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YOU MUST PREPARE YOURSELF FOR DIVORCE FINANCIALLY BEFORE YOU WALK DOWN THAT ROAD

prepare yourself financially for divorcePrepare yourself for divorce financially: Introduction

There is nothing good about divorce yet Canadians continue to engage in the practice in record numbers. The divorce statistics are staggering. According to Statistics Canada:

  • In Canada, 48% of marriages end in divorce (Ontario’s rate of divorce is 42.1%)
  • The average length of a marriage nationally is 14 years

According to the Vanier Institute of the Family, the divorce rate for second marriages is even higher at over 50%.

Prepare yourself for divorce financially: Not just emotionally

We all know how emotionally gut-wrenching divorce can be on couples and their children. But, how many couples are financially ready for divorce? Unless you’re like Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin (each mega-millionaires in their own right) who “consciously uncoupled” or like the rich and famous with iron-clad prenuptial agreements, do you have any idea of what a divorce can cost?

Prepare yourself for divorce financially: Cost of divorce in Canada

According to the results of Canadian Lawyer’s 2015 Legal Fees Survey:

  • $1,353 – the national average cost for an uncontested divorce
  • $31,330 – national average cost of a two-day trial
  • $56,439 – national average cost of a five-day trial
  • $81,958 – the national average cost of a seven-day trial

Prepare yourself for divorce financially: It costs more for two to live separately than together

Now the shock is about to set in… How are you going to manage your finances separately? Do you know what your monthly expenses are? Do you have a budget? If not, you’re going to need one now.

In all likelihood, you aren’t going to be able to maintain your former lifestyle. If you do, you may land up in a situation where you are bleeding money and accumulating mountains of debt. Are you carrying over debt from your marriage and trying to maintain your old lifestyle?

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Prepare yourself for divorce financially: What should you do if you have too much debt?

This is a difficult time but burying your head in the sand isn’t the answer. The best option is to deal with debt with the help of a professional trustee. This is especially true in a separation or divorce situation as one of the very few situations that are NOT stopped by an insolvency filing stay of proceedings are family law proceedings.

Many divorce lawyers do not understand the relationship between provincial family law and the federal Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada). You are best to consult with a licensed insolvency trustee before taking any action. You need to financially prepare for divorce.

Although your particular situation may seem catastrophic, we offer peace of mind that you will get through this and you will be able to start over. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today. Starting Over, Starting Now you can take back control of your life and be debt-free.

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BUNDLED SUBPRIME LOANS: WE DO NOT NEED ANOTHER GLOBAL ECONOMIC COLLAPSE & WORLD DEBT CRISIS

bundled subprime loans 3Bundled subprime loans: Introduction

Bundled subprime loans. To bundle, or not to bundle; that is the question. Bundled mortgage loans have become a hot topic these days because they are a tactic used by sub-prime mortgage providers to “beat the system”.

Bundled subprime loans: How are mortgage lenders regulated in Canada?

  • Regulated lenders in Canada can’t lend more that 80% of a property’s value without obtaining a government-backed insurance
  • If the borrower has bad credit, lenders can’t lend more than 65% of a property’s value.
  • Insurance requires banks to run income stress tests on borrowers.

Bundled subprime loans: The bundled mortgage loans definition

Bundled home loans package a primary mortgage with a second offering from an unregulated group. It is a product offered by sub-prime mortgage providers.

Bundled subprime loans: How do they beat the system?

With a bundled loan the strict mortgage lending rules don’t apply. Borrowers can make down payments of only 10% instead of the 20% or 35% on mortgages not backed by government insurance.

At the moment bundled subprime loans are legal. However, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) assistant superintendent Carolyn Rogers warned mortgage providers under its jurisdiction against providing such products.

“They are rules. They are not guidelines, and they are not principles. We absolutely expect regulated entities to be adhering to them,” Rogers said. “Anytime a regulated entity is or appears to be designing a product or an approach that is, by its design, circumventing the rules we would take issue with that.”

