You've probably noticed that Artificial Intelligence is everywhere these days, but can it help you out with debt and managing your money? Doug Hoyes and Scott Terrio are here to chat about just that! They discuss how AI looks at your spending habits, and discuss concerns related to biases and privacy, talk about the pros and cons of using ChatGPT to handle your finances, and help you understand what it can and can't do. Don't miss out on valuable tips and advice for making smart financial decisi...
Oct 07, 2023•33 min•Season 10Ep. 475
Are you a small business dealing with the CEBA loan repayment dilemma? Ted Michalos and Doug Hoyes dive deep into the world of CEBA loans and the crucial decisions you need to make about repaying them. For many small businesses, the loan was a lifeline during the pandemic but as the repayment deadline is looming it’s time to evaluate your options. Join us as we help you to understand the pros and cons of getting a bank loan to repay the CEBA loan, tax considerations that could impact your decisi...
Sep 30, 2023•30 min•Season 10Ep. 474
Join the conversation with Ian Penney, a Licensed Trustee from Janes & Noseworthy, and Doug Hoyes as they provide insights into managing your finances in the aftermath of the pandemic, with a focus on the distinctions between Newfoundland and Ontario. During the discussion, they delve into the economic landscapes of these regions, spotlighting key industries such as oil and gas, fishing, forestry, tourism, and mining. Tune in to gain valuable advice on navigating your financial journey post-...
Sep 23, 2023•35 min•Season 10Ep. 473
Every successful budget makes room for fun spending. But how much is OK to spend on fun? What if you feel guilty? Is it ever wrong to spend money on your hobbies and interests? On today’s podcast, Maureen Parent returns to give advice on this less explored area of our budget and gives practical advice on how to allocate your income wisely towards leisure and why it’s essential for your mental and financial health to do so. Tune in! Related Links: The Secret To Budgeting? Don’t Budget https://you...
Sep 16, 2023•32 min•Season 10Ep. 472
Higher education isn’t getting any cheaper. The cost of going to university has more than tripled since the 1990s and we see first-hand the financial burden caused by student loans. So, is it still worth it to get into debt for post-secondary schooling? With so many advancements in free online education, aren’t there cheaper alternatives? When is college the better option? Is an undergraduate degree still going to give you a job right away? Tune in to this discussion with Ted Michalos and Doug H...
Sep 09, 2023•35 min•Season 10Ep. 471
Welcome to Season #10 of Debt Free in 30. Debt is up. Interest rates are up. Not surprisingly, personal insolvency filings are way up. Many people are hitting the wall. On today’s abbreviated podcast, Doug Hoyes explains the numbers and why we live in a “Tale of Two Economies.” If you are rich, all is good. If you have depleted your savings and have debt, times are tough. We explain the impact of the numbers and “tease” some of the topics we will be discussing in the coming weeks. Tune in, and e...
Sep 02, 2023•10 min•Season 10Ep. 470
For our final rebroadcast of the summer, we are rebroadcasting episode #452. We know rising inflation is tough on Canadians. If your budget is getting tighter, you may be tempted to use credit (debt) to make ends meet, but that may not be a good strategy. On today’s podcast, Jennifer Kwon returns with some solid practical advice for what to do if you feel you’re living paycheque to paycheque and the dos and don’ts of using credit to get by. Jennifer and Doug Hoyes discuss common debt traps that ...
Aug 26, 2023•31 min•Season 9Ep. 469
Today we rebroadcast episode #453. Online shopping isn’t new. Apps are not new. But is shopping supposed to be a game? That’s the angle a new shopping app called Temu appears to have taken. Since its launch in September 2022, the app has millions of monthly users, offers very deep discounts, and has strong incentives to keep users coming back. On today’s podcast, Doug Hoyes takes a closer look at how Temu works and interviews users from very different age groups for comparison. He also discusses...
Aug 19, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 468
Today we rebroadcast episode #448. Most money experts will tell you that the best way to avoid money problems is to cut costs. And they’re right. But what about also increasing your income? After all, you can only cut so much. We have seen a lot of people struggle with rising living costs, with a limited income, and needing debt to make ends meet. On today’s podcast, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss strategies for earning a higher pay without needing to do a side hustle or second job. They al...
Aug 12, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 467
Originally aired at episode 450 on April 15, 2023, the Food Professor returns. Food is now more expensive than ever. But why? Is it just corporate greed? Or something greater? Enter Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, a.k.a. The Food Professor. Sylvain is a Professor and the Scientific Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. On today’s podcast, he demystifies grocery pricing and explains why food inflation is a global phenomenon. Sylvain also discusses the part the Canadian government p...
