276 – The Problem with Gift Cards

276 – The Problem with Gift Cards

Author: Doug Hoyes December 14, 2019 Duration: 29:54

Everyone likes gift cards.  Free money!  An easy gift for anyone on your Christmas list, but there is a downside.

On today's podcast, first time guest and Hoyes Michalos credit counsellor Patty Sweeney explains the advantages and disadvantages of gift cards, and she gives lots of practical advice if you give or receive gift cards.


Doug Hoyes sits down each week with a different specialist to untangle the complicated feelings and hard numbers around owing money. The conversations in Debt Free in 30 move beyond simple scare tactics or dry theory, focusing instead on actionable strategies for managing debt, rebuilding savings, and making informed investing choices. You’ll hear from trustees, financial planners, and counselors who explain concepts in plain language, stripping away the industry jargon that often leaves people feeling overwhelmed. Whether it’s navigating a consumer proposal, understanding credit scores, or starting to invest with a tight budget, this podcast provides a clear-eyed look at the steps toward financial stability. Doug’s approach is grounded and pragmatic, reflecting his deep expertise in the field, making each episode feel like a direct consultation with a knowledgeable guide. Tuning in regularly offers a consistent source of demystified advice, turning what can be a stressful topic into a manageable process. It’s that blend of expert insight and relatable conversation that defines this particular personal finance podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 500

Debt Free in 30
Podcast Episodes
375 –  Can You Get Burned by Prepaid Credit Cards? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
If you don't qualify for a regular credit card or don't want one, but still need to make credit purchases, a good option may be to use a prepaid credit card. But are prepaid cards entirely safe? Can you ever get into mon…
374 –  How Should Financial Literacy Be Taught in School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:56
Does a student in grade 9 with no income, savings or financial responsibilities really need to learn about down payments or how to calculate mortgage amortization schedules? Should we even be teaching these financial lit…
373 –  Your Top Collections Questions Answered by a Debt Collector! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:48
You asked. We answered. On today's podcast guest Blair Demarco-Wettlaufer, CEO of Kingston Data and Credit (a collection agency), returns to answer your most pressing debt collection questions, like whether a collection…
371 –  Should You Ask Your Employer to Take More Tax Off Your Pay? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:35
Depending on your financial situation, you may benefit from asking your employer to take more tax off your paycheque. But how can you know when that's a good idea? Enter Ian Martin. Ian is an LIT and CPA and spent 6 year…
370 –  Should Car Insurance Rates Be Based on Your Credit Score? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:08
What if your car insurance rate was decided by your credit score? Well, this is the case in New Brunswick and may one day become a reality in Ontario. But is it fair? Are credit scores a good determinant of our driving h…
369 –  Canadian vs. US Bankruptcy: Fresh Start vs. Harsh Penalty? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
We Canadians consume a lot of American media, so it's possible that the ideas we have about bankruptcy are actually what happens to indebted individuals in the United States, and not the Canadian reality. On today's podc…
366 –  What's Coming Up for Season 8 of Debt Free in 30? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:46
Regular episodes resume next week, but for today, a quick overview of our plans for the eighth season of Debt Free in 30. You've told us - we've listened. And this year, we will focus on what you've told us you want the…