Cost of Living

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.

Website : https://www.cbc.ca/radio/costofliving

RSS Feed : https://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/includes/costofliving.xml  

Last Episode : December 21, 2024 12:10am

Last Scanned : 1 hours ago

Episodes

Episodes currently hosted on IPFS.

Confirmed 1
Why you can't escape holiday gift guides
Need to buy a gift for your mom or your dog? What about your esoteric boyfriend? There's a gift guide for that! But, why? It's holiday baking season and some Canadians are paying big bucks to get their hands on French butter. Plus — we'll tell you why some economists think — if you really love someone, you'll give the gift of cold, hard cash this Christmas.
Expires in 35 hours
Published Saturday
1
Will OpenAI steal this too?
The makers of chat gpt call it scraping. Canadian media companies call it copying. Now, some are suing OpenAI, alleging it uses their work to train its AI models. But is it too late? Find out who's turning the Canada Post strike into a lucrative side hustle. Plus — why wait to retire when you can take mini-retirements along the way? 
Published 12/07
1
Does anyone go to the movies anymore?
Some are calling it "the year of the flop". But movie ticket sales have been sliding for two decades. Does Hollywood have a third act? We explain why weather forecasting is now a multi-billion dollar industry around the world. And, is the free trade era over? Former deputy PM, John Manley weighs in. 
Published 11/23
1
How private equity is gobbling up the Canadian economy
Tim Hortons, Westjet, the Bay — over the last 15 years, private equity firms have been on a buying spree. But what is it, exactly? Also, how a new rule south of the border could make canceling that pesky streaming subscription easier and we talk Trump, tariffs and Canadian oil.
Published 11/09
1
What Trump's tariffs could cost Canadians
On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has promised to impose 10 - 20% tariffs on anything coming into the U.S. It's part of a seismic shift in Republican economic thinking — to put the American worker first. But would it work? And what would it mean for us? (Originally aired September 6, 2024)
Published 11/06
1
Why thrifting has lost some of its thrill
Remember when you could find vintage designer stuff at Goodwill? These days, you're more likely to find piles of fast fashion. So what happened? Also, we explore why North America is swooning over Asian beauty products and the promise of "glass skin." Plus, what a warming Arctic means for business in Canada's great white north. 
Published 11/01
1
Why apples got so fancy (and pricey)
We explore how the Honeycrisp sparked a revolution in choice, and why we're willing to pay the price. Also, what it takes to make sure Fido is well taken care of when you're gone. Also, tiny condos used to be no-brainer investments but — not anymore. Thousands of them are now sitting on the market in Toronto. So, could this mean the return of livable spaces?
Published 10/25
1
Mind the prosperity gap
Canadians pay more for the same stuff as Americans, but earn less. We explore why the gap is widening and what it means for our future. Also, table for one? More people are dining alone and restaurants are welcoming them with open arms. Plus, why big companies are a fact of life in Canada. 
Published 10/18
1
Freedom 25, 35, and 45?
Sabbatical, adult gap year, micro-retirement — Why more workers are taking breaks throughout their career instead of waiting till they're 65. Also, is the mortgage stress test too stressful? Plus, the legacy of Tupperware and the woman who turned it into a party. 
Published 09/27
1
Here comes the sun
A world charged by solar energy has been on the horizon forever. Now it's closer than ever. What all that cheap power can mean for us. Also, impulse buying can add up and bring you down. We bring you some tips on how to resist yet another pair of black loafers. Plus, we'll meet one family who's leaving the country to find an affordable home. 
Published 09/20
1
Why we won't call it X
It's been over a year since Elon Musk rebranded Twitter. So, are you calling it X yet? We explore why some names are hard to forget. From lattes to lip balm, we explain how to nab $100 worth of free stuff on your birthday. And, could all this strike action lead to benefits for all Canadian workers? 
Published 09/13
1
What Trump's tariffs could cost Canadians
Trump is promising to impose tariffs as high as 20 per cent on anything coming into the U.S., so what could that mean for Canadians if he wins? When looking for love, more young people are choosing financial compatibility over physical attraction. Plus, why Canadian insurers are hiring their own wildfire SWAT teams. 
Published 09/06