Must your credit rating be protected at ALL costs? We live in a society of credit. Don’t agree, try renting a car, checking into a hotel or making an on-line purchase without a credit card. Banks almost force us to use credit because they know a large percent of people will not pay the account in...Continue reading

Lottery odds – 7/7 numbers – 1 in 28,633,528 Feeling overwhelmed! DEBT can also have that same overwhelming feeling! Countless reasons why Canadians experience overwhelming debt: Divorce Illness Unemployment Economic downturn – Business failure It has been my experience that 1 in 5 is living the life of what I called uncontrolled debt. Every second week...Continue reading

How Working in the Best Interests of the Debtor Produced a Debt Consolidation for the Ages In January 2014 I met with a gentleman who I immediately realized was extremely cheerful by nature. I don’t want to use his real name, so let’s call him Jerry. It’s a good thing Jerry was naturally cheerful as...Continue reading

Debt is a continuously growing problem for households in Canada today, putting the economy at risk. To do our part, our debt counselling company, 4Pillars, seeks to end debt through a different approach to help those still struggling with it. Our services are specifically aimed at addressing the debtor’s needs in over the creditor’s unlike some...Continue reading

Why is there so much credit card debt We live in what is called a “Consumer Society” this means that products are bought on credit, so you have it now and pay for it later with interest this is called unsecured debt. It is easy to stay on top of your debt if you pay...Continue reading

When we think about filing bankruptcy, we often think that we will be in the hands of the court and protected from your creditors. In some ways this is true, but you will actually have to pay fees to the Bankruptcy Trustee and just because you are paying their fees, this does not mean they...Continue reading

At some point in your life you may find yourself in need of a financial home renovation. In some cases it may be a simple DIY fix with a fresh coat of ‘tighten the budget’ paint. However, for most of us, Debt Restructuring is a bigger project, one that should be left to the professionals....Continue reading

What is debt restructuring? I have many people asking – “is this just like going bankrupt with a trustee “ or ”is this like credit counselling? “ or “ is 4 Pillars a Debt Settlement company”? I understand why folks would be a little confused with all the terminology being used in the marketplace, but...Continue reading

Who really needs debt help Much of the general public assumes that the people who need help sorting out their debt troubles are a bunch of irresponsible shopaholics. It’s easy to make that assumption too, since there is a lot of conspicuous consumption in our society—we are constantly bombarded with advertising messages every day encouraging...Continue reading

The debt situation: A family contacted our 4 Pillars office in Barrie Ontario. They had $120,000K in unsecured debt. They were considering bankruptcy. Monthly payments: Their minimal debt payments had risen to a crippling $3,500 per month. Methods they had tried: The family accepted full responsibility for their debt. They had already looked at other debt solutions. One...Continue reading