If your finances are strained, a payday loan may solve an immediate need, but, their cost will take more money out of an already strained situation and, over time, make your situation worse.
Tag: credit counselling
Reset and Restart: Personal Bankruptcy and the Relief from the Stress of Unmanageable Debt in Canada
Personal Bankruptcy is the last choice for most individuals but it is good that this process is available because, without it, there might be no relief from the stress of unmanageable debt.
Announcement – New Designation for Insolvency Professionals
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”.
What Is the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (“BIA)
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.
Consumer Proposal vs. Credit Counselling?
With all of the choices facing financially distressed consumers, it’s important to compare your options. The most common options are a Consumer Proposal only available through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee or a Debt Management/Repayment Plan offered by credit counselling agencies.
Banking Fees – Are You Paying Too Much?
It’s important to find the best type of account and monthly plan to fit your lifestyle so you can start by reviewing your monthly bank statements to see the fees and service charges you have incurred in the past. This will provide the information you need to compare the types of accounts and plans that best suited to your usage.
Having the wrong plan or too many bank accounts can be costly, and you might be paying for unnecessary bank expenses than a plan that is tailored to your individual or family needs.
Beware of Debt Settlement Offers
The debt settlement and credit counselling companies would have you believe that they can easily have your credit balances reduced and save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. The problem is they cannot guarantee any results. They will require that you pay them monthly administration fees and/or a percentage of the settlement amount as payment for their services. But you need to read their documents very closely to find out what happens to all of those fees that you have paid if they are unable to reach agreements with some or all of your creditors.
Financial Warning Signs
Most of us can sense impending financial trouble but we tend to shy away from seeking professional help out of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Licenced Insolvency Trustees and debt counsellors are there to help and should be able to provide you with financial counselling in a non-judgmental and professional manner. The information they provide should help you better understand your financial situation and the options and resources that are in place to assist you. This will allow you to make the best possible decision to resolve your financial concerns.