Cost of Living
Business & Finance
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.
Episodes
- How the avocado won our wallets
This episode of Cost of Living examines the rising popularity of avocados in Canada, noting a 20-fold increase in imports over the past three decades. It also discusses strategies for theaters to increase revenue with fewer customers and s…
- What will Canada do about prediction markets?
This episode discusses Canada's approach to prediction markets, the resurgence of film photography, and factors contributing to Nike's perceived loss of "cool factor".
- Should you invest instead of buying a home?
This episode discusses the financial decision of investing versus buying a home, particularly in the Canadian context with changing real estate and rental markets. It also touches on financial planning for individuals with ADHD and a uniqu…
- How does all the weird food end up at Winners?
This episode explores why discount stores like Winners carry unique food items and the origin of national food days. It also examines the potential cybersecurity risks of Anthropic's Mythos AI model with guest Jaxson Khan.
- Is Canada really poorer than Alabama?
Paul Haavardsrud examines the limitations of using GDP per capita to measure standard of living, comparing Canada to Alabama. The episode also discusses the importance of discussing inheritance plans and reviews a proposed high-speed train…
- Why more Canadians are getting into 'boring businesses'
This episode examines the trend of Canadians purchasing 'boring businesses' like vending machines and dry cleaners for job security. Additionally, the show discusses the potential for stagflation in Canada and explores the country's increa…
- Is the early to bed generation killing nightlife? (Encore Edition)
This episode discusses the decline of late-night social activities, tips for finding discounted Lego, and an interview with author Danny Funt regarding his book on the rise of American sports gambling.
- A big reason the U.S. still needs Canada? Our aluminum
This episode examines U.S. reliance on Canadian aluminum ahead of CUSMA negotiations. It also explores the concept of an "admin party" for managing tasks and discusses whether recent trends in home prices signal long-term change with econo…
- Scam Nation
This episode examines the rising impact of AI-driven scams in Canada and considers the value of personal cyber risk insurance. It also addresses resume modification trends among older job seekers and the potential impact of global oil shoc…
- BONUS: How high could oil prices go?
Energy analyst Rory Johnston discusses the impact of rising oil prices on the Canadian economy following supply chain interruptions caused by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why microwaves will likely get cheaper but your haircut won't
This episode explores why manufactured goods like microwaves have become cheaper while services like haircuts and childcare have risen in cost, using the "Baumol effect" as a framework. The program also investigates the growing popularity…
- BONUS: Iran and the year of economic uncertainty
Paul Haavardsrud speaks with Carleton University professor Stephanie Carvin about the impact of Iran targeting energy infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy and Canada.
- BONUS: What does the Iran conflict mean for the global economy?
Geopolitical analyst Rory Johnston joins Paul Haavardsrud to discuss the potential impact of Middle East conflict on global oil supplies and the Canadian economy.
- Are we in a cost of living crisis? Maybe not.
This episode examines whether Canada is currently in a cost of living crisis. It also explores the trend of financial literacy among Canadian women and discusses the concept of mandatory national service for young people.
- The billionaire backlash
This episode discusses the rise of tech billionaires, the debate over the existence of extreme wealth, the financial aspects of marrying in mid-life, and recent news regarding tariff policy.
- He used to steal bikes — and it was easy
An former bike thief describes how modern power tools have changed how bikes are stolen. Also, the episode covers the use of AI chatbots for interacting with experts and features journalist Peter Nowak discussing his work on monopolies and…
- Are we in the middle of a modern day gold rush?
This episode explores the rising interest in prospecting as gold prices hit record highs, examines why Canadians are increasingly paying for minor car accidents out of pocket, and features a perspective on the realistic timeline for artifi…
- Is Trump really an 'existential threat' to Canada’s auto sector?
This episode examines the potential impact of U.S. policies on Canada's auto sector. It also explores the reasons behind the difficulty of switching banks in Canada and the challenges involved in redeveloping historic Hudson's Bay building…
- Why big companies keep making big mistakes
Al Lewis discusses why large corporations make significant errors, and the potential need for financial therapists. Additionally, Chris Sands explains the potential implications of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding Donald Trump's tarif…
- What has Canada risked for a deal with China?
This episode examines the implications of Canada's trade deal with China for different economic sectors. Additionally, the show discusses why people consider quitting their jobs and explores the trend of women traveling solo.
