April 2016 – Personal Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

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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.

Dealing With Debt – Understanding the Two Types of Proposals

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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.

March 2016 – Personal Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

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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.

February 2016 – Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

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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

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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.

January 2016 – Personal Bankruptcy & Consumer Proposal Statistics

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Canada – Personal bankruptcies were down 1.9% and consumer proposal filings were up 9.1% as compared to the 12-months ended January 31, 2015.

New Brunswick – Personal bankruptcies were down 5% and consumer proposal filings were up 19% as compared to the 12-months ended January 31, 2015.

What Is the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (“BIA)

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Generally speaking, the BIA is a federal statute that governs bankruptcy, proposal and receiverships in Canada.  It provides relief to the honest, but unfortunate debtor from the crushing burden of debt so they can get a fresh start.

What Is A Stay of Proceedings?

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A stay of proceedings basically means that creditors must cease all collection or legal proceedings against the debtor, including wage garnishments.   The purpose of the stay is to protect the assets of the bankrupt so the Trustee or Proposal Administrator can deal with them in an orderly fashion.

The Difference Between Secured and Unsecured Debt

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Secured debts include mortgages, vehicle or investment loans.  The borrower gives the lender a lien or mortgage against assets such as property, vehicles or investments in exchange for the loan.  Unsecured debts typically include personal loans, lines of credit, credit cards, overdraft on bank accounts, and personal income taxes.

My Spouse filed bankruptcy, do I need too?

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No, if one spouse files personal bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, it may not be necessary for the other spouse to file. This depends on several facts which a Licensed Insolvency Trustee will assist the couple to review. The couple can then make an informed decision as to which option best meets their needs and allows them to achieve their financial goals.