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PODCAST

Debt Free in 30

Each week Doug Hoyes talks to industry experts about debt, money, and personal finance. Don"t be confused; listen as the guest experts cut through the jargon and share practical advice.

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All Episodes

30:27

608 – Advice or Sales Pitch? Why Canadians Have Lost...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/04/25

Most Canadians trust their bank to help them make smart financial decisions. But sometimes, what feels like advice is shaped by something else. We talk about how bank incentives influence recommendations, why that can lead to confusion, and what it means for your money. You'll also learn how to ask better questions to feel more confident in the choices you're making. A clearer look at what's really happening behind the scenes, and how to approach your financial decisions without the bank. FREE

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30:22

607 – Credit Score vs Cash Flow: What Actually...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/04/18

A high score does not always indicate stable finances. It is possible to keep up with most of your bills and maintain a decent credit score while still feeling like you are falling behind. When cash flow is stretched, even when you are trying your best to stay on top of things, the situation can quietly get worse. This episode breaks down why cash flow, not a credit score, determines whether you can keep up with real expenses. It covers the warning signs, the common advice that backfires, and what

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29:54

606 – When Rent Eats Your Paycheque: The Hidden...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/04/11

When rent takes up too much of your income, debt often follows, not because of overspending, but because the numbers no longer work. Many Canadians are finding that even after cutting back and budgeting carefully, there simply isn't enough left at the end of the month. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain why rising housing costs are a key driver of debt, how to recognize when your situation is more than just a temporary squeeze, and the practical steps to take when your income and expenses no

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30:23

605 – Owe CRA Tax Debt? The Biggest Loan Mistake...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/04/04

Owing money to the CRA can feel urgent, and taking out a loan might seem like the fastest way to fix it. But in many cases, it can make your situation worse. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down when borrowing to pay off tax debt might work, and when it creates bigger financial risk. From self-employed Canadians stuck in a cycle of owing taxes every year, to homeowners refinancing and increasing long-term pressure, this conversation walks through the real consequences of using a loan to solve CRA

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30:46

604 – The Dangers of Installment Loans

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/03/28

Installment loans are often marketed as a safer alternative to payday loans because payments are predictable and structured. However, fixed payments do not always mean lower cost or less financial risk. Learn the warning signs of high-cost borrowing, common misconceptions about structured payments, and practical ways to evaluate whether an installment loan helps or makes debt harder to manage. Risks of Buy Now, Pay Later Common Factors Affecting Credit Scores Debt Relief in Ontario Start Here

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19:57

603 – Tax Systems for 2026 That Will Save You Money...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/03/21

Tax issues are not just about deductions. They come down to timing, habits, and the small decisions that add up over the year. This episode focuses on the practical systems that help you stay organized and avoid costly surprises at filing time. Learn how to manage CRA accounts, avoid common filing mistakes, and build simple routines that can help prevent tax debt in 2026. Register for a CRA Account Interest on Overdue Taxes Debt Repayment Calculator Debt Free Digest – a free monthly

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30:35

602 – Is It Too Late to Save for Retirement? Real...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/03/14

Many Canadians worry that they started saving for retirement too late. The numbers can feel discouraging, especially if debt, minimum payments, or everyday expenses delay investing for years. This conversation breaks down the math behind retirement saving and why delay matters more than age. Instead of focusing solely on hitting a "$1 million retirement goal," the discussion shifts to more practical goals: eliminating debt, understanding government benefits like CPP and OAS, and building financial

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30:39

601 – The Most Dangerous Financial Advice on the...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/03/07

Financial advice is everywhere online. Some of it is mathematically correct, but that does not mean it is right for your situation. Popular tips can sound smart, but if money is already tight, those strategies can sometimes make things worse instead of better. Hear the full episode to learn about some of the most common financial tips circulating online and why, in the wrong situation, they can quietly push people deeper into debt. Using Home Equity for Debt – What You Need To Know First Credit

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31:12

600 – Debt Misunderstandings Keeping Canadians Stressed

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/02/28

In this milestone episode, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss the biggest myths about debt that refuse to die, the one behaviour that most reliably predicts insolvency, and explain what people who successfully recover from debt tend to do differently. After working with more than 75,000 Canadians over nearly three decades, one theme stands out: debt problems rarely explode overnight. They compound quietly, and clarity, not optimism, is what changes the outcome. Subscribe to the monthly Debt Free

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30:46

599 – What Happens When You Can't Afford to Stay in...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/02/21

Owning a home is supposed to bring stability, but for many Canadian households, the numbers are getting harder to manage. Mortgage renewals at higher rates, unexpected repairs, and rising day-to-day costs can quietly shift a manageable situation into one that no longer works. This conversation explores the early warning signs that homeownership may be becoming unsustainable, including relying on credit to cover housing costs or delaying necessary maintenance. It also looks at practical options

