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REDUCE DEBT: 5 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO REDUCE DEBT IN 2014

REDUCE DEBT: 5 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TO REDUCE DEBT IN 2014Reduce debt now to have a Happy New Year! This is the time of year that we vow to take charge of our lives and get healthy, lose weight, join a gym, find love, get a new job…. I’d like you to expand your thinking to include your “financial health” and reduce debt. According to RBC, Canadians are getting deeper in debt – non-mortgage debt in Canada jumped 21% in the past year alone to $15,920 per capita. Don’t become a statistic. Here are 5 New Year’s Resolutions to reduce debt in 2014.

1) I will live within my means: With interest rates low, you may be lured into taking advantage of what you perceive as a great deal. Borrowing, even with low interest rates, is only a good deal if you can afford to make the payments. There are many multimillion dollar houses in foreclosure and many repossessed luxury cars. Buy what you can afford. You can reduce debt this way.

2) I will create a budget and stick to it: A budget can be your best friend. RBC reports that Canadians’ total debt burdens, including mortgages, now stand at 163% of household income, or $1.63 owed for every $1 earned. This is a recipe for financial disaster. A budget will show you what your income is and what you can really afford. You may have to go a strict spending diet in order to get your finances back under control and reduce debt.

3) I will not max out my credit cards: It’s easy for spending to get out of control when you’re using credit cards. Spending takes on a whole new meaning when you actually use money to pay for things. If you want to buy something, pay for it with cash. Keep those credit cards out of sight for day to day spending and use them for emergencies only. This will allow you to reduce debt.

4) I will monitor my credit report. As we discussed in a recent blog – YOUR CREDIT RATING CAN BE RUINED EVEN IF YOU DON’T DO ANYTHING WRONG – it’s very important that you monitor your credit report and take immediate action if there are any errors. Don’t wait until your credit rating is ruined and you no longer have the ability to borrow.

5) I will start an emergency fund: I know that you’re going to say that you can’t afford to save; but telling you that you can’t afford not to save. Do you really need the expensive lattes and cappuccinos every day? Sell the stuff sitting in your garage or basement collecting dust. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. See if you can negotiate a better deal on your cable TV package or cell phone plan. Can you cut out a few restaurant dinners and cook at home instead? All of these little things will help you establish your emergency fund while you reduce debt. And, remember, this money is for emergencies, not an all inclusive get away to Mexico.

If you’re experiencing serious debt issues, take control of your life and contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today. Starting Over, Starting Now there is a way out of debt. Let us show you how. Let’s all make 2014 a great year and a year where you reduce debt!

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DEBT SETTLEMENT COMPANIES FINALLY TAKEN TO TASK IN ONTARIO

bill 55, debt settlement, debt settlement companies, debt settlement industry, debt settlement services, trustee, credit counsellorsDebt settlement companies have been preying on consumers for far too long. We’ve warned you about them in two previous blogs – Beware of Debt Settlement Companies and The Latest on Debt Settlement Companies. In 2010, after a decade of massive growth in the U.S. debt settlement industry, the FTC brought in new regulations that effectively banned debt settlement companies and forced many of them to migrate north of the border. Currently there are 18 companies and 34 credit counselling providers offering debt settlement services in Ontario. With ever mounting numbers of complaints about unsuspecting consumers being taken advantage of by unscrupulous debt settlement companies, the Ontario government has finally taken action and passed Bill 55.

What will Bill 55 do? It creates new standards of conduct for debt settlement companies:

  • Banning them from charging upfront fees
  • Limiting the amount of fees consumers are charged and prohibiting the payment of fees before services are provided
  • Requiring clear, transparent, and detailed contracts that include information about the effect of the contract on the consumer’s credit rating
  • Requiring credit counsellors to disclose information to the consumer about how their organization is funded
  • Establishing a 10-day cooling-off period, providing consumers more time to consider their agreements with companies
  • Allowing the licences of non-compliant companies to be revoked

Bill 55 is certainly a great step toward protecting consumers from debt settlement companies. Hopefully it will be restrictive enough that they will disappear from the landscape as they did in the U.S.

