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 – How to avoid the minimum payment trap 03:40 – Building and maintaining an emergency fund 06:00 – How insolvency clients are a leading indicator of the economy 07:30 – Why you shouldn’t rely on credit in an emergency 10:00 – First steps to begin getting out of debt 12:05 – The problems with consolidation loans 14:00 – Practical budgeting tips: tracking income and expenses 16:00 – The benefits of putting your bills on autopay 19:00 – Don’t ignore your finances 21:10 – Why paying off high-interest debt is the best strategy (and why you still need an emergency fund) 24:00 – Why debt consultants send their clients to Licensed Insolvency Trustees Debt Relief in Ontario Debt Relief Biggest FAQs Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

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 mind. 00:00 – August is a special episode month before launching a new season this fall 01:30 – Housing and rental scams 03:55 – Payday loan and installment loan traps 05:00 – Debt consultant scams 06:30 – “Granny scams” and AI voice fraud 08:00 – Upfront fee fraud 10:30 – Pig butchering scams (crypto and romance fraud) 14:45 – The truth about so-called “savings loans” 17:00 – Red flags and scam warning signs 20:00 – CRA impersonation and email phishing scams 23:30 – Another look at pig butchering scams 24:45 – Final thoughts: trust, but verify… verify, verify

Fraud Can Cause Debt Problems: How To Stay Protected

Beware of Fake CRA Calls Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

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 expect. Don't miss this special (and hilarious) blooper episode! 00:00 – A long-requested episode: bloopers and funny moments from Debt Free in 30! 00:30 – Leaky Boat Incident 03:30 – "Size Matters" 04:30 – To Ted's Wife – We Are Sorry 06:10 – Debt, Death, and Zombies’ Discussion 09:30 – Maureen Forgets Her Name 10:00 – Scott Terrio on Watching the Podcast

Hoyes Michalos Free Canadian Credit Rebuilding and Repair Course Debt Repayment / Consumer Proposal Calculator Hoyes Michalos Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.

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.

(00:30) How Interest Works (and How to Make It Work for You) (04:00) Why You Should Pay Off High-Interest Credit Cards First (08:00) Realistic DIY Strategies to Eliminate Debt (13:10) What to Do with Windfalls or Extra Income (14:30) Micropayments: Small but Mighty (15:30) Paying Bills with Debt in Mind (17:00) Boosting and Rebuilding Your Credit Score (19:30) How and Why to Automate Your Finances (22:00) Debt Consolidation: Pros and Cons (26:00) When to Consider a Consumer Proposal or Bankruptcy (28:00) What’s Coming Next on Debt Free in 30

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada – Tools and Calculators Debt Repayment Worksheet Debt Repayment / Consumer Proposal Calculator Hoyes Michalos Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Sign Up For The Monthly Debt Free Digest

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.