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NO CREDIT HISTORY CAN BE AS DAMAGING AS A BAD CREDIT HISTORY

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No credit history: Introduction

Like it or not, our lives are ruled by our ability to get credit (and hopefully use credit wisely). We need credit to buy a house or lease a property, buy or lease a car, have a credit card, get a line of credit and in many cases, get a job. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, many companies check your credit score before offering you a job. There are even online dating sites who match you according to your credit score. And, as we move towards becoming a cashless society, our ability to get access to credit will become even more important. So, having no credit history can hurt you in many ways.

No credit history: Unless you use credit you may not get credit

It’s a Catch 22, isn’t it? In order to set up even a limited credit history and get a credit score you have to use credit. Your credit worthiness is established by your ability to repay. If you pay for most things with cash or by cheque, you aren’t demonstrating your ability to repay. Therefore, if you apply for any type of loan and a credit check is done to decide credit worthiness, you won’t score well if you haven’t been using and repaying credit. Believe it or not, this may put you in the same boat as someone with a poor credit history or even a delinquent credit history.

No credit history: What is your credit score used for?

Your credit score is used to figure many things including:

  • Whether to extend credit
  • How much credit to approve
  • Whether to increase or decrease a customer’s credit limit
  • Determine the interest rate charged on a loan

There are now two ways you can get your credit score online free. One site is Credit Karma Canada and the other Borrowell.

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No credit history: The moral of the story is the best time to use credit is when you don’t need it

Many retirees think they don’t need credit anymore so they tend to pay by cash and cheque instead of credit. Then a situation arises where they need credit and they don’t have a credit history to show their credit worthiness. It’s never too late to set up a credit history. The easiest way is to have a credit card and use it (wisely). Even a secured credit card will work.

No credit history: Use credit wisely!

Using a credit card and paying off the monthly balance in full is not the same as accumulating credit card debt that you can’t afford. Using credit cards wisely can be convenient and beneficial. Credit card debt can ruin you financially.

If you’re dealing with credit card debt, or any debt that you can’t afford, you can count on The Ira Smith Team to set you on a path to a healthy financial future Starting Over, Starting Now. With our cumulative 50+ years of experience dealing with diverse issues and complex files, we deliver the highest quality of professional service. Contact us today.

 

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CO-SIGN CREDIT CARD MEANING: CO-SIGNING ON A CREDIT CARD CAN BE RISKY BUSINESS

imageCo-sign credit card meaning: Introduction

Co-signing on a credit card for a family member or a friend may seem like the right thing to do. However, do you really understand what you’re getting into? Too many people do not fully understand the co-sign credit card meaning. This is risky business that can cost you a lot more than you bargained for.

Co-sign credit card meaning: What does co-signing on a credit card involve?

The co-sign credit card meaning is that when you co-sign on a credit card it’s the same as getting a credit card yourself. You are 100% responsible for the debt. It doesn’t matter that none of the charges are yours and that you are not the primary card holder. The minute you co-signed on the credit card, you guaranteed repayment. If the person you co-signed for doesn’t make a payment for any reason, you’re on the hook for the money – all of it.

Co-sign credit card meaning: Why are you being asked to co-sign?

If you’re being asked to co-sign on a credit card it’s typically for one of three reasons:

  1. The person asking you to co-sign has a poor credit history and is deemed too great a risk by the credit card company. This should give you cause to pause.
  2. The person is very young and has no credit history (and not earning enough money to be considered a good credit risk). This should also give you cause to pause.
  3. You are co signing for your child for a credit card with a very low limit as part teaching your child to use credit wisely and to help them get a good credit score. This includes the parent willing to cosign for a credit card for a child under the age of 18.

The only one of these three possibilities that we actually think is good is number 3; a parent willing to co sign a credit card with a very limited credit limit while monitoring their child’s use as part of giving a financial education.

Rather than co-signing, you may wish to consider helping your friend or relative get a secured credit card. Put up a modest deposit for them. At least this way you limit your potential exposure.

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Co-sign credit card meaning: How can co-signing on a credit card negatively impact you?

As we’ve already mentioned, you will be on the hook for the money if the primary card holder doesn’t pay. However, there are several other ways in which you can be negatively affected.

