Have you ever stopped to consider the real costs—and sacrifices—of borrowing someone else’s money?

Whether it’s a mortgage, car loan, or another form of financing, the hidden fees, penalties, and long-term credit impacts can quickly add up. Beyond the numbers, debt can bring stress, limit opportunities, and force tough choices in your personal and professional life.

Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos provide expert insights to help you confidently navigate borrowing, avoid costly mistakes, and make decisions that protect your finances and peace of mind.

Timestamps:

(1:00) – Get Interested in Your Interest Rates

(3:25) – Understanding Origination Fees and Insurance Costs

(8:05) – Why Doug and Ted Recommend Paying on Time

(10:15) – Prepayment Penalties and Other “Hidden” Fees

(15:10) – Discretionary Spending or Needing to Borrow More

(17:10) – How Borrowing Impacts Your Credit Score

(19:30) – Debt Causes Stress and Limits Opportunities

(21:15) – Why Banks Encourage You to Finance

(24:00) – Practical Advice – How to Read Your Loan Contract

(26:50) – The Bottom Line: Calculating the Total Cost

(29:00) – Knowing When to Seek Professional Help

Learn more from Hoyes Michalos:

Debt Repayment Calculator

Debt To Income Ratio Calculator

Budgeting Course

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Smart Borrowing and Loan Management Tips

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

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Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes

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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 the thought of maxed-out credit cards keeping you up at night?

This guide unpacks the pitfalls of credit card debt and offers clear strategies to break free from the cycle.

Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss why your credit utilization rate matters, how many credit cards you should really have, the pros (but mostly cons) of opening new credit accounts, and the best options when you’re in a pinch.

(1:45) – What’s the problem with maxing out your credit cards?

(4:00) – How a credit card should be used (cash substitute vs. borrowing tool)

(5:00) – Credit limit, available credit, and utilization rate – what’s the difference?

(7:00) – Strategies for a maxed-out situation: Short-term fixes that work.

(8:45) – Taking out additional credit cards: A double-edged sword.

(11:15) – Should you have one or two credit cards? More?

(14:30) – Signs your financial situation is serious: When to seek help.

(16:15) – Practical advice for maxed-out cards

(19:30) – The downside of debt consolidation loans

(23:40) – Can calling your bank help? Exploring referral programs and renegotiation.

(27:00) – Consumer proposals explained: Why creditors accept less payment.

Learn more from Hoyes Michalos:

Budgeting Course

Sign Up for Our Newsletter HERE

Should You Pay Credit Card Debt With Another Credit Card?

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.

Many Canadians have seasonal employment or variable income, making financial planning more complex.

Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos provide practical strategies for managing income fluctuations, saving effectively, dealing with debt, and handling taxes during off-seasons.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating seasonal employment or variable income.

Timestamps:

(2:00) – The Seasonality of Jobs: Challenges for Canadian workers

(4:00) – Saving Money: Why it’s easier said than done

(6:45) – Financial Planning: Why every seasonal worker needs a plan

(8:50) – E.I. Eligibility in Canada: Can you qualify during the off-season?

(10:00) – Emergency Funds: Essential for seasonal employment stability

(12:15) – Boosting Income: ways to earn extra during off-seasons.

(15:20) – Strategic Use of Credit Cards

(16:30) – Pay Off Debt or Invest? How to prioritize your money

(19:00) – Smart Savings: Where to put your money

(22:00) – Taxes for Seasonal and Self-Employed Canadians: What to know

(25:00) – Staying Flexible: Preparing for life’s financial uncertainties

Learn more from Hoyes Michalos:

Managing Money on a Variable Income

First-time Home Buyer Podcast

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.

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.

Sign up for the monthly Debt Free Digest HERE

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

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!

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

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!

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

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.