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 offers expert advice to keep you on track.

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Credit Rebuilding Course

Timestamps

(2:50) – Is Tracking Progress Essential for Debt Repayment?

(4:30) – The Power of Small, Daily Financial Decisions

(5:40) – How Often Should You Review Your Progress?

(6:40) – Celebrating Wins: The Role of Little Rewards

(8:30) – Ontario Student Loans: Current Trends

(10:15) – Prioritizing Debt: Revolving vs. Installment Loans

(11:20) – Life Quakes: Handling Major Financial Disruptions

(15:30) – How a Financial Professional Can Transform Your Debt Journey

(18:20) – Support Systems: Friends and Family's Impact on Motivation

(20:50) – Shifting Your Financial Mindset

(25:00) – Your Emergency Fund’s Purpose

(28:30) – Practical Advice for Tracking Progress

Should I Pay Off a Credit Card with a Credit Card?

Can You Be Forced into Involuntary Bankruptcy?

Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

Hoyes Michalos Blog

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

Disclaimer:
The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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.

Timestamps:

(1:25) – Canada is at the beginning of a mortgage crisis

(3:50) – Early warning signs of potential mortgage struggles

(8:30) – What to do if you think you might miss a payment

(11:00) – Mortgage deferral programs: How they work

(12:40) – Refinancing or modification of your mortgage

(15:00) – HELOCs (Home Equity Line of Credit)

(17:15) – Selling your house: An extreme or smart option?

(23:15) – If you miss one payment what exactly happens?

(25:45) – Consequences of missing multiple payments

(27:45) – Worst-case scenario: How it unfolds

(28:55) – Can you buy a home again if you lose your current one?

(32:30) – Why an insolvency proceeding might be a good idea

We release new content every weekday! Follow our socials for funny podcast clips, money management tips, Q+A, and more!

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Sign Up for Our Newsletter HERE

Credit Rebuilding Course

What Happens If You Miss a Mortgage Payment?

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

Disclaimer:
The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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 financially “fit” future.

Timestamps:

(0:45) – Ted Michalos on Financial Literacy Month

(2:00) – What does it mean to be financially "fit"?

(3:35) – Defining positive net worth and positive cash flow, which is more important?

(7:30) – Example of a cash flow analysis

(9:10) – The importance of an emergency fund (do you need one?)

(12:00) – Is a retirement plan essential?

(14:30) – Financial jargon sounds complex – Doug and Ted keep it practical

(16:00) – Do you need a budget or any financial plan at all?

(21:30) – Setting a savings goal: Why it matters

(24:30) – Life insurance and financial security

(25:00) – Final financial literacy advice from Doug and Ted

We release new content every weekday! Follow our socials for funny podcast clips, money management tips, Q+A, and more!

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Episode Links

Why Budgets Fail and How to Succeed
Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes
Hoyes Michalos Blog
Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

Disclaimer:
The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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 innovative approaches, and provide expert-backed tips for rethinking your money strategies.

Join the conversation! Comment and let us know whose approach you more strongly align with—or maybe you have your own budgeting philosophy to share?

Timestamps:

(1:00) – Why “Financial Literacy Month” might be missing the mark

(2:30) – The truth about budgeting: why it often doesn’t work

(5:35) – A breakdown of popular budgeting styles… and why Doug thinks they fail

(10:50) – Pre-budget essentials: what you need to do before creating a budget

(16:00) – The pitfalls of old-school budgeting and how to revamp it

(19:00) – Zero-Based Budgeting vs. its polar opposite: which works best?

(23:30) – When budgets spiral out of control and what you can do about it

(27:00) – Real-world money management advice from top experts

(30:20) – Are you on Team Doug or Team Maureen? Share your budgeting philosophy!

Episode Links:

Why Budgeting is A Bad Idea

7 Reasons Budgets Fail

Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

Hoyes Michalos Free Money Management Resources

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

We release new content every weekday! Follow our socials for funny podcast clips, money management tips, Q+A, and more!

Hoyes Michalos Instagram
Hoyes Michalos Facebook
Hoyes Michalos TikTok
Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)
Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn

Disclaimer:
The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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 approach, these actionable insights will empower you to make smarter financial decisions.

Timestamps:

(1:00) – What’s more important than a credit score?

