Finding yourself with unmanageable debt doesn't usually happen overnight. It is often a slow unnoticeable process that might start with being a few hundred dollars short every month. But the sooner you take action, the more options will be available. You’ll have the ability to make decisions before your creditors do. If you think you are alone in t…

Owing the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) money can be overwhelming. This government agency has greater powers to collect compared to other creditors. What do you do when you simply cannot pay your outstanding tax debt? The good news is that there are ways that you can overcome debts owing to the CRA. In this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee Leigh …

Everywhere you turn there is another report or survey about Canadian’s record high indebtedness. And alongside those reports we are inundated with offers to help. But be cautious and know that the only debt relief program administered by the federal government is a Consumer Proposal. And the only professional who can file a Proposal is a Licensed I…

Debt cycles are easy to fall into but with a little planning and some discipline, you don’t have to keep spinning your wheels. Acknowledging that you’re trapped in a cycle of debt is a good place to start. In this timely podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase, talks about strategies for managing debt. Other topics covered include: Payday…

If you are already under stress as a result of your financial situation, it’s difficult to decide where to turn when looking for debt relief. Meeting with someone in person who has an office where you live can be helpful. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase explains the benefits of seeking out a local Trustee firm that you feel comfortable wit…

Anyone can fall behind on debt payments especially in these uncertain economic times. Having unpaid debt turned over to a debt collector is a worst-case scenario for the majority of Canadians. But when this happens, it’s important to know how to minimize the impact if a debt collection agency does come calling. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mary-Ann…

Thousands of Canadian businesses exit the marketplace every year whether through filing Bankruptcy or just closing their doors. Many more are on a razor’s edge with the rising cost of servicing their debt due to higher interest rates. Today’s podcast looks at the cost of putting a business through Bankruptcy and other options that may be available.…

While most Canadians view student loans as an investment rather than an expense, they can become a burden after graduation. As the years go by and more unsecured debt is added, it can be a struggle to keep up. If you are contemplating filing for personal Bankruptcy in the hopes of discharging your student loan debt, you need to make sure your timin…

Under the Canadian Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act there are two options that allow consumers to eliminate debt, filing a Bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal. The option you chose is based on your personal situation at the time of filing. But what happens if your financial circumstances change? Can you switch from a Bankruptcy to a Consumer Proposal or i…

Living paycheque to paycheque can be stressful, to say the least. A recent poll by Leger found that almost half of Canadians are living that way. Stepping off that treadmill is possible with a few sacrifices and a bit of hard work. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Leigh Taylor talks about the paycheque trap - how it can slowly happen if we don’t pay cl…

Even though Canada’s economy is thriving in many ways, the rising cost of living is putting pressure on Canadian’s finances. As the price of goods continues to rise, household budgets are getting squeezed from all angles. Rising inflation is affecting most of us and in this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Leigh Taylor discusses how we can pro…

The top 2 insolvency options that provide debt relief in Canada are personal Bankruptcy and Consumer Proposals. Both resolve debt problems and provide legal protection from your creditors. However, they are significantly different from each other. Everyone’s situation is different and there is no one size fits all solution in determining which is t…

The mere mention of the word Bankruptcy can send shivers down most people’s spines, but it doesn’t have to be a scary process. As with most fears, they stem from the ‘unknown’. Most people who have been through a Bankruptcy don’t tend to share their experiences. This podcast is meant to lift the curtain on this debt relief option and take the myste…

It has been said that money can be like a silent third partner in a relationship. Whether you’re married or just starting to get serious with someone, it’s a good idea to cultivate open and honest communication about your financial situation. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Bonnie Hooley has had a lot of experience with couples, helping them navigate …

Debt is on the rise as Canadians deal with surging prices and interest rates. Many may not realize that they’re on the precipice, only making their minimum payments on a large amount of debt. But all it takes is one major change for the house of cards to fall. In this timely podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Bonnie Hooley talks about the causes…

Being in debt doesn’t mean that you are bad at budgeting or don’t know how to manage your money. Right now, debt is affecting most Canadians. Having a plan to follow can help you pay off your debt faster so you can regain financial stability. In this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Amanda Sherwood talks about how to create an effective debt m…

Canadians’ debt is on the rise with increased interest rates and the soaring costs of living resulting in many teetering on the brink of insolvency. Still, most people cling to the notion that Bankruptcy only happens to 'deadbeats', but nothing could be further from the truth. In this podcast Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Amanda Sherwood dispels som…

