debtcare.ca

Category: Blog

  • Debt Consolidation Through Mortgage Refinancing – The Right Choice for You?

    Debt ConsolidationWith the consumer debt levels in Canada reaching all-time highs over the last few years, money (or perhaps a lack of money) has been a common topic of conversation. As a result, debt relief is also a common subject, and it seems that no matter where you turn these days, debt reduction is the topic of the day. And one of the debt reduction solutions that is becoming increasingly popular is mortgage refinancing.

    If you are in debt and considering refinancing your mortgage to get out of it, it might be a smart choice. Many homeowners struggling with debt see mortgage refinancing as an attractive option for various reasons. Firstly, mortgage interest is usually far lower than credit card interest (one of the main types of consumer debt) – sometimes by as much as 20%. By paying off one with the other you can end up saving a ton in interest. Secondly, this works to consolidate all of those different monthly payments into one neat, tidy sum – far easier to track and pay (only past balances though, not charges made after the consolidation). It is really no surprise that mortgage refinancing seems enticing, is it?

    However, mortgage refinancing to consolidate debt isn’t the right option for everyone. Of course, if you don’t own a home, this option isn’t going to work for you. But even if you do, it may not work for several reasons. To begin with, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) guidelines have made it more difficult than previously for homeowners to refinance. Changes to these guidelines mean that CMHC will only insure a refinance of up to 80% of a home’s value, so if your debt means that you will exceed this 80%, the option may not be the one for you. Furthermore, in order to find approval for mortgage refinancing your credit has to be in great shape. Anything less than pristine is usually an automatic no.

    If you meet the requirements and can consolidate your debt by refinancing your mortgage, then by all means, get to it! As mentioned, for some people this is the most intelligent debt reduction strategy available. However, if you are worried that your current debts will exceed the maximum amount allowed by CMHC or if your credit is less than stellar, it might be time to consider some other options. A great place to start to discuss the various solutions that would exist – and how they would work for your unique circumstances – is a debt reduction company, one that has the experience and knowledge to help you get out of debt.

    For more information about refinancing your mortgage for debt consolidation, or to find out about the other debt reduction strategies available, please contact DebtCare Canada today by calling 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • Bankruptcy Trustee – Recognizing their Role

    Bankruptcy TrusteeIf you are drowning in debt and having trouble making even the minimum payment on any of your cards – or worse, not making them – it might be time to admit that you have a debt problem. Ignoring this problem will only end up making things worse, and so avoidance should never be an option. For many in this position the best solution is bankruptcy – but how does one know who to turn to when this is the case – who can you trust? It is very important when making this type of financial decision to understand the role of a bankruptcy trustee and the part they play in your financial future.

    What is a bankruptcy trustee? Bankruptcy is a legal process and must be handled by a licensed professional, a bankruptcy trustee. This is the individual who will administer your bankruptcy or consumer proposal and manage your assets held in trust. This individual can also provide advice and assistance to make sure both your rights and your creditor’s rights are protected. They are an objective party – their role is to remain impartial throughout the process, acting in both parties’ best interests.

    A bankruptcy trustee has several jobs. The first main job is to repay your creditors – this is done by selling your assets. This includes negotiations with your creditors as far as settlements. A bankruptcy trustee may also provide debt counselling or put you in contact with an insolvency lawyer if deemed necessary.  During your bankruptcy, a bankruptcy trustee is the person who monitors your activities and ultimately decides when you can be discharged. For example, if your financial situation changes and your income now leaves room for surplus income, a bankruptcy trustee may determine that a longer term may be necessary before discharge.

    Can you trust a bankruptcy trustee? The short answer is yes – they are licensed and regulated by the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, their actions monitored and any questionable behaviour is addressed. Their goal should ultimately be to help get you out of the financial pickle you are in – and most adhere to this. All of this being said, it is sometimes best to visit a professional debt solutions company first – that way you can be sure that all avenues have been examined before entering into bankruptcy, and if the end conclusion is to file, they can put you in touch with one that is trusted and respected.

    For more information about bankruptcy and the role of a bankruptcy trustee, please contact DebtCare Canada today at 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • Prepare for the Coming Holidays with a Debt Reduction Plan that Works!

