DebtMatters Podcast Wayne Kay

Surveys have found that while most Canadians agree that having a budget is a good thing - less than half do. Learning how to set up a budget and stick with it lets your money know that you are taking charge. So what is the secret to budgeting? And how do you stick to the goals you have set? Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Brenda Wood shares some tips and strategies to make a realistic budget that will work for you.

Whether you are applying for a new cell phone plan or a mortgage, your potential creditors want to understand your financial history and your ability to repay debt. Your credit score and report will help them decide whether they want to do business with you. But most people don’t know a lot about their credit report and credit score. Today’s podcast looks at the difference between the two and how you can improve your score.

Statistics show that Canadians are falling deeper into debt. With high inflation and interest rates, most of us are under a lot of financial pressure as we combat the rising cost of living. Carrying debt can put a strain on our financial health and emotional well-being but It can be hard to find the right debt relief solution.

Finding yourself with unmanageable debt doesn't usually happen overnight. It is often a slow unnoticeable process that might start with being a few hundred dollars short every month. But the sooner you take action, the more options will be available. You’ll have the ability to make decisions before your creditors do. If you think you are alone in this scenario, you would be mistaken. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, David Macdonald talks about taking a good look at your finances. How do you know how much debt is too much debt?

Owing the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) money can be overwhelming. This government agency has greater powers to collect compared to other creditors. What do you do when you simply cannot pay your outstanding tax debt? The good news is that there are ways that you can overcome debts owing to the CRA. In this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee Leigh Taylor talks about the importance of filing your taxes and the steps you can take when you are unable to pay your outstanding taxes.

Everywhere you turn there is another report or survey about Canadian’s record high indebtedness. And alongside those reports we are inundated with offers to help. But be cautious and know that the only debt relief program administered by the federal government is a Consumer Proposal. And the only professional who can file a Proposal is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.