Episodes

  • 504 – 2024 Federal Budget: Unintended Consquences?
    Apr 27 2024

    Doug and Ted sit down to chat about the 2024 federal budget. Believe it or not Doug actually read the entire budget! They discuss taxes, what a budget means, making tax filing automatic, government single sign-in portal, reducing CRA call centre wait times, NSF fees, free and affordable bank accounts, cell phone charges, credit reports, and payday loans. They also get into detail about how credit for paying rent will impact Canadians.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Documentary announcement

    02:37 Why should you care about the Federal budget?

    03:00 Taxes

    06:28 What is a budget?

    08:07 Automatic tax filing for low-income Canadians

    10:29 Single sign in portal for government services

    11:35 Reduce CRA call centre wait times

    12:07 NSF Fees

    14:23 Free and affordable bank accounts

    17:47 Cell phone fees

    18:38 Credit for paying rent

    24:12 Credit utilization for rent

    26:10 Student housing

    27:45 Credit bureaus

    29:03 Payday loans

    29:55 Final thoughts

    Related Links:

    Should Rent Be a Part of a Credit Score?: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/should-rent-be-a-part-of-a-credit-score/

    Federal Budget 2024: https://budget.canada.ca/2024/home-accueil-en.html

    TurboTax Personal Tax Calculator: https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax-resources/canada-income-tax-calculator.jsp

    Bretton Woods and Related Agreements Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/b-7/index.html

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    32 mins
  • 503 – Pet Ownership Costs & Tips to Avoid Debt
    Apr 20 2024

    How much does it cost to own a pet? Join Doug and special guest Maureen Parent as they break down the expenses, from breeder fees to food, vet bills, travel, dental, training, and more! Maureen offers valuable tips for managing your pet's expenses while avoiding debt.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    02:05 What are the upfront costs of owning a pet?

    06:11 The regular costs of owning a pet

    16:55 The unexpected costs of owning a pet

    20:33 How much does it cost to board your pet?

    21:55 Practical advice for owning a pet

    24:04 Pet Insurance

    25:42 Smaller pets vs. large pets

    27:30 Can rescue pets save you money?

    27:55 Toy and treat tips to save you money

    29:59 Conclusion

    Related Links:

    The Cost of Dog Parenthood in 2024 - https://www.rover.com/ca/blog/cost-of-dog-parenthood/

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    32 mins
  • 502 – Should I Buy or Rent a Home? What Makes Sense in Today's Market
    Apr 13 2024

    Should you buy a home or rent in Canada? We look at the risks and expenses involved when it comes to purchasing a home. From the unpredictable market trends to steep mortgage penalties and ongoing maintenance costs. As we weigh at the pros and cons, this episode may make you rethink your views on homeownership, not only as an investment but as a consumer choice. Could renting be the smarter choice in 2024? Watch the episode now to find out.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    01:00 Reasons you should own a home

    03:38 Is a mortgage a forced savings plan?

    06:10 Reasons not to buy a home

    06:21 Timing is everything in real estate

    08:17 Variable rate interest only mortgage vs. amortization mortgage

    12:03 Moving if you own a home vs. if you rent

    15:29 Maintenance

    18:50 Credit creep

    24:11 Practical advice

    Related Links:

    Homeowners Bankruptcy Index: https://www.hoyes.com/press/homeowner-bankruptcy-index/

    Hoyes Michalos Bankruptcy Study: https://www.hoyes.com/press/joe-debtor/

    Why Does Home Ownership Cause Financial Problems?: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/why-does-home-ownership-cause-financial-problems/

    Think Twice Before You Get a Home Equity Line of Credit: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/think-twice-before-you-get-a-home-equity-line-of-credit/

    Why a House Does Not Guarantee Financial Security: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/why-a-house-does-not-guarantee-financial-security/