  1. If there are any late payments on the account for which you co-signed, that can also negatively impact your credit score.
  2. The credit card company can increase the amount of available credit on the card without with the co-signer’s permission (if the borrower is over the age of 21). You could be on the hook for a lot more money that you anticipated.
  3. Co-signed debt Is part of the calculations that decide whether you’ll get approved for any kind of borrowing, including a mortgage.

Co-sign credit card meaning: What to do if you have debt problems

Co-signing on a credit card can be risky business and land you in financial hot water. Are you experiencing financial distress as a result of co-signing on a credit card or otherwise?

If you’re struggling with debt for any reason Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can help. We’re experts in dealing with debt. Give us a call today and take the first step towards conquering debt Starting Over, Starting Now.

 

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#VIDEO – CAUTION REQUIRED WHEN SEEKING HELP ON HOW TO PAY OFF DEBT IN TORONTO OR HOW TO IMPROVE CREDIT SCORE IN TORONTO ONTARIO

How to improve credit score: The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada alert

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is alerting people who could no longer stay current with their debt payments to be mindful when looking how to improve credit score.

Some businesses are misleading consumers by guaranteeing quick and easy solutions to help settle their financial debt or improve credit score. In many cases, consumers could wind up in a worse economic scenario compared to before they got aid.

How to improve credit score: Beware of credit repair firms

It’s crucial to understand that these firms:

  • cannot make sure they will solve your debt problems
  • could not swiftly and quickly repair your credit rating
  • need to not motivate you to get a high-interest loan as a service until other loan alternatives are available

How to improve credit score: What you should do before starting to repair your credit

Before registering for help to repay debt or repair or improve credit score, customers need to:

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How to improve credit score: What the FCAC financial literacy leader warns

Jane Rooney, Financial Literacy Leader, FCAC warns:

“It’s important for consumers to understand what companies can and can’t do when offering services to help with debt repayment or credit repair. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has information to help consumers better understand the types of services available to them and where to get help. Having the necessary information is the first step to empowering consumers to make informed decisions and meet their financial challenges head on.”

How to improve credit score: Beware of credit repair firm tricks of the trade

Some firms or agencies declare that they can swiftly fix your credit report. It’s difficult to change or erase info that’s part of your credit rating, unless a detail is incorrect. Improving your credit history will take some time. You need to prove that your credit practices have enhanced by repaying your financial obligations on time.

Some firms could likewise offer you a loan suggesting it will certainly aid in fixing your credit history. The firm could assert that making timely payments on this loan will repair your credit report. When you sign up for this type of loan, you never in fact receive any cash because the company will tell you the financing will cover its services or programs. Rather, you make normal payments to the company to pay off the loan.

Be aware; this type of loan generally has a high rate of interest. This solution does not help cut any of your other financial obligations. You are required to keep making your payments on any other financial debts you owe. You could only be left with even more debt and no change to your credit rating.

How to improve credit score: What the Canadian government advises you to do

The Canadian government recommends that you speak to a licensed insolvency trustee. Although the challenges are enormous, they are not insurmountable. If you and your spouse have too much debt because of financial infidelity or for any other reason, you need to contact a licensed insolvency trustee (LIT) now. Through financial counselling, a LIT can aid in getting the resources you need to fix the root causes of the financial infidelity and to deal with the debt that you and your spouse cannot repay.

You need the Ira Smith Team. We’re experts in dealing with debt. No matter how you got into difficulty we can help return you to financial well-being. Contact us today and free yourself of debt Starting Over, Starting Now

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WEEKLY EXPENSES SHEET: DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU SPEND EACH WEEK?

weekly expenses sheet 0Weekly expenses sheet: Introduction

I recently read an article in Forbes that really shocked me. The article was about how aware we are about what we spend each week. These expenses could be anything – gas, utilities, groceries, meals out, movies, junk food… They asked three people to estimate how much their weekly expenses were and much to my surprise, they all underestimated by 30% – 40%. The results of this article are a neon billboard for the necessity and importance of a budget starting with a weekly expenses sheet, and a wakeup call to everyone still spending money without a budget and a plan.

Weekly expenses sheet: How many Canadians use a budget?

