Stress Test
by The Globe and Mail
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.
Episodes
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A baby or financial security: Who can still afford to have kids?
Having kids hasn’t been cheap for a long time. But with the cost of living so high, is starting a family becoming something only well-off Canadians can afford? New research from Statistics Canada suggests that income is playing a bigger role in who becomes a parent. In this episode, we hear from...
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Influencing looks glamorous. But does it pay the rent?
When you scroll through Instagram and TikTok, influencing can look like easy money. But how much do Canadian content creators actually earn, and can they afford to leave their day jobs? In this episode of Stress Test, we speak with three Canadian influencers about their finances, from a full-time...
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Is 40 too old to buy your first home?
As more Canadians buy homes later in life, homeownership is increasingly competing with another major financial goal: saving for retirement. We meet two Canadians who bought their first homes in their 40s to learn why they waited, how they made it happen and whether they have any regrets. Then,...
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Anger vs profit: Should you sell your U.S. stocks?
Tensions between Canada and the U.S. are at an all-time high, and some young Canadians are questioning whether they still want to invest so much of their money south of the border. We hear from a millennial investor who dramatically reduced his U.S. holdings. Then Rob Carrick and financial…
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Coming soon: Season thirteen of Stress Test
When are you ready to buy a home? To have a kid? To quit your day job and become your own boss? In 2026, financial milestones look different than they used to. This season of Stress Test gets into the big money decisions Canadians are facing. We’ll look at whether the trade war is changing how...
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No, you don’t need $1.7-million to retire
Retirement can feel overwhelming when headlines insist you need millions before you can stop working. But is that actually true? In this episode, we hear from young Canadians with very different visions of life after work. Then retirement reporter Meera Raman sits down with financial planner…
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Everyone wants a prenup. Very few people get one
More than half of young Canadians say they’d want a prenup if they got married or entered a common-law relationship. But only a small share have actually signed one. So what’s stopping them? In this episode, we look at the gap between interest and action and why prenups may still be harder…
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Your “starter home” might be your forever home
For decades, there was a formula for homeownership. Buy something small, maybe a condo or a townhouse, watch its value rise, and then eventually move up to something bigger. But that formula is breaking down for many young Canadians. Today, we’re looking at what happens when an idea passed down...
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Thanks to AI, your resume is perfect. So is everyone else’s
Breaking into the job market has always been tough, but right now, it feels harder than usual. Hiring is slow. Competition is high. And at the same time, artificial intelligence is changing the kinds of tasks that once defined entry-level roles. So what’s really behind this shift? We hear from...
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Is this the golden age of DIY investing?
Investing on your own has never been simpler. Trading fees are disappearing, apps are better than ever and features like fractional shares mean you can start investing with just a few dollars. But is easier always better? On today’s episode, we look at what’s changed, what’s improved and what…
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Big spender, risky investor: Today's committed Gen Z renter
Despite a cooling housing market, home ownership still feels out of reach for many young Canadians. Now, new research suggests that when young people decide to opt out of saving for a home, their behaviour can change in surprising ways. They spend more, save less, and take bigger risks with their...
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Rents are falling, so why does it still feel so expensive?
Renters in Canada are finally catching a break. In Canada’s biggest cities, rents have been falling for more than a year and vacancy rates are rising. Some landlords are even offering incentives like free months of rent and move-in bonuses to attract tenants. But the reality on the ground is more...
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Yes, the stock market will crash. Are you ready?
After years of strong gains, the stock market’s resilience has many investors and experts wondering how much longer it can last. We hear from a 25-year-old from B.C. about her first market downturn, her reaction to the drop and how it changed her investing mindset. Then Rob talks with wealth...
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Coming soon: Season twelve of Stress Test
There's so much financial uncertainty out there right now. Stocks have soared, but global conflicts are casting a shadow. House prices are falling. The labour market is shifting. Even the things that are supposed to be getting easier, like renting, don’t quite feel that way. Welcome back for...
