586 - Should You Use Your Home Equity to Pay Off Debt in This Market?

586 - Should You Use Your Home Equity to Pay Off Debt in This Market?

Author: Doug Hoyes November 22, 2025 Duration: 34:52

Turn your home equity into a plan, not a panic button! This episode gives a clear, practical checklist for using a HELOC or second mortgage wisely: how they work, what they cost, when they help, and when alternatives (like a consumer proposal) will protect your cash flow and your home better. Listen first, then decide with the numbers.

(00:00) Toronto condo stress and Welcome to Scott Terrio
(05:00) What a HELOC is and how it works
(07:30) Second mortgages: key risks
(09:00) Home "value" is changing in this market
(11:00) HELOC pitfalls and personal risk
(15:30) Why many homeowners resist selling
(17:00) Could creditors place a lien anyway? Get the numbers
(21:00) Banks can cut credit access—even existing limits
(25:00) Snapshot of cash flow: budget vs. "budgeting," emergency funds
(31:00) Rebuilding plan: why it isn't too late

Think Twice Before Getting a Home Equity Line of Credit Episode with Scott Terrio  – Debt Free in 30

HELOC Debt: Is a Home Equity Line of Credit Right for You? Hoyes Michalos

DIY Free Credit Repair Course

Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest

Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel

Learn About Debt Relief Options in Ontario


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 personal guidance from 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, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.


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: 100

Debt Free in 30
Podcast Episodes
545 – Why We Overspend and How to Break Bad Money Habits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
Why is it so hard to break bad money habits? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos dig into the psychology of impulse buying, the powerful influence of marketing on buying decisions, and the easy-purchase pathway spending cycle th…
544 – The Truth About Loans Impacting Your Credit Score [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:09
More credit means a higher score, right? Not exactly. #debtfreein30 Many assume more loans and higher credit means a higher score, but the reality is more complex. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos break down how multiple loan…
543 – How to Avoid Debt Traps: Expert Tips for Canadians [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:48
Can you identify and escape the pitfalls of debt traps? Learn from the co-founders of Hoyes Michalos how marketing and psychology fuel debt cycles. Spot the warning signs of financial trouble—from payday loans to student…
542 – The Truth of Credit Card Rewards – They're Costing You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:34
Are credit card points and rewards as beneficial as they seem, or are they secretly costing you more than you realize? Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss the truths behind credit card reward systems, revealing how spend…
541 – A House Is Not an Investment If You Can't Afford It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
Real estate is often seen as the ultimate investment, but is it really? Doug and Ted discuss the financial realities of homeownership, from the hidden costs of maintenance and repairs to the risks of negative equity, pre…
540 – How the New Criminal Interest Rate Affects You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:48
It's crucial to stay informed about the recent revision to the criminal interest rate cap, effective January 1, 2025. How will Canadians be impacted? Doug and Ted provide insight into potential lending trends, emerging m…
539 – Canadian Insolvency and Economic Trends in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
As 2024 comes to an end, Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos revisit their past predictions to see what they nailed—and what surprised them. They cover everything from inflation and insolvency to unemployment and real estate and…
537 – The True Cost of Borrowing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
Have you ever stopped to consider the real costs—and sacrifices—of borrowing someone else's money? Whether it's a mortgage, car loan, or another form of financing, the hidden fees, penalties, and long-term credit impacts…
536 – How to Handle Maxed-Out Credit Cards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:38
Is the thought of maxed-out credit cards keeping you up at night? This guide unpacks the pitfalls of credit card debt and offers clear strategies to break free from the cycle. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss why your…