    Debt ReductionWith the holidays quickly approaching, the dollar signs may quickly begin to add up – this time of year never fails to leave the wallet feeling just a tad lighter. When you are in debt, the excitement brought on by this time of year can rapidly be overshadowed by the stress that comes with having to spend when sometimes spending isn’t the best idea for your bank account. In the spirit of giving, here are some pre-holiday debt reduction tips that may just help you ease that stress and allow you to enjoy the season.

    1. Stop avoiding. Just because you ignore that fact that you have debt doesn’t mean it isn’t there – and avoiding it is not going to make it magically disappear – if anything this will just tempt you to continue spending. Be proactive and admit that you need to get on top of your debt reduction plan.
    2. Establish a debt reduction plan. Yes, you need to sit down and think about your financial goals for the next year, 2 years and 5 years. Getting rid of debt in a month is not feasible for most individuals, so don’t be unrealistic. However, jumping in head first without a plan may just leave you worse off than when you started.
    3. Set a budget – for both monthly spending and holiday spending. Monthly – again, be realistic, but starting a budget may mean cutting out some luxuries that are not really necessary. For example, you may not need to eat out or order in dinner once a week, but be realistic – don’t cut it out altogether. With holiday spending, set maximums. Maybe it means doing a gift exchange by drawing names, rather than buying something for everyone.
    4. Stop using the cards. This may be difficult, but remember, if you can’t pay cash you really can’t afford it. Stop purchasing on credit if you can avoid it. Since it is likely this spending that got you into trouble to begin with, quit it.
    5. Seek out debt help. You don’t have to do it alone. One of the best ways to get your finances back on track is to seek out the assistance of a professional, someone who can work through all of the roadblocks and speed-bumps and help you on a path to becoming financially fit. The solutions may include things like credit counselling, consolidation, or a consumer proposal or bankruptcy – it will depend on your own unique financial situation.

    When you are in debt and feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, just remember: getting out of debt may take time, but it is possible. Use these tips to help ease the stress caused by debt and take back control of your money.

    For more tips on developing a debt reduction plan before the holidays get underway please contact DebtCare Canada at 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • How Investment Advisors Can Better Protect Clients’ Portfolios in a Consumer Proposal

    Consumer ProposalWhen we think about making investments there are so many products to choose from. Whole life insurance, segregated funds, TFSA’s, RIF’s, mutual funds and more… Financial and Investment advisors representing clients considering investments know that they are entrusting them to help them best gain a positive yield, balance risk and also consider their long term financial well-being.

    When the economy is great and times are good people are in the mood to invest. Sometimes though the economy can take a turn for the worse and aside from the fact that your clients may not be in the mood to invest for a while, they may find themselves in other financial trouble.

    While the Canadian economy performed well during the last recession it is a known fact that Canadian households are carrying significant debt, in excess of $40k per household, on average. When financial times are tough – someone loses a job, a divorce takes place, etc. – usually unsecured debt is the first thing to be sacrificed – it is easy to stop making payments on these in an effort to meet other financial responsibilities.

    This is one reason why it pays for financial advisors and financial planners to have a strong relationship with companies who are equipped to guide their clients through tough financial times. Most people don’t know that many investments are actually protected through a consumer proposal or bankruptcy. Consumer proposals are an excellent way to gain legal protection for a client who is having a serious financial problem and help them retain their assets, such as their home, vehicle and some investments including RRSPs.

    The challenge is that some financial and investment advisors send their clients directly to bankruptcy trustees in these circumstance which can be a huge mistake. Trustees have an obligation to protect the interest of your clients’ creditors. In the case of consumer proposals the fee is earned based on the amount of the consumer proposal. The more that they secure for your clients’ creditors, the better.

    When you work with a debt consultant, the debt consultant represents your client. This means that the client receives a safe review of their income and assets and can have things structured before seeing the trustee to sign on the dotted line. This enables your clients to have areas of concern identified and addressed before these issues can impact their ability to get protection.

    We all want to ensure the best for our clients so just referring your client to any debt counsellor to help is not necessarily the right answer either. Like your industry, there are good advisors and bad ones. It is prudent to interview and forge a relationship with a debt consultant that you can trust to refer your clients to.

