Best Consumerproposal Podcasts (2025)

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591 – Why Debt Is Rising, but Bankruptcies Aren't (Yet) — and 2026 Insolvency Predictions for Canadians 41:03

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18m ago41:03

41:03

Debt is at record highs, yet insolvencies are flat. Why? In this episode of Debt Free in 30, Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain a financial paradox that's leaving millions of Canadians stressed, exhausted, and confused. The answer isn't that people are okay. It's that people are enduring. If you're paying your bills bu…

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590 – Will Your Investments Survive Serious Debt? 29:52

6d ago29:52

29:52

If you're carrying serious debt but also have money in an RRSP, TFSA, or other investments, one of the biggest fears is this: Will I lose everything if I get help? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos, Licensed Insolvency Trustees, break down what actually happens to your investments when debt becomes unmanageable. They explain which assets are protected un…

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589 – Debt Collectors Busier Than Ever? - What They Are Really Looking For from You 30:43

14d ago30:43

30:43

Debt collectors are contacting Canadians more than ever. In this episode, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain why activity is increasing, what collectors are actually looking for, and how to respond without accidentally restarting the clock on old debts. They also cover how to spot scams, understand your rights, and know when it's time to get profe…

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588 – Are You Financially Fit Enough to Invest? 32:17

22d ago32:17

32:17

Start investing because your numbers say "go," not because the internet says "now." This episode will remove the guesswork from entering the world of investing and provide a straightforward way for you to judge your readiness. Using simple math in layman's terms (think "why paying 20% interest beats chasing a maybe 10% return"), we discuss what to …

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587 – Should Parents Help Adult Children with Debt? 30:00

29d ago30:00

30:00

With housing costs, student loans, and everyday expenses skyrocketing, more young adults are turning to their parents for financial support. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos unpack the emotional, financial, and practical realities behind "helping" adult children, including why many parents feel compelled to assist, and break down the real risks of co-si…

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586 - Should You Use Your Home Equity to Pay Off Debt in This Market? 34:52

1M ago34:52

34:52

Turn your home equity into a plan, not a panic button! This episode gives a clear, practical checklist for using a HELOC or second mortgage wisely: how they work, what they cost, when they help, and when alternatives (like a consumer proposal) will protect your cash flow and your home better. Listen first, then decide with the numbers. (00:00) Toro…

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585 – Small Business: Mixing Personal and Business Debt Pros & Cons 32:14

1M ago32:14

32:14

Many Ontario small business owners use personal credit to get a venture off the ground, because banks rarely lend to brand-new businesses. That convenience can help with early cash-flow gaps and sometimes costs less than a high-risk business loan, but it also creates serious personal exposure: guarantees, blurred books, CRA headaches, and credit-sc…

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584 – Top Mistakes Debtors Make and How to Avoid Them 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

Drawing on experience from 25+ years and 73,000+ filings, Doug and Ted break down the top debt mistakes Canadians make, and how to avoid them. They explain how problems creep up, why waiting narrows your options, high-cost credit and payday-loan cycles, CRA's real collection powers, and so much more. Canada-specific guidance for debtors with tips o…

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583 – Job Loss: What to Do Financially in Your First 30 Days 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

Laid off or let go? Your first 30 days matter. This is a practical, Canada-specific guide to unemployment, covering everything from applying for EI to discussing when upskilling or a pivot makes sense, as well as the risks of jumping into self-employment and how to handle debt while unemployed. If you're currently employed, treat this episode as a …

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582 – How to Prioritize When Every Expense Feels Urgent 31:01

2M ago31:01

31:01

When money is tight, everything feels urgent. Rent, groceries, a credit card bill, and that unexpected car repair. In this episode, we walk through a survival-mode framework for prioritizing essentials, organizing a bare-minimum budget, and avoiding common traps that lead to a deeper debt spiral. We discuss why "loud" debts aren't always the ones y…

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581 – Why the Best Financial Advice Sounds Boring – But Works 31:09

2M ago31:09

31:09

Ever feel like the best financial advice sounds... boring and hard to stick to? Doug Hoyes and guest Licensed Insolvency Trustee Maureen Parent discuss why the most effective money habits are often the least exciting. From the myth of quick fixes to the power of slow, steady progress, they explore how consistency, not complexity, builds lasting fin…

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580 – Can You Really Live Debt Free in Canada? 31:04

3M ago31:04

31:04

Can you live without debt in today's Canada? In this myth-busting episode, Doug and Ted explore the real cost of going debt-free. They unpack the difference between credit and debt, challenge the necessity of mortgages and student loans, and share strategies to reduce or eliminate debt, whether you're starting out or retiring soon. From rising hous…

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579 – Budgeting Without Burnout: Finding the Right Tracking Method 32:13

3M ago32:13

32:13

Is tracking every single expense the key to taking control of your finances, or just a fast track to burnout? What are the pros and cons of meticulous money tracking? Doug Hoyes and guest Charlie Kovacs debate who benefits most from detailed spending logs, when it's OK to simplify, and strategies to build a money system that actually sticks. 00:00 …

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578 – Student Loan Struggles in Canada: Paying Debt Years Later 30:10

3M ago30:10

30:10

Student loans can follow Canadians for years after graduation, sometimes delaying life milestones like buying a home or starting a family. In this episode, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain why student debt is so difficult to repay in Canada, the risks of borrowing for education, and the Supreme Court's latest ruling on the "7-year rule" for gove…

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577 – How to Break Free from the Minimum Payment Trap 30:40

3M ago30:40

30:40

Making only the minimum payment on credit cards may feel manageable, but it's one of the riskiest financial habits for Canadians today. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos explain the real math behind minimum payments and share practical strategies for breaking out of the cycle for good. 00:00 – Setting the stage: the shift from "getting by" to falling beh…

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576 – First-Time Homebuyer's Survival Guide: Avoid Hidden Costs & Regrets 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

Are you considering stepping into the world of homeownership? This episode is packed with insights every first-time homebuyer needs. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss why a declining market might benefit new buyers, the emotional traps leading to risky financial decisions, and the true cost of homeownership – beyond the mortgage. Learn how unexpe…

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575 – Why Canadians Are Financially Struggling, Even When Doing Everything Right 29:57

4M ago29:57

29:57

Staying financially stable in Canada has never been harder. Even when you're working, budgeting, and "doing everything right," rising insolvencies, higher debt loads, and a cooling housing market are leaving many Canadians struggling to stay afloat in 2025. If you've ever wondered why it feels impossible to get ahead financially (even when you're t…