28 episodes

The Cost of Living ♥s money — how it makes (or breaks) us. We untangle the economic forces at play and transform our understanding of how money shapes our lives. Discover how everyday decisions connect with the larger economy in ways big, small, good, bad, obvious and unseen on The Cost of Living.

Cost of Living CBC Discover & Learn

    • Business
    • 4.7 • 229 Ratings

The Cost of Living ♥s money — how it makes (or breaks) us. We untangle the economic forces at play and transform our understanding of how money shapes our lives. Discover how everyday decisions connect with the larger economy in ways big, small, good, bad, obvious and unseen on The Cost of Living.

    Is pay transparency really transparent?

    Is pay transparency really transparent?

    New laws require employers in some provinces to be upfront about salaries in job ads — but how transparent are they when the pay range is $50,000-$150,000? Also, why retailers ask for your email address every time you buy something. Plus, Paul Haavardsrud asks Immigration Minister Marc Miller if Canada tried to do too much too fast when it opened the door to a record number of immigrants last year. 

    • 27 min
    Could public pension plans help Canada's economy?

    Could public pension plans help Canada's economy?

    The CPP invests more than twice as much in the US than it does in Canada, but some argue it should be making Canadian money work for Canada. Also, we ask if airlines could get off the ground faster if they started charging for carry-on and whether women are the key to solving the labour shortage in the skilled trades.

    • 27 min
    How A&W is reeling in new customers

    How A&W is reeling in new customers

    Ever wondered how fast food restaurants find inspiration for new menu items? We go inside the A&W test kitchen, to find out. Also why an old-school budgeting trend is winning over young Canadians and how much money you need to be happy.

    • 25 min
    24 Hour City People

    24 Hour City People

    The idea of the "24-hour city" is catching on, but are Edmonton and Ottawa ready to be cities that don't sleep? Also, why is it so hard to come up with an original brand name that's not offensive in another language? Plus, why co-working spaces could become your third office. 

    • 25 min
    Dead brands brought back to life

    Dead brands brought back to life

    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 and the real life Succession story of the Rogers family.

    • 27 min
    BONUS Episode! The Big Bank Upsell

    BONUS Episode! The Big Bank Upsell

    Tune into this bonus podcast we put together with our friends at CBC's investigative consumer program, Marketplace. Erica Johnson joins Paul Haavardsrud to uncover how banks are pushing products people don’t need, at higher prices, and the questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.

    If you want to see the hidden camera footage featured on this podcast, go to YouTube or CBC Gem and search for the full report called: The Big Bank Upsell.

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
229 Ratings

229 Ratings

Andruuush ,

Only one thing could make this better

The Cost of Living offers financial perspectives on all aspects of life. The show is super relevant, relatable, and well researched. Paul is an excellent host and brings together ideas and guests in the most enjoyable and down to earth way. I come away from each episode feeling like an aspect of the economy/ finances has been untangled. Only one thing could make this show better—-more episodes!

chrislovestoread ,

Entertaining Economics!

Great informative podcast that puts the fun in economics! Not only will you learn a lot and have fun while you’re at it, but also you’ll get the rare financial focus on Canada. Only thing that would make it better is more and more episodes!

markii_swiss ,

Informative with a great sense of humour

Great show. Always look forward to hearing it. Always informative, always surprising, always with a great sense of humour.

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