    For more information about how you can better protect your clients’ portfolios please contact Michael Goldenberg, president of DebtCare at 416-907-2582 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • Beware of Imitations – Debt Consolidation Companies and You

    Debt Consolidation CompaniesIt is very common, no matter where you go, to hear commercials or radio ads talking to you about debt. With consumer debt levels as high as they are in Canada, it comes as no surprise that many Canadians are looking for a way to help ease their financial worries by getting rid of some of that debt – and debt reduction or debt companies are offering this help. Unfortunately this umbrella term encompasses both those companies who genuinely want to assist you in getting your debt under control and those with less than virtuous objectives.

    Firstly, what is a debt consolidation company (or rather, the right kind of debt consolidation company)? A reputable company can help you get rid of your debt in a way that not only protects you, but helps you regain control of your debt. The possible solutions may include consolidating your debt, mortgage refinancing, bankruptcy or a consumer proposal – but whatever the solution, it should be based on your own unique situation. The company should not require full payment of a set amount before paying off creditors, and should not hold fast to only one type of debt reduction plan.

    When you struggle with debt, the last thing you need is someone taking advantage of that vulnerability. Thankfully, the Ontario government has stepped in to help reduce that likelihood. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Consumer Services took a step to help protect consumers from the unfair business practices of those companies claiming to offer debt relief services. This commitment included new rules put in place outlining appropriate and acceptable behaviour.

    Here are a few of the rules that companies must adhere to:

    –        No company may charge upfront fees
    –        Fees charged to consumers cannot go above a specified amount
    –        Contracts must be clear and easily understood
    –        Consumers must be given (and informed about) a 10-day ‘cooling-off’ period, during which they can consider the agreement and change their mind if so desired

    Any company not complying with these new rules will have their license revoked.

    All of this being said, there are still a number of companies out there that try to skirt the rules and remain persistent in their attempts to put their needs before yours. If you are looking for a debt consolidation company make sure you do your research and find one whose methods are going to actually help you achieve your goals.

    For more information, or to speak to a professional debt consolidation company, please contact DebtCare Canada today at 1-888-890-0888.

  • BOO! Don’t Let Your Consumer Debt Scare You – Fix It!

    Consumer DebtThis time of year it is hard not to find yourself celebrating the scary season, whatever that may involve. However, the scare factor should have everything to do with ghouls and goblins – but nothing to do with your consumer debt. If your debt scares you – no matter what time of year it is – it might be time to consider taking control of your finances and getting out of debt.

    What is consumer debt – is it just debt? Well, no. Consumer debt refers to the debt accumulated through purchases which are consumable or do not appreciate in value. Credit products such as credit cards are the main conduit for this type of debt. Debt from other transactions, such as your mortgage, is not considered consumer debt.

    Consumer debt is often the most troublesome form of debt, especially when it is debt owed on a credit card. This is because of the high interest rates charged by credit card companies. This interest, often around 20%, can make paying off debt very difficult, especially when you can only afford to make minimum payments. Don’t think it is a major issue? Most credit card statements will give you an approximate timeframe as far as when the debt will be totally paid off by paying only the minimum payments. Take a look at that number – it just might scare you into action.

    If you are finding it difficult to decrease your balances, or if you continue to rack them up and then have trouble meeting the minimum payment requirements, a smart idea is to get some help – you don’t have to do it alone. Visiting a debt reduction company with experience helping people deal with debt can help you get things back on track. Your debt reduction solution may involve debt consolidation, credit counselling, a consumer proposal or bankruptcy – it all depends on your individual financial situation. Sitting down with a professional will help you to establish a plan to get things going. This will help to stop or avoid harassing calls from collection agencies and any future (or current) enforcement action, such as wage garnishments or property liens.

    Stop ignoring problem consumer debt – and don’t let the thought of dealing with it frighten you. Get the help you need today to get back on the road to financial success.

    For more information about dealing with your consumer debt please contact DebtCare Canada today by calling 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • School For Debt Relief #3: Rebuilding Credit

    Debt ReliefThe beginning of the school year is behind us; students have settled in and teachers have found their groove. This final blog in our school for debt relief series will help get you back on track for the rest of the school year. Once you have worked out your debt repayment plan, stopped the collection calls and gotten your finances righted, it is time to think about rebuilding credit.

    If your debt became problematic in the past, it is highly probable that your credit has taken a hit. Thanks in part to things like missed or late payments, having too much credit or a bankruptcy or consumer proposal, your credit is now very likely at the low end of the scale and you may be finding it very difficult to secure any sort of financial funding. If this is where you currently find yourself it is important to understand that rebuilding your credit takes time, but it is possible.

