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
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
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
Debt restructuring is the process by which a significant portion, usually 60-80% is extinguished while the remainder gets paid off over a period of up to 5 years interest-free. It is principally a method to avoid bankruptcy. Creditors like it because they get something in return on what they have lent out. In comparison, a bankrupt...Continue reading
When faced with bankruptcy, a family in Ontario wanted to know their options. Here are the 6 steps we recommended, reducing their debt from $57K down to $15K. The bankruptcy situation The financial hardship began when Sara (name changed for privacy) became sick and took a leave of absence from her work. She was away from work for 6...Continue reading
Small business financial assessment Several months ago through my referral network, I was asked to contact a small business client in financial trouble who did not want to go bankrupt. After an initial phone call to assess their financial difficulties, they decided to come into my office and meet me for their free consultation. Upon...Continue reading
How does Canadian Insolvency Work The Bankruptcy Insolvency Act (BIA) provides two remedies to settling debt through either bankruptcy or consumer proposal and each has pros and cons. Regardless of which one a consumer (or business chooses) the unsecured debts are dealt with and within 24 hours there is a stay of proceedings where creditors...Continue reading