Only 40% of Canadians use a budget; however 90% of Canadians say that they have more debt today than they did five years ago (Practical Money Skills).

Weekly expenses sheet: Why are so many people reluctant to use a budget?

People think that using a budget will force them to cut out many of the things that they love to spend money on. And they work on the belief that better times are ahead – they’ll be making more money and some even believe that they are destined for a lottery win. Ignoring the realities of accumulating debt can spell financial disaster. People don’t want to face the harsh reality that they are spending more than they earn. A proper budget, which includes a weekly expenses sheet, would force those who overspend to deal with their debt reality.

Weekly expenses sheet: What can a budget do for you?

Budgeting can greatly improve your life and help you take control of your financial future. It will:

  • Calculate your monthly expenses – once you know what your monthly expenses are you can allocate money for those expenses
  • Prepare for the unexpected – budget for unforeseen expenses like an unexpected car repair bill or dental bill
  • Improve your credit score – sticking to your budget means that your bills will be paid on time, which means that your credit score will improve
  • Get out of debt/Stay out of debt – a budget will align your income with your expenses. Sticking to your budget will allow you to pay down your debts and/or stay out of debt

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Weekly expenses sheet: What to do if you have too much debt?

Are you still not using a budget and struggling with debt? For solid financial advice on what your options are for dealing with debt contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. Make an appointment for a free, no obligation consultation and Starting Over, Starting Now you can be on your way to a debt free life.

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BANKRUPTCY TRUSTEE IN VAUGHAN BECOMES LICENSED INSOLVENCY TRUSTEE

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The bankruptcy trustee in Vaughan: Why did we transform into a licensed insolvency trustee?

Similar to caterpillars turning into butterflies, this bankruptcy trustee in Vaughan went through a metamorphosis. The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy officially changed the name “bankruptcy trustee” to “licensed insolvency trustee” (LIT). As of April 1, 2017, all licensed trustees must have fully transitioned to the use of the LIT designation.

The purpose of this blog is to offer an overview of the Canadian insolvency process. Think of it as a bankruptcy and insolvency lesson 101.

What is the purpose of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act

Among the primary functions of this insolvency process, it is to release the individual from specific financial debts. It is to give a straightforward honest but unfortunate debtor a “new beginning.”. The debtor has no responsibility for discharged financial obligations.

A discharge is available to personal bankrupts, not to corporations. Although a personal case typically causes a discharge of financial debts, the right to a discharge is not absolute. Some sorts of debts may not be released. Section 178(1) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) (“BIA”) sets out the types of debts that are not released by the discharge of the bankrupt. The kinds of debts that are not released are:

1. child support and alimony;

2. fraud or near fraud;

3. debts arising from Court orders.

Where can I do some of my research?

You must initially do some of your own research to get an idea of exactly what your choices are. One place to start is our website to learn about:

  1. Personal Services
    1. Credit Counselling
    2. Consumer Proposals
    3. Bankruptcy Alternatives
    4. The Bankruptcy Process
    5. Why use a Licensed Insolvency Trustee?
    6. Rebuilding Credit
    7. Personal Bankruptcy
    8. TOP 20 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY FAQs
  1. Corporate Services
  2. Creditor Services
  3. Our Blog titled Brandon’s Blog

Once you have a good handle on what to expect, speak to a LIT to begin discussing what actions you have to take next.

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bankruptcy trustee in vaughan

The BIA

The BIA allows for a procedure that permits people and companies to be released from all of their financial debts through either:

  1. a restructuring (Consumer Proposal, Division I Proposal or the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act) under secure arrangements of the federal insolvency statute; or
  2. through bankruptcy by turning over their property to a licensed insolvency trustee to realize upon it for the general benefit of creditors.

Either way, the funds available for distribution to the creditors are paid out by the licensed insolvency trustee. It is according to the scheme of priority laid out in the BIA.

The Court will consider approving a repayment plan that will repay the approved part of the financial obligations in no more than 5 years. When you use the restructuring provisions of the BIA (Consumer Proposal or Division I Proposal), you need to have a payback strategy to show your creditors just how you are going to pay back your debts. A successful restructuring plan is an alternative to bankruptcy and will allow a person or company to avoid bankruptcy.