    Here is our list of the top ways to help rebuild credit.

    Apply for a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you make a deposit on the card which the creditor then holds as a guarantee. This deposit, usually equal to your credit limit, lets you make regular purchases with the card without the lender worrying about security. Having a secured credit card shows up on your credit report, letting other creditors know that you are being responsible with your credit and not spending outside your means.

    Make at least the minimum payment. This is crucial, as it may be what brought your credit down in the past. It is always a smart practice with a credit card to try and pay off the entire balance each month – that way you don’t accrue any interest and can’t get in over your head. That being said, if you cannot make the payment in full make sure that you pay at least the minimum, or just a little more if possible. Any missed or late payments will just get that score decreasing again.

    Don’t apply for too many credit products. Applying left, right and centre for credit is going to make you look like you are a credit seeker – and this implies that you cannot meet your monthly needs. Also, do not have too many credit products. Just because you have cards with high limits without using them doesn’t mean that your credit will be good. Keep limits low.

    Review your statements regularly and check your credit report annually. To avoid mistakes and to ensure your payments are always made on time, review your statements monthly and report any errors immediately. This is also a good rule of thumb with your credit report – it should be checked for errors and those errors reported on at least a yearly basis (but not too often either).

    Just because you have had trouble with credit in the past doesn’t meant that it has to haunt you for the rest of your life. Use these tips to help rebuild credit. And remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day; rebuilding credit takes time – just be responsible and think before you spend.

    For more information about rebuilding credit or for debt relief please contact DebtCare Canada by calling 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • School for Debt Relief #2: Bankruptcy vs. Consumer Proposal

    Debt ReliefThis week we are back in the classroom with the second blog in our school for debt relief series, this time to talk about the difference between a bankruptcy and a consumer proposal. These are two very popular forms of debt relief, but before you jump in it is best to fully understand each option. If you feel as though you are drowning in debt and don’t foresee a solution in the future, one of these options may be just what you need.

    In Canada, hundreds of people each year choose to deal with their debt through a bankruptcy or consumer proposal. That being said, the two are very different, so we’ve broken things down to help you better understand how these forms of debt relief can help.

    Bankruptcy:

    Bankruptcy is the legal process that discharges you from most of your debts. This may involve the distribution or selling of some of your assets to pay creditors, but this depends on your own individual situation. The first time you file for bankruptcy, if you do not have any surplus income, you can qualify to be discharged (meaning you have fulfilled your obligations) within 9 months. If there is surplus income, you can be discharged in 21 months. When you file you are required to report to your trustee on a monthly basis, make monthly payments and complete two credit counselling sessions. If, over the course of your bankruptcy, your financial situation changes to the point that surplus income exists, you will be required to pay additional monthly payments until your trustee is satisfied. Once you become discharged, your debts are gone and your obligations are over.

    Things you need to know: once you file you can only be discharged by your trustee – it is up to their discretion to decide when obligations have been met. Additionally, attempting to obtain credit after you have filed (and after being discharged) can be significantly impacted. This is because you are now deemed high risk by creditors.

    Consumer Proposal:

    A consumer proposal is also a legal process which discharges you from your debts, but in a different way. In a consumer proposal, your creditors agree upon a repayment amount, usually significantly less than what you owe, and then you make monthly payments for a set number of months. This pays off only unsecured credit (credit cards, lines of credit, personal loans), but not secured debt (mortgage, car loans).  Once you have fulfilled your obligations (monthly payments), you are debt free and out of the consumer proposal. That being said, like a bankruptcy, a consumer proposal can impact your ability to secure credit in the future.

    Both of these options are valuable if you find yourself struggling with debt. Each option has its pros and cons, and so speaking with a professional debt consultant is the best place to start.

    For more information about debt relief and bankruptcy versus a consumer proposal please contact DebtCare Canada at 1-888-890-0888 or visit www.debtcare.ca.

  • School for Debt Relief #1: Harassing Collection Calls? Know Your Rights

    Debt ReliefWith September behind us, and the school year in full swing, it is the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself. So, what better time to give yourself a new start than right now? If you are in debt, this school for debt relief blog is for you. This first blog in the series will look at collection calls and help you better understand how to stop them.