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    31 mins
  • 501 – Things Collection Agents Can and Cannot Do with Your Credit Report
    Apr 6 2024
    Blair DeMarco-Wettlaufer, the Chief of Operations Officer of Kingston Data & Credit joins Doug to discuss the consequences of unpaid debts and their impact on your credit score. They look at real-life scenarios and provide practical advice to manage your credit report. They also discuss what collection agents can and cannot do when it comes to reporting your debts to the credit bureau and how to dispute old debts, so they don’t affect your credit. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 If you don’t pay a collection agent can it affect your credit score? 04:33 The Statute of Limitations Act. 05:30 The Credit Bureau. 09:45 How and when do collection agents report to the credit bureau? 16:20 What collection agents cannot do when reporting to the credit bureau. 18:14 Can a collection agency remove a debt from your credit report? 23:24 What happens if a collection agency keeps calling the wrong number? 26:07 How owing a collection agent can affect your credit score. 27:43 Practical advice from a collection agent. 34:05 How to reach out to Blair DeMarco-Wettlaufer. Related Links: How Old Tickets and Fines Can Destroy your Credit Score: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-old-tickets-and-fines-can-destroy-your-credit-score/ 'Insanely old' city ticket wreaks havoc on Ottawa man's credit score: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/insanely-old-city-ticket-wreaks-havoc-on-ottawa-man-s-credit-score-1.7141166 Long-forgotten fines won't linger on credit records, city assures residents: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/city-of-ottawa-parking-ticket-debt-owed-collection-credit-score-1.7152329 Blair Demarco-Wettlaufer’s Blog “Receivable/Accounts - Information for Credit and Collection Issues”: https://receivableaccounts.blogspot.com/ Legislation Links Cited in the Podcast: Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c14 The Provincial Offenses Act, section 76: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90p33#BK105 The Limitations Act of Ontario sets a basic limitation period of two years: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/02l24#BK16 The Consumer Reporting Act of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90c33#BK11 Blair Demarco-Wettlaufer’s Previous Appearance Links on Debt Free in 30: Episode 20 – January 17, 2015 - Stop The Collection Calls: Advice from Blair Demarco-Wettlaufer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tsrKacdx4U Episode 57 – October 3, 2025 Collection Agents: How Did They Find Me?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SMU1R5N0ms Episode 70 – January 2, 2016 – Top 10 Tips for Dealing with a Collection Agent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=736J-IefWrI Episode 264 – September 21, 2019 - How to Negotiate With a Collection Agent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgNWpKfBUwU Episode 296 – May 2, 2020 - Dealing with Collection Calls in COVID-19: Debt Negotiations, Deferrals, and Credit Report Impact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S86gnBEkeUY Episode 373 – October 23, 2021 - Your Top Collections Questions Answered by a Debt Collector!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue8gFE2Z48w Episode 477 – October 21,2023 The Messy World of Debt Collection and Statute-Barred Claims: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uN82x3ts1k&t=115s
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    36 mins
  • 500 – Why Do We Feel Despair? (A Rant)
    Mar 30 2024

    This is episode 500, and Doug does a solo rant exploring the factors contributing to the despair felt by Canadians. He reflects on how the past four years has affected our economy. He touches on the cost of real estate, the stock market, fatalistic YOLO, inflation, and strategies for achieving wealth. Enjoy!

    Related Links:

    Build a Get Out of Debt Repayment Plan - https://www.hoyes.com/debt-relief/get-out-of-debt/

    Statistics Canada. Table 18-10-0004-01 Consumer Price Index, monthly, not seasonally adjusted -https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1810000401

    Statistics Canada, Wealth Gap - https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230331/dq230331b-eng.htm

    CPI Basked Weight Visualization - https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/2018016/cpi-ipc-eng.htm

    National balance sheet and financial flow accounts, fourth quarter 2023 -https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240313/dq240313a-eng.htm

    Wealth Gap, Statistics Canada - https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/240122/dq240122a-eng.htm

    Bank of Canada, Monetary Aggregates (Money Supply) - https://www.bankofcanada.ca/?p=47527

    Canadian Real Estate Association, National Statistics - https://stats.crea.ca/en-CA/

    November 2023 Federal Government Fall Economic Update - https://www.budget.canada.ca/fes-eea/2023/report-rapport/anx1-en.html#a1

    Episode 270, The Fable of the 20 Dollar Bill - https://youtu.be/5fYfAvSnNps?si=ziTAfuUWwbdmYHvk

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    35 mins
  • 499 – How To Protect Yourself from Rising Car Thefts & Financial Costs
    Mar 23 2024

    Did you know a car is stolen every 5 minutes across Canada? Car thefts and VIN scams are on the rise. Michael Rothe, President and CEO of Canadian Finance & Leasing Association, joins Doug and discusses Canada’s auto theft epidemic. They explore topics such as re-vinning, the impact of stolen vehicles on insurance premiums, steps to take if you unwittingly purchase a stolen vehicle, precautions against potential car theft, and government enforcement. This discussion is essential for Canadian vehicle owners looking to stay safe and understand what actions to take in case of a car theft and how to prevent yourself from falling victim.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    02:10 The latest update on car thefts in Canada

    04:40 How many stolen vehicles end up departing Canada?

    06:14 What is a VIN number and what is re-vinning?

    10:44 What happens if you purchase a stolen used vehicle?

    12:25 What is the solution to prevent car thefts?

    17:45 What measures can individuals take to defend themselves against car theft?

    28:40 The cost of enforcement

    33:31 Conclusion

    Related Links:

    Can You Include Your Car Loan in a Consumer Proposal? -

    https://www.hoyes.com/blog/can-you-include-your-car-loan-in-a-consumer-proposal/

    What Happens to a Financed or Leased Car in Bankruptcy? - https://www.hoyes.com/blog/what-happens-to-a-financed-or-leased-car-in-bankruptcy/

    Should You Consolidate or Pay Bills with a Car Title Loan? -https://www.hoyes.com/blog/should-you-consolidate-or-pay-bills-with-a-car-title-loan/

    How Car Loans and Car Loan Rollovers Lead to Insolvency - https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-can-car-loans-lead-to-insolvency/

    Car Thefts Have Reached Crisis Levels Across Canada. How did we get here? -

    https://macleans.ca/society/car-thefts-have-reached-crisis-levels-across-canada-how-did-we-get-here/

    Michael Rothe LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rothe/

    Canadian Finance & Leasing Association - https://cfla-acfl.ca/

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    37 mins
  • 498 – Save Money with a Micro Wedding Budget | Planning Tips from The Budget Savvy Bride
    Mar 16 2024

    Planning a wedding on a budget? In this episode, Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride, shares expert advice on keeping your big day affordable without sacrificing style.