- How Scholastic became so tight with Canadian schools
This episode examines the long-standing relationship between the publisher Scholastic and Canadian schools. Additionally, the episode explores the correlation between happiness and success.
- How AI could make pricing even less predictable (Encore Edition)
This episode explores how artificial intelligence may impact price predictability. Additionally, it examines the trend of travelers choosing seat upgrades and discusses the global reach of YouTube.
- Why do booze-free drinks cost nearly as much as the real thing? (Encore Edition)
This episode of Cost of Living addresses various listener questions about the economy, including trade practices, international payment methods, and the financial reality of living in an RV. The episode also revisits the cost of non-alcoho…
- The genius of Hallmark economics
This episode of Cost of Living examines the business model behind Hallmark's holiday movies, defends in-person shopping, and reviews Canada's economic performance in 2025.
- The class divide could be coming to a ski hill near you
This episode explores the rise of luxury VIP experiences at venues like ski resorts and theme parks. Additionally, the program examines the potential impact of the Warner Bros. sale and the factors behind increasing costs for French butter…
- What the hell is happening to American capitalism?
This episode discusses the changing nature of American capitalism, moving from a laissez-faire model to a more interventionist approach. It also delves into the commercialization of advent calendars and explores the phenomenon of popular t…
- When it comes to inflation, it's personal
Inflation affects individuals differently based on factors like location and age. Economist Mark Blyth discusses how these personal inflation rates might contribute to polarization. The episode also touches on why Canadians are keeping the…
- Is the early to bed generation killing nightlife?
The episode discusses a perceived decline in nightlife participation and its economic effects. It also covers strategies for finding discounted Lego at Walmart and features author Danny Funt discussing his book on the rise of American spor…
- Are critical minerals over-hyped?
This episode of Cost of Living examines the true value of critical minerals for Canada, differentiating between strategic and economic benefits. It also includes an interview with author David Thomas about his biography of investor Prem Wa…
- The Wealthy Barber is back
Paul Haavardsrud interviews David Chilton about the updated Wealthy Barber book. The episode also covers Gen Z's "vibe investing" and the "Buy Canadian" concept.
- How AI could turn pricing into a moving target
This episode discusses the potential impact of artificial intelligence on making prices more volatile. It also covers the risks and rewards associated with credit card churning and the growing interest in digital sovereignty.
- Is Artificial Intelligence the mother of all bubbles?
This episode of Cost of Living examines the potential for AI to be a bubble and the associated risks. It also features a discussion with author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic on the concept of being yourself in the workplace.
- What's creative destruction? Buckle up. We're living through it
This episode explains creative destruction, the process where new ideas displace old ones, and its potential economic impacts, especially with the rise of AI. It features a discussion with Avi Goldfarb and touches on First Nations involvem…
- Why do booze-free drinks cost nearly as much as the real thing? (And other mysteries solved!)
This episode of Cost of Living tackles listener questions about the economy. Topics include the pricing of non-alcoholic beverages, Canada's import practices, currency use when traveling abroad, and the expenses associated with the RV life…
- If the U.S. is remaking the rules, where does that leave Canada?
This episode discusses the impact of changing international rules on Canada, the trend of splurging on business class flights, and Canadians traveling abroad for hip replacements.
- How YouTube ate the world
The episode discusses YouTube's significant influence, surpassing Spotify in musicListenership and becoming the largest podcast platform. It also touches on the fast food industry's focus on popular menu items and changes in US immigration…
- Ireland supercharged its economy by slashing taxes. Should Canada do the same?
The episode explores Ireland's economic strategy driven by corporate tax cuts and considers if Canada should implement similar measures. It also touches on Canadian wines and the economic nationalism surrounding a potential takeover of a m…
- Do you know where your retirement savings are? (Encore Edition)
This encore episode of "Cost of Living" addresses the issue of Canadians losing track of retirement savings and pension payments. It explains the reasons behind this common problem and provides guidance on how to find and reclaim lost fund…
- Here comes the sun (Encore Edition)
This encore episode of Cost of Living discusses the increasing viability of solar energy due to rapidly dropping costs. It examines the potential benefits of a world powered by this renewable resource, suggesting solar power might be on th…
- Is Canada pulling back too much on immigration? (Encore Edition)
This encore episode of Cost of Living examines the impact of Canada's recent population growth driven by immigration on housing and healthcare, alongside its positive effects on the economy. It questions whether reducing population growth…