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STUDENT LOAN DEBT, DOES IT AFFECT THE ECONOMY?

STUDENT LOAN DEBT, DOES IT AFFECT THE ECONOMY?Student loan debt is not just a problem for students and their families to deal with. It’s a serious problem that has invaded all facets of our society and has significantly impacted our economy. According to the Canadian Federation of Students:

  • The average student loan debt is $27,000
  • Between 2012 and 2013 more than 400,000 students borrowed money to help pay for more schooling
  • The CSLP (Canada Student Loans Program) expected to lend approximately $2.46 billion during the 2013-14 academic year

Statistics Canada’s Survey of Financial Security reports that student debt grew 44.1% from 1999 to 2012, or 24.4% between 2005 and 2012. And, one in eight Canadian families is carrying student debt. The average student is having a great deal of difficulty paying off their student loans and according to the Canada Student Loans Program, most students take nearly 10 years to pay off their loans – with some taking the maximum 14.5 years. In September 2010 the amount of student loans owed to the Government of Canada was more than $15 billion dollars, which is greater than the debt of some provinces. The federal government has written off another $231 million in unpaid student loans this year from more than 44,000 cases, after exhausting all avenues attempting to collect.

A study last year from TD Bank found that students are increasingly delaying major life milestones due to the rising costs of education. How can someone who is still paying off student loans assume a mortgage or car loan? Students are shackled by their student loan debt and there is no relief. Student loans can only be discharged by bankruptcy if you have been out of school entirely (full time or part time) for 7 years or more. Student loan debt has significantly impacted our economy because university graduates lack the disposable income to create a buoyant housing market, brisk car sales and restricts the purchase of high ticket items which all fuel the economy. The CSLP does not have a program for student loan debt forgiveness or student loan debt relief.

If you’re facing financial crisis or bankruptcy, you need a plan for Starting Over, Starting Now. Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can solve your problems with immediate action and the right plan. Contact us today.

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THE CASH STORE ONTARIO: THIS PAYDAY LOAN OUTFIT NEEDED HELP AND CALLED A TRUSTEE!

Real Payday Loan Help, payday loan, payday loans, payday loan companies, guaranteed bad credit loans Toronto, bad credit loans Toronto, bad credit loans online, trustees, licensed trustees, trustee, debt, The Cash Store OntarioDo you need help-The Cash Store Ontario Payday Loan? Any other payday loan? Contact a Trustee. THEY DID!! They are currently in formal bankruptcy protection restructuring proceedings and had to stop making loans in certain provinces, including Ontario!

Payday loans such as The Cash Store Ontario payday loan are an ongoing problem and we’ve reported on this very serious issue in a number of blogs – Legit Companies Don’t Guarantee Bad Credit Loans Toronto, Beware Of Payday Loan Companies Targeting You With Mobile Apps!, Bad Credit Loans Online Attack The Already Vulnerable, Payday Loans Are Not The Answer To Your Financial Problems, and Ontario Cracks Down On The Cash Store Payday Loan Company.

Companies and products just like The Cash Store Ontario payday loan prey on the already vulnerable, people looking for guaranteed bad credit loans. I thought that things couldn’t get worse for the consumer, until I saw a television commercial from a company called Real Payday Loan Help. This company is selling educational courses, taking advantage of people who have already been taken advantage of yet are continuing to look for companies advertising “guaranteed bad credit loans Toronto”. This is not a Canadian company; they are based in Florida. They are not professional, federally licensed trustees. They can’t offer you any help with your serious debt issues. The only thing they can do is help you create more debt.

It’s not surprising that payday loan companies and products like The Cash Store Ontario payday loan and companies like Real Payday Loan Help are moving into Canada. The United States has been cracking down on payday loan companies. Currently there are 12 states where payday loans are completely banned, but there are many more in which the industry is restricted in some way or another. In fact, only six states have no cash advance interest ceiling whatsoever. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces many laws to protect consumers in this area and they have filed many law enforcement actions against payday loan companies.

