Debt Free In 30

With housing costs, student loans, and everyday expenses skyrocketing, more young adults are turning to their parents for financial support. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos unpack the emotional, financial, and practical realities behind "helping" adult children, including why many parents feel compelled to assist, and break down the real risks of co-signing, lending money, or tapping home equity to solve a child's debt issues. (00:00) How costs, debt, and housing pressures shape young adults' expectations (03:10) Why parents feel compelled to help financially (06:20) When helping becomes risky for parents approaching or in retirement (10:00) Enabling, dependency, and how money strains family dynamics (12:00) Co-signing explained: what parents are really responsible for (13:30) When support prevents children from developing budgeting or financial skills (15:05) Alternatives to direct financial help (17:10) When to involve a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (18:40) Conditional help vs. open-ended rescue (25:00) Key ta

Turn your home equity into a plan, not a panic button! This episode gives a clear, practical checklist for using a HELOC or second mortgage wisely: how they work, what they cost, when they help, and when alternatives (like a consumer proposal) will protect your cash flow and your home better. Listen first, then decide with the numbers. (00:00) Toronto condo stress and Welcome to Scott Terrio (05:00) What a HELOC is and how it works (07:30) Second mortgages: key risks (09:00) Home "value" is changing in this market (11:00) HELOC pitfalls and personal risk (15:30) Why many homeowners resist selling (17:00) Could creditors place a lien anyway? Get the numbers (21:00) Banks can cut credit access—even existing limits (25:00) Snapshot of cash flow: budget vs. "budgeting," emergency funds (31:00) Rebuilding plan: why it isn't too late Think Twice Before Getting a Home Equity Line of Credit Episode with Scott Terrio  – Debt Free in 30 HELOC Debt: Is a Home Equity Line of Credit Right for You? Hoyes Michalos DIY

Many Ontario small business owners use personal credit to get a venture off the ground, because banks rarely lend to brand-new businesses. That convenience can help with early cash-flow gaps and sometimes costs less than a high-risk business loan, but it also creates serious personal exposure: guarantees, blurred books, CRA headaches, and credit-score damage. Doug and Ted walk through when using personal debt might make sense, the major risks to watch for, and practical ways to structure your finances. (00:00) Self-employment: Opportunity vs. Necessity (02:00) Capital-Intensive vs. Lean Start-Ups (with examples) (04:00) Why banks don't fund brand-new businesses and what "collateral" means (06:30) Pro #1- Easier access to credit for start-ups (08:00) Pro #2 - Cash flow and other short-term advantages (09:30) Con #1- Personal liability: when business failure becomes personal insolvency (12:00) Con #2 - Blurred finances: bookkeeping pitfalls, CRA risk, and collection stress (14:00) Con #3 - Credit-score impact:

Drawing on experience from 25+ years and 73,000+ filings, Doug and Ted break down the top debt mistakes Canadians make, and how to avoid them. They explain how problems creep up, why waiting narrows your options, high-cost credit and payday-loan cycles, CRA's real collection powers, and so much more. Canada-specific guidance for debtors with tips on protecting your long-term financial health. (00:00) How debt mistakes happen (02:00) Spotting debt problems early (04:30) Waiting too long is costly: interest, stress, fewer options (06:30) Choosing the right help: Licensed Insolvency Trustees vs. "debt consultants" (08:30) Minimum payments: is it ever a good strategy? (10:30) High-cost credit & payday loan cycle (13:30) Ignoring CRA debt: the powers of the Canada Revenue Agency (15:30) RRSPs to pay debt? Taxes, exemptions, and better paths (18:00) The credit-score trap (21:00) Practical resets, scam red flags Hoyes Michalos Joe Debtor Consumer Insolvency Study 2024 DIY Free Credit Repair Course Sign U

Laid off or let go? Your first 30 days matter. This is a practical, Canada-specific guide to unemployment, covering everything from applying for EI to discussing when upskilling or a pivot makes sense, as well as the risks of jumping into self-employment and how to handle debt while unemployed. If you're currently employed, treat this episode as a readiness checklist to ensure you feel prepared and confident about whatever comes next. (00:00) Why the first 30 days of unemployment matter (02:00) Day-one checklist: severance, benefits, documents (05:30) EI basics: ROE, timing with severance, applying early (08:30) Money triage: cut variable costs, protect cash flow (12:30) Job search that works: résumé/LinkedIn refresh + networking (17:00) If your field is shrinking: upskill or pivot? (21:00) Self-employment/freelance: risks, cash needs, taxes (24:30) Debt decisions: the best time to file bankruptcy or a consumer proposal How To Check If You Qualify For Employment Insurance (EI Benefits) Payday Loans Aren't

