Debt Free in 30

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.

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.

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 spending can impact your financial life.

Discover the power of habit stacking, mind mapping, "body-doubling" (hello, budget buddy!), and how tech can be a tool for embracing simplicity. Plus, we'll discuss guilt-free spending and why it's okay to invest in what truly supports you. 

Tune in for actionable advice and a fresh perspective on navigating your finances!

(0:00) - Understanding Neurodivergence: Impact & Why It Matters
(4:45) - The Impact of Executive Dysfunction on Debt Management
(7:00) - Strategies for Reducing Decision Fatigue in Finances
(9:00) - Building Low-Effort Financial Habits with Habit Stacking
(10:45) - How Time Blindness Can Affect Your Financial Planning 
(12:50) - Using Mind Mapping for a Visual Approach to Finances 
(14:00) - The Power of Body Doubling: Finding Your Budget Buddy 
(15:30) - Reframing Your Perspective on Financial Management 
(17:00) - Leveraging AI and Tech (or Simplicity) for Financial Success 
(20:00) - Coping Strategies for Impulse Spending 
(23:00) - Practical Financial Advice for Neurodivergent Individuals (and Everyone!) 
(27:10) - The Importance of Guilt-Free Spending and Investing in Your Needs

Hoyes Michalos Effective Money Management Strategies

Explore Credit Card Debt Relief

Why We Overspend and How To Break Bad Money Habits

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 personalized guidance from a qualified 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 or strategies discussed.

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, and explores the real impact these marketing 'tricks' have on your financial health.

(1:30) – The Modern-Day Shopping Channel: How Retailers Keep You Hooked
(4:00) – Live Shopping & Influencers: The New Age of Consumer Marketing
(7:45) – Dopamine & Shopping: How Social Media Fuels Impulse Buys
(14:00) – How Algorithms Are Designed to Make You Spend More
(15:10) – Buy Now, Pay Later: The Rise of Consumer Credit Debt
(17:00) – The Hidden Risks of Financing Through Retailers
(21:00) – The Gamification of Consumerism: How Retailers Turn Shopping into a Game
(23:30) – The Gamification of Credit: Why Your Debt Feels Manageable (But Isn't)
(25:00) – Credit Counsellor Charlie Kovacs Explains Why Discounts Don’t Save You Money
(29:00) – Everyone Is Selling Something: Recognizing the Marketing Tricks

Hoyes Michalos Effective Money Management Strategies

Explore Credit Card Debt Relief

Why We Overspend and How To Break Bad Money Habits

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 personalized guidance from a qualified 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 or strategies discussed.

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 tightly linked economy, and as always, arm yourself with practical tips to manage your debt and build lasting financial security.

Tune in to understand the forces shaping your everyday spending!

(0:00) – What’s happening with the Canadian dollar right now?
(3:30) – What makes the Canadian dollar rise and fall?
(5:00) – How interest rates affect the Canadian dollar
(7:45) – The “reserve” currency and maintaining buying power
(8:50) – How currency changes impact the average Canadian
(12:00) – How US food and gas prices affect Canadians
(14:00) – The pros and cons of connected economies
(20:00) – Why are so many things priced in US dollars?
(25:00) – The benefits of shopping Canadian
(27:30) – Strengthen your finances by managing debt
(29:00) – Practical tips to protect your money

Trump's 25% Tariffs: Financial Survival Guide for Canadians

Myths About Credit Card Debt in Canada

How to Eliminate Debt in Ontario

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 personalized guidance from a qualified 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 or strategies discussed.