Best Protection From Creditors Podcasts (2025)

1
573 – The Best Get Out of Debt Advice from Top Guests (Compilation) 29:14

5d ago29:14

29:14

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 …

1
572 – Best Advice for Getting Out of Debt - Top Strategies from Debt Free in 30 25:18

12d ago25:18

25:18

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 …

1
571 – Scam Compilation: The Most Dangerous Ways Canadians Are Being Tricked 26:33

19d ago26:33

26:33

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 mi…

1
570 – Debt Free in 30: Bloopers & Best Bits! 10:41

26d ago10:41

10:41

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 ex…

1
569 – The Fastest Ways To Break Free From Debt 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

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…

1
568 – Can You Have Good Debt? Debt In Canada Today 29:58

1M ago29:58

29:58

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 “go…

1
567 – How to Financially Prepare for Canada's Recession 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

Don't just brace for a recession, prepare to come out stronger. This conversation is about turning Canada’s economic uncertainty into an opportunity for financial growth (or, at least, stability). We'll equip you with proactive strategies for managing debt, finding new income streams, and building a mindset of resilience. Learn how to take decisive…

1
566 – Can It Be Too Late to Get Out of Debt? How to Start Fresh at Any Age 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

Is it ever “too late” to get out of debt? Whether you're mid-career, nearing retirement, or already retired, this episode will shatter the “too late” myth and walk you through clear, actionable steps to take control of your finances, no matter your age or life stage. Visit hoyes.com to get personalized support in Ontario from a Licensed Insolvency …

1
565 – Parents’ Debt In Your Name? Co-Signing Risks You Need To Know 30:20

2M ago30:20

30:20

When parents ask their adult children to co-sign a loan, add their name to a mortgage, or take out a car loan “for the family,” it can feel impossible to say no. But what are the risks? Ontario Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down the financial (and emotional) minefield of taking on debt for your parents. From credit …

1
564 – What New Canadians Should Know About Credit and Debt 30:19

2M ago30:19

30:19

For many newcomers to Canada, the Canadian credit system can feel like a high-stakes challenge. Although it's essential for building a financial life, aggressive lending practices, cultural mindsets around credit, and a lack of clear guidance can lead to overwhelming debt before fully understanding how the system works. In this essential episode, O…

1
563 – Debt: The New Normal? Comparing Boomer and Millennial Mindsets 30:37

2M ago30:37

30:37

Boomer budgeting tips collide with millennial money challenges in this candid conversation about debt, savings, housing costs, and the rise of gig-work income. Whether saving for a first home or paying off old credit cards, this episode bridges the generation gap with actionable insights for any age, complete with tried-and-true tactics Boomers sti…

1
562 – Canada’s Credit Score Crisis: Does France's No Score System Reveal A Better Way? 30:24

3M ago30:24

30:24

Have you ever wondered what life would look like if your credit score didn’t exist? Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos compare Canada’s score-driven system with France’s radically different, no-score approach. You’ll learn: How France decides who can borrow—without a three-digit score. The cultural attitudes that shape lending…

1
What Happens to Your Debt When You Die in Canada? 6:15

3M ago6:15

6:15

No one likes thinking about death — but if you have debt, it’s important to know what happens to it when you’re gone. In this episode of Debt Free Life, Licensed Insolvency Trustee Richard Sklar breaks down how debt is handled after death in Canada, who is responsible for paying it, and how to protect your loved ones from financial stress during an…

1
561 – Zombie Subscriptions: How To Spot And Cancel Hidden Budget Killers 30:25

3M ago30:25

30:25

Zombie memberships are real – and they’re feasting on your budget every month. Forgotten fitness app? Digital subscription you thought was cancelled? Auto-renewals can quietly drain your finances if you're not paying attention. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss why some subscriptions are so easy to miss, and how to track, cancel, and avoid them g…

1
560 – Legal Actions Creditors Can Take in Canada (And How to Protect Yourself) 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

What legal actions can creditors take if you stop paying your debts? From collection calls to lawsuits and wage garnishments, Licensed Insolvency Trustees explain the real timeline of creditor actions—including how the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) collects without going to court, and how to avoid scams when seeking help. ✅ Know your rights✅ Understa…

1
559 – Denied Credit? The Survival Guide for Emergency Situations 29:43

3M ago29:43

29:43

Denied credit when you need it most? Learn why creditors reject credit and loan applications and what steps you can take next. This guide covers real solutions to dealing with emergency credit denial, from avoiding payday loan traps to protecting yourself financially in tough times. Doug and Ted also recommend using the links below to access your f…

