Debt Free In 30

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 credit cards being cut or reduced 05:10 – Why this isn't personal, it's structural 07:20 – How banks have shifted from growth to defence 10:00 – Rising credit losses and what banks see first 13:10 – The connection to the 2026 mortgage renewal wave 16:00 – Why credit scores aren't protecting borrowers anymore 18:50 – The "shadow cut": limits reduced without warning 21:30 – Common mistakes borrowers are making right now 24:10 – Practical steps to protect liquidity 26:40 – Why this is a credit cycle shift, not a pers

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 you up at night, you don't have to endure forever – Start Here Free Hoyes Michalos Budgeting Workbook Debt Relief Repayment Calculator Subscribe to the Debt Free Digest – A free monthly e-newsletter Learn more about Canadian debt relief on the Hoyes Michalos YouTube channel! (00:00) Falling behind doesn't mean you failed (03:10) The first 48 hours: what to pay first (07:00) Rent, mortgage, and car payments: how to prioritize (11:00) Utilities, phone, and internet: hardship options (14:30) Credit cards and lines

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 pressure at renewal, and how borrowers can think through their options before renewal letters arrive. 00:00 – What the "mortgage renewal cliff" actually means 03:10 – Which mortgages are renewing in 2026 06:00 – Why renewal math is very different from origination 09:30 – How bond yields flow through to mortgage rates 12:30 – Cash flow vs home equity at renewal 16:20 – Who is most at risk — and why 20:10 – House prices, equity, and renewal decisions 23:40 – Why even small delinquency increases matter 26:10 – How b

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! CPI Data Statistics Canada Debt Free in 30: What's Breaking Canadian Consumers' Budgets? Need Help with Debt?                                                    If debt is keeping you up at night, you don't have to endure forever. Start here! Free Budgeting Workbook – Hoyes Michalos  Debt Relief Calculator  01:10 – The myth of the "typical" insolvency filer 05:10 – Rising share of higher-income insolvency filings 07:20 – Inflation and rising living costs 09:40 – Housing costs, mortgages, and payment shock 12:00

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 to Debt Free Digest Newsletter – Don't Miss the Chance to WIN a Copy of The Wealthy Barber! Need Help with Debt? If debt is keeping you up at night, you don't have to endure forever. Start here! Debt Free in 30: Getting Out of Debt Requires a System Debt Free in 30: Budget Without Burnout Free Budgeting Workbook – Hoyes Michalos  Debt Relief Calculator  00:00 – Why most people don't start planning until a crisis 03:30 – What financial planning really means 07:45 – Budgeting vs financial planning 12:20 – Why pr

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 Win a Copy of The Wealthy Barber Buy the Wealthy Barber on Indigo Buy the Wealthy Barber Audiobook The Wealthy Barber – David Chilton's Web Page 00:00 – David Chilton on the updated Wealthy Barber book 02:27 – Why storytelling works for personal finance (and how he tested it) 06:52 – TFSA vs RRSP: how to decide in real life 15:21 – Financial literacy vs discipline in today's economy 18:29 – "K-shaped" Canada: who's thriving and who's squeezed 21:27 – First steps: debt payoff vs RRSP match priorities 22:54 – Spendin

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) — a practical conversation about money, debt, and what Canadians are really facing heading into 2026.  2025 Predictions Show Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, Insolvency Statistics Statistics Canada, Household debt levels (including credit cards) Statistics Canada, CPI (Inflation) Mortgage Rates, Bank of Canada Hoyes Michalos Homeowners Bankruptcy Index TransUnion, Canadian Consumer Debt Continues to Grow Despite Macroeconomic Relief Hoyes Michalos Credit Repair Strategies and Rebuilding Course Sign

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 Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act, paragraph 67  Hoyes Michalos Credit Repair Strategies and Rebuilding Course Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Learn About Debt Relief Options in Ontario (00:00) Debt and investments: will savings survive serious debt? (02:10) The fear of "losing everything" when seeking debt help (04:20) Pressure to cash in investments before asking for help (06:30) Using a TFSA to pay debt: when it makes sense (09:10) RRSP withdrawals and the real tax conseq

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 licensed here Hoyes Michalos Credit Repair Strategies and Rebuilding Course Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Learn About Debt Relief Options in Ontario (00:00) Why debt collectors are busier than ever (02:00) What's driving higher delinquencies in Canada (04:10) When creditors typically begin collection efforts (06:00) What collectors want besides money (08:00) How small payments or acknowledgments reset the 2-year clock (10:00) Why collectors ask for employer and contact i

Start investing because your numbers say "go," not because the internet says "now." This episode will remove the guesswork from entering the world of investing and provide a straightforward way for you to judge your readiness. Using simple math in layman's terms (think "why paying 20% interest beats chasing a maybe 10% return"), we discuss what to do first, how to keep bills safe from market swings, and when it makes sense to get professional help. (00:00) Welcome Charlie Kovacs from Hoyes Michalos (02:00) Do Canadians need to take big risks to get ahead? Myth vs. Reality (05:00) Pay debt vs. Invest (08:00) Fitness Test: Do you know your ins and outs?   (11:00) Using your credit score as a tool, not a toy (13:00) Emergency fund and liquidity (16:30) Defining your "why" goals (20:00) Is saving for a first home realistic? (23:00) Are you knowledgeable enough to invest? Core concepts to know (27:00) Choosing vehicles: TFSA, RRSP, employer match, and more Should You Use a Bonus to Pay Debt or Invest? Which Deb

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