If you are new to credit or have recently completed an insolvency filing, you may be thinking about ways to improve your credit score without taking on more debt. While debt is necessary to have in order to build your credit, there are some strategies to improve your credit score without taking on more debt. On today’s podcast, Maureen Parent, LIT, returns to discuss what makes up a credit score and how you can improve it without a lot of additional debt. She also talks about the importance of utilization rates, how to build a long credit history, why cash savings and rent payments don’t count towards your score, and what to avoid so you don’t harm your credit. Tune in for lots of practical advice!   Links: How to Check Your Credit Report for Free: https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-to-check-your-credit-report/ Straight Talk on Your Money by Doug Hoyes:  https://www.amazon.ca/Straight-Talk-Your-Money-Financial/dp/1988344034 Maureen Parent, LIT on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaureenParent7

381 –  Can You Improve Your Credit Score Without Debt?

Each week Doug Hoyes talks to industry experts about debt, money, and personal finance.  Don't be confused; listen as the guest experts cut through the jargon and share practical advice.

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Join Doug and Ted as they uncover the hidden costs of home ownership that often surprise new homeowners. From maintenance and repairs to rising interest rates and potential job loss, they discuss real-life examples and offer practical advice on deciding whether to buy a home, mitigating risks, and estimating unforeseen costs. Plus, they break down the costs of renting versus buying in today's market. Don’t miss this informative discussion on the true cost of owning a home.   Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Mortgage vs rent payments 03:31 Upfront costs of purchasing a home 04:41 Maintenance costs 16:05 Unexpected costs of home ownership 18:18 Practical advice 27:22 Conclusion  Related Links: Homeowners Bankruptcy Index:  https://www.hoyes.com/press/homeowner-bankruptcy-index/ Hoyes Michalos Bankruptcy Study:  https://www.hoyes.com/press/joe-debtor/ Renting Vs. Buying: Which One Makes More Sense?:  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/renting-vs-buying-which-one-makes-more-sense/ Why Does Home Ownership Cause Financial Problems?:  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/why-does-home-ownership-cause-financial-problems/ How to Avoid Being House Poor –  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-to-avoid-being-house-poor/ Why a House Does Not Guarantee Financial Security:  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/why-a-house-does-not-guarantee-financial-security/ How to Get a Mortgage Even After Bankruptcy:  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-to-get-a-mortgage-after-bankruptcy/

509 –  Hidden Costs of Buying a Home - Surprise Home Ownership Expenses

Doug is joined by Technical Platform Cybersecurity Specialist, Eric Boivin from Flare. They discuss how cyber attacks can target your bank accounts and personal information, leading to money loss or identity theft. How weak cybersecurity can lead to debt, especially for those with student loans, mortgages, or credit card obligations. Eric shares practical advice on how to avoid fraud, choosing the best password using a password manager, and tools for watching financial accounts for suspicious activity. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:46 How can you protect yourself against cyber attacks 10:00 Passwords 20:51 What can you do to protect yourself from a cyberattack? 31:32 Practical advice Related Links: Flare Website - https://flare.io/ Flare LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/flare-io/ Bitwarden Password Manager - https://bitwarden.com/

508 –  Protecting Yourself Online - Best Tips From a Cybersecurity Expert

Doug is joined by special guest Canadian economist and author, Jeff Rubin. Jeff discusses his latest book A Map of the New Normal: How Inflation, War, and Sanctions Will Change Your World Forever. They discuss inflation, sanctions and their impact on Canadian wages and employment. The conversation also touches on the Bank of Canada, bond yields, mortgages, interest rates, international trade, and the potential for a recession soon and closes with practical advice for Canadians.   Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:45 Inflation 10:47 What does the central bank do to make inflation higher or lower? 19:33 Mortgages and Interest rates 24:15 Are we in a recession now? 26:07 Credit card debt 27:37 Predictions for the future of Canada’s economy      Related Links: A Map of the New Normal: How Inflation, War, and Sanctions Will Change Your World Forever by Jeff Rubin on Amazon https://amzn.to/4a5dSQI  The Expendables - How the Middle Class Got Screwed by Globalization by Jeff Rubin on Amazon https://amzn.to/3UKTorM Globalization, Inequality and Debt with Jeff Rubin – Episode 317 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4vvcQqFuxU Jeff Rubin X https://twitter.com/JeffRubin

507 –  Higher Interest Rates and Stubborn Inflation - Are They Here to Stay? With Jeff Rubin

In this episode, Doug and Ted discuss the subtle ways debt accumulates over time, highlighting the unnoticed expenses that may lead you into debt. Have you ever calculated how much you spend monthly on subscriptions? Consider services like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, meal kits such as HelloFresh or Factor, pet and beauty subscriptions, car subscriptions, book clubs, and newspapers. These examples highlight how your money can slip away without you realizing it and potentially lead you toward bankruptcy. Tune in for practical advice on what to do to reduce these expenses, so you don’t find yourself in debt.     Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:00 Set it and forget it method 04:03 Subscriptions 13:01 Why would a business want you to be on a subscription service? 16:49 Practical advice    Related Links: The Marketing of Consumer Debt. Avoid The Traps -  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/the-marketing-of-consumer-debt-avoid-the-traps/ 52 Tips to Avoid Debt -  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/52-tips-avoid-debt/ 5 Debt Lessons Every Student Should Know - https://www.hoyes.com/blog/5-debt-lessons-every-student-should-know/ How To Minimize Debt as a Millennial - https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-to-minimize-debt-as-a-millennial/ How to Minimize Debt as Your Family Grows - https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-to-minimize-debt-as-your-family-grows/ How to Minimize Debt Before and After Retirement – https://www.hoyes.com/blog/how-to-minimize-debt-before-and-after-retirement/

506 –  Are Subscriptions and Delivery Apps Driving you into Debt?

Doug is joined by  Amanda Clayman, a financial therapist specializing in helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences shape their financial choices through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her expertise has been highlighted in various media outlets including CNBC, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Oprah Magazine. In this episode, we look at the emotional aspects of financial challenges and address the impact it can have on our mental health.  Amanda shares strategies  for achieving financial objectives during times of struggle. We also discuss how financial decisions affect our relationships and the importance of values and goals.  Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:17 What is a financial therapist? 03:35 How can a financial therapist help you? 04:13 Do financial problems cause psychological stress? 06:07 How does financial therapy work? 09:01 What’s an example of how someone would describe their financial situation? 11:53 Advice for couples dealing with difficult financial decisions 17:00 Client trends in financial therapy 17:37 Values and goals 24:13 How many sessions of financial therapy will you need?     Related Links: Are Debt and Mental Health Connected? Understanding Debt Stress:  https://www.hoyes.com/blog/are-debt-and-mental-health-connected-understanding-debt-stress/ About Amanda: https://amandaclayman.com/about Amanda Clayman Website: https://amandaclayman.com/ Amanda’s Podcast, Emotional Investment: www.Audible.com/emotionalinvestment Amanda Clayman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandaclayman/ Amanda Clayman Twitter: https://twitter.com/mandaclay Amanda Clayman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandaclayman/ Amanda Clayman Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AmandaClaymanFinancialTherapy/ Amanda Clayman Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/claymanamanda/

381 – Can You Improve Your Credit Score Without Debt?

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