When you have serious debt issues you need help from a licensed trustee. Bad credit loans online will only help you get caught in a debt spiral. So, if you are involved with a company or product such as The Cash Store Ontario payday loan, you do need help. The Cash Store Ontario had to go to a licensed trustee and you should too. You need Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We will evaluate your situation and provide you with a solid plan for moving forward so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life.

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FINANCIAL CRISIS IN CANADA: CAN REAL ESTATE PRICES TRIGGER ONE?

real estate, real estate bubble, residential mortgage debt, mortgage rates, debt, housing market, financial crisis in Canada, real estate seminars, household debtIn 2007 Canadians watched as the real estate bubble burst in the United States; can a financial crisis in Canada be triggered this way? We believed then and continue to believe now that a financial crisis in Canada can’t happen because Canada enjoys an extremely well regulated financial system. But, should we really be secure in this belief or will rising real estate prices trigger a financial crisis in Canada? Many analysts are concerned and for good reason:

  • 7.5% of the Canadian workforce is in the construction industry, while 7% of the Canadian economy is based on residential construction – both record highs
  • The unemployment rate rose from 6.9% to 7.2%
  • The Canadian debt-to-income ratio has soared to a record 164%, above levels experienced in the U.S. before the financial crisis

A housing bust could potentially lead to an increase in unemployment which could trigger a financial crisis in Canada. The Canadian Bankers Association reports that 70% of all household debt in Canada is made up of residential mortgage debt. According to Amna Asaf, an economist with the macro research firm Capital Economics, “Even a modest uptick in mortgage rates will translate into much higher homeownership costs, easily outpacing any expected increase in household incomes. This will price out some prospective home buyers, reinforcing the drop back in existing home sales that is already under way.” This is the same dynamic that triggered the bust of the U.S. real estate bubble in 2007. Although Canada’s strict housing regulations will likely cushion the blow to a degree, it doesn’t grant us immunity from a financial crisis in Canada.

There is a growing belief that housing is an investment that can only increase in value, which of course is fueled by a plethora of free real estate seminars and television shows dedicated to showing you how to make money with real estate – flipping properties, income properties, etc. However, making money with these types of ventures is predicated on the myth that the housing market won’t suffer a decline in value. Either a soft real estate market, or worse, a financial crisis in Canada, when you are ready to sell your house, will produce declining values of varying degrees.

Have you gotten in over your head in the housing market to the point where you could not come up with $2000 in an emergency? Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can help with your serious debt issues. Contact us today for a consultation. We approach every file with the attitude that corporate or personal financial problems can be solved given immediate action and the right plan. Starting Over, Starting Now you can take the first step towards living a debt free life.

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OWED WAGES BY EMPLOYER? FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY TO GET PAID

accrued vacation pay wage earner protection program, owed wages by employer, starting over starting now, avoid bankruptcy, licensed trustee, trustee, Service Canada, receivership, bankruptcy, notice of intention to make a proposal, Division I Proposal, Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, WEPPA, bankrupt, wages, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, BIADo you believe you wages are owing to by your employer? People ask us what if my employer owes me money & goes into either receivership or bankruptcy.

We answer if wages are owed by your employer and the company is either in receivership or is bankrupt don’t despair; there is hope for you to recuperate monies owed to you. The Wage Earner Protection Program (“WEPP”) Act – WEPPA – in conjunction with an amendment to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) – BIA – created a mechanism for employees to be compensated for claims of unpaid wages, commissions and vacation pay accrued in the six months preceding the employer files for bankruptcy or being placed in receivership and wages are owed to you along with claims for unpaid termination and/or severance pay.

Are there any exceptions to this? What are the rules?