The OSFI will be cracking down on bundled loans. Canada’s six biggest banks do not offer bundled loans for good reason.

In the United States, before December 2007, when banks bundled mortgage loans and sold the resulting mortgage-backed securities, the poor credit risk combined with the drop in US home prices, many say explained the global economic collapse & the world debt crisis complete with allegations of white-collar crime.

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Are bundled subprime loans worth the risk? Do you want another global economic collapse and world debt crisis?

Borrowers can be at risk if they load up on too much debt at high rates of interest. “I would suspect that at least 10% of homeowners who are taking out this type of product may find themselves in hot water within the first couple of years of home ownership,” said Scott Hannah, the head of Canada’s Credit Counseling Society, a charity that advises consumers on debt. The Credit Counseling Society’s Hannah urged regulators to ban the products.

Scott Hannah is absolutely right. Loading up on too much debt is never a good idea. Are you overwhelmed by debt? Don’t despair. Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can help. We approach every file with the attitude that financial problems can be solved given immediate action and the right plan. Give us a call today and Starting Over, Starting Now you can be on your way to debt free living.

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#VIDEO – AVERAGE CANADIAN DEBT: THE EASIEST WAY TO REDUCE YOURS AND MAKE YOU ONE OF THE SMARTEST CANADIANS#

Average Canadian Debt: Introduction

The average Canadian debt will never be repaid if you only make the minimum monthly payments. Making simply the minimal payment on your charge cards and car loans is leading a lot more borrowers right into trouble, says a brand-new study.

Average Canadian Debt: February 2017 released TransUnion study

Chicago-based TransUnion checked 1,010 customers in Canada. They discovered 88 percent of bank card owners in Canada commonly make a higher payment compared to their minimum due on their rotating financial debts every month. Regardless, 39 percent of those charge card owners doubt of the advantages of repaying greater than the minimal payment noted on their credit card statement!

“Making more than the minimum payment makes them a more attractive customer to their financial institution,” stated Todd Skinner, president of TransUnion Canada.

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bankruptcy policy TPR average Canadian mortgage debt

Average Canadian Debt: The new Total Payment Ratio (TPR) statistic

TransUnion is currently utilizing exactly what it calls a trended information report over 24 months, as opposed to a month-to-month picture. They find this offers a clearer representation of the state of a person’s financial resources. It remedies a stat that could be manipulated if, for instance, your credit report was pulled in January after your financial debts increased through the holiday period.

The credit rating company has actually likewise developed exactly what it calls a TPR statistic. It decides the connection between the repayment measure as well as the defaults throughout the many debts. The TPR calculation separates a customer’s complete month-to-month credit repayments by the complete minimum due on every one of the customer’s credit items. The greater the TPR the much less likely a customer falls back on repayments.

Average Canadian Debt: How to calculate a TPR

A person making $400 in repayments on 3 cards when the accumulated minimum due was $200 would have a TPR of 2.0. A person with $1,200 in repayments with an accumulated minimum due of $200 would have a TPR of 6.0.

In its research, TransUnion discovered among Canadians with a TPR of less than 5 on their charge card there was a 1.77 high threat of vehicle finance default. This is specified as not paying back for 90 days or even more. When the TPR rose to greater than 15.0, the high threat of default went down to 1.4 percent.

Average Canadian Debt: What a TPR score tells us about you

“This may sound intuitive — consumers who are able to pay more usually have more liquidity and are less likely to miss payments. But it is assigning a number to this intuition that is important,” stated Ezra Becker, vice-president as well as head of TransUnion’s worldwide research. The research study validated that as TPR boosted, delinquencies decreased for charge card and vehicle funding.

Average Canadian Debt: You will never get out of debt only making the minimum monthly payment

Making the minimal repayment on a credit card leaves you little possibility of in fact ever getting out of financial debt. I understand that many times, people have actually been making minimal repayments on credit cards, by obtaining money from one card to pay a different one.