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29:52

598 – Stability Isn't Safety: Flat Insolvency Numbers...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/02/14

The numbers tell a story of deferred pressure. Consumer insolvency filings in Ontario were essentially flat in 2025, but our latest Joe Debtor study shows debt is still rising as Canadians layer on borrowing across more accounts, cards, and lenders. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos look at how these numbers point to a structural shift in the Canadian economy, how "death by a thousand minimum payments" keeps people treading water, and what today's data suggests about the pressure building for the year

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29:46

597 – Why Your Credit Might Get Cut Off (And What You...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/02/07

Some Canadians are waking up to a surprise: reduced credit limits, frozen lines of credit, or cancelled credit cards…even with solid credit scores and no missed payments. Banks are pulling back on credit, and a good score might not be enough to protect you anymore. Find out why lenders are reassessing risk, why they are closing unused accounts, and what these changes mean for your finances as we head into 2026. 00:00 – Why people with good credit are losing access to credit 02:30 – Real examples of

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30:55

596 – What To Do First When You're Behind On Bills

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/01/31

Behind on bills and not sure where to start? If money is tight and payments are stacking up, this episode gives you a clear starting point. Doug Hoyes and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Maureen Parent break down what to prioritize first, what can safely wait, how to handle creditor calls, and when it makes sense to look at a more permanent fix. A practical, no-panic roadmap for protecting the basics, stabilizing cash flow, and making informed next steps when the math isn't working. If debt is keeping

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35:04

595 – Mortgage Renewal Shock: What Homeowners Need to...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/01/24

Millions of Canadian mortgages taken out at ultra-low rates between 2020 and 2022 are now coming up for renewal – at much higher rates. That reality has led many to warn about a "mortgage renewal cliff" in 2026. Doug Hoyes is joined by Ron Butler (Butler Mortgage, Angry Mortgage Podcast) to unpack what's behind the renewal headlines, why renewal is a cash-flow test (not a crystal ball) and how homeowners can think clearly about their options as low-rate mortgages reset. A clear look at who may feel

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30:17

594 – Why Even High-Income Earners Struggle with Debt

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/01/17

More and more high-income Canadians are finding themselves under financial pressure. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos examine the shift they are seeing firsthand and challenge some common assumptions about who struggles with debt. They discuss how rising costs, borrowing capacity, and income complexity can quietly change financial outcomes, even for people who appear financially secure. Subscribe to the Debt Free Digest Newsletter Here – Don't Miss the Chance to Win a Copy of The Wealthy Barber Book!

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30:15

593 – Never Thought About Financial Planning? Where...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/01/10

Financial planning doesn't have to start with investing or retirement, and it doesn't require everything to be "under control" first. This is a practical, non-judgmental conversation that explains what financial planning really means, how it differs from budgeting, and where to start when money is tight or debt is part of the picture. You'll be able to understand cash flow, set priorities, and reduce stress by knowing what to tackle first – even during a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. Subscribe

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58:59

592 – The Wealthy Barber on Debt Free in 30:...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2026/01/03

David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber and one of Canada's most influential voices on personal finance, joins Doug Hoyes on Debt Free in 30 for an extra special double–long episode. Doug and David dig into the issues Canadians are struggling with most: the true cost of inflation, a "K-shaped" economy, housing affordability, rising student debt, the growing gap between financial knowledge and financial discipline, and more. Subscribe to Debt Free Digest Newsletter – Don't Miss The Chance To

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41:03

591 – Why Debt Is Rising, but Bankruptcies Aren't...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2025/12/27

Debt is at record highs, yet insolvencies are flat. Why? In this episode of Debt Free in 30, Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain a financial paradox that's leaving millions of Canadians stressed, exhausted, and confused. The answer isn't that people are okay. It's that people are enduring. If you're paying your bills but still feel like you're drowning, this episode is for you. Coming Up Next Next episode: a special double episode with David Chilton (The Wealthy Barber)

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29:52

590 – Will Your Investments Survive Serious Debt?

Debt Free in 30 ·

2025/12/20

If you're carrying serious debt but also have money in an RRSP, TFSA, or other investments, one of the biggest fears is this: Will I lose everything if I get help? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos, Licensed Insolvency Trustees, break down what actually happens to your investments when debt becomes unmanageable. They explain which assets are protected under Canadian insolvency law, which are at risk, and when cashing out savings can do more long-term harm than good. CRA TFSA Contribution Calculator

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30:43

589 – Debt Collectors Busier Than Ever? - What They...

Debt Free in 30 ·

2025/12/13

Debt collectors are contacting Canadians more than ever. In this episode, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain why activity is increasing, what collectors are actually looking for, and how to respond without accidentally restarting the clock on old debts. They also cover how to spot scams, understand your rights, and know when it's time to get professional help. Ontario Limitations Act Collection Agency Rules, Ontario Search the Ontario government's website to verify that a collection agency is

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113 results

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