There are a few exceptions. You are generally not eligible if, during the period for which you wages are owed to you by your employer, you:

  • were an officer or a director of your former employer
  • had a controlling interest in the business of your former employer
  • were a manager whose responsibilities included making binding financial decisions impacting the business of your former employer, and/or making binding decisions on the payment or non-payment of wages by your former employer

Who is eligible for the WEPP? You may apply if wages are owed to you by your employer and:

  • your former employer has filed for bankruptcy or is subject to a receivership
  • wages are owed to you by your employer, vacation pay, termination or severance pay from your former employer
  • amounts earned during the eligibility period or, in the case of termination or severance pay, your employment was terminated during the eligibility period ending on the date of bankruptcy or receivership

One more very important exception – it only applies if wages are owed to you by your employer and your employer is in either receivership or bankruptcy and owes you wages. If your employer is attempting a corporate restructuring under a Notice of Intention to Make a Proposal, a Division I Proposal or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, then WEPPA and its provisions do not come into play.

Claim limits

Regardless of the total amount owing to you, the maximum any employee can receive under WEPPA is the greater of $3,200 or four times the maximum weekly insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act (which is now greater than $3,200). Once employees file claims with both the Trustee and Service Canada, Service Canada pays their claims for owed wages by employer and Service Canada becomes the creditor. The amendment to the BIA has recognized WEPPA and created a priority charge that supersedes all secured charges except CRA’s deemed trust claim (and the reclaiming rights of farmers and suppliers) to a max of $2,000 per employee, secured against current assets.

Documentation

While no one wants – or expects – to be part of a receivership or bankruptcy, you should always keep detailed records of hours worked for any pay period. On any occasion when you discover there will be no paycheque, record the loss that you will suffer, such as not being able to pay bills or buy groceries. Ask for a formal explanation from your employer and keep detailed notes on your efforts. It’s important to prove that when owed wages by employer; you still expect to be paid, even if it’s late.

If your employer is in receivership or bankruptcy proceedings, and you believe you have a claim for owed wages by employer, find the trustee and get in touch with Service Canada. Have your records ready and make sure you get your Proof of Claim.

If you are experiencing financial problems, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We are a licensed trustee and will listen to your issues and offer compassionate, professional assistance to aid you to avoid bankruptcy, so that you can regain control of your life, Starting Over, Starting Now.

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CREDIT REPORT: CHECK IT TO IMPROVE A POOR CREDIT SCORE OR A BAD CREDIT SCORE

credit report, credit score, bad credit score, credit bureau, TransUnion, Equifax, credit reporting agencies, poor credit score, trustee, insolvency, bankruptcy, starting over starting nowHave you checked your credit report lately? Everyone I know does not wish to have either a poor credit score or worse, a bad credit score, but many Canadians pay little or no attention to their credit report and that’s a mistake that can seriously impact your life.

According to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre:

  • 17% of Canadian adults had checked their credit reports in the prior three years
  • Of those who checked, 18% found inaccuracies in their credit reports
  • 10% believed they were denied access to financial services because of report inaccuracies

In fact, some credit bureau watchers estimate that there are errors in 10% to 33% of credit files. You may be surprised to know that one of the biggest sources of conflict isn’t fraud, it’s cell phone providers who send overdue accounts to collection. We reported on one such story in a blog titled Your Credit Rating Can Be Ruined Even If You Don’t Do Anything Wrong. Mr. Dave Johnson of Pembroke, Ontario had his credit rating ruined by Rogers even though he never had a Rogers account and he has spent three years fighting a Rogers Bill that isn’t his. “That one derogatory record has a substantial impact on credit score and it stands out on the credit report,” says Tim Ashby, a vice-president of personal solutions for Equifax. If your credit is not in good standing you will most likely be denied a loan or mortgage. It can also affect your ability to rent housing or get hired for a job.

How often should I check my credit report?

According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, check your credit report at least once a year. Review it carefully for errors and signs of identity theft. Order your credit report from both credit reporting agencies. Consider requesting your report from one agency and then waiting six months before you order from the other agency. By spacing out your requests in this way, you may be able to detect any problems sooner.

Who are the credit reporting agencies and how can I contact them to get my credit report?

