Over-Spending During The Holidays
People love giving during the Christmas season, but what people don’t love is seeing their credit card statements come January. On average, places offering consumer debt help see a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking help in January and February, and most of that traffic is propelled to their doors by holiday…
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All About Credit Reporting
To start, here is a little bit of information about credit-reporting agencies in Canada. The two largest credit-reporting agencies in Canada are Equifax and TransUnion. These agencies are a repository of consumer credit information. They do not make credit decisions, rate consumers, or grant credit. The agencies receive information about you directly from your credit…
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TFSA vs. Paying Down Debt
In the new year, many people may consider pitting money into a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). TFSAs are great, but if you’re in debt, it may be better to pay down some of your debt. Credit Card Debt vs. TFSA If you’re paying 18% in interest on your credit cards, and only 1% in…
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RRSP Contributions And Filing Your Income Tax in 2017
It’s almost that time of year again! RRSP season is just around around the corner. You can make RRSP contributions during the first sixty days of 2017 and claim these contributions on your 2016 income tax return. This year, the RRSP contribution deadline for the 2016 tax year is March 1st, 2017. The main benefits of contributing to RRSPs are; you…
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New Years Resolution: Break Out Of Debt!
A brand new year often inspires positive life changes such as breaking free of debt. If collections calls have been interrupting your dinner or you’re just stressed out from heavy-duty debt, here’s how to eliminate the burden. Determine where you stand In order to solve a problem, you need to fully understand it. Assess your…
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Payday Loans and Holiday Debt
With Christmas bills about to roll in, I thought now would be a great time to talk about why getting a payday loan is a terrible idea. I understand why people are interested in the idea. It’s a quick fix…or is it? Before you take the plunge into the payday loan cycle, do your research….
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Should you withdrawal from your RRSP to pay down debt?
Many people think that it makes sense to pay off high interest debt by withdrawing from their RRSP because it will get rid of their interest payments. In most cases, I agree with paying down high interest debt by any means possible. But, before making an early withdrawal from an RRSP — for any reason…
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Consumer Proposals and Student Loans
If your student loan is causing you financial hardship, it is a good idea to have an in-depth discussion with a bankruptcy trustee. Student loans through the Canada Student Loans Program can be included in a bankruptcy if they are more than seven years old. That is – if your end-of-study date is more than…
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Stop Collection Calls
Do you get a sense of dread whenever your phone rings because it is just as likely to be an aggressive collection agent as it is to be your loved one or friend? If so, it’s time to start looking for a solution to the problem. Hiding from it can only last for so long….
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What will you lose if you file bankruptcy?
Many people hear the word “bankruptcy” and automatically think the worst. People assume that if they file bankruptcy, they will lose everything. In most cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most people are able to retain most everything that they own. Every province has created a list of exemptions, meaning assets that are protected…
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