558 – What It Means To Be House Poor And How To Avoid It
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 instability play, and whether it's ever worth it to stretch your finances for a home. Most importantly, we share practical tools to help you avoid becoming house poor—or to recover if you’re already there. (0:00) Defining "House Poor": Understanding the Basics (2:00) The Changing Definition of House Poor Over Time (3:45) House Prices vs. Wages & Inflation (6:00) Gig Work & the Modern Workforce (8:30) When Is Being House Poor Acceptable? (13:00) Rethinking Homeownership as Investment (14:30) Practical Advice: How to Avoid Becoming House Poor (19:30) Financial Planning Tools: Calculating Your Homeownership Affordability (22:00) The Link Between Homeownership & Unsecured Debt (26:00) Getting Out of the House Poor Situation: Actionable Strategies What To Do If You Can’t Pay Your Mortgage Second Mortgage Home Equity Loan or Interest Free Consumer Proposal? Can You Get A Mortgage With Bad Credit? DEBTASIZED - How Our Reliance on Credit Leads to Price Inflation FREE YouTube Doc Sign Up for the Debt Free Digest E-Newsletter Debt Free in 30 Podcast YouTube Channel 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.
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30:40
557 – How To Avoid Car Financing Mistakes In 2025
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 How GMC Revolutionized the Car Loan Industry DocumentaryWhat Not To Do When Getting a Car Loan DEBTASIZED - How Our Reliance on Credit Leads to Price Inflation FREE YouTube Doc Sign Up for the Debt Free Digest (00:00) – How to Get a Car Loan in Canada (02:00) – Exchange Rates & the Canadian Dollar Impact (03:30) – Used Car Prices Explained (04:30) – What Influences Interest Rates? (12:00) – Is Your Car Loan Secured? Risks of Repossession (13:30) – What Happens If You Miss Car Loan Payments? (15:00) – When and Why Do Lenders Repossess Cars? (19:00) – Smart Car Buying Tips: Save Money with Strategic Choices (22:00) – Car Leasing in Canada: Pros and Cons Compared (25:00) – How to Get Out of a Car Loan Legally and Strategically Visit us on social media for the best clips from the show and more! Instagram Tik TokX Facebook LinkedIn 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.
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31:17
556 – Is Debt Fatigue Holding You Back? Strategies for Renewed Focus
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30:21
555 – The Future of Canadian Savings: Are We Saving Enough for What's Ahead?
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 discover the true priorities, aspirations, and concerns driving those hard-earned Canadian dollars. (0:00) Defining Savings: More Than Just Money in the Bank (2:20) Calculating Your Personal Savings Rate (4:00) The History of Canadian Savings Rates: Trends and Insights (8:45) Canadian Savings Today: Analyzing Current Rates (11:00) Understanding Financial Vulnerability: Populations Struggling to Save in Canada (16:00) What Canadians Are Saving For: Current Financial Priorities (19:00) Setting Savings Goals: How Much Should You Aim to Save? (24:00) Practical Tips for Easier Saving (28:00) Debt vs. Savings: Prioritizing Your Financial Health 4 Personal Finance Ratios That Measure Debt Risk Debt Repayment Calculator How To Deal With Debt in Retirement Sign Up for the Debt Free Digest FREE Credit Rebuilding Course 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.
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30:20
554 – AI Scams & Debt: Staying Safe in a New Era of Fraud
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 directly impact your debt. We'll explore how even familiar cons are evolving and, crucially, equip you with the knowledge you need to recognize the red flags and protect yourself online. (0:00) The Rise of AI Scams (2:00) The Growing Sophistication of Granny Scams (5:45) How Scammers Obtain Your Personal Information: Protecting Your Data (6:45) The Pig Butchering Scam: Understanding This Long-Term Financial Con (10:20) AI-Powered: How Technology Targets You (11:40) Recognizing Scam Red Flags: What to Do If You Suspect Fraud (16:30) Avoiding False Government Notices: Spotting Official-Looking Scams (21:00) Identifying False Advertisements: Protecting Yourself from Misleading Offers (23:30) Online Safety Tips: Protecting Your Finances (29:10) The Double-Edged Sword of AI: Benefits and Risks in the Digital Age Fraud Can Cause Debt Problems: Here’s How To Stay Protected How To Find Legitimate Debt Consultants in Canada Sign Up for the Debt Free Digest FREE Credit Rebuilding Course Debt Repayment Calculator 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.
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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