(6:00) – Breaking down the algorithm behind your credit score

(10:30) – Credit vs. Debt: Understanding utilization rates

(13:30) – Soft vs. hard credit inquiries—what you need to know

(15:20) – The right way to manage your credit card

(18:00) – Payment history is more important than you think

(21:00) – Financial stability tips

(24:00) – When should you actually check your credit score?

(27:30) – Should you use credit cards to build credit? Final Answer

Episode Links

DEBTASIZED Documentary

What is Credit History?

What is Revolving Credit?

How Long Does it Take to Get Credit Back After Bankruptcy?

Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

Hoyes Michalos YouTube

Hoyes Michalos Blog

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

We release new content every weekday! Follow our socials for funny podcast clips, money management tips, Q+A, and more!

Hoyes Michalos Instagram

Hoyes Michalos Facebook

Hoyes Michalos TikTok

Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)

Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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 actionable insights on leveraging debt without letting it control your financial future!

Timestamps:

(0:00) – Conventional advice on “good debt” and “bad debt”
(4:30) – Understanding your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
(6:00) – Can you afford the payment? Key considerations
(10:45) – Warning signs you have too much debt: What to watch out for
(19:40) – Managing your Credit Utilization Rate
(21:50) – Feeling stressed about debt? You have too much.
(23:30) – How to assess the risks of taking on new debt
(26:00) – Debt as a financial tool: Pros and cons
(27:30) – Strategies for dealing with financial distress caused by debt

We release new content every weekday! Follow our socials for funny podcast clips, money management tips, Q+A, and more!

Hoyes Michalos Instagram

Hoyes Michalos Facebook

Hoyes Michalos TikTok

Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)

Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn

Hoyes Michalos YouTube

Debt Free in 30 YouTube

Resources:

Straight Talk on Your Money
https://www.hoyes.com/straight-talk/

Hoyes Michalos Blog

Doug Hoyes on X

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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 topics such as re-aged debt, prohibited collection methods, and how technology is transforming the debt collection industry. Whether you’re managing debt or simply want to be informed, this episode provides essential knowledge to help safeguard your financial future.

Timestamps:
(0:00) - Introduction of Blair DeMarco Wettlaufer from Kingston Data and Credit
(1:10) - Provincial differences in debt collection laws
(2:25) - Why should creditors follow the rules?
(5:15) - Common unethical creditor tactics
(6:40) - Re-aged debt: What it is and how to avoid it
(11:10) - Tips on making arrangements with creditors
(17:25) - Predictive dialers and the impact of new technology
(23:55) - Challenges with email communication in debt collection
(27:45) - Are you talking to an AI collector without realizing it?
(29:55) – Behind the curtain of prohibited practices in debt collection

We release new content every weekday! Follow our socials for funny podcast clips, money management tips, Q+A’s, and more!

Hoyes Michalos Instagram

Hoyes Michalos Facebook

Hoyes Michalos TikTok

Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)

Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn


Resources:

Straight from the Horse’s Mouth - Things Collection Agents Can and Cannot Do With The Credit Bureaus

Your Top Debt Collections Questions Answered!

Navigating Debt Collectors: Practical Advice

Hoyes Michalos YouTube

Hoyes Michalos Blog

Doug Hoyes on X

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.

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 mortgages. They break down what happens to debt after death in Canada and offer important advice for seniors and families planning their financial futures. Whether you're an executor, a spouse with joint accounts, or just curious, this episode provides clear (and candid) answers and essential insights for Canadians.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Creditors Calling About a Loved One’s Debts

(2:30) Joint Credit Cards and Supplementary Credit Cards

(5:30) Estates and Executors

(8:10) Can You Go Bankrupt After Death?

(9:00) Can You File a Consumer Proposal for a Deceased Person?

(9:50) Key Responsibilities of an Executor When Managing Debt

(11:00) Should You Have a Joint Account with Your Spouse (or Anyone Else)?

(14:10) Using Life Insurance to Pay Off Mortgages: What You Need to Know

(17:00) Planning for the Future: Family Conversations About Debt

(19:00) Advice for Seniors: What Happens to Your Debts After Death?

(26:00) The Final Answer: Can You Inherit Debt in Canada?

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Resources:

What Happens to Debt When You Die in Canada

Hoyes Michalos YouTube

Hoyes Michalos Blog

Doug Hoyes on X

Find a Hoyes Michalos Office in Your Area Here

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personalized advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions or strategies discussed.