Cost of Living

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.

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)

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. 

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?

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. 

From the hard sell to the limited time offer, companies have turned the art of the sale into a science. So why not put it under the microscope? We look at four different marketing tactics, and explain how they encourage us to turn off our brains and open our wallets. 

As the price the gap between short-term rentals and hotels shrinks, some people are wondering, "Why do I have to take out the trash?" Also, why it's so wicked expensive to rent a car right now and — do middle managers deserve more love and respect than they're getting?

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. 

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. 

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? 

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. 

Couche-Tard is bidding to take over the global convenience store giant, 7-Eleven. It's the kind of big swing we rarely see from corporate Canada. So, what are the chances it will succeed? Plus, why the cost of AC is about to go up faster than temperatures in July. And, how much would you pay to have brunch with your favorite reality TV star? 

More businesses are using biometrics to clock in their workers, so what does that mean for privacy and security? Also, surprise! The banks just lowered the limit on your credit card. Find out why. Plus, the former head of Research in Motion explains why Canada is falling behind in the knowledge economy. 

Five pounds of onions for 50 cents??!! We explain how independent grocers are able to sell produce at such low prices. Also, why it's become trendy to barter instead of pay cash and — the mystery and history of Visa.

Paul Haavardsrud talks to an economist about why it's not time to party, quite yet. Plus, how more Gen Z's are "loud budgeting" and what it means for competition and democracy after a judge ruled it illegal for Google to pay Apple to be their default browser. 

Matt Stoller has been raising the alarm about corporate monopolies for years. Following this week's antitrust ruling against Google, the research director at the American Economic Liberties Project talks to Paul Haavardsrud about why this may spell the beginning of the end for Big Tech's wild west era. 

We explore what the rise of AI could mean for global power. Also, why more companies are getting new ideas for products from customers and why Big Grocer is watching you.

Canadians under 65 are now more likely to experience poverty than seniors, so is it time to throw some discounts their way? Also, why Reddit is eclipsing Facebook and X and how the economics of today's music industry force musicians to squeeze their superfans.

Do you know where all your money is? With $2 billion in unclaimed cash in Canada, we'll tell you how to figure out if some of it's yours. Also, Mandy Rennehan (the blue-collar CEO) explains how a shortage of tradespeople costs us all and we explore why Canada becoming poorer than many of its friends. 

J.Crew, Aldo and Modrobes are making a comeback — we explain why they're worth resurrecting. Also, how malls are designed to keep you feeling lost, happy and shopping. Plus, the real life Succession story of the Rogers family. (Originally aired March 17, 2024)

More places — arenas, concert halls, amusement parks — are saying no to cash. But should it be illegal to refuse legal tender? Also, why are some kitchen gadgets a hit (hello, air fryer!) and others miss? Plus, how to score cheap concert tickets by playing the waiting game.

Shein has risen to the top with ultra-low prices — but at what cost? Plus, how tipping has pushed some customers to the tipping point. And remember when musicians selling out was a bad thing? Well, those days are over.

After years of vehicle shortages and high prices, car deals are back, baby! Also, how job seekers are beating HR screening bots at their own game by using AI to write their resumes. Plus, why people pay for a brush with celebrity...even if that celeb is a D-lister.

Ever notice how everything from SUVs to condos are a version of gray or white? We explore why dusty rose and avocado have given way to the age of greige. Also, how nostalgia is turning Pokémon cards into big business and why more companies are moving into coworking spaces.

As Huy Fong sriracha halts production again, we explore whether its most loyal fans will keep rallying for the iconic rooster. Also, how to play the currency game when you're planning a vacation and why we're always so ready to believe in the "Next Big Thing."

The Bank of Canada may finally lower the interest rate this week, but is that a good thing? Also, why it's become trendy to barter instead of pay cash. Swap your breadmaker for banana bread? Plus, what the rise of AI could mean for global power. 

Whether it's a loan or co-signing a mortgage, more adult kids are getting help from their parents. So, what should you know before mixing love and money? Also, why more companies are tapping their customers for inspiration. And — to pay or not to pay? — what companies are faced with when cyber criminals come after their data.