549 – Can You Walk Away from a Pre-Construction Deal? What You Need to Know
Release Date: 03/08/2025
563 – Debt: The New Normal? Comparing Boomer and Millennial Mindsets
Debt Free in 30
Boomer budgeting tips collide with millennial money challenges in this candid conversation about debt, savings, housing costs, and the rise of gig-work income. Whether saving for a first home or paying off old credit cards, this episode bridges the generation gap with actionable insights for any age, complete with tried-and-true tactics Boomers still swear by, tech-savvy hacks Millennials can’t live without. 0:00 - Do Boomers Have It Easier? Debunking Generational Money Myths 3:10 - Why Millennials Lead Insolvency Filings & Credit-Card Debt 6:00 - “Credential Creep”: Rising...
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562 – Canada’s Credit Score Crisis: Does France's No Score System Reveal A Better Way?
Debt Free in 30
Have you ever wondered what life would look like if your credit score didn’t exist? Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos compare Canada’s score-driven system with France’s radically different, no-score approach. You’ll learn: How France decides who can borrow—without a three-digit score. The cultural attitudes that shape lending and spending in France and Canada Why credit-report errors and identity theft are bigger issues than most Canadians realize. Whether Canada could (or should) adopt parts of France’s model—and what you can do right now to...
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561 – Zombie Subscriptions: How To Spot And Cancel Hidden Budget Killers
Debt Free in 30
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560 – Legal Actions Creditors Can Take in Canada (And How to Protect Yourself)
Debt Free in 30
What legal actions can creditors take if you stop paying your debts? From collection calls to lawsuits and wage garnishments, Licensed Insolvency Trustees explain the real timeline of creditor actions—including how the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) collects without going to court, and how to avoid scams when seeking help. ✅ Know your rights✅ Understand the legal process✅ Learn when (and how) to take action with confidence 00:00 – Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Debt in Canada? 03:00 – When Do Creditors Start Calling After Missed Payments? 06:45 – When Can Creditors Start...
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559 – Denied Credit? The Survival Guide for Emergency Situations
Debt Free in 30
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558 – What It Means To Be House Poor And How To Avoid It
Debt Free in 30
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557 – How To Avoid Car Financing Mistakes In 2025
Debt Free in 30
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. (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) –...
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556 – Is Debt Fatigue Holding You Back? Strategies for Renewed Focus
Debt Free in 30
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555 – The Future of Canadian Savings: Are We Saving Enough for What's Ahead?
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...
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554 – AI Scams & Debt: Staying Safe in a New Era of Fraud
Debt Free in 30
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...
info_outlineAlarming trend: Canadians are finding themselves unable to follow through on pre-con real estate purchases. So, what happens if you can’t close on a pre-construction real estate deal?
In this episode, the co-founders of Hoyes Michalos break down the reality of pre-construction deals in Canada, including assignment sales, how rising rates and blanket appraisals impact your deal, and what happens if you can’t secure financing. They also explore the legal and financial consequences of “walking away” and whether solutions like a consumer proposal or bankruptcy might apply to your situation.
Walking Away From a Pre-Con Deal with Consumer Proposal
What To Do When You Can’t Close
The Real Problem with Pre-Con Deals by Doug Hoyes LinkedIn
(0:00) – What is a pre-construction deal in real estate?
(3:30) – What is an assignment sale?
(5:15) – Trends in Canadian pre-construction real estate deals
(8:00) – “Blanket appraisals” and why they matter
(11:45) – The financial and legal consequences of “walking away”
(13:00) – Timing issues and pre-con purchases
(14:00) – What happens if interest rates go up or down before your closing date?
(17:00) – When builders run into problems — how it affects you
(20:00) – Practical steps if you can’t close on your pre-construction home
(22:00) – Can a consumer proposal help you walk away from a pre-con deal?
(26:00) – Are you at risk of being sued by the builder?
(28:00) – Bankruptcy: when it becomes an option for pre-construction buyers
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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 advice from a qualified financial advisor. Always consult with 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 or strategies discussed.