DebtMatters Podcast Wayne Kay

Anyone can fall behind on debt payments especially in these uncertain economic times. Having unpaid debt turned over to a debt collector is a worst-case scenario for the majority of Canadians. But when this happens, it’s important to know how to minimize the impact if a debt collection agency does come calling. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mary-Ann Marriott knows that having a debt collector call can put more pressure on top of the debt itself.

Thousands of Canadian businesses exit the marketplace every year whether through filing Bankruptcy or just closing their doors. Many more are on a razor’s edge with the rising cost of servicing their debt due to higher interest rates. Today’s podcast looks at the cost of putting a business through Bankruptcy and other options that may be available. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Mary-Ann Marriott also discusses how individual Bankruptcy differs from business Bankruptcy.

While most Canadians view student loans as an investment rather than an expense, they can become a burden after graduation. As the years go by and more unsecured debt is added, it can be a struggle to keep up. If you are contemplating filing for personal Bankruptcy in the hopes of discharging your student loan debt, you need to make sure your timing is right. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Francyne Myers goes through the rules for including student loans in a Bankruptcy.

Under the Canadian Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act there are two options that allow consumers to eliminate debt, filing a Bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal. The option you chose is based on your personal situation at the time of filing. But what happens if your financial circumstances change? Can you switch from a Bankruptcy to a Consumer Proposal or if you have filed a Consumer Proposal can you change to a Bankruptcy? When would it make sense to switch?

Living paycheque to paycheque can be stressful, to say the least. A recent poll by Leger found that almost half of Canadians are living that way. Stepping off that treadmill is possible with a few sacrifices and a bit of hard work. Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Leigh Taylor talks about the paycheque trap - how it can slowly happen if we don’t pay close attention and become a bit more proactive.

Even though Canada’s economy is thriving in many ways, the rising cost of living is putting pressure on Canadian’s finances. As the price of goods continues to rise, household budgets are getting squeezed from all angles. Rising inflation is affecting most of us and in this podcast, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Leigh Taylor discusses how we can protect ourselves.