Owning a home has traditionally been a solid form of investment. But with inflation at an all-time high, interest rate hikes are beginning to cause a slowdown in the real estate market. As the market continues to fall, many recent buyers are beginning to regret their decision to buy. In today’s podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Matt Fader, addr…

The latest polls have found that nearly half of Canadians are living paycheck to paycheck as the cost of living continues to rise. Household budgets are getting squeezed causing debt levels to increase. Once you find how much money you need to stay on top of your expenses, you’ll either need to make sacrifices or find a way to increase your income.…

A new report predicts that all food categories could rise by as much as 4.5% in 2024. This may mean that we need to be more diligent in how and where we shop and look for new opportunities to save on our grocery bills. This podcast features, LIT Derek Chase, strategizing ways we can fight back and be more creative with our food budget. Topics inclu…

The end of the year is a good time to reflect on the past year, not only on your physical fitness or weight but also on your finances. There may not be much you can do to control the uncertainties of the economy but you can create a plan to help you achieve your financial goals. This podcast gives you some steps to help set your finances on the rig…

Over the last few years, Canadians have seen the ‘financial confidence’ drop. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still be planning for the future. Preparing a budget for the new year doesn’t have to take too much effort. You’ll reap the benefits of knowing where you stand in each upcoming month. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Daniel Maksymchak t…

The increased cost of living and interest rate hikes have had a cumulative effect on most of Canadians’ finances this holiday season. Finding ways to keep within your budget can increase your well being. And you’ll thank yourself in the new year. As we head into this holiday season, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Daniel Maksymchak talks about how to …

Debt is a normal part of life for most people. Recent data from StatsCan shows that only 30.2% Canadians live debt free. But how much debt is too much and how do you know when it’s time to reach out for help? These are the questions Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mark Marshall answers in this timely podcast. Other topics covered are: Warning signs to…

A recent Leger poll taken in September 2023 has found that nearly half of Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque as the cost of living continues to rise. Skyrocketing inflation means that there is less money available to save for emergencies or retirement. Is there a way to break this cycle? Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mark Marshall, talks ab…

With rising interest rates, paying off debt can feel like it has to be your only financial priority. But should you not be saving for those unexpected expenses that keep popping up? How do you build financial resilience in these challenging times? Savings versus paying down debt, it’s a balancing act. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mary-Ann Marriot t…

Credit card spending in Canada has reached a historically high level. With such high demands for credit, credit card companies are finding ways to be more competitive. Some offer lower-interest or no-interest cards for a limited time when you do a balance transfer. But is it a good idea to pay one credit card down with another? Today, Licensed Inso…

Personal Bankruptcy is a legal process overseen by the federal government to help Canadians who can’t afford to repay their debts find debt relief. The number of people struggling with insolvency has increased substantially as the cost of living remains high. No-one really wants to go bankrupt but as Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase explain…

With the cost of living consistently increasing, many Canadians are stretched thin and trying to prioritize where their money is going. Saving for your child's education makes good financial sense and starting early means your money has more time to work for you. Canadian parents have a powerful savings tool to help. In today’s episode, Licensed In…

All debts are not created equal. The kind of debt you hold may affect your options when you seek help. Most debt falls into two categories: secured and unsecured. And before you come up with a plan to pay your debt, it’s important to understand how different types of debt work. Everyone’s financial situation is unique and for that reason there is n…

The Bankruptcy process gives you the chance to reestablish your financial security. Receiving a discharge is the final step and means you are released from all obligations to repay all debts in your Bankruptcy filing. You can then start to rebuild your credit score. A record of your Bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 6 years after you…

Many debt collectors and collection agencies assume that debtors are not aware of their rights. And because of this, some resort to unscrupulous methods to persuade you to pay. There are rules and regulations that they must adhere to, though each of the province’s laws vary. This raises a lot of questions around exactly what collection agencies can…

Bad credit can be a hindrance for many things, including finding a place to live. Many landlords use credit scores as a way to gauge an applicant's financial stability. However, having an imperfect credit history doesn’t mean that you will never be able to rent a home. There are plenty of landlords who will rent to tenants with a low credit score. …

Fraudsters and scammers are getting more creative and innovative as technology evolves. They are operating increasingly elaborate schemes and are able to prey on anyone with a phone, email address or a credit card. It’s important to be aware of the different types of scams and to know how to spot them. When it comes to fraud, everyone is a potentia…

