Cost of Living

Weekly exploration of how economics shapes everyday life AI summary

CBC Visit website › Business · EN · 57 episodes · latest 2026-11-13

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What it is about

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.

Publisher’s own description, taken unchanged from the podcast feed.
Copyright © CBC 2026

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Latest episodes

We air your economic grievances!

2026-11-13 · 27 min · Season 8, episode 13

On this week’s Kvetch of Living — you complain, we explain. Listeners share what steams their claims (economically speaking)! Like, tipping on top of sales taxes, paying phone bills in advance and the nightmare of…
Should we cut seniors' benefits?

2026-11-06 · 27 min · Season 8, episode 12

Ottawa is spending more than ever on seniors’ benefits — more than $80 billion annually — and that’s only going to climb. So, is it time to look at OAS reform (again)? Plus, how the fashion industry is responding to a…
Are we in a 'golden age of fraud' in Canada?

2026-10-30 · 31 min · Season 8, episode 11

For years, Greg Martel was running one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in Canadian history. He stole $300 million dollars. Then, he skipped town. Financial crime reporter Zak Vescera explains how Martel got away with it –…
Canada wants to build big. But are we building the right things?

2026-10-23 · 28 min · Season 8, episode 10

Canada is leaning into the resource economy, spending billions on megaprojects. But could we be falling into the 'staple trap?' Again? Also, how many mini Mars bars have you crushed lately? We explain how Big Candy…
Are we too loyal to our loyalty programs?

2026-10-16 · 27 min · Season 8, episode 6

Loyalty apps promise us deals and insider status, but how much information are we giving in return? Reece Rogers, a writer for WIRED magazine, dug into what McDonald’s knows about him — and whether his loyalty is paying…
How much can you save by welding a piggybank shut?

2026-10-09 · 27 min · Season 8, episode 5

You'll find out when you tune into our super duper savings show! Also, we look at how much Canadians need to save to enjoy retirement and explore why we over-value the things we save (like Beanie Babies). Plus, we hear…
What the U.S. bond market means for your mortgage

2026-10-02 · 27 min · Season 8, episode 4

This week, we unravel the befuddling world of U.S. bond yields (it'll be fun, we promise!) and explain why and how they're influencing Canadian lending rates. Also, how do you take your coffee? Black? Iced? Instant? If…
We avoided an oil crisis. Then diesel prices spiked.

2026-09-25 · 26 min · Season 8, episode 3

When the Strait of Hormuz closed, many feared the worst. Analysts predicted oil could hit $200 a barrel, ushering in a global energy crisis. That hasn't happened, but it doesn't mean we're out of the woods. Also, are…
Has Canada won over global investors?

2026-09-18 · 27 min · Season 8, episode 2

Mark Carney is rolling out tax breaks and opening some airports to private money in an attempt to woo foreign investors. Between those moves and a proposed cinq-à-sept with Europe, a lot of stuff went down this week. We…
BONUS REPLAY: How to privatize a Canadian airport

2026-09-15 · 11 min · Season 8, episode 1

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he will open Canada's four largest airports to some private investment. It's been done before in other countries, like England and Spain. In this replay from last May, we look at one of…

Episode details from the publisher’s feed. Playback happens at the publisher.

Publisher details

Oldest episode in feed: 11/2025 · over a year
Typical length: 26 min
Format: Episodic Newest first, episodes stand alone

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