When money is tight, everything feels urgent. Rent, groceries, a credit card bill, and that unexpected car repair. In this episode, we walk through a survival-mode framework for prioritizing essentials, organizing a bare-minimum budget, and avoiding common traps that lead to a deeper debt spiral. We discuss why "loud" debts aren't always the ones you should pay first, and when it makes sense to speak with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee about a consumer proposal. If the math "isn't mathing" this guide helps you focus on stability right now and a path to rebuild next. 00:00 – How to Make Smart Decisions in Survival Mode 03:30 – Inflation Pressure: Why Everything Feels Urgent 06:00 – What Comes First: Rent, Utilities, and Food 09:00 – Organizing Finances: Your Personal Priority Order 12:00 – Grocery Strategies That Stretch a Tight Budget 13:30 – Collections 101: Small Debts Are Loud, Big Debts Need a Plan 15:00 – Shame, Stress, and the Realities Canadians Face 19:00 – Don't Let the Loudest Creditor Set Your Bud

Ever feel like the best financial advice sounds... boring and hard to stick to?  Doug Hoyes and guest Licensed Insolvency Trustee Maureen Parent discuss why the most effective money habits are often the least exciting. From the myth of quick fixes to the power of slow, steady progress, they explore how consistency, not complexity, builds lasting financial stability. You’ll also hear practical, realistic ways to start building better habits today (even when life gets in the way). (00:00) – Does money management have to be complicated? The myth of the quick fix (05:00) – Everyday challenges to managing money (11:00) – Discipline vs. intelligence: which matters more? (15:30) – The “first three months suck” mindset (17:00) – Why boring habits beat willpower (19:00) – Needs vs. wants and being realistic (21:30) – Starting with just one small habit (28:30) – Avoiding a financial hangover How To Find a Credible Financial Planner Personal Budgeting Help and Free Spreadsheet DIY Credit Repair Strategies and Free

Can you live without debt in today’s Canada? In this myth-busting episode, Doug and Ted explore the real cost of going debt-free. They unpack the difference between credit and debt, challenge the necessity of mortgages and student loans, and share strategies to reduce or eliminate debt, whether you're starting out or retiring soon. From rising housing costs to the fear of missing out (FOMO), this episode offers practical, age-specific advice for Canadians trying to regain control of their finances. [00:00] What Does ‘Living Without Debt’ Really Mean? [05:00] Why Life Feels Pricier: Inflation vs. Reality [06:30] Homeownership in Canada: Is Debt Inevitable? [08:00] The Canadian Dream: How Culture Fuels Housing Debt [11:00] Is University Worth the Debt? Alternatives to Student Loans [13:00] How to Minimize or Eliminate Debt: Real Strategies [15:30] Crunching the Numbers: Real-Life Debt Scenarios [19:00] What’s the Cost of Avoiding Debt Entirely? [22:00] Debt in Retirement: Smart Advice for Seniors [26:40] When

Is tracking every single expense the key to taking control of your finances, or just a fast track to burnout? What are the pros and cons of meticulous money tracking? Doug Hoyes and guest Charlie Kovacs debate who benefits most from detailed spending logs, when it’s OK to simplify, and strategies to build a money system that actually sticks. 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Charlie explains why he’s a fan of tracking expenses 08:00 – Variable vs. Fixed Expenses: Focusing on variable expenses to reveal patterns 10:00 – How to Create a Simple Spending Summary 11:30 – The Motivation Problem: Why staying on track is hard 13:30 – Start Small: Charlie’s advice for tackling one category at a time 14:30 – One-Week Tracking Tip: Find Your Spending Baseline 20:00 – The Subtraction Method: Identifying savings opportunities 23:00 – Should You Have More Than One Bank Account? Pros and cons explained 26:00 – Finding What Works: Progress, not perfection Personal Budgeting Help and Free Spreadsheet DIY Credit Repai

Student loans can follow Canadians for years after graduation, sometimes delaying life milestones like buying a home or starting a family. In this episode, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain why student debt is so difficult to repay in Canada, the risks of borrowing for education, and the Supreme Court’s latest ruling on the “7-year rule” for government student loans. If you’re still paying off your education years later, this conversation sheds light on the challenges and options for relief. 00:00 – Why student loans in Canada are a massive problem 04:00 – When can government student loans be included in insolvency? 05:00 – Why does it take so long to pay off student loans? 06:15 – The future of specific jobs—and risks of student debt 08:50 – The hidden risks of borrowing for education 11:35 – Interest on student loans: federal vs. provincial rules 12:30 – Practical tips to pay off student loans faster 13:30 – The hidden costs of prolonged repayment 16:00 – How a consumer proposal might help with student l

