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 a...
546 – Canadian Debt Is Surging – Concerning Trends from Joe Debtor 2024
Canadians are being crushed by debt—and we have the data to prove it. In this exclusive episode, Hoyes Michalos co-founders Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down the findings from the 2024 Joe Debtor study, Canada’s leading consumer insolvency report. Our research reveals how rising debt levels are impacting Canadians like never before. From millennials facing record-high debt to homeowners running out of options, we analyze the trends, why they matter, and what the average insolvent Canadian looked like in 2024. You won’t hear this anywhere else—tune in for expert insights from Canada’s leading Licensed Insolvency Trustees. Read the FULL JOE DEBTOR CONSUMER INSOLVENCY STUDY 2024 (0:00) – Who is Hoyes Michalos? What is the Joe Debtor study? (2:15) – Studies vs. Surveys, and understanding the term “Consumer Insolvencies” (4:00) – Debt is Surging – even we’re shocked by the numbers (8:10) – Why did Millennials have the most significant increases in debt? (12:30) – The average monthly income of an insolvent individual in Canada (14:30) – Income is rising, but Canadians are still struggling – here’s why (17:00) – Home equity used to help people - why that’s no longer an option (20:00) – Homeowners are increasingly in debt, and vehicle loans are a huge problem (24:00) – Owing CRA: How taxes and interest rates hurt (28:00) – Key questions to ask yourself and expert advice to help your finances 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.
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31:22
545 – Why We Overspend and How to Break Bad Money Habits
Why is it so hard to break bad money habits? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos dig into the psychology of impulse buying, the powerful influence of marketing on buying decisions, and the easy-purchase pathway spending cycle that keeps so many people stuck. They share personal anecdotes from decades in the insolvency industry and provide real-world strategies for building sustainable financial habits. (0:00) – Has Ted ever regretted an impulse buy? (4:30) – Marketing tactics: how fear and urgency drive sales (8:00) – Spending triggers: product placements and targeted ads (11:00) – The Influencer Effect (15:00) – Easy purchase pathways encourage overspending (17:30) – Debt is normalized by society (19:30) – Resisting change: people are creatures of habit (21:00) – Practical tips to curb spending and build better habits (23:30) – How reflection and mindfulness can change your financial future Dealing With Debt When Living Paycheque to Paycheque Needs vs. Wants – A Budget Should Balance Both Break The Payday Loan Cycle Debt Repayment Calculator Debt To Income Ratio Calculator FREE Credit Rebuilding Course ‘Debtasized’ Full Length Documentary – Free on YouTube 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 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.
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29:46
544 – The Truth About Loans Impacting Your Credit Score
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.
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30:09
543 – How to Avoid Debt Traps: Expert Tips for Canadians
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.
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30:48
542 – The Truth of Credit Card Rewards – They're Costing You
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.
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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