Millennial Money

At 30 years old, Ricky has a full-time job making $100,000 as a lawyer working in Toronto after putting years of work into law school. He is an active investor in cryptocurrency and wants to know if he can afford a home in downtown Toronto.

Evelyn Kwong speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

Beatrice is a 36-year-old props manager working in the film industry. She makes $80,000 a year and is moving into the biggest year of her life.

Host Evy Kwong speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

As a self-proclaimed "older millennial," 40-year-old Peter makes $94,000 a year working in social services. He got himself involved in the hot GTA market early on and owns two condos and is thinking of buying a brand new spot. The thing is he doesn't know if he should buy a dream condo for himself, or another one to invest, or if it's even feasible. Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

Alex is a 34-year-old millennial making $112,000 as a federal employee. While the pandemic has been a great opportunity for saving — especially after selling his condo in Ottawa and moving back to his parents home in Toronto. But his parents lost their jobs in the pandemic and he is helping them with money. And despite $160,000 in savings, Alex wants to be a renter for life and wants advice to ensure that works financially. Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

This week we meet 34-year-old millennial, Chele who makes $45,000 as a manager working in financial services. Due to family emergencies, she's more than $100,000 in debt. After paying down that debt, she'd like to own her own place in the GTA. Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

This week we meet Doris, a 34-year-old making more than $160,000 working in the pharma industry. She is the sole earner in her relationship, paying most housing, food and debt costs for her and her boyfriend. After living in a one-bedroom condo, she's hoping to start a family and get a bigger home. Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

Brandon is 28 years old and makes $75,000 working part-time as a registered nurse. Due to his declining mental health, he opted to stop full-time work to protect his family during the pandemic. Now with vaccine rates increasing in Canada, less COVID-19 patients in the unit, he's seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. His next mission? Move out of his parent's home.

Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

Ida, a 33-year-old designer living in Toronto, was laid off at the beginning of the pandemic. First she was surviving off CERB, while picking up freelance gigs as a designer here and there. Now she's on EI and considering a move out of province to find more job opportunities and cheaper housing. Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

This week, we speak with Marlon. A 25-year-old single father of one making $36,000 a year as a recruiter. He has two goals: First to buy his own car, second to move out of his mom's home, where he pays low rent. How does he start? Evy speaks with financial adviser Jason Heath for recommendations.

All of our participants have been granted anonymity, and so we'll be using voice actors for their quotes.

If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.

Patty has spent decades working as a cleaner in other people's homes making around $3,000 a month. After leaving an abusive marriage and selling the Toronto home she shared with ex-husband in March 2020, she wants to be able to take back control of her finances. "I decided I couldn't live in that house anymore. I needed a fresh start."