Making only the minimum payment on credit cards may feel manageable, but it’s one of the riskiest financial habits for Canadians today. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain the real math behind minimum payments and share practical strategies for breaking out of the cycle for good. 00:00 – Setting the stage: the shift from “getting by” to falling behind 02:30 – The math behind minimum payments 08:30 – Quebec’s new rules - will increasing minimum payments make a difference? 12:00 – Canada’s credit card landscape after the pandemic: the growing debt burden 17:05 – Red flags that you’re stuck in a minimum payment trap 22:00 – Strategies to recover from minimum payment habits 24:00 – Converting credit card balances to fixed-term loans 27:00 – How to break the cycle for good How Credit Card Micropayments Can Reduce Your Debt Faster DIY Credit Repair Strategies and Free Course Credit Card Debt Help in Canada Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Disclaimer: The information provi

Are you considering stepping into the world of homeownership? This episode is packed with insights every first-time homebuyer needs. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss why a declining market might benefit new buyers, the emotional traps leading to risky financial decisions, and the true cost of homeownership – beyond the mortgage. Learn how unexpected expenses (from land transfer taxes to home repairs) can derail your budget if you’re not prepared, the biggest regrets homeowners face, and how to avoid being “burned” by your first purchase. 00:00 - Why a declining market can be an opportunity for new homebuyers 02:30 - The emotional reasons people want to own a home over renting 04:45 - The biggest emotional mistake of buying a house 10:40 - The mortgage is just the tip of the iceberg for home costs 16:00 - Emergency fund vs. line of credit for home maintenance 18:00 - The inevitability of things needing repair 19:00 - Land transfer tax, and so much more 21:00 - The many other costs of buying a home: lawyer

Staying financially stable in Canada has never been harder. Even when you’re working, budgeting, and “doing everything right,” rising insolvencies, higher debt loads, and a cooling housing market are leaving many Canadians struggling to stay afloat in 2025. If you’ve ever wondered why it feels impossible to get ahead financially (even when you’re trying your best!?), this episode helps explain the challenges in today’s economy and offers practical strategies to help Canadians move forward. 0:00 – Season 12 kicks off, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss the future of DFI30 2:00 – Canada’s economy today: rising insolvencies and financial strain 4:00 – The impact of higher unemployment and growing uncertainty 7:15 – Why home equity isn’t the financial safety net it once was 10:50 – How financial exhaustion affects mental health and overall wellness 13:00 – Breaking the stigma: addressing shame around debt 14:30 – Key warning signs that you may have too much debt 17:00 – Why many Canadians underestimate how muc

Looking to save more and spend smarter? This episode is packed with practical, expert-backed tips - from insider grocery hacks and avoiding hidden fees to smarter banking strategies. Learn how simple shifts, like opening a second bank account or using preloaded credit cards, can help you take control of your money and reach your financial goals faster. (01:00) Avoiding hidden service charges (04:00) Top Canadian grocery tips: Snacks vs. Groceries with The Food Professor (05:40) How preventive costs can save you big (09:45) Why you should open a second bank account (10:30) More grocery hacks to cut your bill (15:00) The payoff of investing in insurance (17:50) Top 3 shopping tips to save money (20:00) Why a home isn’t always an investment: Renting vs. owning (24:00) The benefits of preloaded credit cards with digital banks (28:00) The importance of diversifying your money Free Canadian Credit Repair Resources 10 Tips for Dealing With Collection Agencies Ontario Consumer Proposal and Bankruptcy FAQ Hoyes Mi

Listen for great get-out-of-debt advice from some of our most popular guests! Featuring Canadian financial experts from Hoyes Michalos and Chris Enns, founder of Rags to Reasonable, and Danielle Park, author of Juggling Dynamite. From spotting predatory financial advisors to the importance of building an emergency fund, this episode is packed with practical, real-world tips and strategies you can start using today to get out of debt! 00:00 – The Snowball vs. Avalanche Method with Licensed Insolvency Trustee Joel Sandwith 01:20 – How to Avoid Predatory Financial Advice with Danielle Park 04:40 – How to Realistically Start Managing Your Money with Chris Enns 07:45 – Predatory Credit Advisors – What You Need to Know cont. 11:30 – Why Canadians Aren’t Prepared for Financial Emergencies with Scott Terrio 13:00 – Snowball and Avalanche Method – Advanced Tips 16:30 – Why Your Perspective on Loans Matters 19:50 – Getting Out of Debt and Building Savings Has To Be Practical with Danielle Park 22:35 – Key Indicato

