592 – The Wealthy Barber: Financial Issues Canadians are Struggling with Most

Jan 3, 2026

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David Chilton, author of The Wealthy Barber and one of Canada's most influential voices on personal finance, joins Doug Hoyes on Debt Free in 30 for an extra special double–long episode.

Doug and David dig into the issues Canadians are struggling with most: the true cost of inflation, a "K-shaped" economy, housing affordability, rising student debt, the growing gap between financial knowledge and financial discipline, and more. Subscribe to Debt Free Digest Newsletter – Don't Miss The Chance To Win a Copy of The Wealthy Barber

Buy the Wealthy Barber on Indigo

Buy the Wealthy Barber Audiobook

The Wealthy Barber – David Chilton's Web Page

00:00 – David Chilton on the updated Wealthy Barber book 02:27 – Why storytelling works for personal finance (and how he tested it) 06:52 – TFSA vs RRSP: how to decide in real life 15:21 – Financial literacy vs discipline in today's economy 18:29 – "K-shaped" Canada: who's thriving and who's squeezed 21:27 – First steps: debt payoff vs RRSP match priorities 22:54 – Spending summaries vs budgets: the method that actually changes behaviour 34:29 – Housing affordability, down payments, and parental help 38:06 – Gambling, meme stocks, crypto: a fast-growing driver of debt trouble 55:16 – Hope and next steps: learning money basics + building side income

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Learn more at: https://www.hoyes.com 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.