Debt Free in 30

Many Canadians have seasonal employment or variable income, making financial planning more complex. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos provide practical strategies for managing income fluctuations, saving effectively, dealing with debt, and handling taxes during off-seasons.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating seasonal employment or variable income. Timestamps: (2:00) – The Seasonality o...

Struggling to stay motivated while repaying debt? You're not alone! Charlie Kovacs, BIA Insolvency Counselor with Hoyes Michalos, joins Debt Free in 30 to share practical strategies to help you stay focused, celebrate small victories, and shift your mindset from guilt to empowerment. Whether juggling student loans, tackling "life quakes," or just figuring out how to prioritize debt, this episode o...

If you're a homeowner in Canada, you can't miss this episode! Canadian homeowners are increasingly facing the tough reality of missed payments and rising financial pressures.  Licensed Insolvency Trustee Scott Terrio joins Debt Free in 30 to unpack the potential warning signs of mortgage trouble, troubleshoot possible solutions, and provides guidance on how to handle worst-case scenarios. Timestam...

How do you know if you're financially fit?  Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down the essentials of financial "fitness", covering the importance (or unimportance) of positive net worth, stable cash flow, emergency funds, retirement planning, life insurance, budgeting, and more. This episode is packed with expert insights to help you evaluate your financial health and make informed decisions for a...

Ready to break all the budgeting rules? This episode is a lively debate that flips the script on traditional money management. Doug Hoyes isn't holding back on his opinions about the Government of Canada's "Financial Literacy Month," challenging its effectiveness and taking a skeptical eye to the budgeting advice we've all heard before. Maureen and Doug discuss outdated budgeting norms, explore in...

How much do you really know about the impact of credit cards on your credit score? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos bust common myths and reveal the true influence of credit cards on your financial health. Learn how credit scores work, get expert tips on managing your credit responsibly, and explore strategies to improve your credit standing. Whether you're new to building credit or refining your appro...

Is all debt bad, or can borrowing sometimes be a smart financial move? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss debt's dual nature as both a financial tool and a potential burden. They break down the differences between "good debt" and "bad debt," providing clear advice on assessing what's manageable, when taking on new debt might be a smart move, and how to avoid common pitfalls.  Tune in for actionab...

Back by popular demand: Canadian credit collector Blair DeMarco Wettlaufer! Even if you're not currently dealing with prohibited debt collectors, this eye-opening episode is captivating and informative.  Learn about your rights as a Canadian consumer, the tactics some creditors use to pressure debtors, and how to protect yourself from unethical and illegal debt collection practices. Covering key t...

A loved one can leave assets in their will, but what about debts?  Can you inherit debt? What makes you legally responsible for debt, and what should you do if creditors come calling? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos tackle common concerns about a sensitive topic with a touch of lighthearted fun. They discuss joint accounts and credit cards, the role of executors, and life insurance paying off mortgage...

Is credit repair a scam? Learn the truth from experts about repairing damaged credit, understanding credit scores, and managing debt. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain essential topics like credit utilization rate, responsible credit card usage, and when you should worry about your credit score. Whether you're working to rebuild your credit or aiming to maintain a healthy score, this episode is...

Does it feel impossible to make any progress with your debt? Getting out of debt is a battle against high interest rates, financial traps like payday loans, and the emotional toll that debt takes on your mental health. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explore the hidden factors that keep you stuck, from the predatory lending practices that pile on to your balance to the family pressures and stress that...

Thinking about starting a side hustle or going out on your own? Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-timer, this insightful episode with author and business expert David Barnett is packed with valuable advice. David returns to Debt Free in 30 to delve into starting or buying a business out of necessity . Discussing the importance of market research—when it's needed and not—along with...

Welcome to Season 11, unofficially deemed our *practical* era. Are your expenses outpacing your income? With inflation rising and wages lagging, many Canadians are feeling financial strain. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss why government stats might not tell the whole story, why lowering interest rates won't solve everything, and share practical advice for anyone struggling to keep up with debt...