The credit reporting agencies are TransUnion and Equifax. By clicking on the links you will be taken to their websites where you can access their phone numbers, fax and email in addition to information on how you get your credit report.

Should you discover that you have a poor credit score or a bad credit score, you may need professional help to return to financial health. Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is a full service insolvency and financial restructuring practice serving companies and individuals throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) facing financial crisis or bankruptcy that need a plan for Starting Over, Starting Now. Contact us today.

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PAYDAY LOANS: ONTARIO CRACKS DOWN ON THE CASH STORE

payday loans, payday loans company, payday loan companies, consumer proposal, bankruptcy alternatives, trustee, bankruptcy and insolvency act, vaughan trustee, bankruptcy ontario, Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc., payday loan, payday loan companies, mobile apps, instant cash, credit, bad credit, bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals, trustee, Canadian Payday Loan Association, living paycheque to paycheque, credit problemsPayday loans. We’ve been making you aware of the dangers of using them in our previous blogs – Legitimate Companies Don’t Guarantee Loans If You Have Bad Credit Or No Credit, Payday Loans Are Not The Answer To Your Financial Problems, Beware of Payday Loan Companies Targeting you with Mobile Apps! and Online Bad Credit Loans Attack the Already Vulnerable. The Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services refused to issue a lender’s license to The Cash Store under the Payday Loans Act, 2008, S.O. 2008, Ch. 9 which was upheld by the Court. The result is that The Cash Store is not currently permitted to sell any payday loan products or line of credit products in Ontario. The Ontario Government found that The Cash Store was attacking the already vulnerable, in ways we have explained in our previous blogs (which you can read by clicking on the links above). Watch the video below to find out more. There is no quick fix for serious debt problems and digging a deeper hole for yourself with a high interest payday loan is only going to make matters worse. Stop the downward debt spiral and seek out a professional trustee. At Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. helping clients deal with serious debt issues is our business. There are a variety of options available to you including bankruptcy alternatives – credit counselling, debt consolidation, and consumer proposals – and bankruptcy. Let us help you end the downward debt spiral so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life. Here is the video of a news report which was done prior to the Court upholding the Ontario Government’s decision to ban The Cash Store from making payday loans or other loans –

 

 

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BAD CREDIT LOANS ONLINE ATTACK THE ALREADY VULNERABLE

guaranteed consolidation loan ontario, legit short term loans for bad credit, online bad credit loans, bad credit loans online, bad credit loans, high interest rates, high-risk loans, repair and rebuild your credit, online bad credit loan scams, payday loan, financial post, professional trustee, bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals, starting over starting nowOne of the primary reasons why borrowers who are offered bad credit loans online (or in a retail location) must pay such high down payments and high interest rates is because they are considered a high-risk borrower. We’ve been making you aware of the dangers of payday loan companies and bad credit loans online in our previous blogs – Legitimate Companies Don’t Guarantee Loans If You Have Bad Credit Or No Credit, Payday Loans Are Not The Answer To Your Financial Problems and Beware of Payday Loan Companies Targeting you with Mobile Apps!

Instead of applying for these high-risk and expensive bad credit loans online or in person, it is better to repair and rebuild your credit. Read on, and find how the people who run these online bad credit loan scams who advertise “legit short term loans for bad credit“, “bad credit loans online” or “guaranteed consolidation loan Ontario” attack the already vulnerable. Payday loan operators provide relatively small, short-term loans or payday advances. People tend to borrow $1,500 or less for a maximum of 62 days and the money is advanced in exchange for a post-dated cheque or some other form of pre-authorized payment.

In her article in the Financial Post on April 8, 2014, Melissa Leong interviewed someone who resorted to these bad credit loans online scams:

“The interest kills you, says Lucy, who asked that her name not be disclosed. The 51-year-old Toronto resident receives disability support payments and has gotten payday loans online and in the stores to help her endure unexpected events. She took out a $1,000 payday loan this year to cover cancer medicine and orthodontic work for her son. She had to pay back $1,200.”

