From Vancouver's unaffordable housing to millennials planning for early retirement, these are the money conversations that defined Canada

landscape filled with money related objects

The Decade in Money

As the 2010s come to close, we look back at a mix of your favourite stories and speakers. From millennials who won’t work a day past thirty-five to why it’s so hard to afford a house in Vancouver, these are the ideas, people, and conversations that helped define Canada



Illustration by Cristian Fowlie

Meet the Frugal Millennials Planning for Decades of Retirement

BY TARA HENLEY
At best, their philosophy might change your life. At worst, you’ll save lots of money



Photo by Nik Mirus

Canada’s Middle Class Is on the Brink of Ruin

BY RAIZEL ROBIN
Why we’d rather binge on cheap credit than live within our means



Man writing on Chalkboard

What We Can Learn from Ontario Teachers about Building Better Pensions

BY JOHN LORINC
They have the world’s best-performing retirement fund. Is it a model for the rest of us?



The Dark Side of Rewards Programs

BY VASS BEDNAR
Points cards save you money—and collect data about your spending habits


house with trash in front of it

Why It’s So Impossible to Buy a Home in Vancouver

BY KERRY GOLD
Foreign investors are squeezing out the city’s middle class




The Retail Scam Known As the Modern University

BY RON SRIGLEY
Why your degree may not be worth the paper it’s printed on




There’s More to Fort McMurray than Oil

BY TARAS GRESCOE
How the town plans to become a global leader in sustainable living



How Consumers Can Contribute to the Growing Indigenous Economy

BY TABATHA BULL
Reconciliation starts with being mindful about where we spend our money


animation of a man riding a bike through toronto

What Being a Bike Courier Taught Me about Our Broken Economy

BY SAM RICHES
When I couldn’t make ends meet as a freelancer, I started delivering food to hungover teenagers



A man and a woman sit on the edge of a large pool with their legs in the water; behind them is an elaborate villa against a backdrop of trees and a blue sky.

I’m Part of the 0.1 Percent and I Want a Wealth Tax

BY MEGHAN BELL
In the face of rising inequality, we need to elect politicians who will tax the rich



Run running with ball and chain

How High Interest Lenders Prey on Low-income Canadians

BY CHRISTOPHER POLLON
The payday-loan industry is built on taking advantage of our most vulnerable


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The Walrus Staff