There are various rules and ways that must be followed. Your licensed insolvency trustee can go over all the issues with you and is there to aid you through the process.

How does it all work?

Canada’s insolvency legislation is designed for debtors experiencing financial problems who cannot pay their present financial obligations and don’t have enough cash flow to offer a restructuring plan to avoid bankruptcy. The aim is to get a release from their existing debts.

The premise of the BIA is that the individual must deliver all of his or her non-exempt assets to the licensed insolvency trustee. The trustee will sell them for distribution to the creditors. In return, other than for either secured debts or the class of debts not released by a discharge from bankruptcy discussed above, the person’s debts will be erased. The person will be able to maintain any type of property that is categorized as exempt under provincial regulations. In this way, a discharge allows the individual to return to society as discharged bankrupt. This allows the person to start all over again.

Your credit score

Filing in an insolvency process could impact your financial resources and credit score for years. You should very carefully weigh all your options before choosing the bankruptcy option. That is a discussion a licensed insolvency trustee will be happy to have with you and will help you in first trying to find one of the possible bankruptcy alternatives. Hopefully, together you can see which one is best for you. Only if there is not an available alternative, will the trustee recommend bankruptcy?

A current bankruptcy filing may prevent you from acquiring a mortgage or other financing for years. Credit card businesses will instantly end your charge cards when you file for bankruptcy. Likewise, if you are trying to find a job or rent a place to live, some employers or property owners might look unfavourably on a current bankruptcy filing. If other applicants are as qualified as you and don’t have a bankruptcy on their record, you probably won’t be chosen.

Fresh start

Bankruptcy permits people or companies that are unable to pay their debts to settle their monetary difficulties and start restoring their credit. Declaring bankruptcy will trigger the “stay of proceedings”, preventing creditors from starting or continuing any legal action to collect their debts.

A bankruptcy filing will stay on your credit report for about 7 years. Since many financial debts can be discharged in bankruptcy with certain exceptions, people can take certain steps to begin boosting their credit rating after filing for bankruptcy and for sure after obtaining their discharge.

What to do if you are experiencing financial hardship

I hope this bankruptcy trustee in Vaughan Brandon’s Blog was helpful to you. People experience financial hardship for many reasons. If you’re experiencing financial hardship and are looking for a way out, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. With immediate action and the right plan for moving forward, we can set you on a path to debt-free living Starting Over, Starting Now. All it takes is one phone call.

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#VIDEO- GOOD AND BAD CREDIT LOANS REVIEW CANADA #

Good and Bad credit loans: Introduction

I am always asked where can you get both good and bad credit loans. The first question I ask is how do you know you have a bad credit score? Have you checked it recently?

Last week we reviewed the new entrant to the Canadian financial marketplace, Credit Karma Canada and its service for checking your credit score for free. Right now Credit Karma Canada does not offer loan products, so it cannot help you with good and bad credit loans.

Good and Bad credit loans: First know your credit score, good or bad

This week we are reviewing another website where you can check your credit score for free, and if you wish, also use the site to get a loan product – Borrowell.com.

If you have a good credit score, you may very well qualify for a loan from Borrowell.com. If you have a bad credit score, being one below the Borrowell minimum credit score, Borrowell can’t give you a loan. In that case, they have partnered with a lender who may be able to. If you have a bad credit score, Borrowell will immediately tell you who to contact to apply for a bad credit score loan.

Good and Bad credit loans: About Borrowell

It’s never been so easy to swipe a credit card when you go shopping, but when people can’t control or manage their swiping, they will fall deep into debt. Then, they’ll have to go to their bank to borrow more money, but could face a big objection, depending on what their credit score is.

Borrowell is a Canadian company and a new breed of lender. Borrowell is in the growing group of fintech – defined as “computer programs and other technology used to support or enable banking and financial services”. Borrowell has teamed up with Equifax Canada, to allow anyone to check their credit score for free.

Checking your credit score this way, will not impact on your credit score, unlike when a lender, or potential lender, does an Equifax or TransUnion Canada credit check on you. Borrowell has also partnered up with third-party vendors, to offer financial products. Once you have checked your credit score, you can on a fairly seamless basis, apply for a personal loan for almost any purpose.

