Luciw, as they guide you through one of the biggest stress tests your finances will ever face. If you’re between 20 and 40, this financial advice is for you.
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Episodes

How climate anxiety is shaping small and large financial decisions

Climate change is a growing concern for many young Canadians, with some questioning where they should live, what they should be saving for and how they should invest. Others wonder whether they should bother planning for a future at all. But is there a smart way to weave our climate concerns into our personal finance decisions? Certified financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons, who says this issue comes up all the time among her clients, shares her thoughts on how to arrange your finances amid cli...

Apr 19, 202327 minSeason 7Ep. 5

Save money and the planet: How thrifting can help combat inflation

A $5,700 wedding dress for $64. Expensive baby items for a fraction of the price. Construction materials to renovate a home. When you need something, buying used is a great way to save a pile of cash and keep perfectly good items out of landfills. It isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s gaining more popularity as living expenses soar. In this episode, three guests share their experiences thrifting and their advice for others to get a good deal.

Apr 12, 202320 minSeason 7Ep. 4

Fertility treatments can be a massive, unexpected cost for Canadians. Here’s what you should know

For the one in six Canadian couples who experience infertility, the path to having a baby can be difficult emotionally, physically and financially. Same sex couples and people trying to get pregnant without a partner are on the same road. And for all these aspiring parents, fertility treatments aren’t cheap. In this episode, Roma speaks to Dr. Tamara Abraham, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, about the IVF process. Plus, several Canadians who are undergoing fertility tre...

Apr 05, 202328 minSeason 7Ep. 3

Taxes 101: Tips to make the most of your return this season

Tax season can be, well, taxing. Whether you’re a gig worker trying to keep track of receipts or a remote employee struggling to figure out how much home office space to claim, filing a return can be daunting. We know most of you don’t have an accountant on your favourite contacts list, so we’re dedicating this episode to all things taxes. Rob speaks to expert Jamie Golombek to demystify some tax basics and offer tips to get you through this tax season.

Mar 29, 202322 minSeason 7Ep. 2

Why millennials and Gen Z are Alberta-bound for a more affordable life

In 2022, the number of people moving to Alberta hit its highest level in almost a decade. At the same time, a record number of people left Toronto for other provinces. And it all comes down to affordability. In this episode, we’ll delve into the factors contributing to the rise in interprovincial migration and hear from Canadians who made the move - and how it’s worked out for them.

Mar 22, 202326 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Coming soon: Season seven of Stress Test

The economy is looking shaky and everyone’s trying to save money, whether it's on rent, groceries or just living life. The good news? The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials is back for another season. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw as they make sense of a changing financial reality - and help you achieve your goals. Up this season: how thousands of Canadians are leaving Toronto and Vancouver for cheaper living in Alberta, why you should care more about tax season a...

Mar 08, 20231 min

Rising interest rates brought pain for new homeowners - and opportunity for house hunters

When we first launched Stress Test, the homeownership story was one of low interest rates, climbing prices and bidding wars. But the real estate market has changed drastically this year - now it’s a story of rising interest rates, falling prices and fewer listings. So what does it mean for new and potential homeowners? In the last episode of the season, we’re checking in with recent buyers to see how they’re feeling in this changing market - and whether recent changes have helped them or hindere...

Dec 07, 202227 minSeason 6Ep. 8

Why more Canadians are choosing to be childfree or delay parenthood

Canadians are waiting longer to have kids. If they do, they’re having fewer. And people say money is one of the big reasons why they’re going childfree. In this episode, we’re looking at the most personal of personal finance topics: the cost of deciding whether to have children, when and how many. We hear from a 27-year-old woman from Mississauga, Ont., who is pushing back plans to have kids until she can afford a home. We also hear from a 28-year-old from Vancouver who has decided not to have k...

Nov 30, 202230 minSeason 6Ep. 7

Is it still a good time to ask for a raise, with a recession looming?

Chances are your salary isn’t rising as fast as inflation. But before you march into your boss’s office to demand a raise, remember there’s a recession looming. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask - but your pitch needs to be researched and realistic. In this episode, Rob speaks to compensation expert Manny Campione about what’s going on in the job market and how to effectively negotiate your salary. Plus, we hear from a 27-year-old from Edmonton who first tried to negotiate a raise at his work,...

Nov 23, 202223 minSeason 6Ep. 6

Renovating can help you get the home you otherwise can't afford

For those struggling to get a foothold in Canada’s expensive real estate market, home improvements aren’t a luxury - they’re a necessary evil to secure housing that fits their needs. But is doing the work a more affordable option than buying the perfect place? In this episode, we’re looking at how renovations can get you the home you want but otherwise can’t afford. We hear from two 35-year-old guests and their recent renovation experiences. The first, who lives in Victoria, B.C., bought a home ...