Please stay away from debt settlement companies! If you are having serious debt problems, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We are professionals, federally regulated, licensed and subject to a strict code of ethics. Our fees are regulated by the Federal Government and are usually much less than the debt settlement companies who make unsubstantiated claims. We can help. Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life.

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DON’T BE MISLEAD BY ADVERTISING GIVING FINANCIAL ADVICE

tax lawyer, trustee, trustee in bankruptcy, bankruptcy trustee, bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals, financial restructuring, bankruptcy faqs, insolvency, tax lawyer in canadaHave you heard the radio advertising spots by a tax lawyer in Canada who is trying very hard to make you believe that he is The Rock Star in the world of tax problems and that he and only he can help you? One commercial ends with, “Don’t call a Trustee, call me”. Isn’t it amazing that without knowing anything about you and without a consultation, he knows exactly what your problems are and how to fix them? And, he has no way to know if a Trustee is all you require to solve your serious debt issues. However, fear based advertising must be working for him because he spends fortunes on it.

Don’t take advice from an advertisement. If you have legal issues, absolutely you need a lawyer in Canada. But, the reality is that Canadian bankruptcy law doesn’t differentiate between tax debts and other kinds of unsecured debt, therefore most people can declare bankruptcy on taxes owing. In fact, 50% of the people who file a consumer proposal or declare personal bankruptcy include some form of tax debt. If you are experiencing serious debt problems you must consult with a Trustee before declaring bankruptcy; no doubt you will have many questions about the bankruptcy process. The Trustee will evaluate your case and advise you on all of your alternatives – credit counselling, debt consolidation, consumer proposals, and bankruptcy. Bankruptcy and consumer proposals are administered by a Bankruptcy Trustee, not a lawyer. In fact you cannot declare bankruptcy through a lawyer unless the lawyer is also a Trustee in Bankruptcy.

There are cases in which you may need a lawyer:

  • Tax debts are generally discharged in bankruptcy like other debts. However, if you have tax debts and the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) is opposing your discharge, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance.
  • In most cases Trustees do not act as your advocate. If you believe you need an advocate, you should consult a lawyer. Communication between you and your lawyer is confidential and privileged.

This is not an advertisement and we’re not telling you that we are Rock Stars. 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 approach every file with the attitude that corporate or personal financial problems can be solved given immediate action and the right plan. Our bankruptcy law is complicated. Canada (Superintendent of Bankruptcy) v. 407 ETR. Also check out our bankruptcy faqs. If you’re having serious debt issues, and yes, even tax debt, contact us today. We can provide you with realistic choices for practical decision-making.

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PARK LANE CIRCLE-PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES CAN’T CHANGE THE RULES

40 Park Lane Circle, a mansion located in Toronto, was for sale in a proposed auction and has become quite the source of notoriety these days, although nothing and no one can rival Mayor Rob Ford in the headline grabbing department. Pictured below, it’s being referred to as the Bridle Path’s own Palace of Versailles. Located at 40 Park Lane Circle, it was most recently listed for$13.98 million.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES CAN’T CHANGE THE RULES TO SUIT THEM-40 PARK LANE CIRCLE

40 Park Lane Circle, Toronto

COURTESY: CONCIERGE AUCTIONS

In the 40 Park Lane Circle case at hand (which our Firm was not involved in), the Receiver two months earlier made application to Court and obtained Court approval to conduct an auction of the main asset, a luxury home worth millions of dollars at 40 Park Lane Circle which is in a very fancy neighbourhood of Toronto. After the fact the Receiver was presented with an offer for the Property from a set of purchasers. Unfortunately the Receiver’s report did not explain how the offer came about, specifically whether the offerors were aware of the Court-approved auction process at the time they made the offer. The Receiver made a motion to discontinue an auction sale process and approve an offer to purchase the 40 Park Lane Circle real property. After the recent decision of the Honourable Mr. Justice Brown of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) in HSBC Bank Canada v. Mahvash Lechcier-Kimel, 2013 ONSC 7241, the Receiver’s motion was denied and the auction was allowed to proceed. According to the latest reports the bidding is now closed and the sale is pending.

