I talk with licensed insolvency trustee Doug Hoyes about the key things everyone should know about debt and bankruptcy. Long episode description: I haven’t personally had much experience with debt, having only had a very small student loan to pay off after university (which I was able to crush in less than a year), but the fact is I’m the exception not the rule. Most households have debt, and so I wanted to make sure I did a podcast episode all about it.  I’ve known Doug Hoyes for a little while as I’ve been a guest on his podcast Debt Free in 30 a few times. He is seriously the nicest guy, and also incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the world of bankruptcy and insolvency (two very hard words to say if you’re me, apparently!). In this episode, we go through the basics of debt and bankruptcy, such as the difference between secured and unsecured debt and what a consumer proposal is and then Doug shares some of his tips on what you can do now to avoid going into bankruptcy. Doug brought up a really good point in the show – you can either look at life and say it’s all about choices, or look at it and say it’s all about circumstance. The reality is life is about choice and circumstance, but I think no matter what your circumstances are, you can always make the choice to better yourself, change courses and rid yourself of debt once and for all. Like I told Doug, I’ve been debt-free for years and there is seriously no better feeling. If you’re still on your journey to be debt-free, I commend you for your hard work and promise you that life after debt is the best kind of life you could lead. Helpful Resources & Books Debt Repayment Calculator Surplus Income Payment Calculator My Favourite Debt Free in 30 Podcast Episodes Should You Pay of Debt or Invest? How to Rebuilt Credit: 5 Simple Steps Debt Problems? It’s Not Your Fault How to Plan for Big Life Changes with Jessica Moorhouse Best Budgeting Apps Round-up with Jessica Moorhouse & Other Guests Follow Doug on Social Follow Doug on Twitter Like Doug on Facebook Subscribe to the Debt Free in 30 podcast Subscribe to his YouTube channel Shownotes: jessicamoorhouse.com/49