April 2016 – Personal Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

exc-596cb5d479a5a2ec0bce568d

Canada – Personal bankruptcies were down 0.9% and consumer proposal filings were up 8.2% as compared to the 12-months ended April 30, 2015.

New Brunswick – Personal bankruptcies were down 2.6% and consumer proposal filings were up 13.5% as compared to the 12-months ended April 30, 2015.

Personal Bankruptcy in 12 Steps

exc-596cb5d479a5a2ec0bce5666

Recognize the Problem, often the most challenging step as it requires that you admit that you are having financial troubles beyond your control and need help. Contact a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, the Trustee will provide a free confidential consultation and review your financial situation and discuss your options.

Dealing With Debt – Understanding the Two Types of Proposals

exc-596cb5d379a5a2ec0bce5652

Division 1 Proposal Is when a consumer debtor owes more than $250,000 in debts, excluding the mortgage on their principal residence. If creditors don’t accept this proposal there is a deemed personal bankruptcy.

A consumer proposal is when a consumer debtor owes less than $250,000 in debts, excluding the mortgage on their principal residence. There is no deemed personal bankruptcy if the creditors reject the consumer proposal.

Filing Your Income Tax Return After Bankruptcy

exc-596cb5d479a5a2ec0bce5679

As part of the bankruptcy process, your Licensed Insolvency Trustee is required to file your income tax return for the year of bankruptcy and any returns that came due during the calendar year prior to bankruptcy. Any tax refunds for either of these periods will come directly to your bankruptcy estate for the benefit of the unsecured creditors.

March 2016 – Personal Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

exc-596cb5d379a5a2ec0bce563f

Canada – Personal bankruptcies were down 1.1% and consumer proposal filings were up 8.1% as compared to the 12-months ended March 31, 2015.

New Brunswick – Personal bankruptcies were down 5.6% and consumer proposal filings were up 16.3% as compared to the 12-months ended March 31, 2015.

Dealing With Increasing Insolvency Rates

exc-596cb5d379a5a2ec0bce5633

There are lots of factors but, I think the greatest single contributor is the proliferation of easy credit combined with low levels of financial literacy.  High debt levels limit financial flexibility and the ability to weather and recover from financial setbacks resulting from job loss, reduced income, illness, separation/divorce, and other life events.

February 2016 – Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

exc-596cb5d379a5a2ec0bce5624

Canada – Personal bankruptcies were down 1% and consumer proposal filings were up 9.5% as compared to the 12-months ended February 28, 2015.

New Brunswick – Personal bankruptcies were down 3.9% and consumer proposal filings were up 19.9% as compared to the 12-months ended February 28, 2015.

The Real Cost of Vehicle Ownership

exc-596cb5d379a5a2ec0bce560a

Think about the cost of ownership before you buy and then think about the cost of use and think ahead to consolidate trips, skip the trip, or car pool with friends and co-workers.  The cost of vehicle ownership also needs to be considered when you choose where you live.  While the cost of housing may be cheaper here in rural New Brunswick, the cost of the travel can offset the housing cost savings.

Struggling With Debt Tackle Your Finances Head On

exc-596cb5d279a5a2ec0bce55f4

Hiding from the reality of your financial situation will do nothing to improve it. People have a pre-disposition to hide from the truth, particularly when the truth is ugly. Unfortunately, we see this every day.

Announcement – New Designation for Insolvency Professionals

exc-596cb5d279a5a2ec0bce55e8

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada released Directive 33, Trustee Designation and Advertising, updating the designation to be used by Licensed Trustees with regards to the advertisement, promotion, and communications related to their services.  All trustees will now adopt the professional designation “Licensed Insolvency Trustee”.