    When you are receiving harassing phone calls from a collection agency it can be very stressful. Each time you pick up the phone can bring with it the anxiety that comes from knowing that you still have not managed to make that payment. But what can you do? If the money is not readily available, not answering or avoiding the calls is probably the best course of action, right? Wrong! This will likely only make the problem worse.

    Here are some things you need to know about your rights when it comes to collection calls. Firstly, when an organization calls you concerning a debt, they are likely calling from a collection agency – an organization hired by your creditors to collect a debt. These calls can sometimes get quite aggressive, so it is crucial to know your rights and better understand what is fair and what is not.

    In Ontario there are laws which outline the appropriate behaviour that collection agencies must adhere to when making collection calls. First off, you must receive a notice in writing regarding the debt.

    When can they contact you? Here are some of the restrictions put in place by law:

    A collection agency cannot:

    –        Contact you more than 3 times in the course of 7 days without your consent

    –        Contact you on Sunday, except between 1 and 5pm

    –        Contact you on any day between 9pm and 7am

    –        Contact you on a statutory holiday

    –        Use threatening, profane, intimidating or coercive language

    –        Use excessive, undue or unreasonable pressure

    –        Contact a spouse, family member, friend, etc. regarding the debt unless that person has guaranteed the debt or you have given permission for that person to be contacted.

    If you feel as though your rights have been violated you do have some recourse for action. Sending a letter to the agency stating why you feel they have acted inappropriately, or, if the behaviour persists, filing a complaint with the Ministry of Consumer Services are two options to consider.

    In the end, the only real way to stop collection calls is to pay your debt. If this is something that you feel you may not be able to achieve on your own it might be time to seek out some professional help. A debt solutions company can present you with the various options and help you get debt relief and stop those calls.

    For more information about debt relief or to put a stop to the collection calls please contact DebtCare today by calling 1-888-890-0888.

  • Personal Financial Improvement: How to Rebuild Credit in 3 Simple Steps

    How To Rebuild CreditGetting into debt is often very easy, and when that debt gets out of control it can be much harder to get out. The consequences of debt, especially when those debt responsibilities are not being met, can be devastating. Getting financing for a car, obtaining mortgage financing, or even being approved for a small loan for incidentals can be extremely difficult, and so getting out of debt is critical if you want to have a secure financial future. And, not only do you need to know how to get out of debt, you will then need to know how to rebuild credit.

    How can debt impact your credit? Missed or late payments, too much credit, too many credit checks and credit going to collections all work towards bringing your credit score down. Your credit report also reflects any credit activity and so any lending institutions can easily gauge credit behaviour based on this reporting. Many debt solutions, such as consumer proposals or bankruptcies can also harm your credit, but if it has gotten to the point that these debt solutions are where you turn for help, they can actually be the first step in how to rebuild credit.

    How to rebuild credit: Step 1. Recognize that you may have a financial problem. If you are at the point where you are living paycheque to paycheque and have accumulated so much debt that you are only making minimum monthly payments – even if you make those payments on time – you have a financial problem. Making minimum payments on credit cards barely covers interest and so the debt will never be paid off. If you can’t manage minimum monthly payments, you have a financial problem. If you rely on your credit or payday loans to make ends meet – even if you are honouring your repayment terms – you have a financial problem.

    How to rebuild credit: Step 2. As noted, the best way to start rebuilding your credit is to get rid of your debt. A professional debt management company is the smartest way to do this as they will be able to offer you the guidance and help that you need to get those debts paid off. Debt consolidation, a consumer proposal, bankruptcy or a debt settlement might be the answer – it all depends on your current financial situation.

    How to rebuild credit: Step 3. Once you have paid off/settled all of your debts, you need to attempt to establish your credit once more in order to repair it. A great way to do this is with a secured credit card. With a secured credit card, you offer a cash collateral and the lending institution will take that money and it becomes your credit limit. You then use the credit card as you would any other – and make sure to make regular payments, never just the minimum. Also, stay away from payday/cash advance loans. These do not report to your credit report and can start a vicious borrowing cycle that can be hard to get out of.

    Rome wasn’t built in a day, and rebuilding your credit won’t be either. It takes time, but knowing where to start is the first step.

    For more information about how to rebuild credit, or to find out about possible debt solutions, please contact DebtCare Canada today by calling 1-800-890-0888.