As Court Officers, we live in glass houses. Every action we take is on display for all to see. All stakeholders to the process are watching how we conduct the administration, and invariably, a party who thought they should be obtaining a better result for themselves will not be satisfied. Accordingly, the sales process has to be seen to be fair, even handed and transparent. The case of 40 Park Lane Circle is very interesting as it highlights that a fair, open and transparent marketing process in accordance with the seminal “Soundair” case is more important in the eyes of the Court, than what might be thought of as the highest potential offer.

What is the “Soundair” case and why is it so important? The criteria to be applied when considering the approval of a sale recommended by a receiver were first set out by the Ontario Court of Appeal in Royal Bank vs Soundair Corp. and hence referred to as the “Soundair principles” which are used when deciding whether a receiver who wishes Court approval to sell a property has acted properly, a Court is to consider and determine:

a) whether the receiver has made a sufficient effort to get the best price and has not acted improvidently;

b) the interests of all parties;

c) the efficacy and integrity of the process by which offers were obtained; and

d) whether there has been unfairness in the working out of the process.

As Trustees & Receivers, we are often asked when selling an individual’s or a corporation’s assets in a Court supervised administration, why can’t the Receiver or Trustee deviate from the Court approved process, or why can’t the Receiver or Trustee share with the party paying the costs of the administration the appraisal information. The answer, which we have always known to be the case, is that the Court and its Officer, be it a Receiver or Trustee, must ensure the integrity of the sales process. By the decision of the Court, the 40 Park Lane Circle property sale is no different.

Our firm has been involved in numerous cases where assets were sold in a Court supervised process. 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 pride ourselves on our openness, transparency and maintaining the integrity of the process. Contact us today.

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FINANCIAL ADVICE THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER FOLLOW

bankruptcy, bankruptcy and insolvency act, credit history, credit rating, credit report, financial advice, insolvency, rebuilding credit, restructuring, student debt, toronto bankruptcy, trustee, vaughan bankruptcy, what is a consumer proposal, what is bankruptcy,woodbridge bankruptcyPeople mean well and many can’t resist giving advice, but when it comes to financial matters ONLY take financial advice from a qualified professional. Here are some classic examples of financial advice that you should never follow.

  • Don’t declare bankruptcy because it will ruin your credit rating. While it’s true that bankruptcy remains on your credit report for quite a while, if you aren’t paying your credit cards and other loans on time, your credit rating is probably already shot. With an insolvency process, we can provide you with easy ways to start rebuilding your credit fast. Without such a process, you will never get out from under your debt and won’t be able to rebuild your credit rating.
  • Credit cards will get you into trouble. Credit cards won’t get you into trouble if you charge only what you can afford to pay off. In fact, credit cards can help you to establish a credit history which future lenders will use when you want to take out a loan or a mortgage. Without a credit history you may find it very difficult to borrow money.
  • A house is always a great investment. Houses are not immune from market fluctuations. The prices of real estate are tied to changing demographics, interest rate spikes and the economy. There is no guarantee that your house will have increased in value at the point in time when you need to sell. Depending on the state of the real estate market when you purchase a home, there is always a possibility that your home may not increase in value and may even decrease in value from time to time, so don’t purchase the house because you need the increased value to be liquid on a specific date.
  • You can live for free if you buy an investment property and rent it out. Television shows on the Home & Garden channel have gone to perpetuate this bad advice. It’s not as easy as it seems on a one hour TV show and it’s a difficult and potentially financially hazardous route to take. Renovations almost always go over budget, so count on spending more than you planned on. Not every tenant is a jewel. Some are extremely difficult and can cost you a lot of time and money. Once you become a landlord you will have to manage your property. You just don’t find a tenant and expect that the property will manage itself. Expect to be called whenever something is not perfect and your tenant will expect immediate action. Be prepared for unexpected expenses.
  • Asking all your friends where can I get a loan with bad credit in Toronto. The lenders that would lend money to someone with debt problems and bad credit already charge extremely high upfront fees, very high interest rates and usually, you will never be able to pay off the loan and perhaps you will even fall behind on interest payments. The collection efforts of these types of lenders are not subtle or pleasant.
  • Student debt is good debt. Debt is debt, and borrowing more than you can repay is never a good idea. The Canadian Federation of Students estimates that average student debt is almost $28,000. According to the Canada Student Loan Program, most students take 10 years to pay off their loans. Does this sound like a good idea? We are certainly not advocating that students don’t pursue post secondary education, but keep the debt to a minimum by going to a more affordable college or university. Work part time during the school terms and full time during vacations.

