Staying financially stable in Canada has never been harder. Even when you’re working, budgeting, and “doing everything right,” rising insolvencies, higher debt loads, and a cooling housing market are leaving many Canadians struggling to stay afloat in 2025.

If you’ve ever wondered why it feels impossible to get ahead financially (even when you’re trying your best!?), this episode helps explain the challenges in today’s economy and offers practical strategies to help Canadians move forward.

0:00 – Season 12 kicks off, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss the future of DFI30
2:00 – Canada’s economy today: rising insolvencies and financial strain
4:00 – The impact of higher unemployment and growing uncertainty
7:15 – Why home equity isn’t the financial safety net it once was
10:50 – How financial exhaustion affects mental health and overall wellness
13:00 – Breaking the stigma: addressing shame around debt
14:30 – Key warning signs that you may have too much debt
17:00 – Why many Canadians underestimate how much debt they carry
20:00 – First steps to take when debt feels unmanageable
23:30 – Why working more hours won’t solve financial problems
24:20 – How consumer proposals help Canadians get back on track


Indicators of Financial Vulnerabilities – Household Credit Performance Chart

Who’s Filing Insolvency in Canada and Why? Joe Debtor Bankruptcy Study

Free Canadian Credit Repair Resources

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

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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 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

Looking to save more and spend smarter? This episode is packed with practical, expert-backed tips - from insider grocery hacks and avoiding hidden fees to smarter banking strategies. Learn how simple shifts, like opening a second bank account or using preloaded credit cards, can help you take control of your money and reach your financial goals faster.

(01:00) Avoiding hidden service charges
(04:00) Top Canadian grocery tips: Snacks vs. Groceries with The Food Professor
(05:40) How preventive costs can save you big
(09:45) Why you should open a second bank account
(10:30) More grocery hacks to cut your bill
(15:00) The payoff of investing in insurance
(17:50) Top 3 shopping tips to save money
(20:00) Why a home isn’t always an investment: Renting vs. owning
(24:00) The benefits of preloaded credit cards with digital banks
(28:00) The importance of diversifying your money

Free Canadian Credit Repair Resources

10 Tips for Dealing With Collection Agencies

Ontario Consumer Proposal and Bankruptcy FAQ

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

Listen for great get-out-of-debt advice from some of our most popular guests! Featuring Canadian financial experts from Hoyes Michalos and Chris Enns, founder of Rags to Reasonable, and Danielle Park, author of Juggling Dynamite.

From spotting predatory financial advisors to the importance of building an emergency fund, this episode is packed with practical, real-world tips and strategies you can start using today to get out of debt!

00:00 – The Snowball vs. Avalanche Method with Licensed Insolvency Trustee Joel Sandwith
01:20 – How to Avoid Predatory Financial Advice with Danielle Park
04:40 – How to Realistically Start Managing Your Money with Chris Enns
07:45 – Predatory Credit Advisors – What You Need to Know cont.
11:30 – Why Canadians Aren’t Prepared for Financial Emergencies with Scott Terrio
13:00 – Snowball and Avalanche Method – Advanced Tips
16:30 – Why Your Perspective on Loans Matters
19:50 – Getting Out of Debt and Building Savings Has To Be Practical with Danielle Park
22:35 – Key Indicators of Debt Trouble – When to Seek Help
25:00 – A “Holistic” Approach to Paying Off Debt?

Danielle Park on Debt Free in 30: Building Wealth In A Challenging World

Chris Enns on Debt Free in 30: Managing Money on a Variable Income

Juggling Dynamite | Debtasized: How our reliance on credit leads to price inflation

Learn More: Snowball Vs. Avalanche Debt Methods – Which One is Best?

Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course

Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

This special compilation episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom and strategies for getting out of debt. We've pulled together the best clips on avoiding credit traps, building emergency funds, and implementing practical “budgeting” strategies.