Credit card statements in Canada currently consist of a line that shows for how long it will take to repay your bank card expense in months. It assumes that you are making just the minimal repayment each month as well as not increasing the amount owing. There are no regulations as to exactly how they place it on the statement. It’s typically in the small print that many people overlook.

Average Canadian Debt: What should you do if you have too much debt

Get in touch with a licensed insolvency trustee. We’re government licensed and supervised. Our costs are government controlled and we’re subject to a stringent code of principles. We must also take necessary professional development courses yearly.

A qualified licensed insolvency trustee (bankruptcy trustee) MUST initially check every one of your alternatives with you in order for you to prevent bankruptcy. The trustee must as well find the very best bankruptcy choice option for you. Lots of times the trustee could effectively carry out a financial debt restructuring for you as an option to avoid bankruptcy.

Get in touch with Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. Allow us aid your recovery to financial health and wellness. Let us give you back tranquility of mind, body and soul, Starting Over, Starting Now. Call us today.

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THE TRUTH IS YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY PERSON CONCERNED ABOUT PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT CANADA

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Planning for retirement Canada: Introduction

Planning for retirement Canada appears to be a very troubling matter. As we’ve discussed before, many Canadians will have to alter their views about retirement as they face the prospects of outliving their money. Some will have to put off retirement indefinitely; others will have to continue to work part-time. But the harsh reality is that very few Canadians will be financially able to maintain their current lifestyles.

Planning for retirement Canada: Canadians are concerned

In a recent Royal Bank of Canada “Financial Independence in Retirement” poll, Canadians over the age of 55 revealed that:

  • 46% feel that they’re falling short of saving enough to retire
  • Only 33% are now willing to tweak their lifestyle plans to face that reality

The top concerns of the Canadians polled were:

  1. The ability to maintain their current standard of living
  2. The ability to cover the costs of health care
  3. How to make the most out of savings
  4. How to deal with inflation
  5. What lifestyle changes to make
  6. How to manage debt in retirement
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Planning for retirement Canada: Will you outlive your money?

As our life spans continue to increase, more and more Canadians will be facing the prospect of outliving their money. In 2015, Statistics Canada projected that by 2061 more than 78,000 Canadians will be over 100 years old – versus 5,800 in 2011. And, sadly we are ill ready for the financial ramifications of longevity.

If you’re like most Canadians you won’t able to maintain your current standard of living. Are you worried about covering the costs of health care? Do you know what lifestyle changes to make? Will you be able to manage debt in retirement?

Planning for retirement Canada: Will you have debt in retirement?

Are you managing debt now? If these things are occupying your thoughts call Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. today? We’re experts in dealing with debt and we can help. Starting Over, Starting Now we can give you back peace of mind and a solid plan for moving forward towards retirement.

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CANADIANS CASHING IN RRSPs BEFORE RETIREMENT IS NOT A SOLUTION

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Cashing in RRSPs before retirement: Introduction

Cashing in RRSPs before retirement is never a good idea. It seems that as life gets more and more expensive, fewer Canadians are saving for their retirement. A recent BMO survey reports that only 46% of Canadians are planning to contribute to RRSPs this year. What is most alarming is that 38% of Canadians have made early withdrawals and were cashing out RRSPs before retirement this year, compromising their retirement savings. In fact on average, Canadians have withdrawn $17,213 from their RRSPs this year, an increase of $1,305 from last year.

Why are Canadians cashing in RRSPs before retirement?

  • 30% – Purchase a house
  • 21% – Living expenses
  • 18% – Pay off debt
  • 18% – Pay for emergencies
  • 13% – Other

Why are Canadians cashing in RRSPs before retirement instead of using the Home Buyers’ Plan to buy a house?

Canadians are using the Home Buyers’ Plan but it’s only for first-time buyers. They access their RRSPs to buy houses and borrow up to $25,000 from their RRSP. The money must be paid back over 15 years. There is no penalty for making the withdrawals, as long as you pay the money back in the specified time frame. Unfortunately if you’re not a first-time buyer or need more than the $25,000 allowed, you have a problem.