You can combine your debt, finance a purchase or borrow for your business. Borrowell has partnered with lenders for those with either good or bad credit scores.

Good and Bad credit loans: Hidden secret – Credit score, credit rating and credit report

The tool the banks use to measure creditworthiness is a person’s credit rating and credit report. But not everyone takes the time to check there’s out. You probably found out your credit rating the last time you applied for a mortgage or other loan, but have since forgotten what it was.

Regardless, time has passed and your credit rating has now changed. Here is the hidden secret. If you don’t know your credit score, you have no idea what needs improving. Once you know your credit score, you can drill down to work on what needs improving. Borrowell allows you to check your credit score for free.

“I would say anything above 650 is deemed to be a good rating” says Andrew Graham, the CEO of Borrowell.com. It’s the first lender in Canada to give free credit scores online. Proving that you are able to treat credit properly over an extended period is everyone’s goal. If you want to improve your credit score, the first and most important thing you can do is to check out where it is now at either Borrowell.com or Credit Karma Canada.

Good and Bad credit loans: Your credit score is an important number

Your credit score is an important number. One that can impact:

  1. your ability to borrow money in the first place;
  2. the rate of interest that you’re going to pay;
  3. your ability to find a rental if you don’t own;
  4. your ability to get a job;
  5. your home mortgage rate;
  6. your insurance policy charges; and
  7. even your job expectations.

We have written before on these issues, including:

  1. GOOD CREDIT SCORES HAVE SEX APPEAL
  2. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUR CREDIT SCORE AND INSURANCE RATES
  3. THE 10 MOST COMMON CREDIT SCORE MISTAKES
  4. A GREAT CREDIT SCORE DOESN’T MEAN YOU WILL GET THAT LOAN
  5. CREDIT REPORT: CHECK IT TO IMPROVE A POOR CREDIT SCORE OR A BAD CREDIT SCORE
  6. CREDIT SCORE RATING: YOU HAVE A GREAT ONE BUT YOU WERE STILL REJECTED
  7. CREDIT SCORE CHART MATCHMAKING SECRETS
  8. #VIDEO-CANADIAN CREDIT SCORE CALCULATOR: FREE SECRETS PROFESSIONALS USE REVEALED#
  9. CREDIT SCORES ONTARIO: USE YOURS TO SCORE THAT DREAM DATE!
  10. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREDIT REPORT AND CREDIT SCORE: KNOW YOUR CREDIT REPORT SCORE CARD?

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Good and Bad credit loans: Don’t tense up!

Even if you think your credit rating is good, people tense up and they get really nervous and uneasy because they don’t know. People I see in our insolvency practice are always concerned about their credit rating, sometimes unnecessarily so. In fact, the people I see care more about their credit rating than the debt they can’t repay!

Whether you know or not it’s not going to change the result so I say it’s better to know than not know. You wouldn’t ignore going to the doctor if you thought something was wrong, so why ignore your finances?

Good and Bad credit loans: Hidden secret to demystify your credit score

To demystify your credit score a bit, it is on a scale from 300 to 900 and the higher the score the better. So you want to have a relatively high credit score to be assured that you get the best possible borrowing rates.

What would cause you to have a low credit score? Things such as not paying off your credit cards, if you’ve missed payments, and if you are late by 30, 60, or 90 days. That’s a big red flag, because again your credit score reflects how likely is this person to make their payments that they signed up to or not.

If you have a large unused credit ability, say you have five charge cards each with a $10,000 limit, but you pay it off every single month you’d think that would produce a good credit rating. However, the lenders will say, you can get into trouble really quickly. So if you have a lot of charge cards, you should focus on reducing the number you have open and reduce it to just a few.

Can I use a good credit rating to my advantage? Can I negotiate better interest rates? Yes, absolutely. They’ll know, so they’ll have an idea about your ratings and offer you pretty good terms, but you can certainly negotiate. If you’re a renter, you know when you’re dealing with potential landlords, if everything about you is the same as everyone else, except for your credit score, and yours is poor compared to another applicant, the rental will go to the other applicant.