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A big-travel, small-budget blueprint for 2026
Despite economic uncertainty, millions of Canadians continued to travel abroad and domestically in 2025. We want to know where they’re going - and how they’re doing it affordably. We hear from Stress Test producer Zahra Khozema about how she budgets for 2-3 trips a year. Then, The Globe’s…
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Casinos in your pocket: The blurring line between investing and gambling
Over the last four years, legalized sports betting has become a massive industry in Canada. In Ontario alone, people placed bets worth a total of around $11-billion in 2024. It’s simple to do: Open an app, bet a few bucks and watch the scoreboard. At the same time, trading apps have made…
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You’ve just been let go. Now what?
Job cuts are a growing reality. In the past month, Amazon, Canada Post, Stellantis, General Motors, and Imperial Oil have been among the companies that have let plenty of employees go. Getting fired can come as a shock. And it can leave people financially strapped as they try to find their...
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Your next mortgage renewal could be a shocker. Here’s what to do
During the pandemic, record-low interest rates meant cheap mortgages. These days? Rates are higher. And worries about where they’re headed next mean tough decisions for homeowners. We hear from a Toronto-based millennial about how she’ll manage her finances when her mortgage rate potentially...
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No jobs in this economy: Why the labour market is so brutal right now
The job market for young Canadians is terrible these days. Lots of qualified, talented people are sending out tons of resumes and getting zero replies. We hear from two recent grads who have been struggling for months to get an interview, let alone a job offer. Then Erica Alini, The Globe’s...
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She left school to buy a laundromat: The appeal of ‘boring businesses’
Adulthood is a never-ending parade of chores. Clothes to clean, cars to wash, appliances to fix. Businesses that serve these needs, like laundromats, car washes, and vending machines, are honestly a bit, well, boring. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t making good money. And financially savvy...
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Is it time to check out AI for investing advice?
More investors are turning to artificial intelligence for investing advice. But should you trust what ChatGPT tells you about ETFs, the stock market and where to put your money? We hear from two investors about how AI factors into their investing strategy. Rob Carrick also speaks with Ben Felix,...
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Condo hate is real. What's the new path to homeownership?
You might be familiar with this home ownership journey: save for a down payment, buy a condo, live in it for a few years, sell it at a profit, then use that money to buy a bigger home with multiple bedrooms and a backyard. It was the standard home-owning playbook for older millennials. But with...
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Coming soon: Season eleven of Stress Test
The Globe’s personal finance podcast for Gen Z and millennials is back for another season. Join host Roma Luciw, recently retired Rob Carrick and The Globe’s roster of personal finance reporters as they dig into the financial questions impacting Canadians. Up this season: timely topics like AI...
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They ditched Canada's big cities for a cheaper lifestyle. How did it work out?
It’s been five years since the pandemic lockdowns began. As they dragged on, people working in cramped condos began craving more space – and began relocating to smaller cities, towns or rural areas, where housing was cheaper. So how did it work out for them? In this episode, we check in with…
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Feeling behind? Why your parent’s financial timeline won’t work for you
We've all seen the ads: Hip investors in their 20s, happy homeowners in their 30s, and content retirees at 65. There's a lot of pressure to reach certain financial milestones by a certain age. But these deadlines aren’t working for everyone. It’s never been harder - or more unrealistic - to hit...
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From tariffs to crypto: A survival guide to investing in the Trump era
The news cycle hasn’t stopped since U.S. President Donald Trump was reelected. The past month has seen big ups and downs in the stock market, crypto, and the dollar. Whether you’re a novice investor or have lots of money in the stock market, you’re probably wondering what the second Trump...
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You broke up, but can you afford to move out?
When relationships fall apart, the financial pressure of finding a new place to live can hit hard. All of a sudden, both partners need to adjust to covering the cost of rent or mortgage, utilities, and grocery bills - on one income. These financial strains are forcing some couples to live…
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Hustle culture draining you? Say hello to the soft life
We live in a society that glorifies overworking. But some people are tired of girl-bossing and rise-and-grinding. Instead of working harder for what can feel like less, they’re ready to lean out and embrace what some people call the “soft life.” It means prioritizing your rest and well-being over...
