Debt Free in 30

Doug Hoyes
  • 4.7 (176)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 1D AGO

    What Happens When You Can't Afford to Stay in Your Home?

    Owning a home is supposed to bring stability, but for many Canadian households, the numbers are getting harder to manage. Mortgage renewals at higher rates, unexpected repairs, and rising day-to-day costs can quietly shift a manageable situation into one that no longer works. This conversation explores the early warning signs that homeownership may be becoming unsustainable, including relying on credit to cover housing costs or delaying necessary maintenance. It also looks at practical options homeowners can consider before things become urgent, and why acting early can help preserve both financial control and home equity. (00:00) Owning a home but struggling to afford it (03:05) Mortgage renewals, repairs, and rising housing costs (05:20) The early warning signs that affordability is breaking (08:10) Borrowing to stay housed - why that's a red flag (10:02) The emotional resistance to selling a home (13:05) Why timing matters and protecting your equity (15:10) Downsizing vs. selling and renting (17:45) What happens if you fall behind on mortgage payments (20:05) Talking to your lender and possible relief options (22:30) When homeowners should consider insolvency solutions (25:00) Can you keep your house in a consumer proposal or bankruptcy?   What to do if your mortgage is in arrears? Subscribe to the monthly Debt Free Digest e-newsletter – Don't miss monthly gift card giveaways! Ontario Debt Relief Starting Point Free Budgeting Workbook Debt Relief Calculator Learn more about Canadian debt relief on the Hoyes Michalos YouTube channel 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    31 min

  2. FEB 14

    Stability Isn't Safety: Flat Insolvency Numbers Are a Warning Sign

    The numbers tell a story of deferred pressure. Consumer insolvency filings in Ontario were essentially flat in 2025, but our latest Joe Debtor study shows debt is still rising as Canadians layer on borrowing across more accounts, cards, and lenders. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos look at how these numbers point to a structural shift in the Canadian economy, how "death by a thousand minimum payments" keeps people treading water, and what today's data suggests about the pressure building for the year ahead. Read the Hoyes Michalos 2025 Joe Debtor Study Ontario Debt Relief Starting Point Free Budgeting Workbook Debt Relief Calculator Subscribe to Debt Free Digest Learn more about Canadian debt relief on the Hoyes Michalos YouTube channel 1:05 – What is the Joe Debtor study? 3:20 - Debt layering explained: more accounts, bigger balances, record unsecured debt 7:10 - Credit cards, number of creditors, and the payday loan trap 10:45 - Structural pressure vs temporary problems 14:05 - Pressure #1: food inflation 16:40 – Pressure #2: job unemployment and income instability 19:10 - Pressure #3: high debt, housing, and homeowners showing up in insolvency 21:55 - Why insolvencies haven't surged (yet) 24:30 - Bankruptcies vs consumer proposals – a shift is happening 26:40 - 2026 outlook and practical advice 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    30 min

  3. FEB 7

    Why Your Credit Might Get Cut Off (And What You Can Do About It!)

    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 personal failure Debt Relief Starting Point Free Budgeting Workbook Debt Relief Calculator Subscribe to Debt Free Digest Learn more about Canadian debt relief on the Hoyes Michalos YouTube channel 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    30 min

  4. JAN 31

    596 – What To Do First When You're Behind On Bills

    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 of credit: what can wait (17:45) Payday loans and why they make things worse (20:30) Taxes and CRA debt: what actually helps (23:00) Calling creditors: what to say and what to track (25:30) Building a 30-day survival budget (28:00) When to consider a formal solution 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    31 min

  5. JAN 24

    Mortgage Renewal Shock: What Homeowners Need to Know for 2026 | Ron Butler

    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 borrowers should think about renewal decisions 29:15 – Why renewal is a math test, not a market prediction Butler Mortgage Angry Mortgage Podcast on YouTube  Scott Terrio on the Angry Mortgage Podcast Ron Butler live stream on Debt Free in 30  Mortgage Rate Charts Butler Mortgage Rates   Butler Mortgage Calculator   Toronto Real Estate Price History Subscribe to Debt Free Digest Newsletter – Don't Miss the Chance to WIN a Copy of The Wealthy Barber! Other sources:  https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2025/07/staff-analytical-note-2025-21/  https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2025/01/staff-analytical-note-2025-1/  https://wowa.ca/infographics-finance-realestate-canada/mortgage-renewals-of-major-canadian-lenders  https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2025/10/canada-faces-400-mortgage-payment-spike-how-banks-are-preparing-for-the-renewal-storm/  https://economics.bmo.com/en/publications/detail/f9a87ba8-9962-4265-a2a9-e51303e269ca/  https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3310053001    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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    35 min

  6. JAN 17

    Why Even High-Income Earners Struggle with Debt

    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 – Lifestyle creep and fixed-cost stacking 14:30 – Variable income vs fixed monthly obligations 16:40 – Easy access to credit and leverage loops 21:30 – High income vs real cash-flow health 23:40 – When refinancing and balance transfers fail 27:20 – Practical next steps for high earners in trouble 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    30 min

  7. JAN 10

    Never Thought About Financial Planning? Where to Start With Debt

    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 prioritization matters more than perfection 17:30 – Where to start when money is tight 20:10 – Planning to deal with debt 25:10 – When a consumer proposal becomes part of the plan 29:15 – Why having a plan reduces stress 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    30 min

  8. JAN 3

    The Wealthy Barber on Debt Free in 30: Financial Issues Canadians are Struggling with Most

    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 – Spending summaries vs budgets: the method that actually changes behaviour 34:29 – Housing affordability, down payments, and parental help 38:06 – Gambling, meme stocks, crypto: a fast-growing driver of debt trouble 55:16 – Hope and next steps: learning money basics + building side income Need Help With Debt? If debt is keeping you up at night, you don't have to endure forever. Talking to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee isn't about filing sooner — it's about understanding your options and reducing stress. Learn more at:  https://www.hoyes.com 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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.

    59 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Hoyes
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    599
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Debt Free in 30

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