1
558 – What It Means To Be House Poor And How To Avoid It 30:40

4M ago30:40

30:40

What does it mean to be house poor in today’s Canadian economy? With home prices rising much faster than wages, more people are stretching their finances to buy property, only to find themselves stressed, overleveraged, and without a financial safety net. We explore how the definition of "house poor" has evolved, the role gig work and income instab…

1
557 – How To Avoid Car Financing Mistakes In 2025 31:17

4M ago31:17

31:17

Loans are getting longer, interest rates are getting higher, and that shiny new car? It could lead to serious debt. We dive into Canadian data to help you make informed choices when it comes to buying, leasing, or walking away from a car loan that no longer makes sense. Can I Buy a Car With Bad Credit? Car Buying Options Keep You In a Debt Cycle Ho…

1
556 – Is Debt Fatigue Holding You Back? Strategies for Renewed Focus 30:21

4M ago30:21

30:21

1
555 – The Future of Canadian Savings: Are We Saving Enough for What's Ahead? 30:20

4M ago30:20

30:20

Saving money: the basic idea is easy, but the reality for Canadians often presents unexpected challenges. Join trusted Ontario experts Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos as they discuss “saving” in today’s challenging economy. Learn how to calculate your personal savings rate, understand the obstacles many face (and strategies to overcome them!), and disc…

1
554 – AI Scams & Debt: Staying Safe in a New Era of Fraud 30:28

5M ago30:28

30:28

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a futuristic concept – it's actively reshaping the landscape of scams and posing a significant threat to your financial well-being. Are you prepared for this new era of fraud? In this episode, we delve into the alarming ways AI is being used to create more sophisticated and personalized scams that could dir…

1
533 – Debt & Neurodiversity: Understanding the Connection and Finding Solutions 34:57

5M ago34:57

34:57

Ever feel like managing money comes with its own set of challenges? If you're neurodivergent, those challenges can sometimes feel amplified. In this episode, we welcome Licensed Insolvency Trustee Maureen Parent and dive into the crucial intersection of neurodivergence and debt, exploring how executive dysfunction, time blindness, and impulse spend…

1
552 – Gamified Spending: The Hidden Dangers of Retail Tricks 32:21

5M ago32:21

32:21

Is shopping becoming a dangerous game? From live streams to influencer deals to 'Buy Now, Pay Later' offers—your brain's reward system is constantly being triggered to encourage constant spending. Join us for a discussion with Credit Counsellor Charlie Kovacs, who exposes the risks tied to retailer financing, debunks the myth of discount savings, a…

1
551 – Value of The Canadian Dollar & Its Impact on Your Dinner Bill 30:52

5M ago30:52

30:52

Did you know the price of your dinner tonight might be tied to decisions made in the US? Doug and Ted explain the surprising impact of the Canadian dollar on your everyday spending. They'll break down how this affects your wallet, from filling up your gas tank to putting food on the table. Discover the surprising upsides and downsides of our tightl…

1
550 – How to Build Wealth While Managing Debt: A Practical Guide 29:59

6M ago29:59

29:59

Debt often gets a bad rap, but what if you could use it to your advantage? This episode unlocks the power of strategic debt! Learn to leverage other people's money, distinguish between good and bad debt, and manage borrowing effectively. Doug and Ted, co-founders of Hoyes Michalos, provide practical strategies for building wealth with debt, includi…

1
549 – Can You Walk Away from a Pre-Construction Deal? What You Need to Know 30:29

6M ago30:29

30:29

Alarming trend: Canadians are finding themselves unable to follow through on pre-con real estate purchases. So, what happens if you can’t close on a pre-construction real estate deal? In this episode, the co-founders of Hoyes Michalos break down the reality of pre-construction deals in Canada, including assignment sales, how rising rates and blanke…

1
548 – Credit Card Habits Leading to Debt? Expert Advice for Canadians 30:39

6M ago30:39

30:39

Canadian credit card debt is surging! Many people are feeling the squeeze of rising costs, stagnant wages, and mounting unsecured debt. This crucial episode offers timely financial guidance on improving credit card habits (which you may not realize are hurting your finances!) and effectively managing debt. FREE Credit Rebuilding Course (0:00) – Cre…

1
547 – Financial Freedom & Zero Debt: What You Need to Know 30:31

6M ago30:31

30:31

Is having zero debt the key to financial freedom, or could it hold you back? Expert Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug and Ted explore the pros and cons of being completely debt-free, from psychological and financial benefits to the impact on your credit score and long-term opportunities. (0:00) – Introduction: What does financial independence reall…