Are Canadians concerned about cashing in RRSPs before retirement?

  • 75% are very concerned about the consequences
  • 73% say they’re familiar with the tax penalties or the rules for repayment under the Home Buyers’ Plan
  • 19% don’t expect to pay the funds back

So notwithstanding that Canadians understand the consequences of cashing out RRSP before retirement, they do not feel they have any other alternative.

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Is cashing in RRSPs before retirement for living expenses ever a good idea?

According to Chris Buttigier, director of wealth planning publications with BMO Wealth Management, “It’s concerning to see that so many Canadians are dipping into their RRSPs to meet short-term needs, which should only be considered as a last resort. Canadians need to consider more options that may be available before making any withdrawals. Make sure you have fully considered the ramifications of the early withdrawal tax consequences. In most cases, RRSP withdrawals will count as income in the year the money is taken out and taxed at your highest marginal rate”.

Is cashing in RRSPs before retirement to pay debt a good idea?

It’s clear that many Canadians are in financial trouble. Before cashing out RRSPs before retirement and emptying out your retirement savings to pay living expenses and debt, contact a professional trustee. There are other options than cashing in RRSP before retirement and compromising your retirement.

We approach every file with the attitude that financial problems can be solved given immediate action and the right plan. Don’t be one of the Canadians cashing in RRSP before retirement. Make an appointment with the Ira Smith Team for a free, no obligation consultation and Starting Over, Starting Now you can get back on track to debt free living. Give us a call today.

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RETIREMENT SECURITY STARTS AT HOME CANADA

retirement security starts at home

Retirement security starts at home: Introduction

Retirement’s a hot topic these days, but most people don’t get it that retirement security starts at home. Will we be financially able to retire? How can we fund a retirement that may last 30+ years? How much money will we need to retire? Is there such thing as retirement security?

Retirement security starts at home: Global Retirement Index

The latest Global Retirement Index delivered good news and bad news for Canadians. The good news is that when comparing the state of retirement security in 43 countries around the world, Canada ranked 10th, up from 12th last year. In case you’re wondering what countries were in the top three spots, they were Norway, Switzerland and Iceland. Our neighbour to the south, the U.S. ranked 14th.

Retirement security starts at home: How long will my savings last in retirement

Canadians are asking themselves “how long will my savings last in retirement”. The bad news is that Canadians are underestimating how much they should be saving for retirement.

  • 72% of Canadians surveyed identified retirement saving as their highest financial priority, however many believed they would need to replace only 60% of their income after retirement. Planning professionals typically work on the assumption that you need to replace 75-85%.
  • Canadians reported setting aside an average of 10.5% of their annual income for retirement. The international average is 12.2%.
  • Only 55% of Canadians take part in workplace-based savings programs.

The reality is that many Canadians are underestimating how long they’ll need their savings to last. It’s not uncommon for Canadians to live well into their 90s and some will even reach 100. This means that you may be funding a 30+ year retirement. For many Canadians there will be no such thing as a retirement security plan.

Retirement security starts at home: Do you have too much debt to think of retirement savings?

So as you can see, it really is true that retirement security begins at home. You can’t have a secure retirement if your house is full of debt. If you’re struggling with debt, now is the time to see a professional trustee. We can help you free yourself from debt, so that you can start saving for your retirement. Contact the Ira Smith Team today so that Starting Over, Starting Now you can work towards retirement security.

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RECEIVERSHIP BANKRUPTCY DIFFERENCE CANADA: WHAT A TRUSTEE SAYS ABOUT IT

Introduction

The purpose of this blog is to discuss the corporate receivership bankruptcy difference Canada. Every general security agreement defines exactly how the secured lender will certainly deal with obtaining his/her cash when it comes to default. One means to do this is by selecting a receiver.

