Consumer Debt needs to be an Election Issue. Now. October 3, 2019 I’ve been in the business of supporting consumer debtors for nearly 20 years. In that time, I have observed a steady and alarming trend toward rising consumer debt and financial instability. This week, yet another report was released pointing to what is a...Continue reading
WELCOMING A NEW VOICE: CANADIAN DEBTORS For about two decades now, I have worked with colleagues across the country to offer valuable services and support to Canadians facing crushing debt and insolvency. It has been a rewarding career journey as I know we have helped thousands move out of crisis and into financial stability. In...Continue reading
Canada’s bet with debt. Back in 2008, the world was knocked into one of the worst recessions we had seen in decades. Canada was by no means immune. Over-leveraged Canadians lost property and businesses, retirement investments tanked and consumer confidence plummeted. History tells us this kind of downward spiral is very dangerous. To introduce some...Continue reading
This report was written by Paul Murphy, a 20-year financial veteran and managing partner at 4 Pillars. In this report, you’ll find a data-backed picture of household debt and bankruptcy in Canada. Key questions answered in this report: What is the average household debt in Canada? What are the signs of a typical Canadian family facing...Continue reading
This past July, after seven years of leaving its key interest rate steady at near-historic lows, the Bank of Canada increased its overnight rate by 0.25 percentage points to 0.75 percent. In September, the bank raised it another quarter-point to 1.0 percent amid strong economic growth. While we’re unlikely to see another increase this year, they left...Continue reading
From pre-natal preparations to preschool to post-secondary, raising a child in Canada is not for the financially faint of heart. The average annual cost for raising a child to the age of 18 has been estimated to be a cool $13,000 which, of course, will not necessarily decrease at that age if you plan to...Continue reading
Although Canadians are carrying fewer credit cards, they’re carrying increasingly higher balances, according to a survey conducted by TransUnion. More alarming, consumers seem to be more focused on the points they are earning rather than the interest they are racking up. Credit cards are an important way to build credit history, they can be useful...Continue reading
As a parent, one of the things you are most likely to teach your child is that they shouldn’t touch a hot element on a stovetop because it will hurt them. However, it is just as important to teach them about other less obvious things that can hurt them as well, such as mismanaged finances....Continue reading
Good and Bad Debt – What’s the Difference? There is an abundance of coverage in the news these days about how Canadian household debt has climbed steadily in recent years and hit record levels, fueled by mortgages and low interest rates. While debt is generally perceived as bad, some debt is necessary and if well...Continue reading
How Debt May Affect Your Health Anyone who has ever been in debt knows that the situation affects more than just your bank account. The relationship between debt and health has been studied for decades and it appears that there has always been evidence that debt affects not only your physical but also your mental...Continue reading