    Whether you are dreaming of a traditional ceremony or considering eloping, Jessica's insights will help you celebrate your love without breaking the bank. We discuss micro weddings, destination weddings, the cost of having an open bar, wedding party attire, and more! Don't miss out on these essential tips for a budget-friendly wedding!

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    01:42 What does a wedding cost?

    03:50 How has the wedding world changed since the pandemic?

    05:58 What is a micro wedding?

    06:43 How do you save money on your wedding?

    10:36 Wedding resources and finances

    12:31 Do you consider the potential gift contributions from your guests when planning your wedding budget?

    17:09 What amount of money is appropriate to give as a wedding gift?

    21:06 Strategies for reducing wedding budget expenses

    25:07 Are destination weddings more affordable?

    26:59 Wedding party attire

    30:29 Should I have an open bar?

    32:47 Where to find The Budget Savvy Bride

    Related Links:

    Should You Get a Wedding Loan? - https://www.hoyes.com/blog/should-you-get-a-wedding-loan/

    The Budget Savvy Bride - https://thebudgetsavvybride.com/

    The Budget Savvy Bride Real Wedding Budgets - https://thebudgetsavvybride.com/real-weddings/

    Book: The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer: Checklists, Worksheets, and Essential Tools to Plan the Perfect Wedding on a Small Budget – on Amazon

    https://www.amazon.ca/Budget-Savvy-Wedding-Planner-Organizer-Checklists/dp/1623159857/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=moneyproblems-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=a64ef88027584470ba33c94dfd58c76e&camp=15121&creative=330641

    The Budget Savvy Bride on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@budgetsavvybride

    The Budget Savvy Bride on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheBudgetSavvyBride

    The Budget Savvy Bride Twitter - https://twitter.com/savvybride

    The Budget Savvy Bride Threads - https://threads.net/@budgetsavvybride

    The Budget Savvy Bride Facebook - https://facebook.com/budgetsavvybride

    The Budget Savvy Bride Pinterest - https://pinterest.com/savvybride

    The Budget Savvy Bride Instagram - https://instagram.com/budgetsavvybride

    Jessica Bishop LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jessicalehrybishop

    The Bouquet Toss: A Wedding Planning Podcast - https://thebudgetsavvybride.com/the-bouquet-toss-podcast/

    Marriage or Mortgage Podcast Episode - https://thebudgetsavvybride.com/podcast/episode-66-marriage-or-mortgage/

    The Wedding Report - https://wedding.report/

    Honeyfund - https://www.honeyfund.com/

    Something Borrowed Blooms- https://www.somethingborrowedblooms.com/

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    36 mins
  • 497 – How to file taxes and get your my CRA account 2024
    Mar 9 2024

    Top tips on how to file taxes. How to file taxes in Canada, setup your CRA my account, deadlines, government benefits and how to receive your refund with no additional fees. We also discuss tax discounting services, the importance of gathering all your documents, claiming all legitimate deductions such as moving expenses and tuition and notifying CRA of any changes such as your marital status, address, etc. Tune in for great practical advice and recommendations on which tools to use to file your taxes for free in 2024.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 - Why should you file your taxes?

    06:07 - Government benefits

    08:30 - Deadlines

    14:52 - Set up for CRA my account

    24:20 - Do your taxes yourself and file for free

    26:54 - Notify CRA of any changes

    27:46 - Tax discounting services

    32:24 - What if you cannot afford to pay your tax debts?

    Related Links:

    Avoid Instant Cash Back: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/instant-cash-back-on-tax-refunds-is-it-worth-it/

    Tax Debt Relief in Canada: https://www.hoyes.com/debt-relief/tax-debt/

    Tax Returns Not Filed Because You Are Afraid You Have Tax Debts?: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/tax-returns-not-filed/

    Income Taxes and Bankruptcy - What You Need to Know: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/income-taxes-and-bankruptcy-what-you-need-to-know/

    CRA – My Account for Individuals: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-individuals/account-individuals.html

    CRA – Due Dates and Payment Dates: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/important-dates-individuals.html

    CRA - Interest and Penalties on Late Taxes: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/interest-penalties/late-filing-penalty.html

    CRA – Prescribed Interest Rates: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/prescribed-interest-rates.html

    CRA – Tax Credits and Benefits for Individuals: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/child-and-family-benefits.html

    CRA – Child and Family Benefits Calculator: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/child-family-benefits-calculator.html

    CRA - Tuition Tax Credit: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-32300-your-tuition-education-textbook-amounts/eligible-tuition-fees.html

    CRA - Free Tax Filing Software: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/digital-services-individuals/netfile-overview/certified-software-netfile-program.html

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    35 mins