Don’t set yourself up for failure using these high cost bad credit loans online or at one of the payday loan locations, your credit score will suffer. The best advice I can offer is to make an appointment to see a professional trustee as soon as possible, before disaster strikes. Before bankruptcy becomes your only option, there are bankruptcy alternatives including credit counselling, debt consolidation, and consumer proposals. Contact us today. We are a licensed trustee and the team at Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. will work with you to ensure that Starting Over, Starting Now you can regain financial health.

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PAYDAY LOAN COMPANIES TARGETING YOU WITH MOBILE APPS!

online bad credit loans, payday loan, payday loan companies, mobile apps, instant cash, credit, bad credit, bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals, trustee, canadian payday loan association, living paycheque to paycheque, credit problemsWe’ve been making you aware of the dangers of payday loan companies in our previous blogs – Legitimate Companies Don’t Guarantee Loans If You Have Bad Credit Or No Credit and Payday Loans Are Not The Answer To Your Financial Problems. Payday loan companies will go to any lengths to take your money and now their latest tactic is to target you with mobile apps and easy online access. Technology is making it easier for these unscrupulous operators to take advantage of you. And, if you have been taken advantage of by a payday loan company you are not alone. According to Statistics Canada:

  • Almost 3% of Canadian families said in 2005 they had obtained a payday loan in the preceding three years.
  • On average, Canadians borrow about $300 for a two week term.
  • There are about 1,350 payday loan storefronts in Canada.
  • The industry is worth an estimated $2 billion a year.
  • Payday loan borrowers tend to be young families.
  • Payday loan borrowers typically have poor credit or a previous bankruptcy.

Unfortunately, there are no updated figures from Statistics Canada. However, the Canadian Payday Loan Association in its study titled Payday Loan Users Study Ontario dated April 2013, reported that in 2012, significantly more respondents (65%) would choose payday loan companies over other options if they needed $300 when compared to 2007 (55%). This shows two things: 1. as we previously blogged, many Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque; and 2. this high cost borrowing source is gaining more acceptance and usage among those with credit problems.

Payday loan companies offer you instant cash even if you have bad credit or no credit, with instant approval. With a mobile app you don’t even have to go into a payday loan storefront. You can borrow money from your phone or computer by obtaining online bad credit loans. BUT, these companies aren’t getting you out of debt; they are creating more debt. Although the rules do vary from province to province regarding borrowing, you should expect to pay 25% interest when you borrow from a payday loan company, even if you repay the loan in a few days.

There is no quick fix for serious debt problems and digging a deeper hole for yourself with a high interest payday loan is only going to make matters worse. Stop the downward debt spiral and seek out a professional trustee. At Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. helping clients deal with serious debt issues is our business. There are a variety of options available to you including bankruptcy alternatives – credit counselling, debt consolidation, and consumer proposals – and bankruptcy. Let us help you end the downward debt spiral so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life.

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SECURED CREDIT CARD

credit score, bad credit, credit history, financial history, licensed trustee, avoid bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, debt consolidation, credit counselling, consumer proposals, starting over starting now, credit scores, financial health, line of credit, rebuilding creditA secured credit card functions in the same manner as a regular credit card. The only exception being that the card is secured by the amount of deposited funds that remain safeguarded in the institution where the individual acquires the card. The card looks like a regular credit card and acts like a traditional credit card. Purchases are limited by the amount of funds backing the card. The majority of institutions require a minimum secure balance of $500. However, individuals or businesses may deposit more if desired.

Who Uses a Secured Credit Card?

The card might be used by anyone with a past or current history of bad credit. When first starting out, many young people or students have no line of credit. The card might serve as a means of establishing a credit history. Someone recently moving to Canada, having recently undergone bankruptcy or having difficulty obtaining a conventional credit card may also look into acquiring a secured card.

Newlyweds starting a life together often look for ways of establishing credit. Anyone having endured a divorce or the death of a spouse may also need to start over and rebuilding credit. Entrepreneurs having difficulty getting financial backing or searching for a means of creating a financial history might also be interested in securing a card.

