Stress Test

Stress Test

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

February 26, 2025 23 mins
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 guests from previous seasons to discuss their moves, whether it was good for their financial situation and if they’d ever think about moving b...
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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 these milestones at the same age as previous generations. In this episode, Roma speaks with Sam Lichtman, founder of Millen Wealth Advisors...
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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 presidency will mean for your finances. In this episode, Rob speaks with Aravind Sithamparapillai, an associate at Ironwood Wealth Management Gro...
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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 together for months - or years - after a breakup. We hear from a millennial who lived with his ex-wife and children for 8 months after they separ...
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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 the corporate rat race. We’ll hear from a millennial who slowed down to the extreme - she quit her job and bought a farm. Then, Rob speak...
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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 the country, according to census data. Still, it can be surprising to see people make such a huge investment, given the rising price of real...
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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 their job prospects after finishing their bachelor's and master's degrees, respectively. And Roma speaks with Jermaine L. Murray, a recruiter...
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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 with very different investment strategies: a tech entrepreneur in the midst of launching his own business, and a millennial whose investme...
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July 17, 2024 32 mins
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 the entire company to a four-day work week. And Roma speaks with Dr. Dave Drewery of the Work-Learn Institute at the University of Waterl...
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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, Rob chats with a Gen Z woman who planned her summer vacation — using just TikTok. And Roma interviews Casey Lewis, a U.S. consultant who ...
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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 joined by an Edmonton woman whose parents plan to spend every dime in retirement. And an Ontario millennial walks us through whether or not s...
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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 guest from Toronto was able to break into an expensive housing market by purchasing a portion of his father and stepmother’s home.
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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 man who chose to move their family in with their in-laws to power save for a downpayment. We’re also joined by Shannon Tatlock, a certified ...
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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 work. We’re also joined by Clare Kumar, a Toronto-based productivity coach.
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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 30-year-olds; one who’s about to move to Spain and the other who’s been living in Playa del Carmen, with no plans to return any time soon. ...
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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 and millennials. Coming up this season: why some Canadians are moving to warmer and cheaper climates, and the real cost of being a super-...
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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 wills, spending on food and first home savings accounts.
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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.
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