Are you bleeding money on streaming services? It might be time for a hard reset.

In this episode of The Green Effect, Stephen Green gets personal about the "subscription creep" that hits most of our bank accounts. He shares his recent strategy that drastically slashed his monthly streaming bill and offers practical advice on how you can audit your own expenses to save significant cash every month.

But it's not just about saving money; it's about understanding the economy we are living in right now. Stephen takes a somber but necessary look at the current global climate and the emotional weight it carries. We dig into the reality of the Canadian economy, specifically the struggles in the youth job market and what the Bank of Canada's latest moves mean for your financial future.

Finally, is it actually a buyer's market? Stephen wraps up with critical advice for potential homebuyers, explaining why "emotional readiness" is just as important as financial readiness when navigating real estate today.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Subscription Audit: Practical steps to cut monthly costs without completely sacrificing entertainment.

• The Canadian Economy: A look at job market struggles and the rise in youth unemployment.

• Bank of Canada: Insights into economic predictions and interest rates.

• Real Estate Reality Check: Why research beats timing the market, and how to know if you are ready to buy.

Quotes from this Episode:

"I brought our subscription services down... I probably saved myself 150 to 200 bucks a month." "Do your research, understand what you're buying."

"If you are emotionally ready, buy a home."

The Green Effect is back.

After an 8-month hiatus, Stephen Green returns to the mic to discuss why the podcast paused, how content strategy is evolving, and why deep-dive conversations matter more than ever in a world of short-form clips.

But this episode isn't just about media—it's about the market. Stephen breaks down exactly what the Bank of Canada is doing (and what they aren't doing) and how that impacts your wallet. We look at the startling data behind Canada's shrinking population dynamics, why Ontario and BC are seeing an exodus, and why we are officially sitting in a "Buyer's Market."

Plus, if you are struggling with the age-old question of Fixed vs. Variable, Stephen cuts through the noise to help you understand risk tolerance and rate realities.

Key Topics Covered:

• Content Strategy: Balancing the viral short-form clips with the necessity of long-form depth.

• The Bank of Canada: Demystifying their "one job" and how it actually affects the prime lending rate.

• Population Dynamics: How immigration changes and population shrinkage are cooling housing demand.

• Real Estate Reality: Why it is currently a buyer's market and what that means for investors and homeowners.

• Mortgage Advice: A no-nonsense look at fixed vs. variable rates and how to assess your personal risk.

Quotes from the Episode:

"Bank of Canada has one job only." "We are officially shrinking, okay?" "It's a buyer's market."