Benefits of a Secured Credit Card

Getting approved for a secured card is practically guaranteed. Having a card eliminates the need to withdraw and carry cash. However, in case someone needs cash for an emergency, the card enables users to get cash advances. Numerous other conveniences of having a credit card include using the card for making reservations, purchases or services rendered.

A secured credit card offers an ideal way to establish or improve credit scores, which are typically required when needing to apply for loans. By making monthly payments for goods or services, in the same way that one would if having a traditional credit card, you can learn how to create and stick to a budget.

Many secured credit cards don’t carry the same fees that are required by traditional cards so using them is not only convenient but less expensive.

Ensuring Good Credit

After applying for and acquiring the credit card, maintaining good credit means:

i. Paying off the balance monthly

ii. Paying more than the minimal monthly amount required

iii. Making payments on time

Get a Secured Credit Card Today

Regardless of your current financial situation we can help. To find out more about secured credit cards, and even to apply for a secured credit card, click on this link for the application form. If you are experiencing financial problems, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We are a licensed trustee and will listen to your issues and provide compassionate, professional assistance to assist you to avoid bankruptcy.

We will explore alternatives to bankruptcy, such as debt consolidation, credit counselling and consumer proposals. Starting Over, Starting Now, we will assist you to regain your financial health.

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ALTERNATIVE LENDING INDUSTRY GROWS DUE TO A VACUUM OF FUNDING SOURCES

smith inc., alternative lending industry, consumer proposals, consumer proposal, bankruptcy alternatives, receivership in bankruptcy, bankruptcy, receivership, small businessUnfortunately there is a growing alternative lending industry that preys upon small businesses in need. Small businesses that need loans may be refused by traditional lenders who consider them too risky. Although they do provide loans, the alternative lending industry uses loan brokers which can double the cost of an already expensive loan.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, a business borrowing $50,000 over six months in the alternative lending industry could repay $65,500, with more than half the effective interest going to the broker. The commission of 17% far outstrips the 1% or 2% brokers earn on loans backed by the Small Business Administration.

Small businesses are getting loans through alternative lenders, but many they can’t afford them. Marc Glazer, CEO of Business Financial Services, an alternative lender based in Coral Springs, Florida estimates that the alternative lending industry provided roughly $3 billion to small businesses last year. The industry has just a few players in Canada so far, but it is expanding rapidly in countries such as the United States, China and Britain.

Demand from the alternative lending industry is increasing as the number of borrowers trying to bypass the banks increases. In addition there are an increasing number of investors who see these loans as an alternative investment. Google Inc. invested in two online lending platforms – $125 million USD in Lending Club and another $17 million USD in On Deck Capital.

In Canada, Zillidy and FinanceIt have seen extraordinary growth in the Canadian alternative lending industry. FinanceIt co-founder and CEO Michael Garrity says the company has grown by about 25% month-over-month since it started in January, 2011, with more than 2,500 merchants signed on to date. At Zillidy, Mr. Steven Uster says loan volumes have grown by about 600% each month since the business was launched in November, with loans averaging about $12,000 each. In many cases, Mr. Uster says the borrowers are people with money, but they lack liquidity. “What we found is that wealth doesn’t always equate to cash, you may be wealthy, but you may not have liquidity”.

Small businesses are looking for alternatives beyond the traditional banks. Are small businesses in need of a loan easy prey for high priced loans? The alternative lending industry isn’t the long-term answer. If your business is experiencing liquidity issues, talk to a trustee.

Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. is a full service insolvency and financial restructuring practice serving companies and individuals throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) facing financial crisis or bankruptcy that need a plan for Starting Over, Starting Now. We can provide Restructuring & Turnarounds, Review & Monitoring, Receivership & Bankruptcy, Corporate Bankruptcy, and advice to creditors considering launching a Bankruptcy Application. Contact us today.

Call a Trustee Now!