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No land? No loan. Why it can be hard to borrow money from a bank if you live on reserve
It can be much harder for First Nations people living on reserve to get a bank loan. Because they don't legally own the land they live on, they can't use it as collateral.
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Could crypto investments become virtually worthless?
We talk to a self-described "crypto-skeptic" about why bitcoin and others in the crypto world are crashing in value and why it could be akin to an old-fashioned run on the bank. Plus, what does it mean for a small business when Deadpool himself endorses your Greek food?
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Air Miles hits turbulence after Sobeys and Safeway pull out of program
The long-running Air Miles rewards system is facing turbulence after the withdrawal of one of its only remaining national grocery chains from the program, say experts in the Canadian loyalty points industry.
Cost of Living ||
Big bucks for stadium names may not generate cash flow, but it boosts branding: expert
Brands pay big bucks to have the right to name a stadium or arena. But according to John Fortunato, a media management professor at Fordham University, it’s not all about the direct advertising dollars.
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What the 'stripper index' can tell us about the economy
One way to tell if a recession is looming is talking to people who work in strip clubs. So we did. Also this week — where can we collect Air Miles now that Sobeys is dumping it for Scene+, and what does it say about the future of the loyalty program?
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The collateral dilemma: why it's harder to get bank loans when you live on a reserve
This week, we explore why structures like the Indian Act make it more difficult for people to borrow money if they live on reserve. As hockey playoffs hit the finals, we ask — is there any value in stadium naming rights? Plus, we look at what's behind all the rainbow branding during Pride season.
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Is a second job the ticket to staying in the middle class?
As inflation boosts the price of nearly everything, we talk to a Canadian who is finding the only way she can stay in the middle class is to work a second job. Plus, a look at the consequences faced by small businesses when their Instagram account is hacked.
Cost of Living ||
Buying a mobile home was the best financial decision his family made — just don't call it a trailer
Buying a mobile home and moving into a community in Calgary has made Stephan Gardner’s life measurably better, especially from a financial perspective. But don't call it a trailer park, says one advocate.
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Full Episode
What real estate investing means for home prices and ramen noodles
House prices in Canada have been on a seemingly unstoppable trajectory for years. But what do investors who aren't looking for a place to live themselves have to do with the rise in real estate — and are things about to slow down as investors leave the market? Plus, we explain why Justin Bieber isn't allowed to buy a Ferrari anymore, and how restricting who buys what is good for business.
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Here's why milk comes in bags in parts of Canada
Milk in bags — a kitchen staple in parts of the nation. Why? The metric system, in part. The Cost of Living is heading back to the supermarket with some of our favourite stories about groceries this week.
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Why prepared rotisserie chickens are cheaper than ones you cook yourself
A professor of poultry, a food economist and a grocery store insider explain why a pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken from the supermarket deli is typically cheaper than buying a raw, whole bird from the meat cooler in the butcher's department.
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How stores like Costco use everything from layout to smell to make you open your wallet
The design of many stores — from floor plan to scent — actively encourages consumers to stay longer and spend more money, according to retail design and wayfinding experts.
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Why does it take so long for inflation to come down?
Tactics are underway to cool inflation — but prices keep going up. So how long will it take to turn things around? Also this week, we hear from the "Coupon Cutie" and learn why buying a mobile home might be the best financial decision you ever make.
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Atlantic Canada wants you to 'come from away'
From lobster to beaches and off-shore oil, we take a closer look at some of Atlantic Canada's big economic drivers. Plus, we'll tell you why you might have to pay out of pocket if your credit card is stolen.
Cost of Living ||
LISTEN
Return of the comic-con! We beam into the convention centre
Fan expos and comic conventions are back in full force after a two-year hiatus. What does it mean to be face-to-face again for businesses and artists that attend? Plus, we look at the blurred lines around music copyright, and ask whether the fall of Netflix shares means we've finally hit "peak content"?
Cost of Living ||
There's never been a better time for teens to land a job. So why aren't as many applying?
With unemployment at a record low and close to a million job vacancies, the time is ripe for teenagers to land their first jobs. But teens aren't as likely to apply as they once were.
Cost of Living ||
Why prepared rotisserie chickens are cheaper than ones you cook yourself
A professor of poultry, a food economist and a grocery store insider explain why a pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken from the supermarket deli is typically cheaper than buying a raw, whole bird from the meat cooler in the butcher's department.
Cost of Living ||
How respecting Ramadan at work means more than asking 'not even water?'
Employers and colleagues going beyond just "accommodating" religious obligations, such as Ramadan, for workers makes for a stronger work environment, according to human resources experts.
Cost of Living |
Full Episode
Where have all the teenage workers gone? Plus totally made up brand names
Canada's summer job market is looking good. So why aren't as many teens taking advantage of that sweet minimum wage? Also, a friendly debate over productivity at home versus the office, and why brand names such as Koodo and IKEA don't have to mean anything, they just have to sound like they do.
Cost of Living ||
Full Episode
From chickens to mortgages to inflation to national debt: we answer your questions!
Spring has sprung and questions are coming up everywhere! Like, why do prepared chickens at the grocery store often cost less than a chicken you cook yourself? What's the deal with reverse mortgages? And why doesn't the rate of inflation reflect the steep rise in the cost of housing in Canada?
Cost of Living |
Full Episode
Why finding an electric vehicle is like 'finding a live dinosaur'
Something is happening on Canada's car lots. Demand is growing and buyers are snapping up EVs and plug-in hybrids, sight unseen. So what's going on? Also this week, what it's like to fast for Ramadan while at work, and how the Ukraine war is putting a spotlight on Canadian commodities.
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Workcations, stagflation and life after a lotto win
What if you could work from anywhere in the world? It's called a "workcation" and more Canadians are giving it a whirl. Also, we explain "stagflation" and why major lottery winners aren’t always doomed.
Cost of Living ||
Want a raise? Now is the perfect time to ask for it, career experts say
It’s time to ask for a raise — the best time, in fact. Rising inflation and employee shortages are giving workers the edge for the first time in decades when it comes to asking for more pay, according to employment agencies and career coaches.
Cost of Living |
Full Episode
As pandemic rules ease, small businesses breathe easier — sort of
We hear from small Canadian business owners about surviving (or not) during the pandemic and ask what happens now? We replay a favourite story about a 17-year-old barista and her $8 million tax bill. Also this week — why do some employees adopt company nicknames like WestJetter, Googler or Metamate?
Cost of Living ||
Full Episode
The price of food is going up — maybe your salary should too
This week, we ask why the price of food is skyrocketing and learn who is paying the steepest price. A career coach has some advice on asking for a raise. Plus, we take a closer look at the growing influence of China's currency, the renminbi.
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