More credit means a higher score, right? Not exactly. #debtfreein30

Many assume more loans and higher credit means a higher score, but the reality is more complex. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down how multiple loans impact your credit score and share expert advice on when accessing more credit makes sense—and when it doesn’t.

(0:00) – What impacts your credit score?
(5:35) – How important is your credit score in Canada’s unique rating system?
(6:45) – Understanding credit utilization rate and debt-to-income ratio
(9:00) – What’s the difference between hard and soft inquiries?
(14:30) – The impact of credit history and canceling accounts
(16:30) – Why missed payments hurt more than you think
(17:40) – A fictional but realistic debt scenario
(24:20) – Why dealing with your debt should be your priority—and how to start
(26:00) – How to decide if taking out another loan is the right move

Credit Card Debt Consolidation in Canada - What You Need to Know

What is Credit History and How To Influence It

What To Do About Credit Card Debt in Collections

Debt Repayment Calculator

Debt To Income Ratio Calculator

FREE Credit Rebuilding Course

‘Debtasized’ Full Length Documentary – Free on YouTube HERE

Sign Up for the Debt Free Digest

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Hoyes Michalos Instagram

Hoyes Michalos Facebook

Hoyes Michalos TikTok

Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)

Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn

Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

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.

Can you identify and escape the pitfalls of debt traps?

Learn from the co-founders of Hoyes Michalos how marketing and psychology fuel debt cycles. Spot the warning signs of financial trouble—from payday loans to student debt—and understand the emotional toll that debt can take. Plus, gain practical, proven strategies to break free from the cycle and achieve financial stability.

(0:00) – What is a debt trap, and how does it work?
(3:30) – Inflation still stretching budgets
(4:30) – The student loan dilemma
(5:30) – Homeownership can be a debt trap
(7:15) – Utilization Rate – borrowing more than you can handle
(8:30) – Stress and the emotional toll of being trapped in debt
(11:00) – How a debt traps are created– the power of marketing and psychology
(21:20) – Warning signs you’re falling into a debt trap
(24:30) – Practical solutions to escape the cycle of debt
(27:45) – What’s really keeping you stuck in a debt trap

‘Debtasized’ Full Length Documentary – Free on YouTube HERE

Payday Loan Debt Relief in Ontario: Break the Cycle

Pros and Cons of Using Payday Loans in Emergencies

Does Debt Consolidation Impact My Credit Score

Debt Repayment Calculator

Debt To Income Ratio Calculator

FREE Credit Rebuilding Course

Sign Up for Our Newsletter HERE

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Hoyes Michalos Instagram

Hoyes Michalos Facebook

Hoyes Michalos TikTok

Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)

Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn

Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

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.

Are credit card points and rewards as beneficial as they seem, or are they secretly costing you more than you realize?

Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss the truths behind credit card reward systems, revealing how spending habits, annual fees, and high-interest cards may affect your financial health. Learn how credit card companies use your data, the psychology behind reward marketing, and whether these points and rewards are worth it in the long run.

(0:50) – Have you changed your spending habits to earn credit card rewards?
(1:45) – The history of credit card rewards: How they started and why they’re popular.
(5:45) – What personal data do credit card companies collect from you?
(8:00) – How credit card companies market rewards and why we’re drawn to them.
(10:45) – The biggest downside of credit card rewards
(12:55) – Doug and Ted's advice: How many credit cards should you really have?
(14:30) – Why using high-interest cards can lead to risky financial situations.
(18:20) – How credit card usage affects your credit score: Tips to avoid negative impacts.
(22:30) – The overlooked cost of annual fees
(26:00) – The risk of losing your points during insolvency: Use them, or lose them.
(27:00) – Expert advice on credit card rewards

Learn more from Hoyes Michalos:

What Happens to Points If You Go Bankrupt?

Pros and Cons of Preapproved Limit Increase

Unpaid Credit Card Consequences

Debt Repayment Calculator

Debt To Income Ratio Calculator

FREE Credit Rebuilding Course

Sign Up for Our Newsletter HERE
https://www.hoyes.com/subscribe-newsletter/

Watch the Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Hoyes Michalos Instagram

Hoyes Michalos Facebook

Hoyes Michalos TikTok

Hoyes Michalos Twitter (X)

Hoyes Michalos LinkedIn

Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

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.