Aug 05, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 466
In the season 9 finale episode of Debt Free in 30, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss the current state of consumer insolvencies in Canada and why they’re going back up. They also discuss the impact of inflation remaining higher than wage increases, higher credit card debt, and higher interest rates. Where are we heading in the latter part of 2023? Has the recession begun? What can homeowners expect in this climate? Tune in for a great discussion! Related Links: Episode 435, Debt Free in 30 Yea...
Jul 29, 2023•30 min•Season 9Ep. 465
Buying a car has never been more expensive. But what if you have no choice but to buy one? How can you avoid buying too much car these days? On today’s podcast, Ted Michalos and Doug Hoyes explain what’s causing high car prices in both the new and used car categories, as well as, how to buy without taking out a huge auto loan. Tune in for lots of practical tips on shopping for a car and dealing with salesmen. Resources Mentioned i the Show: Buying and Maintaining an Affordable Car: https://www.h...
Jul 22, 2023•34 min•Season 9Ep. 464
Maybe you’re tired of working for someone. Or you’re looking to be your own boss. You may consider buying a business. It’s not a bad idea, but just as there are advantages, there are also pitfalls you need to be aware of. Enter David Barnett. David is a seasoned expert in buying and selling small to medium-sized businesses. On today’s podcast, David demystifies the process of buying a business and provides insight on how to avoid debt problems when doing so. Tune in for a great discussion with l...
Jul 15, 2023•34 min•Season 9Ep. 463
Your bank is a business, so they’re always trying to sell to you because they want to make more money. How do you navigate their tricks? How do you avoid upsells when you just want to do a simple transaction? On today’s podcast, Scott Terrio and Doug Hoyes discuss the pervasive sales culture at financial institutions, what you need to look out for, and teach you the basics to making better money decisions on the spot. Tune in for a great discussion! Related Links: Pervasive Sales Culture at Cana...
Jul 08, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 462
With nine interest rate hikes since March 2022, mortgage borrowers have either already started to feel the increased payment pressures or will at renewal time. So, what if your mortgage payments become too much to manage? How do you avoid risking your home? On today’s podcast, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos give practical advice for what to do if you’re struggling with your mortgage payments, including the dos and don’ts, and ways to cut back on interest costs if you can afford it. Tune in for a gr...
Jul 01, 2023•32 min•Season 9Ep. 461
We know it can be daunting to start your credit repair journey. We are often asked where to begin and what is the fastest way to rebuild. On today’s podcast, Maureen Parent is back to answer some of the most common credit rebuilding questions and address fears and misconceptions about repairing your credit. Tune in for lots of great practical advice and recommendations on which tools to use. Related Links: Free Credit Rebuilding Course by Hoyes Michalos: https://courses.hoyes.com/courses/rebuild...
Jun 24, 2023•32 min•Season 9Ep. 460
Self-employment has many advantages like you get to be your own boss, set your own hours, and even make more money. On the other hand, self-employment comes with challenges. Over the years, we’ve met with a lot of clients who were self-employed but became overwhelmed by unpaid tax debt. On today’s podcast, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down what it means to be a self-employed person, explaining the benefits and pitfalls you need to be aware of before you decide to become your own employer. T...
Jun 17, 2023•34 min•Season 9Ep. 459
While bank failures are not a common occurrence in Canada, it may still be in your best interest to have more than one bank account. On today’s podcast, Joel Sandwith, our LIT in London, joins Doug Hoyes to discuss banking best practices, including how many accounts you should have, where to store your savings, and why it’s important to understand the right of offset if you owe your bank. They also explain how deposit insurance works and high-interest savings accounts. Tune in for an informative...
Jun 10, 2023•30 min•Season 9Ep. 458
The price at the gas pump includes a lot of hidden costs, and they are going up. How will this impact your budget? What does it mean for the future of car ownership? On today’s podcast, Ted Michalos and Doug Hoyes discuss the hidden costs of gas and how the increase in some of the price components will mean you’ll only be paying more to fuel your car. They also talk about the Ontario government’s plans to increase ethanol in oil and how that may impact fuel efficiency, and again, your budget. Tu...
Jun 03, 2023•32 min•Season 9Ep. 457
Tipping has always been a part of the dining experience. But lately, the expectation to leave a tip has become so common that we have to make it a new budgeting item. So how do you navigate tip creep? On today’s podcast, we have a special guest, Sean Cassidy, who shares his experience with tipping prompts and how he’s adapted his budget. Doug and Sean discuss why tip nudges are so prevalent post-Covid and lots of practical advice on how to budget for this new cost and minimize social awkwardness...