00:00 – August is a special month before launching a new season
01:00 – Why people end up in debt
02:10 – How to avoid the minimum payment trap
03:40 – Building and maintaining an emergency fund
06:00 – How insolvency clients are a leading indicator of the economy
07:30 – Why you shouldn’t rely on credit in an emergency
10:00 – First steps to begin getting out of debt
12:05 – The problems with consolidation loans
14:00 – Practical budgeting tips: tracking income and expenses
16:00 – The benefits of putting your bills on autopay
19:00 – Don’t ignore your finances
21:10 – Why paying off high-interest debt is the best strategy (and why you still need an emergency fund)
24:00 – Why debt consultants send their clients to Licensed Insolvency Trustees

Debt Relief in Ontario

Debt Relief Biggest FAQs

Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

From shady loan offers to AI voice fraud and everything in between, this special edition of Debt Free in 30 is your go-to for avoiding financial scams.

We’ve compiled some of the most important scam warnings from past episodes. These are real risks facing Canadians today, and knowing the red flags could protect your money, identity, and peace of mind.

00:00 – August is a special episode month before launching a new season this fall
01:30 – Housing and rental scams
03:55 – Payday loan and installment loan traps
05:00 – Debt consultant scams
06:30 – “Granny scams” and AI voice fraud
08:00 – Upfront fee fraud
10:30 – Pig butchering scams (crypto and romance fraud)
14:45 – The truth about so-called “savings loans”
17:00 – Red flags and scam warning signs
20:00 – CRA impersonation and email phishing scams
23:30 – Another look at pig butchering scams
24:45 – Final thoughts: trust, but verify… verify, verify

Fraud Can Cause Debt Problems: How To Stay Protected

Beware of Fake CRA Calls

Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

While we're known for expert debt advice, let’s say it’s a good thing we’re better at being LITs than we are at staying on script! Join us for a compilation of our funniest on-air flubs, the kind of candid moments that usually end up on the cutting room floor. It's the perfect mix of lighthearted fun and the valuable debt insights you've come to expect. Don't miss this special (and hilarious) blooper episode!

00:00 – A long-requested episode: bloopers and funny moments from Debt Free in 30!
00:30 – Leaky Boat Incident
03:30 – "Size Matters"
04:30 – To Ted's Wife – We Are Sorry
06:10 – Debt, Death, and Zombies’ Discussion
09:30 – Maureen Forgets Her Name
10:00 – Scott Terrio on Watching the Podcast

Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course

Debt Repayment / Consumer Proposal Calculator

Hoyes Michalos Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

You need strategies that go beyond budgeting apps. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos are experts who’ve seen it all – and they offer practical, honest advice to build momentum and pay off debt faster. Learn what you can do before considering insolvency, how to know if you’re at that point, and what to do if you are—a clear, actionable guide for Canadians.

(00:30) How Interest Works (and How to Make It Work for You)
(04:00) Why You Should Pay Off High-Interest Credit Cards First
(08:00) Realistic DIY Strategies to Eliminate Debt
(13:10) What to Do with Windfalls or Extra Income
(14:30) Micropayments: Small but Mighty
(15:30) Paying Bills with Debt in Mind
(17:00) Boosting and Rebuilding Your Credit Score
(19:30) How and Why to Automate Your Finances
(22:00) Debt Consolidation: Pros and Cons
(26:00) When to Consider a Consumer Proposal or Bankruptcy
(28:00) What’s Coming Next on Debt Free in 30

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada – Tools and Calculators

Debt Repayment Worksheet

Debt Repayment / Consumer Proposal Calculator

Hoyes Michalos Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

Is debt still avoidable, or has borrowing become a fact of life in Canada? Ontario Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos answer our questions, share a simple test to assess new debt, and provide an action plan for those struggling to make ends meet.

(00:00) What’s changed in Canada’s economy recently?
(02:30) The problem with “good debt” as conventional wisdom
(04:00) Auto loans: smart purchase or risky commitment?
(10:00) Student loans: are they worth it?
(14:00) What the household debt-to-income ratio tells us
(17:00) Red and green flags when borrowing money
(18:45) Is it still possible to live debt-free in Canada?
(20:00) Doug & Ted’s 5-point test for smart borrowing
(22:00) Understanding the hidden risks of borrowing
(23:50) Your debt action plan: what to do starting today
(25:00) Mortgage tips: borrowing for a home in today’s market
(27:30) The best kind of debt - and what to do if yours isn’t working for you

DEBTASIZED – Full Length Documentary


Debt Repayment / Consumer Proposal Calculator


Hoyes Michalos Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator


Joe Debtor – Canadian Insolvency Statistics Explained


Reducing Tax Debt in Ontario


Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest


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.