Pros and Cons of Budgeting: What Works, What Doesn't, and What to Do Instead | Debt Free in 30 | Episode 522 Is budgeting the best way to manage your finances, or is there a more practical approach?   Debt Free in 30 's Doug Hoyes discusses the pros and cons of budgeting, breaking down popular budgeting methods like the 50/30/20 rule and the practicality of saving 20% of your income. Explore why t...

In this eye-opening episode of  Debt Free in 30 , host Doug Hoyes dives into the world of debt collection with Blair DeMarco of Kingston Data and Credit. Together, they unravel the complexities of debt collection and help you understand your rights from initial contact to facing settlement offers or legal threats. Whether you're grappling with old debts or dealing with aggressive collectors, this...

Explore essential financial topics and practical advice to overcome debt and achieve financial stability. If you're struggling with high-interest debt, considering installment loans, or exploring mortgage refinancing, this compilation video offers valuable tips and actionable advice. Financial expert Doug Hoyes, co-founder of Hoyes Michalos, and his guests provide insights into effective debt mana...

Can You Improve Your Credit Score Without Debt? | Debt Free In 30 | Ep 381. If you're new to credit or have recently completed an insolvency filing, you may be thinking about ways to improve your credit score without taking on more debt. While debt is necessary to have in order to build your credit, there are some strategies to improve your credit score without taking on more debt. On today's podc...

Discover why chasing after more credit to achieve financial freedom may not be the most effective strategy, how it creates dependencies, and learn alternative paths to be more independent.  Links: What To Do When You Have Too Much Debt to Handle: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-have-too-much-debt-to-handle/

You've got some extra cash. Should you pay down debt or invest it? In this episode, Doug and Ted discuss whether to use your extra money to tackle high-interest credit card debt, invest in an RRSP, or pay down a mortgage.  They'll also share their advice on what steps to take if you're unable to pay off your debt—like turning to a consumer proposal. Tune in to learn how to effectively manage your...

Doug is joined by BIA Insolvency Counsellor Charlie Kovacs. They discuss banking in the digital age and cover topics such as service fees, chequing accounts, digital transactions, payment methods (digital vs. cheques), prepaid cards, credit scores, mobile payment options, how to manage digital finances, free tax filing, and finding the best bank rates online. If you're new to digital banking or ea...

Selling your assets to pay off debt can be tricky. Depending on the asset, there may be unforeseen costs. Cashing in your savings may not completely deal with your debt problems. You may, in fact, have better options to eliminate your debt without losing your assets at all. Today we talk with Ted Michalos to explore how to pay off debt when you have assets. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:43 Ar...

In this episode, Doug and Ted address the growing issue of payday loans among seniors, highlighting factors such as fixed incomes, rising living expenses, and predatory lending practices. They also discuss the financial strain of supporting adult children and the risks associated with co-signing loans. Tune in for practical advice on managing debt, avoiding scams targeting seniors, and navigating...

In this episode, Doug and Ted discuss the challenges of credit card debt and the struggles the average person faces in today's economy. They touch on the impact of food and shelter inflation, the rise in credit card debt leading to insolvencies, and the decline in homeownership. They also share their predictions for the future, including whether inflation will continue to rise, and offer their adv...

In this episode, Doug and Maureen tackle a common financial question: should you build an emergency fund first or pay off debt? They explain why prioritizing an emergency fund can be important, even if you have debt. Learn how developing a savings habit can shield you from unexpected expenses and stop lenders from reducing your credit limit. They also discuss the risks of relying solely on debt fo...

Doug is joined by first-time guest Dr. Saul Schwartz, Professor Emeritus at the School of Public Administration at Carleton University in Ottawa, who holds a Ph. D. in Economics. They discuss Dr. Schwartz's recent paper titled "Tilting the Playing Field Away from the Discharge of Debts: The Case of Consumer Proposals in Canada." Together, they discuss the rise of consumer proposals over bankruptci...