A receiver or receiver/manager is an individual/company licensed by the Federal Government to act as a licensed insolvency trustee. The receiver can be appointed either by an instrument in writing or by a court order. A receivership administration falls under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) (BIA), where the receiver takes possession and control over the assets to of the insolvent business.

The receiver or receiver/manager will certainly seize the properties covered under the lender’s security or covered by the court order. The receiver will also develop a plan to market the assets for sale. After paying any type of priority claims as well as the receivership administration costs, the net funds are paid to the first secured creditor.

receivership bankruptcy difference canada

Can you have both at the very same time?

Sometimes there is both a bankruptcy plus a receivership. Receivership is a treatment for secured creditors, such as financial institutions. Bankruptcy is a treatment for unsecured creditors.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: Bankruptcy

A business could be placed right into bankruptcy by any one of the following methods:

  1. a creditor could apply for a bankruptcy order putting the business right into bankruptcy through the courts;
  2. the directors could assign the corporation right into bankruptcy;
  3. a restructuring proposal could be voted down at the meeting of creditors; or
  4. a restructuring proposal could be annulled by the trustee or creditor for non-compliance.

There are many reasons that a corporation could go into bankruptcy. These consist of the following:

  1. The firm has defaulted under its premises lease, the landlord distrains against the firm’s possessions. A bankruptcy or a notice to make a proposal filed before the property owner finishes the sale of assets defeats the lease distraint.
  2. The firm has unsecured assets (i.e., possessions without a lender’s security registered against it) that are available to be realized upon. Also, the firm cannot carry on business any longer.
  3. If a restructuring proposal is submitted, but the company could not get adequate funding to continue its business and complete the proposal.
  4. To reorganize the statutory priorities.
  5. To officially bring the business to an end as well as give a complete report to the creditors so they will not believe the principals engaged in any kind of misbehaviour.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: Corporate Bankruptcy

In a company bankruptcy, the licensed insolvency trustee seizes all the business’s properties plus deals with all the creditors. The directors and management of the company accept the authority of the trustee; if requested by the trustee, they can as well as aid the trustee in his/her tasks. This eliminates them from all the stress of dealing with the creditors as well as running the cash-starved business.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: Making the Application to Put a Debtor Into Bankruptcy

If a creditor is incapable of recovering the amount owed to it with any one of the readily available techniques which can be done, they may look to a bankruptcy application. This is especially so having actually acquired a judgment for the quantum owing which has not been satisfied. The BIA allows for the licensed insolvency trustee, once appointed, to take possession in an organized way, the assets of an insolvent debtor, to realize upon those assets and to then distribute the funds according to the scheme of priority in the BIA.

The BIA allows for the benefit of both bankrupts and their creditors. While the Act is not planned for usage as a device for the collection of private financial obligations, this may be the case in specific situations.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: When is a Creditor Allowed making a Bankruptcy Application?

An unsecured creditor could apply for a bankruptcy order where:

  1. the lender is owed $1,000 or even more on an unsecured basis, and
  2. there has actually been an act of bankruptcy by the borrower within the 6 months that come before the filing of the application. Keep in mind that a secured lender can value its security at less than the overall amount owing to develop a partly unsecured debt.

The BIA states that acts of bankruptcy consist of the following:

  1. if in Canada or elsewhere he makes an assignment of his property to a trustee for the benefit of his creditors generally, whether it is an assignment authorized by this Act or not;
  2. if in Canada or elsewhere the debtor makes a fraudulent gift, delivery or transfer of the debtor’s property or of any part of it;
  3. if in Canada or elsewhere the debtor makes any transfer of the debtor’s property or any part of it, or creates any charge on it, that would under this Act be void or, in the Province of Quebec, null as a fraudulent preference;
  4. if, with intent to defeat or delay his creditors, he departs out of Canada, or, being out of Canada, remains out of Canada, or departs from his dwelling house or otherwise absents himself;
  5. if the debtor permits any execution or other process issued against the debtor under which any of the debtor’s property is seized, levied on or taken in execution to remain unsatisfied until within five days after the time fixed by the executing officer for the sale of the property or for fifteen days after the seizure, levy or taking in execution, or if any of the debtor’s property has been sold by the executing officer, or if the execution or other process has been held by the executing officer for a period of fifteen days after written demand for payment without seizure, levy or taking in execution or satisfaction by payment, or if it is returned endorsed to the effect that the executing officer can find no property on which to levy or to seize or take, but if interpleader or opposition proceedings have been instituted with respect to the property seized, the time elapsing between the date at which the proceedings were instituted and the date at which the proceedings are finally disposed of, settled or abandoned shall not be taken into account in calculating the period of fifteen days;
  6. if he exhibits to any meeting of his creditors any statement of his assets and liabilities that shows that he is insolvent, or presents or causes to be presented to any such meeting a written admission of his inability to pay his debts;
  7. if he assigns, removes, secretes or disposes of or attempts or is about to assign, remove, secrete or dispose of any of his property with the intent to defraud, defeat or delay his creditors or any of them;
  8. if he gives notice to any of his creditors that he has suspended or that he is about to suspend the payment of his debts;
  9. if he defaults in any proposal made under this Act; and if he ceases to meet his liabilities generally as they become due.
  10. if he ceases to meet his liabilities generally as they become due.

Keep in mind that in most of the situations above, the creditor does not need to show that the borrower cannot pay various other creditors. In the last situation, the creditor should show that more than just its own debt is not being paid. Unique situations would differentiate matters though.

Unique scenarios can consist of allegations of fraud, near-fraud or those other transactions which fall under the types that would seem to be attackable by a trustee. At least on a prima facie basis.

It should, nonetheless, be remembered that stringent evidence of both your unsecured debt and an act of bankruptcy is required to have an individual or business judged bankrupt.

 

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: Under What Circumstances Should a Creditor Make An Application For A Bankruptcy Order?

Making an application for a bankruptcy order to put a debtor into bankruptcy is no little job. Prior to choosing this option, consider the following:

  1. the presence and amounts of claims that could take priority over your unsecured creditor status;
  2. the dollar measure of unsecured debt ranking on the same level with your financial debt (i.e., each unsecured creditor is paid according to the calculated share based on the measure of his/her debt);
  3. the existence of questionable transactions or transfers undervalue within the three-month to five-year evaluation period before the declaration of bankruptcy;
  4. your very own history of repayments from the debtor/borrower in addition to the normal payment patterns in the 3 months before the date of bankruptcy; as well as
  5. the legitimacy of any kind of security you might hold.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: The Bankruptcy Application Can Be Very Useful

Think about:

  1. has the debtor actually moved the residential property to a related party for inadequate or no consideration;
  2. where the debtor does not want to lose a specific part of its property (e.g. a private yacht, unique cars and truck or shares in a firm) or does not want its transactions and events to be inspected by a trustee and/or creditors;
  3. the debtor (being an individual) expects an inheritance;
  4. where the debtor (being an individual) needs to be an officer, director and/or shareholder of several businesses;
  5. the debtor (being an individual) might have his/her expert certification or licence from which he/she derives income compromised or lost as an outcome of being ruled a bankrupt;
  6. when the bankruptcy of the debtor would cause him/her to lose the ability to generally conduct business, such as required to use a trust account or employment requires the need to be bonded; or
  7. being a bankrupt would cause the company or individual to lose the advantage of a specific useful agreement, lease, or company.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: How Does a Creditor Make The Application For A Bankruptcy Order?

The creditor desiring to file the application will certainly need a lawyer to prepare the needed documents to make the bankruptcy application. The lawyer will serve the motion material and attend for the bankruptcy order. For an uncontested motion, the lawyer appears before the Bankruptcy Registrar who is a Master of the Court. If opposed, the matter can only be heard by a Judge.

The creditor has to additionally make arrangements with a licensed insolvency trustee to act will need to guarantee the trustee’s fee and costs incurred by the trustee where there are not enough proceeds from the sale of assets. A lot of times it is likewise needed to give the trustee a cash retainer.