Good and Bad credit loans: It doesn’t have to be like that forever

Does your credit rating stay with you eternally? If I was a broke student and racked up indebtedness, is that still going to affect me in my forties? Probably not. What happens is your rating will change as your circumstances change. So as long as you set up a record of responsible credit behavior, even if circumstances were really bad a very long time ago, you probably can still have a really good credit rating.

So it all starts with knowing your credit score and Borrowell.com can help you. Once you know the credit score, the secret to getting that loan you need at a reasonable price is to first do the things you need to do to improve your credit score. But even with a bad credit rating, Borrowell.com, through one of its partners, may still be able to get you that bad credit loan.

Good and Bad credit loans: Hidden secret to fix the problem without more debt

Our final hidden secret is to let you know that normally, more debt will not fix your problems. You need to find out why you have a bad credit score, why you cannot use your existing income to pay your bills and debts and why you need to borrow more money. We can help you unlock all those answers, and unlock the hidden secret for you to get your life back on track.

If so, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as quickly as possible. With immediate action and a solid financial plan for moving forward we can help you deal with debt and learn to manage it well in the future, Starting Over, Starting Now. We’re just a phone call away.

 

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DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CREDIT REPORT AND CREDIT SCORE: KNOW YOUR CREDIT REPORT SCORE CARD?

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Difference between credit report and credit score: Introduction

Many people we see don’t realize the difference between credit report and credit score and they often confuse a credit report with a credit score. So, let’s get back to basics. We’ll clarify credit reports for you and explain why you should check your credit report and how often.

Difference between credit report and credit score: What is a credit report?

A credit report is a detailed record of your credit history – when you opened your account(s), how much you owe, if you make your payments on time, miss payments, go over your credit limit, etc. In Canada there are two major credit reporting agencies – Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. They collect information about how you use credit (lenders send them the information) and they create credit reports based on that information. Personal information that’s available in public records, such as a bankruptcy, is also included in your credit report.

Difference between credit report and credit score: What is a credit score?

A credit score is not the same as a credit report. A credit score is a three-digit number produced by a mathematical formula using the information in your credit report. You get points for using credit responsibly. You lose points if you’re having problems managing credit. In Canada, credit scores range from 300 to 900 points (900 is the best score).

Difference between credit report and credit score:: Why is your credit report so important?

As a society we are increasingly dependent on credit. Every time you apply for a credit card, a utility, mortgage, an apartment rental and often even a job, your credit history is checked. These lenders use your credit report and score to decide how risky it would be for them to lend you money or extend you credit. Your credit report and score may also be used to set your interest rate and credit limit. If you have a poor credit history it’s unlikely that you will be approved for credit cards, mortgages and other loans. And if you do get approved you will more than likely have to pay a higher interest rate than someone with a good credit history.

Difference between credit report and credit score: How often should you check your credit report?

According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, you should check your credit report at least once a year. They also recommend that you order your credit report from both credit reporting agencies – Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada and that you consider requesting your report from one agency and then waiting six months before you order from the other agency to detect any problems sooner. Mistakes on credit reports do happen so review them carefully and pay special attention to any signs of identity theft – accounts that you didn’t open, credit cards that you didn’t apply for, etc. Be aware that the credit reporting agencies charge a fee to order your credit score.

Difference between credit report and credit score:: How can I order my credit report or score for free?

You can get a free credit report. Equifax Canada offers what they call a “credit disclosure file” and TransUnion offers a “consumer disclosure”. However, these credit reports do NOT include your credit score. To get these free credit reports you must order them by mail, fax or phone and receive them by mail, fax or phone. If you prefer to get access to them online, you will have to pay a fee.

You may have seen commercials offering free credit scores. Beware! There’s no such thing. These companies are either fraudsters out to get your personal financial information or you’ll have to sign up for a paid service to get the free credit score.

Difference between credit report and credit score: Are you having trouble managing credit?

If so, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. as quickly as possible. With immediate action and a solid financial plan for moving forward we can help you deal with debt and learn to manage it well in the future, Starting Over, Starting Now. We’re just a phone call away.