May 27, 2023•31 min•Season 9Ep. 456
Everyone says you need an emergency fund. But how much is enough? And what is an emergency vs. an inconvenience? Where should you store your savings? Enter Maureen Parent. Maureen returns to share lots of practical advice on how to setup a realistic system to create your emergency fund. She also explains how much you should have saved at different stages, the types of emergencies to prepare for, and why credit cards and lines of credit are not good rainy day fund tools to rely on. Tune in for lo...
May 20, 2023•31 min•Season 9Ep. 455
Say your bank offers you a credit limit increase. You may be tempted to take it, but should you? When is seeking more credit a sign that your finances aren’t in good shape? On today’s podcast, Mark Borysiak, our LIT in Barrie, joins Doug Hoyes to discuss just how much access to credit you should have and why getting an increase can cause debt problems. Mark and Doug also explain why the banks offer credit increases in the first place and why it’s good to first evaluate your finances before takin...
May 13, 2023•31 min•Season 9Ep. 454
Online shopping isn’t new. Apps are not new. But is shopping supposed to be a game? That’s the angle a new shopping app called Temu appears to have taken. Since its launch in September 2022, the app has millions of monthly users, offers very deep discounts, and has strong incentives to keep users coming back. On today’s podcast, Doug Hoyes takes a closer look at how Temu works and interviews users from very different age groups for comparison. He also discusses whether we should be concerned abo...
May 06, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 453
We know rising inflation is tough on Canadians. If your budget is getting tighter, you may be tempted to use credit (debt) to make ends meet, but that may not be a good strategy. On today’s podcast, Jennifer Kwon returns with some solid practical advice for what to do if you feel you’re living paycheque to paycheque and the dos and don’ts of using credit to get by. Jennifer and Doug Hoyes discuss common debt traps that should be avoided and what to do instead. They also help you think about the ...
Apr 29, 2023•30 min•Season 9Ep. 452
According to TransUnion, the average credit consumer with a balance in Canada saw a 10% year-over-year increase in their minimum monthly debt payments in Q4 2022. If your minimum payments start going up, what should you do? What if they already have? On today’s podcast, Maureen Parent returns to discuss why minimum payments increase in the first place, and practical advice on how to get ahead of them. Maureen and Doug also share specific tips for you to negotiate with your credit card company to...
Apr 22, 2023•31 min•Season 9Ep. 451
Food is now more expensive than ever. But why? Is it just corporate greed? Or something greater? Enter Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, a.k.a. The Food Professor. Sylvain is a Professor and the Scientific Director at Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. On today’s podcast, he demystifies grocery pricing and explains why food inflation is a global phenomenon. Sylvain also discusses the part the Canadian government plays in grocery price hikes and gives lots of valuable practical advice for how...
Apr 15, 2023•32 min•Season 9Ep. 450
We are no strangers to inflation, with the cost of living soaring to new records. But what’s really causing inflation? Where are our dollars going and what’s the impact on the economy? On today’s podcast, David Macdonald, a senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, returns to discuss his research on why we see inflation and who benefits. David also shares his thoughts on employment, where wages are headed, and whether credit card debt will continue to trend upwards. Tune i...
Apr 08, 2023•37 min•Season 9Ep. 449
Most money experts will tell you that the best way to avoid money problems is to cut costs. And they’re right. But what about also increasing your income? After all, you can only cut so much. We have seen a lot of people struggle with rising living costs, with a limited income, and needing debt to make ends meet. On today’s podcast, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss strategies for earning a higher pay without needing to do a side hustle or second job. They also explain when it’s best to go bac...
Apr 01, 2023•32 min•Season 9Ep. 448
The last three years have been quiet for Canada Revenue Agency collections. But that has started to change in 2023 – which is bad news for Canadian borrowers already struggling with inflation and record rate hikes. On today’s podcast Scott Terrio and Doug Hoyes breakdown how CERB, CRB, and CEBA loan repayments have impacted Canadians and small business owners, why 2023 is especially concerning for indebted households, and what stronger CRA collections mean if you owe tax debt. They also outline ...
Mar 25, 2023•33 min•Season 9Ep. 447
The Canadian government just announced a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA), which will launch on April 1, 2023. This new account gives first-time home buyers the ability to save $40,000 tax-free to put towards their first home. But don’t we already have this program through RRSPs First Time Home Buyers Plan? And what about Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA)? How do these savings vehicles differ? That’s the discussion on today’s podcast, with guest Ted Michalos. Doug and Ted also discu...
Mar 18, 2023•34 min•Season 9Ep. 446