When the Bankruptcy Order is made, the licensed insolvency trustee starts the bankruptcy administration. All actions against the insolvent are stayed.

Receivership bankruptcy difference Canada: What If You’re Company Has Too Much Debt?

Is your company insolvent? Are you looking for solutions? The Ira Smith Team is here to offer alternatives to restructuring and turnaround services however, if required, we also act as a licensed insolvency trustee in bankruptcy matters. We offer help in Vaughan as well as throughout the GTA.

Are you an individual or company who feels your situation is hopeless? Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can prepare and put in place the plan MADE JUST FOR YOU. The plan will free you from the burden of your financial challenges. With our help, you will go on to live a productive, stress-free, financially sound life.

Our motto is Starting Over, Starting Now! Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. can help you overcome your financial difficulties. Contact us today.

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DEBT RELIEF PROGRAM VS BANKRUPTCY: ARE DEBT RELIEF COMPANIES SCARY?

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Debt Relief Program vs Bankruptcy: Introduction

We keep hearing commercials about debt relief and their scare tactics of portraying the safety of a debt relief program vs bankruptcy. But, what is debt relief? And can some of these so-called debt relief companies actually put you deeper into debt?

Debt Relief Program vs Bankruptcy: Are They Legit?

As consumer debt continues to soar many Canadians are easy marks for unscrupulous companies who make false claims which are quite frankly just scams. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is warning Canadians to be very cautious about companies that claim they can negotiate a deal to cut the amount of debt you must repay to your creditors. This process is often called “debt reduction,” “debt settlement,” “debt relief” or “debt negotiation.” The truth is that there is no easy way out of debt. And, if you need help dealing with debt problems, run away from these companies and work only with a licensed insolvency trustee (the new name for a trustee in bankruptcy).

Heed the warning of FCAC Commissioner Ursula Menke. “Unfortunately, people do not always see the benefits that debt reduction companies lead them to expect—and some people wind up even deeper in debt than they were before,” says FCAC Commissioner Ursula Menke. “If an offer to reduce your debts seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Debt Relief Program vs Bankruptcy: Debt relief tactics to beware of:

  1. Government approved: Companies will try to win your confidence by stating that they are government approved. Not true. A company’s business license or registration doesn’t mean that the government has approved or endorsed them.
  2. We can reduce your debt by 60% or more: Not true. Your creditors are under no obligation to reduce your debts.
  3. High pressure sales tactics: Don’t ever be victimized by high pressure sales tactics. Always take your time. Do your due diligence. Check out the company thoroughly. Check with the government office that handles consumer affairs in your province or territory, as well as the Better Business Bureau.
  4. Upfront fees: These companies usually charge you hefty upfront fees and then don’t reduce your debt. Good luck getting a refund.

Debt Relief Program vs Bankruptcy: How Can You Get Debt Relief Safely And Reliably?

Contact a licensed insolvency trustee. We’re federally regulated, our fees are federally regulated, we’re subject to a strict code of ethics and we complete ongoing mandatory professional development each year.

A licensed insolvency trustee MUST first discuss all of your options with you in order for you to avoid bankruptcy, and attempt to find the best bankruptcy alternative solution for you. Many times the trustee can successfully carry out a debt restructuring proposal for you as an alternative to bankruptcy.

Don’t take chances with your financial future. Contact Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. We’ll evaluate your situation and help you to arrive at the best possible solution for your problems. Let us help restore you to financial health and give you back peace of mind Starting Over, Starting Now. Give us a call today. You’ll be happy you did.

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FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS WORTH KEEPING: HERE ARE OUR TOP 6

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financial resolutions worth keeping

Financial resolutions worth keeping: Happy New Year to all of our readers!

