Big spender, risky investor: Today's committed Gen Z renter

Big spender, risky investor: Today's committed Gen Z renter

From Stress Test by The Globe and Mail

March 25, 2026 · 23 min · Season 12 · Episode 3

About this episode

The episode explores how the decision of young Canadians to rent instead of buy affects their spending and investment behaviors.

Despite a cooling housing market, home ownership still feels out of reach for many young Canadians. Now, new research suggests that when young people decide to opt out of saving for a home, their behaviour can change in surprising ways. They spend more, save less, and take bigger risks with their investments. We hear from two committed renters in their 20s about why they’re not interested in saving for a down payment. Then, Roma speaks with certified financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons about how giving up homeownership can affect everything from daily spending to building long-term wealth.

People in this episode

Host: Roma

Guest: Shannon Lee Simmons

Topics covered

  • Gen Z
  • housing market
  • homeownership
  • financial planning
  • investing
  • spending habits

Keywords

  • Gen Z
  • renting
  • homeownership
  • financial planning
  • investing
  • spending
  • wealth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Globe and Mail

Places: Canada

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