DebtMatters Podcast

Even though Canada’s economy is thriving in many ways, the rising cost of living is putting pressure on Canadian’s finances. As the price of goods continues to rise, household budgets are getting squeezed from all angles. Rising inflation is affecting most of us and in this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Leigh Taylor discusses how we can protect ourselves. Topics covered: How the cost of li...

The top 2 insolvency options that provide debt relief in Canada are personal Bankruptcy and Consumer Proposals. Both resolve debt problems and provide legal protection from your creditors. However, they are significantly different from each other. Everyone’s situation is different and there is no one size fits all solution in determining which is the best option for you. Your assets, income and th...

The mere mention of the word Bankruptcy can send shivers down most people’s spines, but it doesn’t have to be a scary process. As with most fears, they stem from the ‘unknown’. Most people who have been through a Bankruptcy don’t tend to share their experiences. This podcast is meant to lift the curtain on this debt relief option and take the mystery out of it.  Julie Drane, Licensed Insolvency Tr...

It has been said that money can be like a silent third partner in a relationship. Whether you’re married or just starting to get serious with someone, it’s a good idea to cultivate open and honest communication about your financial situation. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Bonnie Hooley has had a lot of experience with couples, helping them navigate their unmanageable debt. She understands how much...

Debt is on the rise as Canadians deal with surging prices and interest rates. Many may not realize that they’re on the precipice, only making their minimum payments on a large amount of debt. But all it takes is one major change for the house of cards to fall. In this timely podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Bonnie Hooley talks about the causes of Bankruptcy - taking the judgment out and knowi...

Being in debt doesn’t mean that you are bad at budgeting or don’t know how to manage your money. Right now, debt is affecting most Canadians. Having a plan to follow can help you pay off your debt faster so you can regain financial stability.  In this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Amanda Sherwood talks about how to create an effective debt management plan. She covers: What debt management...

Canadians’ debt is on the rise with increased interest rates and the soaring costs of living resulting in many teetering on the brink of insolvency. Still, most people cling to the notion that Bankruptcy only happens to 'deadbeats', but nothing could be further from the truth. In this podcast Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Amanda Sherwood dispels some of the myths surrounding Bankruptcy. She address...

Owning a home has traditionally been a solid form of investment. But with inflation at an all-time high, interest rate hikes are beginning to cause a slowdown in the real estate market. As the market continues to fall, many recent buyers are beginning to regret their decision to buy. In today’s podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Matt Fader, addresses the widespread remorse that is building as m...

The latest polls have found that nearly half of Canadians are living paycheck to paycheck as the cost of living continues to rise. Household budgets are getting squeezed causing debt levels to increase. Once you find how much money you need to stay on top of your expenses, you’ll either need to make sacrifices or find a way to increase your income. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Matthew Fader discus...

A new report predicts that all food categories could rise by as much as 4.5% in 2024. This may mean that we need to be more diligent in how and where we shop and look for new opportunities to save on our grocery bills. This podcast features, LIT Derek Chase, strategizing ways we can fight back and be more creative with our food budget. Topics include:  Finding out what you are been paying for food...

The end of the year is a good time to reflect on the past year, not only on your physical fitness or weight but also on your finances. There may not be much you can do to control the uncertainties of the economy but you can create a plan to help you achieve your financial goals. This podcast gives you some steps to help set your finances on the right track for 2024. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, De...

Debt is a normal part of life for most people. Recent data from StatsCan shows that only 30.2% Canadians live debt free. But how much debt is too much and how do you know when it’s time to reach out for help? These are the questions Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mark Marshall answers in this timely podcast. Other topics covered are: Warning signs to watch out for Using credit for short term pleasur...

A recent Leger poll taken in September 2023 has found that nearly half of Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque as the cost of living continues to rise. Skyrocketing inflation means that there is less money available to save for emergencies or retirement.  Is there a way to break this cycle? Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mark Marshall, talks about strategies that can help find unnecessary exp...

With rising interest rates, paying off debt can feel like it has to be your only financial priority. But should you not be saving for those unexpected expenses that keep popping up? How do you build financial resilience in these challenging times? Savings versus paying down debt, it’s a balancing act. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mary-Ann Marriot talks about strategies you can use to do both at th...

Credit card spending in Canada has reached a historically high level. With such high demands for credit, credit card companies are finding ways to be more competitive. Some offer lower-interest or no-interest cards for a limited time when you do a balance transfer. But is it a good idea to pay one credit card down with another? Today, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mary-Ann Marriot, discusses low-in...

Personal Bankruptcy is a legal process overseen by the federal government to help Canadians who can’t afford to repay their debts find debt relief. The number of people struggling with insolvency has increased substantially as the cost of living remains high. No-one really wants to go bankrupt but as Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase explains, Bankruptcy can be viewed as a tool to help fix...

With the cost of living consistently increasing, many Canadians are stretched thin and trying to prioritize where their money is going. Saving for your child's education makes good financial sense and starting early means your money has more time to work for you. Canadian parents have a powerful savings tool to help. In today’s episode, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase, talks about how to...

All debts are not created equal. The kind of debt you hold may affect your options when you seek help. Most debt falls into two categories: secured and unsecured. And before you come up with a plan to pay your debt, it’s important to understand how different types of debt work. Everyone’s financial situation is unique and for that reason there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A Licensed Insolvenc...

The Bankruptcy process gives you the chance to reestablish your financial security. Receiving a discharge is the final step and means you are released from all obligations to repay all debts in your Bankruptcy filing. You can then start to rebuild your credit score. A record of your Bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 6 years after your discharge for a first time Bankruptcy. You will...

Fraudsters and scammers are getting more creative and innovative as technology evolves. They are operating increasingly elaborate schemes and are able to prey on anyone with a phone, email address or a credit card. It’s important to be aware of the different types of scams and to know how to spot them. When it comes to fraud, everyone is a potential target no matter how intelligent or tech-savvy y...

Many of us, from all walks of life, are worried about money. There is an abundance of research that indicates that financial worry and stress can have a detrimental affect on both our mental and physical health. Whether the problems stem from a job loss, divorce, unexpected expenses or a combination of factors, stressing about money can take a toll on your overall quality of life.  But no matter h...

Household debt in Canada has risen steadily year after year. The high levels of debt make the economy vulnerable to any global economic crisis. As a result, more Canadians are having to face insolvency options as it becomes increasingly difficult to manage their debt. In today’s podcast Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Derek Chase, talks about what Canadians high levels of debt mean for you. What can...

Filing a Consumer Proposal has become the most popular option to help Canadians manage their debt. In fact, 75% of insolvent debtors are choosing to file a Consumer Proposals as opposed to only 25% filing for Bankruptcy. There is good reason for this choice. But what happens if your circumstances change for the better and you are in a position to pay your proposal off sooner? What would be the adv...

Contrary to what you may believe, life doesn’t end after Bankruptcy. You will be cleared of your unsecured debts and can start to rebuild your credit and regain financial stability. Once you receive your discharge, you have the opportunity for a fresh start. Filing Bankruptcy may be the best viable option to help you overcome insurmountable financial challenges and take back control of your financ...

Do you know where to turn for financial advice? We tend to think that anyone calling themselves a Debt Advisor, Debt Consultant, or Credit Counsellor must be qualified and have a formal financial education. This is not always the case. In Canada, anyone can offer debt advice and call themselves an expert. If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, you are probably searching for a debt advisor....