Many of us, from all walks of life, are worried about money. There is an abundance of research that indicates that financial worry and stress can have a detrimental affect on both our mental and physical health. Whether the problems stem from a job loss, divorce, unexpected expenses or a combination of factors, stressing about money can take a toll…

Household debt in Canada has risen steadily year after year. The high levels of debt make the economy vulnerable to any global economic crisis. As a result, more Canadians are having to face insolvency options as it becomes increasingly difficult to manage their debt. In today’s podcast Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase, talks about what Can…

Filing a Consumer Proposal has become the most popular option to help Canadians manage their debt. In fact, 75% of insolvent debtors are choosing to file a Consumer Proposals as opposed to only 25% filing for Bankruptcy. There is good reason for this choice. But what happens if your circumstances change for the better and you are in a position to p…

Contrary to what you may believe, life doesn’t end after Bankruptcy. You will be cleared of your unsecured debts and can start to rebuild your credit and regain financial stability. Once you receive your discharge, you have the opportunity for a fresh start. Filing Bankruptcy may be the best viable option to help you overcome insurmountable financi…

Do you know where to turn for financial advice? We tend to think that anyone calling themselves a Debt Advisor, Debt Consultant, or Credit Counsellor must be qualified and have a formal financial education. This is not always the case. In Canada, anyone can offer debt advice and call themselves an expert. If you are struggling with overwhelming deb…

When it comes to finances, you can probably come up with a list of excuses as to why you haven’t done certain things, like saving money. You can probably come up with another long list of bad financial decisions you have made. Not every financial mistake is a big deal, but some have serious repercussions that could affect you for years to come. It’…

Have you noticed that package sizes seem to be shrinking - that the grocery item in your cart is smaller but the price is the same or even more? This is called shrinkflation and it isn’t new. It’s the inflation that you’re not supposed to see. Manufacturers are quietly shrinking package sizes without lowering the prices. It happens more often in ti…

Consumer debt in Canada is on the rise as many Canadians are using their credit cards to alleviate some of their financial pressures. This reliance on credit cards is driving many further into debt as they lose the ability to pay credit off. Inflation has driven prices of nearly everything up and rising interest rates are making it more expensive t…

A recent report on Canadians’ confidence in their personal finances, found that roughly half were worried about how they will pay their next round of bills. And nearly one-third said they were finding it harder than ever before to pay down their debt. There are options available to you to get out of debt. A Consumer Proposal is one of Canada’s best…

Most money problems are caused by events beyond our control. It’s a common misconception to think that people who are insolvent have spent their way into Bankruptcy. A job loss, illness, injury or marital breakdown can often be the last straw for someone in a precarious financial position. In today’s podcast, Derek Chase talks about Bankruptcy and …

If you are heading deeper into debt, know you are not alone. Many Canadians are struggling to keep afloat in these precarious times. Filing for Bankruptcy may be your best option, depending on your individual circumstances. But is there a better time of the year to file? You may be surprised to find out that - yes there is. When you declare Bankrup…

Many Canadians increased their debt levels during the pandemic due to low interest rates and now are finding themselves vulnerable to interest rate spikes. In challenging situations, most debtors will typically miss credit card payments, lines of credit or auto loans before mortgages. Whatever payments Canadians are struggling with - the higher int…

It’s a common sentiment that we don’t want to burden our loved ones when we pass away. But despite all good intentions - many Canadians will die in debt. If you die with debt in Canada, does your spouse or kids inherit your debt or does it simply disappear when you do? Which of your debts have to be paid and how is your estate affected? Licensed In…

Receiving money from an inheritance or some sort of random windfall is something we all dream about. But what happens when that dream becomes a reality and the money becomes payable to you when you are in Bankruptcy? And what happens if your financial situation improves while you are bankrupt? These questions and more are answered by Julie Drane, L…

More and more Canadians are finding it difficult to keep their head above water, financially. Debt can be debilitating no matter what province you live in. British Columbia is no different. Carrying debt comes at a high cost. The stress of managing your finances in these unpredictable times can also have an emotional toll. But you don’t have to go …

Retirement isn’t the same as it was in our parents' day. Declining workplace pension plans and the increased lifespan of Canadians are factors that need to be taken into account when planning. When you start saving and investing can make a difference in how much retirement income you will eventually have access to. But wherever you are on the scale…