Nov 16, 202230 minSeason 6Ep. 5

Recession-beating tips for the job market, housing, investing and cost of life

Disclaimer from Aligned Capital Partners Inc.: This podcast is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Aravind Sithamparapillai and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Nov 09, 202230 minSeason 6Ep. 4

Love in the time of inflation: How to manage rising costs when dating

Pandemic lockdowns made it harder for people to make new romantic connections. Now, inflation is making it more expensive. This has left people searching for creative ways to meet the love of their life - while spending less. In this episode, Rob and Roma hear from three Canadian daters to learn how they’re coping with higher costs and offer advice for ways to not break the bank while dating.

Nov 02, 202222 minSeason 6Ep. 3

You're not bad at money - you're suffering from money shame

You’re broke, but you blow $100 on a dinner you can’t afford. Or maybe your colleagues are making more money doing the same job as you, but you don’t ask for a raise. You feel like you’re bad with money and your way of coping is to ignore your finances. These are common behaviours that can lead to something called money shame. In this episode, Roma speaks to Chantel Chapman, a Richmond, B.C.-based financial trauma researcher and educator about what money shame is, how it affects our financial de...

Oct 26, 202228 minSeason 6Ep. 2

How supercharged rents are crushing Canadians

Rents are soaring across the country, especially in Canada's biggest cities. To secure a place to live, some Canadians are competing in bidding wars or spending over 50 per cent of their monthly income on rent. Others are settling for short-term leases and long commutes. In this episode, we hear from three renters about what they went through to try and find a place to live and what it cost them. Plus, Rob talks to Shaun Hildebrand, the president of Urbanation, which researches condo, rental and...

Oct 19, 202228 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Coming soon: Season 6 of Stress Test

Just when you thought pandemic-related financial challenges were ending, we have a new plot twist: the threat of a recession. The Globe's personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials is back to help make sense of it all. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw this season as they tackle the cash crunch many Canadians are facing when it comes to things like housing and dating, and provide practical advice to help you navigate rough economic waters.

Oct 05, 202255 sec

Retirement might look different for Gen Z and millennials. Here’s how to plan for it

For our last episode of this season, we’re talking retirement – why it’s changing, and how to plan for it. We hear from Vicky (25), Irina (34) and Brent (36), who each have different visions of retirement and what they’re doing – or not doing – to plan for it right now. Plus, Rob speaks with Shannon Lee Simmons, a Toronto-based certified financial planner whose core clients are millennials and Gen Z, about shifting views of retirement and how you can best prepare.

Jun 15, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Tempted to buy a home with siblings or friends? Here’s what you need to know

Most people buy homes with their partners or by themselves. But others are ditching the traditional paradigm. Today, we’re talking about unconventional homebuyers: family members, friends and others that team up to get into the property market. We hear from two sisters who are trying to buy a house together – and who are struggling to get into the market even after joining forces. Plus, Roma speaks with Leah Zlatkin, a mortgage broker at Mortgage Outlet and expert at LowestRates.ca, about what y...

Jun 08, 202231 minSeason 5Ep. 7

Mortgage 101: Everything you need to know about mortgages right now

If you’re a homeowner or want to be one, you probably have questions about mortgages. Like where to get a good deal, what factors to pay attention to and how to choose between fixed and variable rates. This week, we’ve got answers. Consider this episode your Mortgage 101 course. Mortgage planner and Globe and Mail columnist Robert McLister joins Rob and Roma to discuss mortgage basics and the changing interest rate environment. Plus, we hear from Angela Calla, a mortgage broker based in Port Coq...

Jun 01, 202230 minSeason 5Ep. 6

How TikTok changed the vibe of personal finance advice

Gen Z and millennials are getting a lot of their money advice from TikTok, where personal finance videos have more than 5.8 billion views. In this episode, we look at why the social media platform is resonating, how to use it effectively and what advice you should be wary of on the app. We hear from a 25-year-old TikTok user from Mississauga, Ont., about how he started getting personal finance advice from the platform. Plus, Roma speaks to Ellyce Fulmore, aka @queerd.co, a TikTok content creator...

May 25, 202228 minSeason 5Ep. 5

How to balance green or ethical investing with making money

Being concerned about the planet and your finances can go hand in hand. Today, we’re talking about the rise in what’s called ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing and how people can balance their values with their financial goals. We hear from a 30-year-old in Ottawa who’s getting started in ESG investing because she cares about the environment – and she wants to make money. Plus, Rob speaks to The Globe’s business reporter Jeff Jones to learn more about how ESG funds are performi...

May 18, 202226 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Is the middle class dead for millennials and Gen Z?