When you need financial advice seek out a professional. Taking bad advice can be costly. If you are experiencing serious debt issues contact a trustee for advice. 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 will give you sound financial advice that you can count on.

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THE 10 MOST COMMON CREDIT SCORE MISTAKES

canadian credit score calculator, credit score, credit scores, credit score mistakes, credit report, credit problems, credit history, bad credit, bankruptcy and insolvency act, bankruptcy alternatives, bankruptcy, consumer proposals, credit counselling, toronto bankruptcy, vaughan bankruptcy, trustee, woodbridge bankruptcy, what is bankruptcy, what is a consumer proposal, dave johnsonLast week we discussed how Your Credit Score Can Be Ruined Even If You Don’t Do Anything Wrong. This week we’ll be addressing The 10 Most Common Credit Score Mistakes.

What is a Credit Score? According to the Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) “Your credit score is a judgment about your financial health, at a specific time. It indicates the risk you represent for lenders, compared with other consumers. Unfortunately, there is not an online Canadian credit score calculator tool.

There are many ways to work out credit scores. The credit reporting agencies Equifax and TransUnion use a scale from 300 to 900. High scores on this scale are good. The higher your score, the lower the risk for the lender. Lenders may also have their own ways of arriving at credit scores. In addition, lenders must decide on the lowest score you can have and still borrow money from them. They can also use your score to set the interest rate you will pay”.

What are the 10 Most Common Credit Score Mistakes?

1. Failing to check your credit report for errors: As we discussed in last week’s blog Your Credit Score Can Be Ruined Even If You Don’t Do Anything Wrong. Check your credit report at least annually. Mistakes on credit reports are more common than you may have imagined and you need to stay on top of the situation. If you do discover any errors, contact the credit bureau as soon as possible to correct the situation.

2. Not using your full legal name in financial documents: It’s possible that people with common names or similar sounding names could have their name attributed to a credit report that is not theirs, as was the case for Mr. Dave Johnson of Pembroke, Ontario. Use your full legal name on bank accounts, credit applications and other documents that become part of your credit history.

3. Paying your bills late and failing to make at least the minimum monthly payment: If you don’t pay at least the minimum amount due on time your creditors will eventually report your account as past due, which can damage your credit score. If there is a reason why you won’t be able to pay your bill on time, contact your creditor before your bill is due to work out an arrangement if possible.

4. Maxing out on your credit cards: If your credit cards are maxed out, potential creditors may question your ability to repay. If you are approved for a loan you may be charged a higher interest rate to compensate for what is viewed as a higher risk.

5. Not alerting creditors if you’ve moved: Your bill may arrive late and as a result your payments could be late, potentially damaging your credit score.

6. Registering for too many new credit cards: Consumers who often open new credit cards are viewed as a greater risk than those who don’t.

7. Closing older credit card accounts: Closing older credit card accounts shortens the length of your credit history and this can adversely affect your credit score.

8. Don’t co-sign for someone else’s loan: You could be liable for that person’s debt and damage your credit rating.

9. Don’t share your credit card or social insurance number with anyone: There are a lot of scams abound where people try by phone, email or mail to get your credit card or social insurance number. This can be a fast track to identity theft and financial disaster.

10. Ignoring the warning signs of credit problems: If you have trouble making the minimum payments on time and have maxed out all of your credit, you have serious debt problems.

Serious debt problems need professional help. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. and take the first step towards a healthy financial future. Starting Over, Starting Now a debt free life can be yours.

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YOUR CREDIT RATING CAN BE RUINED EVEN IF YOU DON’T DO ANYTHING WRONG

credit rating, credit score, collection agencies, collection agency, credit record, credit score mistakes, bankruptcy alternatives, Consumer Proposal, Bankruptcy, I came across this story not long ago about a man in Ontario who had his credit rating ruined by Rogers even though he has never had a Rogers account. I know this sounds unbelievable but Mr. Dave Johnson of Pembroke, Ontario has spent three years fighting a Rogers Bill that isn’t his. This story is a perfect example of why it’s so important that you are aware of your credit score and credit rating and check it periodically.

