On July 7, the House of Commons FINA Committee called the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and Commissioner of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada as witnesses to discuss their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their testimonies revealed the extent to which key Federal regulators know (and don’t know) about what’s to come for Canadians during...Continue reading

Like so many of you, I follow the news and trends related to COVID-19 and the financial health of Canadians very closely. Recently, I’ve found three loosely related government reports that when combined paint a concerning picture of what might be coming our way as a country:  In December of 2019, the Office of the...Continue reading

The Pending financial Storm. The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating the Canadian economy and people’s financial stability. The rebuilding of the economy is going to take a long time.  The phased reopening means this is not a quick fix for those whose financial lives have been destroyed.  After the dust settles, the payment deferral programs are...Continue reading

Your Survival plan – When your payments exceed your income. Let’s not beat around the bush, these are scary and stressful times. Remaining physically healthy is the priority — and thankfully, most of us seem to be achieving that.  However, very few of us can say our current or future financial situation is a healthy...Continue reading

For small business owners the fear is overwhelming.  The challenges faced today are unlike any other challenges small business owners have faced before.  In the past, when we’ve faced financial challenges we have been able to look back on a decision or a string of decisions and events that caused the issues and recognize what...Continue reading

Early indications of 2020 numbers (that is, before the COVID-19 crisis hit) mentioned that bankruptcy and insolvency numbers would be at an all-time high. However, since March and over the next couple of months we are likely going to see a large decline in projections. Normally a decline in bankruptcy numbers is a positive and...Continue reading

Don’t forget CERB is a taxable benefit. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides Canadians whose jobs and income have been affected by COVID-19 with desperately needed cash to meet their basic day to day living expenses. The federal government will provide those approved for CERB $500 per week, for 16 weeks. For those needing...Continue reading

Canadians with federal student loan debt are getting a break on payments and interest over the next six months as all efforts to stabilize the Canadian economy is being taken. The payment relief is optional, and students can keep making their payments, it is always recommended that if you can pay, you should pay.  Deferring any type...Continue reading

Don’t sweat your credit score during COVID19 A good credit score is important but not a priority during financial crisis. If you are one of the millions of Canadians suffering financially from the coronavirus pandemic, you should not focus on how this will impact your credit score right now. However, you should protect it where...Continue reading

  Watch out for scams related to COVID-19: As we all focus on our health and the wellbeing of others during these very trying times, it’s unfortunate that unscrupulous people are trying to take advantage of everyone’s distress.  Scammers are sending fraudulent emails, text messages and even calling in an attempt to obtain your personal...Continue reading