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SENIORS ARE CARRYING DEBT: WILL RETIREMENT SPELL POVERTY FOR YOU?

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Seniors are carrying debt. Senior finances are nothing short of alarming. How will retirement look for you? Will you be taking part in wonderful retirement activities such as traveling the world in style? Will you continue to work in one of the jobs for retirees? Will you be at home living in poverty on a meager government provided pension?

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This is such a serious issue that we have written a series of blogs on the topic which delve into WHY seniors are carrying debt.

Seniors are carrying debt – What is the current situation?

The latest facts and figures will not offer any comfort I’m afraid. According to a report by the Broadbent Institute on seniors’ finances:

  • 47% of Canadians aged 55 to 64 don’t have an employer pension plan
  • 50% of Canadians aged 55 to 64 who don’t have an employer pension have less than $3,000 saved up for retirement
  • Of the Canadians without an employer pension plan those who earn $50,000 to $100,000 a year have saved up an average of $21,000
  • Of the Canadians without an employer pension plan those who earn $25,000 to $50,000 a year have saved up an average of $250
  • Less than 20% of people over age 55 who don’t have an employer pension have enough to live in retirement for five years or more
  • The poverty rates for single seniors, especially for women, is nearly 30%

If seniors are carrying debt, will seniors be living in poverty?

According to Rick Smith, executive director of the Broadbent Institute, “This new data on retirement savings and gaps in support makes one thing perfectly clear — we have a retirement income crisis on our hands that requires urgent government action now.” The reality is seniors are carrying debt and it’s time for the federal government to step up to the plate and in a meaningful way, increase the amount of money we give seniors. Having seniors living in poverty in the greatest country in the world is just not acceptable.

What can I do now to avoid being a senior living in poverty?

The sooner you address debt issues, the better. Eliminating debt is an excellent first step. Contact the Ira Smith Team. We’re professional, federally licensed trustees who can help you conquer your financial problems so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can put debt behind you and start saving for the future.

By Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith is a licensed insolvency trustee and Senior Vice-President of Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. The firm deals with both individuals and companies facing financial challenges in restructuring, consumer proposals, proposals, receivership and bankruptcy.

They are known for not only their skills in dealing with practical solutions for individuals and companies facing financial challenges, but also for producing results for their clients with realistic choices for practical decision-making. The stress is removed and their clients feel back in control. They do get through their financial challenges and are able to start over, gaining back their former quality of life.

Call a Trustee Now!