Rogers like many large companies outsources the collection of accounts that are in default to collection agencies. According to the Government of Canada you must be notified in writing that your file has been given to a collection agency. In this case Dave Johnson never received notification from the Rogers collection agency that his account was in default because he never had a Rogers account. Never-the-less, in 2010 he received a $5,400 bill from a Rogers collection agency working for Rogers Wireless. Mr. Johnson knew he wasn’t in arrears and contacted the collection agency letting them know that he didn’t have a Rogers account and that somewhere there was a clerical error. The collection agency seemed to be very reasonable and Mr. Johnson believed that the matter had been cleared up. Big mistake! The $5,400 debt to Rogers Wireless ended up on his credit record and as a result of this, leading to a poor credit rating:

  • He was turned down for credit cards.
  • He wasn’t allowed to co-sign for his son’s mortgage.
  • He couldn’t use the equity in his home.

In the process of trying to clear his name and restore his credit, and his credit rating, Mr. Johnson discovered that another man, also named David Johnson, has also been wrongly pursued for the very same bill. The reality is that the Rogers collection agency clearly didn’t have a file with accurate information of the debtor. They were going after anyone and everyone who had the same name, which unfortunately for the David Johnsons in Ontario, is quite common.

Rogers is not taking any responsibility for this problem. They are blaming the Rogers collection agency. In case you think that this is an isolated incident, CBC News received dozens of complaints last year about how collection agencies aggressively pursue unpaid debts. Howard Maker, Commissioner of Telecommunications Complaints, has confirmed that he is aware of this ongoing problem.

If you are being legitimately pursued by collection agencies because you’re experiencing serious financial difficulties and you are concerned about your credit rating, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We can help and Starting Over, Starting Now you will gain back your former quality of life. Watch for our next blog when we’ll be discussing Common Credit Score Mistakes.

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WHY ARE CANADIANS NOT AVOIDING BANKRUPTCY?

bankruptcy, personal bankruptcies, consumer proposals, bankruptcy alternative, insolvency, avoiding bankruptcy

There are many reasons why Canadians are struggling with debt and ultimately not avoiding bankruptcy. However it is widely agreed upon that lower interest rates have encouraged us to purchase big ticket items like cars and houses. The good news is that according to a CIBC report, personal bankruptcies have returned to pre-recession levels, to four insolvencies per 1,000 adults, from an all-time high reached during the recession of six per 1,000. However, that doesn’t really tell the story because the number of Canadians striking consumer proposals has grown to 40% of total insolvency cases, from about 15% in 2006 – an increase that underscores a major shift in how consumers are avoiding the full bankruptcy route. In fact consumer proposals now make up 50% of total insolvencies in Ontario.

According to the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) here are the top 10 reasons that Canadians go bankrupt:

  1. Overextension of Credit: 22%
  2. Seasonal Employment: 15%
  3. Job Loss: 12.8%
  4. Medical Problems: 11.3%
  5. Relationship Breakdown: 10.3%
  6. Money Mismanagement: 9.2%
  7. Failed Business: 9.1%
  8. Failure to Pay Taxes: 3.6%
  9. Gambling Addiction: 2%
  10. Inadequate Pension: 1.4%

The Bank of Canada’s Review of Household Insolvency in Canada (Winter 2011 – 2012) reports that the largest unsecured liabilities are credit card debt and bank loans.

 

LIABILITY TYPE – BANKRUPTCY/ RENTER

PERCENTAGE

Individuals/Doctors/Lawyers/Gov.

24.71

Credit Cards (bank/trust co. issuers)

18.99

Bank Loans (except mortgages)

17.26

Taxes

16.59

Credit Cards (other issuers)

8.19

Finance Co. Loans

7.92

Real Property Mortgages

3.28

Student Loans

2.83

Payday Loans

0.23

LIABILITY TYPE – BANKRUPTCY OWNER

PERCENTAGE

Real Property Mortgages

56.55

Individuals/Doctors/Lawyers/Gov.

