Tag: debt consolidation

MILLENNIALS DEBT; A PLAN FOR ESCAPE

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date October 14, 2014

I recently read an article on millennials debt that actually referred to Millennials as “The Generation of Debt”. We recently reported on this very serious problem in our blog “Gen Y Trapped: Millennials in Debt”. Pew Research reports that Millennials are more distrustful of people than ever, less likely to belong to a party or religion, more in debt, and say they are unable to marry because they lack a solid economic foundation. In addition Millennials are also the first in the modern era to have higher levels of student loan debt, poverty and unemployment, and lower levels of wealth and personal income than their two immediate predecessor generations (Gen Xers and Boomers) had at the same stage of their life cycles.

I found this millennials debt issue particularly interesting because just a few days ago I had a conversation with a Millennial who said that her friends felt disenfranchised and angry with the Baby Boomers who have enjoyed benefits that they expected and will never have like company defined pension plans and old age security benefits at age 65.

Clearly one of the major issues is that Millennials had expectations but no financial plan and many are now trapped in a debt cycle that they don’t know how to escape. Millennials debt is a problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. And dealing with debt is not a DYI project. If you’re a Millennial facing serious debt issues and an uncertain financial future, contact a professional trustee. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. There are many ways to deal with debt as well as bankruptcy which include credit counselling, debt consolidation and consumer proposals.

We’re here to help. We can discuss with you the various bankruptcy alternatives for the restructuring and turnaround of millennials debt and your entire financial life leading to your overall well-being. We can put you back on the path to lead a healthy and productive life so that you can escape the millennials debt trap. Make an appointment with the Ira Smith team today so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a happy, productive, debt free life.

Tags baby boomers, Bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, boomers, consumer proposals, counselling, Credit, Debt, debt consolidation, Gen Y, Millennials, millennials debt, professional trustee, restructuring and turnaround, student loan debt, trustee

Brandon Blog Post

SCARED TO DECLARE PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY?

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date July 8, 2014

Scared to declare personal bankruptcy? Don’t be. Bankruptcy is a legal process that can provide relief to honest but unfortunate individuals who are unable to pay their debts.

According to the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada:

A total of 118,678 Canadians either filed for personal bankruptcy or filed a consumer proposal in 2013, an increase of +0.2% over 2012.
The long-term trend in Canadian personal bankruptcy statistics is upward.
Bankruptcies are gradually increasing, mainly because of the high levels of debt many Canadians now carry.
Consumer debt reached over 163% of annual income in 2013, meaning that for every $3 the average Canadian earns in a year, they now have almost $5 in debt.

Employment and Social Development Canada reports:

In 2011, 122,999 Canadians were unable to repay their debts.
Serious financial difficulties brought them to file either a payment proposal or a bankruptcy. The average amount owed was $119,021.
About 53% of Canadians filing a proposal or bankruptcy in 2011 were aged 30 to 49 years.
In 2007 individuals who were divorced or separated were more likely to file a proposal or bankruptcy than Canadian adults on average.
In 2008 the most frequent type of debt reported by individuals filing a proposal or bankruptcy was credit card debt (91%).

Still scared to declare personal bankruptcy? Huffington Post reports that one in six Canadians will eventually go bankrupt. Don’t be scared to declare personal bankruptcy; there are advantages:

It is relatively quick
It can be less expensive than other options
It eliminates your unsecured debts
You will have some protection from creditors, legal action and wage garnisheeing
After your discharge your credit risk can start to improve

If you are considering bankruptcy, your first step should be to meet with a trustee. Trustees are individuals licensed by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) to administer the bankruptcy process. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We will evaluate your financial situation and discuss various bankruptcy alternatives which include credit counselling, debt consolidation and consumer proposals that could help you to solve your financial problems. Don’t be scared to declare personal bankruptcy. It’s just an option to consider so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can be well on your way to financial health.

Tags Bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, consumer debt, Consumer Proposal, consumer proposals, credit card debt, credit counselling, Debt, debt consolidation, honest but unfortunate, personal bankruptcy, scared to declare personal bankruptcy, toronto, trustee, trustees

Brandon Blog Post

PERSONAL LOANS FOR BAD CREDIT: INTERESTED?

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date July 1, 2014

Personal loans for bad credit commercials and advertisements are very seductive. It seems so easy – money in your bank account in no time and they can be arranged online 24/7. Serious debt can be debilitating, leaving you feeling helpless, out of control and not knowing where to turn. The answer to your problems is personal loans for bad credit, but is it really?

Personal loans for bad credit are not the same as a loan you’d get from your bank or credit union. The interest rates are much higher because the risk to the lender is much greater. As a professional trustee I can tell you that the last thing you need is more high cost debt. What you need is a solid financial plan to get you out of debt, not personal loans for bad credit.

How can you get out of debt without resorting to high cost personal loans for bad credit? There is no instant or quick fix for serious debt issues. What you need are answers, options and realistic plan for recovery. Firstly, make an appointment with a professional trustee as soon as possible. Relying on advertising for financial advice is never a good idea. Trustees are professional, licensed, federally regulated financial services professionals who are uniquely positioned to provide long term, sensible solutions on reducing debt. Personal bankruptcy is not your only choice. There are bankruptcy alternatives such as credit counselling, debt consolidation or consumer proposals.

Don’t fall prey to high cost personal loans for bad credit. For sound financial advice you can depend on, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today. Starting Over, Starting Now you can be well on your way to a debt free future.

Tags bad credit, Bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, consumer proposals, credit counselling, Debt, debt consolidation, financial plan, high cost debt, personal bankruptcy, personal loans, personal loans for bad credit, professional trustee, starting over starting now, toronto, trustee

Brandon Blog Post

NO CREDIT CHECK LOAN: FOR CANADA DAY?

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date June 29, 2014

The no credit check loan and credit card industries are being used to fund holiday travel. The American Automobile Association reported that: “This year nearly 41 million Americans plan to celebrate the nation’s birthday with a getaway…” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet.

AAA also reported that this July 4 Independence Day travel is because of the willingness of consumers to take on debt, NOT an increase in income, to fund for the increase in consumer spending. No credit check loan debt and credit card debt is cited as the two credit vehicles of choice being used to fund travel.

In July 2013 we discussed how even high flyers can’t sustain the income to fund their lifestyles, so all demographics means the rich and famous are included. In April 2014 we discussed that debt is increasing in Canada across all demographics, and at alarming rates. A check of our analytics indicates that “no credit check loan” and similar bad credit loan searches are by far outweighing other keywords that people are using. Every day, fewer and fewer people are using keyword search terms such as credit counselling, bankruptcy alternatives, consumer proposals or bankruptcy.

It would appear that Canadians are also much more willing to take on more debt, even though they know they have a debt problem because of a bad credit score. We know that there are two types of debt: good debt and bad debt. If there is such a thing as good debt and bad debt, what’s the difference? The distinction is based on the purpose for which it is taken on. Good debt can be defined as anything that builds your assets or increases the potential for you to earn more money. Bad debt is typically incurred to purchase things that have no value or quickly lose their value and usually carries a very high interest rate – which more often than not is found in no credit check loan debt and credit card debt.

Some examples of good debt:

Mortgage
Real estate
Student loans from the provincial or federal government
Investment loans

Some examples of bad debt:

Credit card debt
Car loans (if it isn’t to get you to and from work, but rather a “toy”)
Line of credit
Debt to take a vacation
No credit check loan debt

There are a lot of people with bad credit who are feeling pain in our society and believe that another no credit check loan is their solution. These people are misguided in that they think that a further high cost no credit check loan will solve their problem. I understand the way these people think. It is hard for us to face our challenges. Whether it is about our health, our family or our financial situation, it is difficult and painful to look at our problems straight in the face, especially if we are the one who created the problem. These people mistakenly think that taking on more debt is the solution.

If they can’t do it on their own, then they must consult a licensed professional trustee who can discuss options with them: budgeting, bankruptcy alternatives such as debt consolidation or a consumer proposal or perhaps even bankruptcy. If this sounds like you, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. right away for a no charge consultation. You can even check out our bankruptcy faqs now online here. We will go over all of your options, and encourage and help you to implement the one that is right for you so that together we can solve your problems with immediate action and the right plan so that Starting Over, Starting Now will become your reality.

In the meantime, whether you are travelling for this Canada Day holiday or relaxing at home, we wish you a safe, fun, relaxing and hopefully only a good debt Canada Day holiday with family and friends.

Brandon Blog Post

CANADIAN REAL ESTATE BUBBLE BURST: WHEN?

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date June 12, 2014

Will the Canadian real estate bubble burst has been the subject of several articles in the newspapers recently quoting Canadian and American economists. So far from what I have read, half of the economists quoted say there is not a Canadian real estate bubble, with statistics to show that there is a healthy real estate market and therefore we will not have a Canadian real estate bubble burst.

The other half of the economists, provide statistics to show that there is a Canadian real estate bubble, it has reached the same unsustainable levels as was the case in 2008 in the United States and that there will be a Canadian real estate bubble burst to drag all of us down.

Although my Firm has done many real estate receiverships, the most famous so far being the Court-appointed receivership of the highly publicized The Suites at 1 King West, built by Harry Stinson, my crystal ball is no better than yours. I cannot tell you if:

a Canadian real estate bubble burst will not happen since we are in a safe real estate market where Canada is attractive to immigrants from around the world looking for a safe haven for their money, and they truly believe Canadian real estate is it; or
real estate prices are unreasonably high and that there will be a Canadian real estate bubble burst.

As far as the economist’s statistics, which are being used to prove both sides of the argument, all I can do is quote British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli when he said there are “Lies, damned lies, and statistics“, to describe the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics, to bolster weak arguments.

In our recent blog, FINANCIAL CRISIS IN CANADA: CAN REAL ESTATE PRICES TRIGGER ONE?, we reported that:

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 Canadian 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; and
the Canadian Bankers Association reports that 70% of all household debt in Canada is made up of residential mortgage debt.

But there is one certainty I can tell you about. Even if there is a slowdown in the Canadian real estate industry, and not a Canadian real estate bubble burst, residential construction workers and real estate agents will suffer. A slowdown in residential construction, and less residences being sold, does not bode well for these two groups. So it will be the severity of the slowdown, and the effect on real estate prices, to know whether or not there actually is to be a Canadian real estate bubble burst.

So, what can they do to stop a Canadian real estate bubble burst? The answer is nothing. However, they should always have arranged their affairs so when there is a slowdown, they were always:

living within their means by spending less than they earn so that they would not have problems living paycheque to paycheque;
using proper budgeting techniques to make sure they were paying down a portion of their debt with every pay;
paying themselves first by maintaining a program to make sure that they were putting away a portion of every pay into savings for investment so that they would be able to weather any downward blips in their income;
making sure their income tax was paid up on time so that they would not have any large amounts outstanding from past years in a time when their incomes were reduced;
only charging to credit cards what they would be able to pay off in full every month so as not to incur credit card debt with high interest costs; and
reviewing their credit report to make sure their credit rating was accurate, and if they were experiencing any credit problems availing themselves of a proper credit counselling agency, NOT one of the debt settlement companies.

So as you can see, there is no magic pill that you can take to solve your financial problems if there is a Canadian real estate bubble burst, an illness, an emergency, or when life just throws a curve ball at you. The best time to have guarded against financial challenges, if you truly were worried about a Canadian real estate bubble burst, was before it happened.

If you’re financial well-being, and that of your entire family depends on the value of your real estate always rising, and you will be doomed if there is a Canadian real estate bubble burst, whether you wish to admit it or not, you have serious financial problems. Before disaster strikes as a result of a Canadian real estate bubble burst or otherwise, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc.

We can review your situation with you, in a no charge initial consultation meeting, and provide you with real options. If we meet early enough, we can discuss various bankruptcy alternatives such as credit counselling, debt consolidation or consumer proposals, all in order to avoid personal bankruptcy. We will go over all of your options, and encourage and help you to implement the one that is right for you.

Together we can solve your problems with immediate action and the right plan so that Starting Over, Starting Now will become your reality.

Brandon Blog Post

LOANS TORONTO NO CREDIT CHECK: A DEBT SOLUTION?

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date June 5, 2014

I never realized that loans Toronto no credit check was such a popular topic. I want to tell you about three experiences that I had in the past few days. They are all separate, yet all related.

Revelation #1 – You can’t even buy beer with bad credit!

Last Friday, we were having the whole family over for dinner. The weather was so warm and pleasant, that we were going to have a BBQ and eat outdoors on the back deck. I went to The Beer Store to pick up some additional beverages and when I went to check out, I had my first revelation. At the front of the line was a fellow paying for his beer by cheque. I never even realized that you could do that. The clerk inspected the cheque and then asked the gent for identification, and he produced his drivers licence. The clerk ran his information through The Beer Store’s electronic system and politely advised the gentleman that he has been declined to pay by ordinary cheque, and that he could only pay by cash, certified cheque or credit card. The man could not pay for his beer because of his bad credit and had to leave without his favourite brew. This man obviously has financial problems and has to solve them. How he wished he was able to get at that moment one or more loans Toronto no credit check so that he could enjoy his beer last weekend!

Revelation #2 – This man obviously was not alone needing loans Toronto no credit check

On the weekend I was looking at some analytics to see which of our blogs have been accessed the most over the last 30 days. To my shock (yes, notwithstanding our Firm has been helping people who have trouble living paycheque to paycheque and corporations in need of restructuring and turnarounds, I can still be shocked) the 4 most read blogs in the last month were::

There are obviously a lot of people concerned about their debt levels and looking for information on bad credit loans, payday loans, loans Toronto no credit check and how to tackle student loan debt. These blogs were not only the most viewed in the last 30 days, but our blogs on the topic of payday loans and bad credit loans are the most read. Obviously, there is a large demand in the Greater Toronto area for loans Toronto no credit check.

Revelation #3 – Our top searches are from people looking for loans Toronto no credit check

Yesterday I look at our analytics to see what were the top search terms that brought people to our blog and Firm website in the last 30 days. There were 221 visits to our website using the following search terms:

You don’t need me to tell you what this means. There are a lot of people with bad credit who are feeling pain in our society and believe that more loans Toronto no credit check is their solution. The amazing thing though is that rather than looking for bankruptcy alternatives such as consumer proposals, or if required, bankruptcy itself, these people are looking to borrow more money (apparently $5000 is a popular number) from high cost lenders.

These people are misguided in that they think that further high cost loans Toronto no credit check will solve their problem. I understand the way these people think. It is hard for us to face our challenges. Whether it is about our health, our family or our financial situation, it is difficult and painful to look at our problems straight in the face, especially if we are the one who created the problem. These people mistakenly think that taking on more debt is the solution.

Well, it is not. These people need to recognize that their credit score is so poor because of choices they have made in the past, and their behaviour has to change. Taking on more debt through loans Toronto no credit check is just more of the “same old same old”. They need to look at ways to budget so that their expenses are less than their income. They need to start saving to pay down debt. If they can’t do it on their own, then they must consult a licensed professional trustee who can discuss options with them: budgeting, bankruptcy alternatives such as debt consolidation or a consumer proposal or perhaps even bankruptcy.

There also needs to be a discussion regarding life after implementing the solution and working on improving their credit score. If any of this sounds like a situation you are in, taking on more debt through payday loans or loans Toronto no credit check is not your answer.

You need to contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. right away for a no charge consultation. You can even check out our bankruptcy faqs now online here. We will go over all of your options, and encourage and help you to implement the one that is right for you so that together we can solve your problems with immediate action and the right plan so that Starting Over, Starting Now will become your reality.

Brandon Blog Post

PAYDAY LOANS: ONTARIO CRACKS DOWN ON THE CASH STORE

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date May 4, 2014

Payday 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 –

Brandon Blog Post

BAD CREDIT LOANS ONLINE ATTACK THE ALREADY VULNERABLE

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date May 1, 2014

One 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.

Brandon Blog Post

PAYDAY LOAN COMPANIES TARGETING YOU WITH MOBILE APPS!

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date April 29, 2014

We’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.

Brandon Blog Post

SECURED CREDIT CARD

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date April 24, 2014

A 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.

Tags alternatives to bankruptcy, avoid bankruptcy, bad credit, Bankruptcy, consumer proposals, credit card, credit counselling, credit history, credit scores, debt consolidation, financial health, financial history, licensed trustee, rebuilding credit, secured credit card, secured credit card offers, starting over starting now