This special compilation episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom and strategies for getting out of debt. We've pulled together the best clips on avoiding credit traps, building emergency funds, and implementing practical “budgeting” strategies. 00:00 – August is a special month before launching a new season 01:00 – Why people end up in debt 02:10 – How to avoid the minimum payment trap 03:40 – Building and maintaining an emergency fund 06:00 – How insolvency clients are a leading indicator of the economy 07:30 – Why you shouldn’t rely on credit in an emergency 10:00 – First steps to begin getting out of debt 12:05 – The problems with consolidation loans 14:00 – Practical budgeting tips: tracking income and expenses 16:00 – The benefits of putting your bills on autopay 19:00 – Don’t ignore your finances 21:10 – Why paying off high-interest debt is the best strategy (and why you still need an emergency fund) 24:00 – Why debt consultants send their clients to Licensed Insolvency Trustees Debt Relief in Ontario

From shady loan offers to AI voice fraud and everything in between, this special edition of Debt Free in 30 is your go-to for avoiding financial scams. We’ve compiled some of the most important scam warnings from past episodes. These are real risks facing Canadians today, and knowing the red flags could protect your money, identity, and peace of mind. 00:00 – August is a special episode month before launching a new season this fall 01:30 – Housing and rental scams 03:55 – Payday loan and installment loan traps 05:00 – Debt consultant scams 06:30 – “Granny scams” and AI voice fraud 08:00 – Upfront fee fraud 10:30 – Pig butchering scams (crypto and romance fraud) 14:45 – The truth about so-called “savings loans” 17:00 – Red flags and scam warning signs 20:00 – CRA impersonation and email phishing scams 23:30 – Another look at pig butchering scams 24:45 – Final thoughts: trust, but verify… verify, verify Fraud Can Cause Debt Problems: How To Stay Protected Beware of Fake CRA Calls Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian

While we're known for expert debt advice, let’s say it’s a good thing we’re better at being LITs than we are at staying on script! Join us for a compilation of our funniest on-air flubs, the kind of candid moments that usually end up on the cutting room floor. It's the perfect mix of lighthearted fun and the valuable debt insights you've come to expect. Don't miss this special (and hilarious) blooper episode! 00:00 – A long-requested episode: bloopers and funny moments from Debt Free in 30! 00:30 – Leaky Boat Incident 03:30 – "Size Matters" 04:30 – To Ted's Wife – We Are Sorry 06:10 – Debt, Death, and Zombies’ Discussion 09:30 – Maureen Forgets Her Name 10:00 – Scott Terrio on Watching the Podcast Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course Debt Repayment / Consumer Proposal Calculator Hoyes Michalos Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest Disclaimer: The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for enter

Is debt still avoidable, or has borrowing become a fact of life in Canada? Ontario Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos answer our questions, share a simple test to assess new debt, and provide an action plan for those struggling to make ends meet. (00:00)  What’s changed in Canada’s economy recently? (02:30)  The problem with “good debt” as conventional wisdom (04:00)  Auto loans: smart purchase or risky commitment? (10:00)  Student loans: are they worth it? (14:00)  What the household debt-to-income ratio tells us (17:00)  Red and green flags when borrowing money (18:45)  Is it still possible to live debt-free in Canada? (20:00)  Doug & Ted’s 5-point test for smart borrowing (22:00)  Understanding the hidden risks of borrowing (23:50)  Your debt action plan: what to do starting today (25:00)  Mortgage tips: borrowing for a home in today’s market (27:30)  The best kind of debt - and what to do if yours isn’t working for you DEBTASIZED – Full Length Documentary Debt Repayment / Con

Don't just brace for a recession, prepare to come out stronger. This conversation is about turning Canada’s economic uncertainty into an opportunity for financial growth (or, at least, stability). We'll equip you with proactive strategies for managing debt, finding new income streams, and building a mindset of resilience. Learn how to take decisive control of your financial future, no matter what the economy throws at you. (00:00) – Prediction: How We Knew a Recession Was Coming  (02:30) – Rising Costs & Reduced Work Hours Impacting Households  (04:00) – Forecast: Hitting Recession Thresholds by End of Summer  (05:30) – Managing Money vs. Managing Debt: Good Times vs. Bad  (07:45) – First Steps When You Feel Financial Pressure  (11:00) – Side Hustles 101: Pros & Cons of Supplemental Income  (14:00) – Leveraging Networks & Community Support  (15:45) – How to Start (and Grow) an Emergency Fund  (18:00) – Recession-Proofing Strategies for Homeowners  (19:15) – Top Tips for Canadians in Debt as Reces