1
546 – Canadian Debt Is Surging – Concerning Trends from Joe Debtor 2024 31:22

6M ago31:22

31:22

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 mille…

1
545 – Why We Overspend and How to Break Bad Money Habits 29:46

7M ago29:46

29:46

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 strate…

1
544 – The Truth About Loans Impacting Your Credit Score 30:09

7M ago30:09

30:09

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 im…

1
543 – How to Avoid Debt Traps: Expert Tips for Canadians 30:48

7M ago30:48

30:48

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 a…

1
542 – The Truth of Credit Card Rewards – They're Costing You 29:34

7M ago29:34

29:34

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, …

1
541 – A House Is Not an Investment If You Can’t Afford It 31:05

8M ago31:05

31:05

Real estate is often seen as the ultimate investment, but is it really? Doug and Ted discuss the financial realities of homeownership, from the hidden costs of maintenance and repairs to the risks of negative equity, pre-con agreements, and even becoming a landlord. This episode explains why a house may not always be the wealth-building asset it’s …

1
540 – How the New Criminal Interest Rate Affects You 31:48

8M ago31:48

31:48

It’s crucial to stay informed about the recent revision to the criminal interest rate cap, effective January 1, 2025. How will Canadians be impacted? Doug and Ted provide insight into potential lending trends, emerging marketing tactics, unintended consequences, and how this change will impact the most vulnerable borrowers and secondary lenders in …

1
539 – Canadian Insolvency and Economic Trends in 2025 31:37

8M ago31:37

31:37

As 2024 comes to an end, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos revisit their past predictions to see what they nailed—and what surprised them. They cover everything from inflation and insolvency to unemployment and real estate and, using the latest economic data and trends, share their evidence-based predictions for 2025. Do you agree with Doug and Ted, or d…

1
538 – Financial Caregiving: Taking Care of Aging Parents While Tackling Debt 31:44

8M ago31:44

31:44

How do you balance financial well-being with the responsibility of supporting aging parents? This important episode tackles the complexities of financial caregiving, highlighting the challenges of the "sandwich generation"—those caring for both children and elderly parents—all while managing personal debt. Doug and Ted cover the pros and cons, from…

1
537 – The True Cost of Borrowing 31:36

9M ago31:36

31:36

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 …

1
536 – How to Handle Maxed-Out Credit Cards 31:38

9M ago31:38

31:38

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 a…

1
535 – How Seasonal Workers Can Manage Income and Debt 30:39

9M ago30:39

30:39

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 variab…

1
534 – How to Stay Motivated While Paying Off Debt 32:45

9M ago32:45

32:45

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 f…

1
533 – What Happens If You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage – Feat. Scott Terrio 36:39

9M ago36:39

36:39

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 guidanc…

1
532 – Financial Fitness Check: How to Assess Your Financial Health 30:17

10M ago30:17

30:17

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 f…

1
531 – Why Popular Budgeting Techniques Don’t Work 33:09

10M ago33:09

33:09

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…

1
530 – How To Use Credit Cards to Boost Your Credit Score 30:43

10M ago30:43

30:43

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 yo…

1
529 – Good Debt vs Bad Debt: How to Know When Debt is Smart or Risky 29:45

10M ago29:45

29:45

Is all debt bad, or can borrowing sometimes be a smart financial move? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss debt’s dual nature as both a financial tool and a potential burden. They break down the differences between "good debt" and "bad debt," providing clear advice on assessing what's manageable, when taking on new debt might be a smart move, and h…

1
528 – Illegal Debt Collection Tactics: Know Your Rights (ft. Blair DeMarco Wettlaufer) 34:25

11M ago34:25

34:25

Back by popular demand: Canadian credit collector Blair DeMarco Wettlaufer! Even if you’re not currently dealing with prohibited debt collectors, this eye-opening episode is captivating and informative. Learn about your rights as a Canadian consumer, the tactics some creditors use to pressure debtors, and how to protect yourself from unethical and …

1
527 – Debt After Death: Can You Inherit Debt in Canada? 30:09

11M ago30:09

30:09

A loved one can leave assets in their will, but what about debts? Can you inherit debt? What makes you legally responsible for debt, and what should you do if creditors come calling? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos tackle common concerns about a sensitive topic with a touch of lighthearted fun. They discuss joint accounts and credit cards, the role of …

1
Who Will Know That I’ve Declared Bankruptcy? 10:02

11M ago10:02

10:02

In this episode, we debunk common myths about the confidentiality of declaring bankruptcy in Canada. Worried about who will find out if you file for bankruptcy? We break down who is legally informed and why your financial fresh start is more private than you might think. For personalized advice and a free consultation, visit David Sklar & Associate…

1
526 – What Canadians Need to Know About Credit Repair 30:28

11M ago30:28

30:28

Is credit repair a scam? Learn the truth from experts about repairing damaged credit, understanding credit scores, and managing debt. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain essential topics like credit utilization rate, responsible credit card usage, and when you should worry about your credit score. Whether you’re working to rebuild your credit or ai…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Protection From Creditors Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide