Tag: household debt

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD DEBT IN CANADA: CANADIANS LOVE TO MAKE IT CONTINUALLY RISE!

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date June 20, 2016

What is average household debt in Canada?

Average household debt in Canada: the average of the amount of money that all Canadian adults in the household owe financial institutions.

Statistics Canada said that total household consumer debt, which includes consumer credit card and mortgage and non-mortgage loans, increased 1.2 per cent to $1.923 trillion at the end of last year. The total included $573.6 billion in consumer credit debt, including credit card debt, and $1.262 trillion in mortgage debt.

The growth helped drive the ratio of household debt to disposable income to a new peak of 165.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2015, up from 164.5 per cent in the third quarter.

It’s unbelievable but true – average household debt in Canada continues to rise! Unfortunately it seems that nothing has so far been able to stem this tide, particularly as already sky-high housing prices continue to reach new heights. We’ve reported on this very alarming situation in a series of blogs and the situation continues to worsen.

Video – Household Debt In Canada Crisis

How Binge Borrowing Raises Canada’s Household Debt Burden

Canadian Household Debt: We Seem To Love It!

Household Debt; Canadian Levels Sound Alarm Bells

How is it affecting Canadians?

According to a ManuLife Bank survey:

33% of homeowners have been “caught short” at least once in the past year and didn’t have enough money to cover expenses
60% lack confidence that they’ll have enough savings for retirement
Average mortgage debt increased to $181,000 since last fall
25% of homeowners predict that their home equity will make up 80% or more of their household wealth when they retire

What are the options available to Canadian homeowners with limited retirement income?

Delay retirement and keep working as long as possible
Work part-time
Move to a less expensive home and use the money to fund retirement
Sell the home and use the money to fund retirement
Borrow against the home equity

What is the top financial priority for Canadian home owners?

More than anything, Canadian home owners want their average household debt in Canada at a manageable amount and ultimately zero; i.e. be debt free. If you’re like many Canadian home owners struggling with alarming levels of household debt, seek help as soon as possible. A professional trustee can help you deal with your debt problems, and believe me they are not insurmountable. With immediate action and the right financial plan the Ira Smith Team can help you realize your dream of living a debt free life Starting Over, Starting Now. We’re only a phone call away. Book your free consultation today.

Tags average household debt in canada, Canada, Canadian household debt, consumer debt, credit card debt, financial plan, household debt, household debt in canada, Ira Smith Trustee, mortgage debt, retirement income, trustee

Brandon Blog Post

#VIDEO – HOUSEHOLD DEBT IN CANADA CRISIS#

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date March 30, 2016

Household debt in Canada can lead us into crisis

On January 16, 2016, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) released its report titled: “Household Indebtedness and Financial Vulnerability“. A summary of the PBO’s findings are:

In the third quarter of 2015, total household debt in Canada reached 171 per cent of disposable income. In other words, for every $100 of disposable income, households had debt obligations of $171. This is the highest level recorded since 1990 and the highest level. The report also found that:

Among G7 countries, Canada has experienced the largest increase in household debt relative to income since 2000. Households in Canada have become more indebted than any other G7 country over recent history.
The Bank of Canada conducted its analysis. It suggests that low-interest rates, higher house prices and financial innovation have contributed to the increase in household indebtedness.
A financially vulnerable household is required to devote a real part of its income to service its debt. It faces greater exposure to negative income and interest rate shocks, and is more likely to be delinquent in its debt payments.
The PBO does not see the trend correcting itself until 2020.

We discussed the issue of rising household debt in Canada in the past

The PBO report produced a graph on household debt ratios

Graph courtesy of the Report of the PBO “Household
Indebtedness and
Financial
Vulnerability” dated January 19, 2016

The PBO’s point in this graphical analysis is that the projected increase in the total household debt service ratio (DSR) to 15.9 per cent would be 3.1 percentage points above the long-term historical average of 12.8 per cent (from 1990Q1 to 2015Q3). It would also be almost one full percentage point above its highest level over the past 25 years, 14.9 per cent , which was reached in 2007Q4.

There is apparently no end in sight for Canadians’ appetite to take on more debt, and it takes more income to service the higher debt. Unfortunately, the only thing that will seem to break this cycle is some shock to the Canadian economic system, and this will not be good news for many who will find themselves strung out on debt and not able to service it when the shock comes.

What to do if you or your company can no longer service your debt?

Is your household debt in Canada out of control? Have those spending habits creeped into your company’s spending? If so, you need to contact us now to get a solution, before bankruptcy is your only alternative.

We help people and companies throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) facing financial crisis in need of restructuring and turnaround, receivership or bankruptcy that need a plan for Starting Over, Starting Now. The Ira Smith Team brings a cumulative 50+ years of experience dealing with diverse issues and complex files, and we deliver the highest quality of professional service. Don’t worry about debt; instead take immediate action.

Call us today. If you or your company is trapped in high debt, you need a professional trustee to help you manage the situation before it reaches a critical stage where bankruptcy or receivership is your only option. We have been able to help many people and companies carry out a successful debt settlement programs or corporate restructuring and turnarounds.

It all began with a first consultation. The first step is a realistic cash-flow budget. Successful completion of restructuring, will free you or your company from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

Tags Bankruptcy, bankruptcy alternatives, Debt, debt service ratio, dsr, household debt, household debt in canada, household debt ratio, household debt service ratio, Household Indebtedness and Financial Vulnerability, Ira Smith Trustee, PBO, receivership, restructuring, restructuring and turnaround, starting over starting now

Brandon Blog Post

HOW AVOIDING CREDIT CARD DEBT CAN ACTUALLY HURT YOU!

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date February 29, 2016

avoiding credit card debt, credit card debt, household debt, debt, bankruptcy, assignment into bankruptcy, trustee, trustees, credit cards, budget, budgeting, ira smith trustee

Avoiding credit card debt can hurt you? Are you crazy?

Avoiding credit card debt is certainly something we always counsel. We’ve addressed the dangers of credit card debt on several occasions. More recently we’ve discussed the issue of how credit card debt is contributing to the skyrocketing household debt that many Canadians are facing. However, today we’d like to bring to your attention to an instance where avoiding credit card debt can actually be a bad thing!

Many fitness clubs and studios give huge discounts if you pay your yearly (or longer) membership up front and in full. Financially, it makes good sense to take advantage of these offers. Typically you have the option of paying by credit card, cheque or debit/cash. Few people seem to pay for anything by cheque these days, with credit or debit being the norm. As you will soon see, paying for these types of memberships with a credit card can be a source of protection for the consumer.

Paying for memberships by credit card and not avoiding credit card debt actually helps the consumer

A local downtown yoga studio recently closed its doors without any notice to its members. The closure was unceremonious and on a Monday morning members’ yoga mats were left strewn outside the locked door. Members were at a loss to understand why as the studio appeared to be busy and continued to sell long-term memberships right up to the closure. Unfortunately for members who paid by cash, debit or cheque, recovering their money may not be possible; and if it is, the process will be arduous. However, members who paid with a credit card do have recourse. As of yet there has not been a formal assignment into bankruptcy but regardless, given that the permanent closure of the studio can be proved, the credit card companies will dispute the charges. The consumer will not have to pay for the membership not received.

What if you aren’t avoiding credit card debt and can’t repay it?

We’re certainly not advocating that you start amassing credit card debt. However, there are instances where if you’ve been budgeting correctly and can afford to pay your credit card bills in full and on time, that it makes sense to use your credit card and you don’t have to worry about avoiding credit card debt. If you’re like many Canadians who are struggling with debt from credit cards and/or other sources, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We’re professional trustees who are experts in dealing with debt. Living a financially healthy life is possible with professional help. You’re one call away from living a debt free life Starting Over, Starting Now.

Tags assignment into bankruptcy, avoiding credit card debt, Bankruptcy, budget, budgeting, credit card debt, Debt, household debt, Ira Smith, Ira Smith Trustee, trustee, trustees

Brandon Blog Post

DO YOU NEED A HOUSEHOLD BUDGET? MOST CANADIANS DO!

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date February 15, 2016

household budget, household debt, canadian household debt, G7 nations, debt-to-income, debt service, debt service obligations, binge borrowing, hot housing market, low interest rates, trustee, debt, debt settlement program, ira smith trustee, starting over starting now Many Canadians must not follow a household budget. Canada has a lot to be proud of, but not the dubious honour of being a world leader in household debt among G7 nations. The G7 nations are Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Japan and together the gross domestic product of these seven member nations makes up approximately 50% of the global economy. Unfortunately we are leading our member nations in household debt.

Canada’s household budget watchdog says household debt continues to reach new highs!

According to the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), Canada’s budget watchdog, Canadian households could soon be carrying the heaviest debt-to-income loads in history, reaching 174% later this year. Who is the household budget watchdog in your home? If you are the average Canadian, the answer is nobody!

Any sudden economic change can spell financial disaster for your household budget.

The danger is not so much the level of the debt relative to income, but whether we can meet our debt service obligations. Do we have enough disposable income to pay our debts? In increasing numbers Canadians do not have enough disposable income to pay their debts. And, even if they do now, many Canadians are in an extremely vulnerable state.

Any sudden economic changes like a job loss or higher interest rates can spell economic disaster. According to the PBO, our household debt servicing capacity will become stretched further as interest rates rise to normal levels over the next five years. Canadians have been binge borrowing as a result of historically low interest rates and these low interest rates are in large part responsible for the hot housing market.

If you are following a household budget, have you left any room in it for an increase in interest rates, and therefore debt service costs? Canadians are getting in over their heads and could face financial crises when the housing market cools down or interest rates rise.

What will you do if the housing market cools down and/or the interest rates rise? What will it do to your household budget?

The economic warning signs are out there. If you’re trapped in high household debt, you need a professional trustee to help you manage the situation before it reaches a critical stage where bankruptcy is your only option. We have been able to help many individuals carry out a successful debt settlement program. The first step is a realistic household budget. Successful completion of such a program, will free you from the burden of your financial challenges to go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

If you’re like many Canadians on the brink of a financial crisis, you need the help of a professional trustee today while you have options. The Ira Smith Team can help before disaster strikes. There is a way to manage debt Starting Over, Starting Now. Contact us today.

Tags Bankruptcy, binge borrowing, Canadian household debt, Debt, debt service, debt service obligations, debt settlement program, debt-to-income, G7 nations, hot housing market, household budget, household debt, Ira Smith, Ira Smith Trustee, low interest rates, professional trustee, starting over starting now, trustee

Brandon Blog Post

HOW BINGE BORROWING RAISES CANADA’S HOUSEHOLD DEBT BURDEN

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date January 4, 2016

Binge borrowing raises Canada’s household debt burden

We worry about binge eating and binge drinking, but it appears that we are not paying enough attention to Canada’s latest problem – binge borrowing. Incredibly low interest rates and sky high house prices have contributed to this trend. The Bank of Canada, the federal government and many economists have long been concerned that consumers who have been binge borrowing are now exposed to risk in the event of an economic shock or significant downturn.

Just when we thought Canada’s household debt burden couldn’t go higher!

Just when we thought that Canada’s household debt burden was at its peak, in the third quarter of 2015 Canada’s household debt burden hit another record high. This means that Canadian’s debts grew faster than their incomes. According to Statistics Canada:
• The ratio of household credit-market debt to disposable income rose to 163.7% in the three months ended September 30, up from 162.7% in the second quarter (this means the average household had nearly $1.64 in debt for every dollar of disposable income)
• This was the highest ever reading in this key ratio for gauging consumer debt loads
• Debt rose 1.4% in the quarter, while disposable income increased by 0.8%
• Total credit-market debt reached $1.89-trillion in the third quarter, also a record
• Mortgage debt was $1.23-trillion
• Consumer credit – credit cards, car loans, personal lines of credit and other personal loans – totalled $572-billion

What will your debt do in 2016?

Unfortunately Canadians ended 2015 with more debt than they started off with and this is a trend that expected to continue into 2016. Are you ready to stop binge borrowing and get control of your finances before you are facing a financial crisis? Professional help is just a phone call away. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. As a firm of professional trustees we’re experts on dealing with debt. Our approach for every file is to create an outcome where Starting Over, Starting Now becomes a reality, beginning the moment you walk in the door. Call us today and take the first step towards living a debt free life.

Tags binge borrowing, borrowing binges, Canada's household debt burden, Canadian household debt, car loans, consumer credit, consumer debt, credit-market debt, Debt, disposable income, household debt, household debt burden, Ira Smith, Ira Smith Trustee, mortgage debt, personal lines of credit

Brandon Blog Post

CANADIAN HOUSEHOLD DEBT: WE SEEM TO LOVE IT!

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date October 5, 2015

Canadian household debt at a record high

The ratio of Canadian household debt to disposable income has hit a record high of 164.6%. This means for every $1 of after tax income Canadians earned, they owed nearly $1.65 in credit market debt – mortgages, credit cards and other kinds of consumer loans. The reality is that many Canadians are living in a financial danger zone. They’re walking a financial tightrope where anything like the loss of a job or an increase in interest rates can throw off this delicate balance and plunge them into financial disaster.

Increase is no surprise

TD Bank economist Jonathan Bendiner wrote about Canadian household debt, “The increase came as no surprise. Rising mortgage debt drove most of the growth as interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada earlier in the year spurred borrowing, especially in the hot housing markets in British Columbia with all the homes for sale in Mission BC and Ontario”. The great concern now is what happens once interest rates rise to more typical levels. How many Canadian will no longer be able to pay their bills or carry their household debt?

5 reasons why for the increase in Canadian household debt

Why is Canadian household debt at an all time high? In addition to rising mortgage debt it may come down to one simple word – lifestyle:

Credit card spending rose by 8% this year (Moneris Solutions Corp.)
Spending on restaurants and fast food rose by more than 12% (Moneris Solutions Corp.)
Home improvement spending soared nearly 10% in the second quarter of the year compared with the same time last year, led by sales of glass, paint, wallpaper and flooring (Moneris Solutions Corp.)
Furniture sales are up more than 17% (Moneris Solutions Corp.)
Auto loans rose nearly 4% in the second quarter on the back of record vehicle sales (Equifax)

Has income kept pace with Canadian household debt? No!

Unfortunately incomes haven’t increased in the Canadian economy to compensate for the increase in spending and Canadian household debt. A Bank of Montreal report states that approximately 80% of Canadians are in debt and nearly 66% would have trouble affording their household debt if interest rates went up by just two percentage points. Canadians now spend an average 14% of after tax income on their debts. Sadly, the group that’s struggling the most is seniors. According to Equifax, for the first time in five years, 90-day delinquency rates rose among seniors in the second quarter.

What is a person to do?

Are you walking a financial tightrope? If interest rates rise will you be able to afford your household debt? Better yet, would you know how to pay off debt?

Don’t wait for disaster to strike! The time for professional help is NOW. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We’re experts in debt and debt management. We approach every file with the attitude that corporate or personal financial problems can be solved given immediate action and the right plan. Starting Over, Starting Now we can give you financial peace of mind.

Tags auto loans, Canadian debt, Canadian economy, Canadian household debt, credit card, credit card spending, Debt, Equifax, financial danger zone, household debt, how to pay off debt, interest rates, lifestyle, Moneris Solutions, mortgage debt, seniors, trustee

Brandon Blog Post

HOUSEHOLD DEBT; CANADIAN LEVELS SOUND ALARM BELLS

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date February 17, 2015

Household debt has hit record levels according to Statistics Canada. The total amount of credit market debt which includes mortgages, non-mortgage loans and consumer credit held by Canadian households hit a record high in the third quarter of 2014, climbing to 162.6% of disposable income. That means Canadians owed about $1.63 for every dollar of disposable income.

Equifax Canada reports that household debt levels are climbing fast, to a record $1.422-trillion in the fourth quarter of 2014. Installment loans, primarily car loans, were the fastest growing segment of debt, up 11% year over year. Credit card debt rose 5.9% from a year ago.

These household debt figures have attracted international attention. A report, recently published by McKinsey & Company, singled out Canada and six other countries (The Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand) with “potential vulnerabilities in household debt.” One of the most alarming statements in this report is that Canadian household debt levels are higher than those that existed in the U.S. at the peak of the credit bubble. However the data suggests a “potential risk, but not an imminent crisis which is good news indeed. The risks that were identified in the report were:

Mortgages are the main form of household debt.
If the economy slows down and unemployment rises, many mortgages could become unaffordable.
If interest rates rise, it could create a much larger burden on households repaying debt.

Many Canadians may not realize it, but because of their household debt, they are one paycheque away from what could be a financial crisis. Even worse, what would happen upon the death of the debtor?

Do you owe more than your disposable income? Are you living from paycheque to paycheque? Don’t wait for financial disaster to strike. The earlier you seek financial help the more options will be open to you. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today. We’ll review your individual issues and come up with a sound plan so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can enjoy financial peace of mind.

Tags consumer credit, credit card debt, death of the debtor, Debt, Equifax Canada, household debt, living paycheque to paycheque, mortgages, starting over starting now

Brandon Blog Post

A BALANCED BUDGET IS TO FINANCIAL HEALTH WHAT A BALANCED DIET IS TO PHYSICAL HEALTH – Part 1

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date December 30, 2014

A balanced budget is to financial health what a balanced diet is to physical health. Where does the money go? Do you feel like you have a hole in your pocket? Is your spending out of control? Statistics Canada reports that Canadian household debt hit a record high during the third quarter of 2014, as it grew at a faster pace than disposable income. The total amount of credit market debt, which includes mortgages, non-mortgage loans and consumer credit, held by Canadian households increased to 162.6% of disposable income during the quarter. That means Canadians owed about $1.63 for every dollar of disposable income in the third quarter. No wonder we’re scrambling. According to Equifax Canada:

Debt levels are climbing fast to a record $1.422-trillion in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Installment loans, largely made up of car loans, were the fastest growing segment of debt, up 11% year over year.
Credit card debt rose 5.9% from a year ago.

Many of us don’t realize the importance of a balanced budget and as a result we live beyond our means and get into financial hot water. A balanced budget is to financial health what a balanced diet is to physical health. Everyone should have a budget. It’s an important money management tool that will show you exactly how much money you receive, how much you spend, what you spend it on and how much you save. It will help you to establish spending limits, reduce spending and allow you to live within your means.

If you’re suffocating under a mountain of debt, contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc., your Vaughan bankruptcy trustee, today. One of the most important things when we are consulting with a consumer debtor is for them to have a balanced budget. We will work with you so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can live a financially healthy life. Watch for our next blog – A Balanced Budget is to Financial Health What a Balanced Diet is to Physical Health – Part 2 – when we’ll be discussing a case from our files and how important a balanced budget is when working with a trustee.

I and my colleagues wish you a healthy, happy and balanced New Year.

Tags balanced budget, Bankruptcy, consumer credit, credit card debt, Debt, financial health, household debt, installment loans, mortgages, starting over starting now, vaughan bankruptcy trustee

Brandon Blog Post

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

Post author By Brandon Smith
Post date May 13, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

Tags Debt, household debt, housing market, mortgage rates, real estate, real estate bubble, real estate seminars, residential mortgage debt