Total consumer debt hit a record high in Canada this year, with the average Canadian owing $22,000 in non-mortgage debt. So how are students, seniors, and maxed-out families tackling their debt head on? (and why is it so hard to talk about?)

On this episode, people get real about what they owe, how they got there — and the surprising ways they're digging themselves out.

First up, Ify Chiwetelu ventures out to Toronto's Trinity Bellwoods Park armed wiith her microphone and one nosy question: How much debt do you have?

Jake Sanford was a rising star in baseball with a $590,000 signing bonus and a swing that got him drafted by the New York Yankees. But behind the stats was a gambling addiction that cost him everything. 

Rachel Garand never thought she'd still be working at age 80, handing out food samples at Costco. But with $16,000 in high-interest credit card debt, Rachel's golden years are anything but golden.

For Danica Nelson, debt has never been an option. In fact, at 35, she’s never even received a credit card bill with a balance owing. And while her stringent approach to money has kept her financially healthy for years, it’s also left her indebted in other ways.

Every month, Esosa Idahosa and six of her friends each put $1000 into a pot of money, and one of them collects. It's called an ajo — or an esusu, or sou-sou — and Esosa says it's been a game changer helping her attain her financial goals.

And want to retire by 35, with no debt, living in one of the most expensive cities in Canada? We revisit a conversation with Stephanie Williams and Celestian Rince, who are on track to do exactly that.