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More young adults are buying homes alone. How are they pulling it off?
Buying a home with a partner is hard enough. But a growing number of Canadians aren’t waiting for love - or marriage - before they jump into real estate. About 20 percent of homes sold in Canada are purchased by solo buyers. Single-person households are the fastest-growing type of household in…
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Is a university or college degree still worth the money?
A post-secondary degree is commonly seen as the best way to get ahead. But the cost of university and college is rising - and it’s rising faster than the salary you can earn with a degree. As the math changes, is a post-secondary degree still a no-brainer? We speak with two recent grads about…
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Here’s what young Canadians are putting in their TFSAs
We’re taking a peek into the TFSAs of regular Canadians to give you ideas of how to better use yours. In this episode, Rob chats with Aravind Sithamparapillai of Ironwood Wealth Management to break down TFSAs, FHSAs and RRSPs. Aravind is not an accredited planner. We’re also joined by two guests...
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Look out employers: Here come Gen Z
Gen Z is entering the workforce — and changing it. These 20-somethings are digital natives, they prioritize work-life balance, and their loyalty is to themselves. In this episode, we talk to two Gen Z's who took a stand for what they wanted in their workplaces. One even convinced his boss to move...
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Viral TikToks can crawl into your brain and trigger spending
Maybe you clicked on a link and bought this season’s must-have sneakers. Or maybe you spent an embarrassing amount of money on lights and balloons to replicate that perfect birthday party photo. Well, you’re not the only one whose spending is fuelled by what you’re seeing online. In this episode,...
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Counting on an inheritance? Not so fast
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...
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Would you co-own a house with your parents?
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…
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Home ownership and a baby: Can you afford both?
Having kids has always been expensive. These days, with housing costs soaring for both renters and owners, it can feel impossible to buy a home and start a family at the same time. In this episode, Rob talks to a 28-year-old new mom who’s renting with her partner. Roma chats with a 34-year-old…
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How far would you commute to save money?
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...
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Meet the young people leaving Canada for an affordable life
It’s getting harder and harder to build a good life in Canada. Everything is just so expensive. Most of us feel it — especially those of us just starting out. If you can work remotely, have you ever considered packing up and trying to get ahead near the beach? In this episode, we hear from two...
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Coming soon: Season nine of Stress Test
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...
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5 personal finance resolutions for 2024 (that you can actually keep)
If your usual resolutions are “go to the gym” or “eat healthy,” don’t forget that a mindful approach to money is also a ticket to improved wellness. We asked listeners in their 20s and 30s some basic personal finance “hygiene” questions when it comes to credit scores, tracking expenses, writing...
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Salaries, mortgages and EVs: The top personal finance stories of 2023
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. for information about our collection and use...
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Can you really afford a dog?
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...
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What the tightening job market means for you
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…
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So, you splurged. Now what?
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…
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The struggle is real: how homeowners are coping with soaring mortgage rates
First, home owners with variable rate mortgages felt the pain of soaring interest rates. Then, people with fixed rate mortgages began to renew at sharply higher rates. In this episode, we hear from first-time homebuyers in Vancouver and Kingston who are now spending more than half their income on...
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Dual income, no kids: How much more fun are they having?
The appeal of the DINK lifestyle – that’s double income, no kids – might seem obvious. But having more control over your life and finances comes with questions about your social safety net in retirement. We spoke to two women who are embracing the DINK life, along with Jay Zigmont, the founder of...
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Adulting with roommates: solo living is a luxury in today’s rental market
A growing number of Canadians are living with roommates longer than they ever expected. What once was seen as a short chapter in life is turning into a long-term way to find affordable housing. Soaring house costs has people searching for roommates well into their 30s and beyond. We spoke to…
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Coming soon: Season eight of Stress Test
What does the “new normal” look like these days? In a period of soaring costs and rampant uncertainty, it means spending a larger chunk of your income on housing—whether that’s high rent or supercharged mortgage payments. Here to help you make sense of it all, join hosts Rob Carrick and Roma…
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About this show
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.
Hosted by
The Globe and Mail