Many millennials and Gen Z’s have done everything “right” - they’ve graduated, found good jobs, are paying off their debt and saving money. So why is it so hard to live the middle class lifestyle their parents and older peers had at their age? In this episode, we hear from Cody, a 33-year-old living in Hamilton, Ont., who is frustrated at not being able to achieve many of his financial and life goals despite being a fiscally responsible adult. Plus, Rob talks to Paul Kershaw, a professor at the ...

May 11, 202230 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Gas prices are soaring. Are electric vehicles an affordable solution?

If you’re a Canadian driver, soaring gas prices are causing you to dig deeper at the pump these days. But is there any way to lower your vehicle costs? Today, we’re talking about the cost of car ownership and whether electric vehicles have made the move from being a luxury purchase to an affordable one. Rob speaks to Robert Karwel, an automotive industry expert at J.D. Power, for a closer look at what’s changed in the Canadian vehicle market and the potential for going electric. Plus, we hear fr...

May 04, 202229 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Returning to the office will cost you and not everyone's willing to pay

Your boss wants you back in the office, but after two years of remote work, you’re not sure you want to go. Whether you measure the cost in time or money, going back to work can be pricey. Many Canadians have grown to love their work from home lifestyle, and they’re eager to keep it. In the first episode of our new season, we hear from a 20-something who’s job-hunting because his employer is asking employers to return to the office two to three days a week. We also hear from a manager in her ear...

Apr 26, 202230 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Coming soon: Stress Test Season 5

So much has changed in the last two years including how we work, where we live and what’s important to us. But your money matters just as much as it did pre-pandemic – maybe even more. The Globe’s personal finance podcast is back this month for its fifth season. Join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma Luciw as they talk with real people and experts to tackle the money questions on your mind. Up this season: the cost of going back to the office, the price of gas versus electric vehicles, the rise of ethi...

Apr 19, 20222 min

Cryptocurrencies are booming. But should you invest?

Cryptocurrencies are in the spotlight because of their dramatic ups and downs. So what are people who buy cryptocurrency thinking? And is it a smart investment? In our final episode of Season Four, Rob and Roma delve into the trend that is crypto investing. We hear from two investors: a Toronto millennial woman who started investing in crypto as a pandemic hobby, and a cautionary tale about crypto investing from a 26-year-old from Niagara Falls, Ont. Plus, Rob speaks with Braden Dennis and Simon...

Feb 09, 202230 minSeason 4Ep. 8

Parents are bankrolling their kids’ house down payments - but can they afford it?

Home prices have skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic, threatening to price a generation of young buyers out of the market. It’s gotten so bad that some parents are flat out giving their adult kids the money they need for a down payment. But what is that doing to their own finances? How widespread is this help? In this episode, we hear from parents of Gen Z and millennials about helping their kids buy homes - and what that means for their own finances.

Feb 02, 202224 minSeason 4Ep. 7

Salary negotiation 101: How to ask for a raise (encore episode)

A lot of people feel uncomfortable negotiating with their boss for a raise and other perks. But if you don’t ask, you won’t get. And it’s definitely a lot easier to save money if you’re making more of it. We hear from a group of friends (who tell each other everything) as they discuss their recent experiences asking for a raise. Plus, Roma talks to Hadiya Roderique, who taught negotiation at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and also was a lawyer. She shares her tips on how...

Jan 26, 202230 min

Are you giving your parents money?

Are you helping your parents by paying for groceries, house bills or even funding their retirement? The overwhelming trend in Canada is for parents to be supporting their adult kids financially. But today, we’re talking to the Gen Z and millennials who are in the opposite position and helping support their family. We hear from a 27-year-old from Stoney Creek, Ont., who has been helping her parents with monthly payments for over five years. Plus, Roma speaks to Natasha Knox, a Vancouver- based fi...

Jan 19, 202223 minSeason 4Ep. 6

Rents are soaring. What does it mean for millennials and Gen Z?

If you’re a renter, you already know how unaffordable it’s getting. So how are people dealing with the rising costs? And what does it mean for their other financial goals - and for their life? We hear from a 25-year-old renter in Kelowna, B.C., who says finding a place to live was more stressful than finding a job. Then, we hear from a millennial couple with two young children who are renting in Markham, Ont. and have very different opinions about their current living situation. Plus, Rob speaks...

Jan 12, 202229 minSeason 4Ep. 5

City Space: How can cities hold onto the middle class?

In this bonus episode, we're bringing you an episode of City Space, a podcast from The Globe about how to make our cities better. A generation ago, a middle-class income could buy you a detached home in a big city. Now? Folks are finding they need to set their sights further and further away from any downtown centre if they want to hold fast to that dream. But as populations and climate emergencies rise, experts tell us that urban densification is the necessary path forward. So what do cities ha...

Dec 15, 202124 min
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