The new year is the season of making resolutions, but more often than not it is very difficult to keep new year’s resolutions. The most common resolution year over year is losing weight. How about if this year you vow to lose debt instead? The Ira Smith team can help you lose debt. We put together a list of 6 financial resolutions worth keeping that you should make this year if you’re serious about losing debt.

Financial resolutions worth keeping: Our Ira Smith Trustee top 6 list

  1. Stop wasting money: Have a hard look at your expenses – mobile plan(s), landline(s), car insurance, house insurance, cable TV, etc. Get rid of what you don’t need and make sure you’re getting the best deals possible for the services that you decide to keep.
  2. Make a budget and stick to it: You may be shocked at what you’re actually spending and what those designer lattes are really costing you.
  3. Use cash more and credit less: Get into the habit of shopping with cash. Take out the amount that you can afford to spend and don’t resort to using credit. This will put a stop to impulse shopping for things you don’t need and can’t afford even if they are great bargains. You can go broke saving money.
  4. Don’t use high interest credit (like a credit card) to pay your bills: If you have to resort to credit cards to pay your bills, then it’s time to recognize that you are in serious financial difficulty and you need professional help, not more debt.
  5. NEVER go to a payday loan company: Those commercials offering you money with bad credit or no credit can trap you in a never-ending cycle of debt with annual interest rates of up to 596% annually.
  6. At the first sign of financial trouble contact a professional trustee: The sooner you seek help, the more options you’ll have. Managing debt is not a do-it-yourself project; it requires a professional.

Financial resolutions worth keeping: We can help you have a great New Year

The Ira Smith Team is here to help you get out of debt and back on a path to financial health Starting Over, Starting Now. All it takes is one phone call to book your free, no obligation consultation. Call us today and take the first step towards debt free living.

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IDENTITY THEFT HORROR STORIES: BEWARE OF FRAUDSTERS & IDENTITY THIEVES

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Identity theft horror stories: Introduction

There always seems to be identity theft horror stories coming out right after the holiday shopping season. The holidays may be a time of good cheer, but for others who’ve been victimized by fraudsters and identity thieves, it can be a nightmare. Earlier in the month we posted a blog giving you 3 secret techniques to guard against identity theft, but we must still remain diligent.

Identity theft horror stories: What more can you do to protect yourself against fraudsters & identity thieves?

According to Equifax, Canadian consumers have indicated that they’ve taken the following steps:

· Shared less about self on social media· 87%
· Used an up-to-date computer anti-virus product· 81%
· Double-checked credit card statements· 79%
· Shopped less online· 56%
· Avoided using public WiFi· 47%
· Used cash more often· 46%
· Updated security passwords· 43%
· Used an identity theft product· 30%
· Checked my credit report· 28%

Identity theft horror stories: What can you do if identity theft happens to you?

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada advises that you document in writing everything that’s happened since you first became aware of the fraud and that you follow these 4 steps:

  1. Contact your local police and file a police report.
  2. Contact the financial institutions, credit card companies, phone companies, and other lenders for any accounts you suspect are opened or tampered with.
  3. Contact the two credit bureaus in Canada, Equifax and TransUnion. Ask that a “Fraud alert” be placed in your credit file. At the same time, order copies of your credit report and review them. Make sure all the accounts and debts that show up on your report are yours. Report any incorrect information to the credit bureaus.
  4. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 to report the fraud and get advice. The CAFC plays a crucial role in educating the public about specific mass marketing fraud pitches and in collecting and disseminating victim evidence, statistics and documentation, all of which are made available to law enforcement agencies.

Identity theft horror stories: What should you do if you have your own Christmas credit card debt horror stories?

Remember to always protect your personal information at home, online, on the phone and in public places and follow our 3 secret techniques to guard against identity theft. Everyone is a potential victim so be on your guard. Unfortunately even taking precautions is not 100% foolproof, so if you’re now experiencing serious financial difficulties as a result of identity theft or for any other reason, give Ira Smith Trustee & Receiver Inc. a call immediately. We can help you solve your financial problems with immediate action and a solid financial plan Starting Over, Starting Now.

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