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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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Debt Free Life

Richard Sklar

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Welcome to "Debt Free Life," a podcast dedicated to helping Canadians take control of their finances and eliminate debt. Presented by David Sklar & Associates, a supportive and caring team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees, we're committed to guiding you toward a brighter financial future. Join us as we explore a wide range of topics, including Consumer Proposals, Credit Counselling, Division 1 Proposals, Personal Bankruptcy, Debt Consolidation, Student Loans, Money Management, Protection from ...
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Hello and Welcome to the Financial Legacy Podcast. I am your host Maria Ellis. On the Financial Legacy Podcast, we will talk about Financial Planning and Estate Planning Legacy. Financial planning is the process of determining a person's or a company’s financial needs or goals for the future and the means to achieve them. Financial planning involves deciding what investments and activities would be most appropriate under both personal and broader economic circumstances. Financial Legacy is t ...
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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