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#VIDEO – NEW YEAR’S DEBT RESOLUTION: 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

New year’s debt resolution: Introduction

New Year’s resolutions are hard to keep and new year’s debt resolution is no different. OK, so first, Happy New Year 2017. And maybe more importantly, the world didn’t end with Donald Trump’s election! Now because it’s the new year we know exactly what’s going to happen. People are going to go and make promises that they won’t keep. Get more fit, lose weight, start a business, have better relationships with family and friends, make more money, budget better and of course, pay off debt.

New Year’s debt resolution: How successful are we at keeping new year’s resolutions?

According to Wikipedia, the success rate for New Year’s resolutions is about 12%, which means that there has to be something wrong with our resolving, right? How often do you discover people you know resolving to do a whole range of things, like write a song, read 100 novels or go to the gym twice a week?

All of that is really hard. I mean, our hearts are in the best place, but it requires self-discipline, and periods of prolonged firmness. And willpower, much like those flabby muscles, requires an effort. Psychologist Roy Baumeister writes in “Willpower” that those bad at resolving should mention, “put the blame where it belongs, on the list.” Instead of resolving to learn to master the guitar, quit smoking, lose weight and climb all the mountains, just choose one. Start small-time and end large-scale.

New year’s debt resolution: 3 simple steps to meet success

3 Simple-minded tips for starting the new year right. It’s the start of a brand new year. It really is the start where people reevaluate their lives in originating resolutions to change for the better. So in the spirit of self-improvement why not widen this to your personal business.

Now are three improbably simple-minded tips that do really that:

1. Monitor your business. If you don’t already keep watch over your funds now’s the time to get started.

2. Prevent wasteful spending by creating a simple budget; and follow it! You can download our debt management spreadsheet for free at the bottom of this blog.

3. To jump-start your financial year it’s not a bad idea to get a good look at your credit report. Get any errors fixed and see what you need to do to improve your credit score. To get a copy of your credit report, you can get access to it through one of the two credit bureaus’s; Equifax or TransUnion.

New year’s debt resolution: We can help you make success

Whether you have just one year or several years of new year debt resolutions outstanding, it still needs to be dealt with. To deal with debt you need the help of a debt professional – a trustee. Dealing with debt is not something that you can put off any longer. Start the New Year off right by calling Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today and make an appointment for a free, no obligation consultation. We can give you back peace of mind and put you on the road to stress free living Starting Over, Starting Now.

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#VIDEO – CREDIT FRAUD ALERT CANADA: APPLY THESE 3 SECRET TECHNIQUES TO GUARD AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT#

CREDIT FRAUD ALERT CANADA: SEE OUR FREE OFFER

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Credit Fraud Alert Canada: Introduction

Laurie Campbell joins me now to explain about credit fraud alert Canada. She is the CEO of Credit Canada Debt Solutions. Alright so let’s talk about some practical tips. What are your top three tips that will help people lower the risk that they could go through like this woman from Winnipeg described below went through?

Credit Fraud Alert Canada: Laurie’s top 3 tips

Laurie’s top 3 tips are:

  1. Check your credit rating. Contact both Equifax and TransUnion because those are the two credit reporting agencies in Canada.
  2. Limit the of credit cards you have. So many people are not aware of how easy fraud can happen when you have five or six or ten types of credit out there.
  3. Don’t give out your credit card or personal information to people even if you know them well. Safeguard it like money and make sure you do not give your credit card to people who may phone you asking for it. There are many scammers just phishing for information.

Credit Fraud Alert Canada: A very sad story

This woman’s story has lasted just over three years. Imagine, three years to get your credit fixed. That is unusual, incredibly unusual for it to take that long. Certainly there are some there are processes in place and you know unfortunately for her the only reason she found out about it was because she had a mortgage renewal. This is why it’s important to check your credit rating.

Credit Fraud Alert Canada: The credit rating

So remind us again what a credit rating is. There is a credit rating and a credit score. Both are very important. Your credit rating is a rating on how well you pay your debts and it reflects your credit history. For example, if you pay on time and you have a long period of history reports on the different types of credit that you have.

Your credit score is accumulation of information including not just your credit rating but that how long have you been using credit and your behavior with credit over time. It is personal information so essentially your credit rating makes up your credit score to a certain degree.