13.52

Bank Loans (except mortgages)

11.26

Credit Cards (bank/trust co. issuers)

6.29

Finance Co. Loans

4.52

Taxes

4.34

Credit Cards (other issuers)

3.10

Student Loans

0.31

Payday Loans

0.11

Many Canadians are dealing with serious debt issues. Whether you decide to declare bankruptcy or opt for a bankruptcy alternative – Credit Counselling, Debt Consolidation, Consumer Proposals – you need the help of a professional trustee. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as soon as possible for advice and a plan to tackle your financial difficulties. Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life.

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THE DANGERS OF JOINT CREDIT CARDS

bankruptcy and insolvency act and a joint account, debt, debts, credit cards, joint credit cards, credit card companies, bankruptcy, credit ratings, credit score, trustee, senior with credit card debtI recently met with a widow whose husband passed away deep in debt. Her late husband was very secretive about his finances and his widow only learned of how dire their position was when she became the executrix of his estate. After fending off collection calls relating to the estate, she learned she was liable for some of his debts. Why? Because her husband had applied for joint credit cards on his accounts, in his wife’s name. Needless to say, this woman, who never used the credit cards, was horrified to learn that she was now a senior with credit card debt rendering her insolvent.

It may seem pretty common for spouses to use a joint credit card, but consider the financial ramifications.

• Regardless of who incurs the debt on a co-issued credit card the primary and secondary card holders are jointly and severally liable. This means that the credit card companies view both parties as fully responsible for the entire account balance regardless of who is responsible for the expenses.
• If one card holder declares bankruptcy, the debts are enforceable against the other cardholder(s).
• Even if just one joint account holder acts irresponsibly, both credit ratings suffer. According to Clifton M. O’Neal, senior manager with TransUnion credit reporting, a 90-day delinquency can actually have a greater impact on an innocent party with relatively few accounts and no other credit infractions. The new delinquency may not make as much difference to the culprit’s credit score, if he/she holds other accounts with many more serious problems.

Joint credit cards may seem like a good idea for tracking expenses and collecting loyalty points, but they can also be a recipe for financial disaster. If you are experiencing serious financial problems as a result of a joint credit card, don’t delay. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as soon as possible. We can help with your serious debt issues and Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life.

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SERIOUS ILLNESS AND MEDICAL DEBT CAN RUIN YOU FINANCIALLY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER

bankruptcy, file bankruptcy, medical debt, healthcare costs, credit card debt, group insurance, personal insurance, trustee, bankruptcy faqs, bankruptcy trustee, bankruptcyIn Canada we wrap ourselves in a blanket of socialized healthcare and believe that our provincial medical plans will protect us from financial ruin. People are unaware that serious illness and medical debt can ruin you financially on both sides of the Border. We feel immune from the financial disaster that afflicts many Americans who experience a serious illness. We are bombarded in the news about the financial devastation that many Americans are going through with very little commentary about how Canadians are affected. According to the National Debt Relief Organization in the U.S.:

  • 1.7 million Americans will be forced to file bankruptcy due to medical debt.
  • Over 11 million Americans will burden themselves with more credit card debt to cover their healthcare costs.
  • 56 million Americans will struggle with healthcare related bills.

As Canadians are we immune from the financial devastation of a serious illness? The answer is NO! According to Sun Life Financial:

  • Nearly half of Canadians facing a major health incident like cancer or a stroke are struggling financially as a result of their illnesses.
  • 40% of those surveyed earlier this year reported feeling financially strapped after a serious health event or diagnosis, while 53% of 45 to 54 year olds have been hit hard by unforeseen healthcare costs.
  • Only 13% had money set aside for uncovered healthcare costs.
  • Too many Canadians underestimate out-of-pocket health costs, especially when it comes to prescription drugs.
  • Over the past 12 months Canadians spent an average of $1,354 on medical or healthcare products and additional services; but few set aside money to cover health costs, with more than 81% putting nothing aside.
  • 20% had no group insurance, personal insurance or health expense savings to help absorb the shock.
  • 22% turned to credit cards or personal lines of credit, another 22% tapped into personal savings, 12% borrowed from a loved one and 5% were forced to either remortgage or sell their home.

Are you facing financial ruin as a result of a serious illness? Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as soon as possible. Also do some self-study using our You can do some self-study by checking out our bankruptcy faqs. We can help you get back on your feet financially and let you concentrate your efforts on getting well.

Call a Trustee Now!