Credit Fraud Alert Canada: An ounce of prevention

Both are really important and so what options does a fraud victim have when you’re getting stonewalled by the creditors or the credit agency and there is wrong information about you in your credit report?

First there are certain things we hopefully can do to prevent that from happening but once that does happen you can ask for an investigation by the credit reporting agencies. You are going to need to be able to have some backup information on your set of circumstances to prove that it wasn’t you. In this case you are guilty until proven innocent. The burden is on you as the consumer to point out why they’re wrong and made a mistake.

Don’t forget that the credit reporting agency is merely reporting on information from the date provided to it. So first, you are going to need to have the creditor recognize that there is an error. Keep in mind it could be something as simple as your employment information. If you don’t have up-to-date employment information on you because you haven’t applied for credit since you have a new job or new place of residence. Those types of things are considered errors as well so we start to whittle away it.

Credit Fraud Alert Canada: Always check your credit report

We need to know what our credit report says and that’s why as Canadians we should be checking it on a regular basis. Some families share their credit cards with their kids which makes them more susceptible to being victims of fraud. Anytime you’re giving your giving your credit card out, especially to family members or friends, you’re putting yourself at risk.

First, there is “friendly fraud”. You hope it never happens to you where somebody else is using your credit in a way that you don’t want them to. Also, exposure in the marketplace is a problem. That is where people can leave credit cards behind and people then use it for their own purposes.

You should safeguard your credit like cash, but some people don’t do this.

Credit Fraud Alert Canada: Get your solution

The last thing any of us need is having our identity stolen and a fraud perpetrated on us to ruin our credit. If you are having credit and debt problems, help with your debt issues is available now. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We’re your best defence against debt. Make an appointment for a free, no obligation consultation and you can be well on your way to a debt free life Starting Over, Starting Now. Give us a call today.

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CREDIT SCORES ONTARIO: USE YOURS TO SCORE THAT DREAM DATE!

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Credit scores Ontario: What is it?

Credit scores Ontario is a judgment about your financial health, at a specific time. It indicates the risk you represent for lenders, compared with other consumers. There are many ways to work out credit scores. The credit-reporting agencies Equifax and TransUnion use a scale from 300 to 900.

In Canada, the magic number is probably 650. A score above 650 will likely qualify you for a standard loan while a score under 650 will likely bring difficulty in receiving new credit.

Credit scores Ontario: How is it calculated?

The credit score formula takes all or most of the following into account:

  • Your payment history
  • The total amount you owe
  • Length of your credit history
  • New credit accounts
  • New credit inquiries, whether approved or not
  • Types of credit in use

Credit scores Ontario: Good credit scores do have sex appeal

A good credit score has shown that money does play a big role in the dating world; it is a reality. It’s sad but true; your income does play a big part in how attractive you seem to a potential partner. And, did you know that good credit scores have sex appeal?

Credit scores Ontario: Like it or not, a good credit score makes you attractive

There’s an old joke that says there’s no such thing as an ugly man in a Ferrari. But, let’s be honest, if you were on an online dating site and saw a potential date who was attractive but unemployed or in what you perceived as a low paying job, would you reach out to that person?

Conversely, if you saw someone who wasn’t movie star attractive but reported a high income or listed their profession as CEO, lawyer or doctor, wouldn’t they look a lot better to you?

Credit scores Ontario: Credit score dating backed by scientific studies

Don’t take my word for it. This is all backed up by science. There are many studies on the subject including a recent one co-authored by behavioural economist Dan Ariely who in the journal Quantitative Marketing and Economics reported:

  • Men and women prefer a high-income partners over low-income partners
  • This income preference is more pronounced for women

Credit scores Ontario: Beware – high income is only one part of it

Income only tells part of the story. Find out how they spend their money. Are they living within their means? They may have a big income but is it enough to cover the expenses of the fancy sports car, big house and exotic vacations? Big earners, celebrities and even Presidents (and President-elects!) declare bankruptcy too:

Credit scores Ontario: what to do about too much debt

We aren’t in the dating business, but we can help you get your debt issues under control. Give the Ira Smith Team a call today so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a debt free life, and you may have better luck dating.

Call a Trustee Now!