Recognize Financial Danger Signs

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Money is one of the most stressful factors in our lives and when we don’t know how to handle it well, we reduce our chances of achieving financial freedom. If you’re in a difficult position and owe more than you can repay, you’re not alone. Living under financial strain and serious debt has become the norm for many Canadians, but it’s important that yu recognize the financial danger signs that are keeping you from reaching your financial goals.

one of the most likely reasons that an individual or family can’t seem to get out of debt can be attributed to habits of overspending. Without a budget, without a commitment to smart spending, and without some key pieces of financial education, even a healthy income won’t seem like enough to turn the tables on debt.

This article will outline the ways you can recognize financial danger signs, explain how debt relief can reduce the amount of debt you owe, and offer tips for finding a Licensed Insolvency Trustee that can help you develop a plan to regain financial control.

Recognize Financial Danger Signs

Living with debt is a very natural thing for many Canadians, but you should be able to spot the signs of an unhealthy relationship with debt. Maybe you don’t know the grand total of how much you owe, maybe you can only afford the minimum payments to your creditors, maybe collection agencies are constantly calling you, and perhaps creditors have taken serious steps to reclaim unsecured debt from you by garnishing your wages.

If any of this sounds familiar, then you could be living in a volatile financial situation that needs to be addressed. In order to nip potentially disastrous financial situations in the bud, you need to know what signs to look out for. Here are some of the major red flags that you shouldn’t ignore when dealing with debt and personal finance.

You can’t pay your bills

Are you leaving bills unpaid for long periods of time or making just the minimum payments while accumulating too much interest? Being unable to fulfil your fiscal obligations is a major red flag that you’re in hot water with your finances.

You’re borrowing money

You may have turned to family and friends to borrow money or maybe you’re growing accustomed to taking out payday loans. Either way, regularly relying on borrowed money or short-term loans means that you’re living beyond your means. This type of living is financially unstable and unsustainable but can be addressed with the help of a certified credit professional.

Your wages are being garnished

Creditors who are owed an unsecured debt and are not receiving what’s owed to them are entitled to garnishing the wages of their debtors if they can get a warrant to do so. Wage garnishment can have a seriously negative impact on your income levels and even your mental health.

You’re making minor purchases on credit

Sometimes it’s wise to use your credit card for everyday expenses like groceries and gas if it means you’re collecting travel rewards or cash back, but you might be setting yourself up for failure by using your credit card for every minor expense,

You’re paying off one credit card with another

Here’s another credit card-related warning sign that you’ve lost control of your finances. Using one credit card to pay down another is a clear indicator that you can’t keep up with what you owe. It’s also a sure-fire way to accumulate more interest, leaving you worse off than you were with an unpaid bill.

Your utilities have been cut off

When utility companies aren’t receiving payment for their services, they’ll resort to ceasing service until they’re paid what they’re owed. Anything from your cell phone service, internet, hydro, electricity, or cable might be cut off in this situation, and in most cases, you’ll be required to pay an added reactivation fee that compounds the problem.

Reduce the Amount of Debt You Owe with a Consumer Proposal

True debt relief is more than coming up with a budget and setting strict spending guidelines. Bankruptcy trustees will offer credit counselling and financial advice, but their real purpose is to present you with your options for lowering the amount of debt you owe to something that is manageable. You might think that the only option available to you is to file for bankruptcy, but your trustee can help you see an alternative way to address and even reduce how much you owe.

Consumer proposals and bankruptcy are forms of debt relief that are meant to help Canadians when debt counselling isn’t enough. Consumer proposals are excellent choices for those who have a steady income and can commit to regular credit payments but they simply cannot repay their creditors in full. In many cases, it’s possible to negotiate with your creditors through a bankruptcy trustee.

If you file a consumer proposal, you’re essentially agreeing to pay back a portion of what you owe that is feasible for you. In cases where the creditors have been trying to collect unsecured debt unsuccessfully, a portion of the total sum is better than nothing and a deal can be made.

How to Find the Right Licensed Insolvency Trustee

Your financial well-being is important and you deserve to work with a professional who offers good advice and who is empathetic, patient, and knowledgeable.

While looking for the best professional debt management services to help you regain financial control over your life, know how to spot the signs of a great Licensed Insolvency Trustee. These professionals formerly went by the title “bankruptcy trustee” and they work as the crucial link between yourself and the Court in administering and negotiating your debt relief.

Want to ensure that you’re working with a great trustee? Here are some tips for spotting and teaming up with an excellent credit professional.

Ask around for recommendations

It’s understandable that you might not want to shout from the mountaintops that you’re filing for bankruptcy, but the procedure is more common than you think. You might have someone in your social circle who has gone through something similar and can recommend a qualified professional. And on top of getting recommendations, you can also ask any friends, relatives, or coworkers about their experience going through the debt relief process.

Do your research

By no means do you have to go into your first meeting with a trustee having read the entirety of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, your trustee is the expert and you can rely on them to answer your questions.

Still, there are plenty of easy-to-understand resources on bankruptcies and consumer proposals that you can use to educate yourself so you’re not completely in the dark before you discuss your options. When you take the time to educate yourself, you’ll find it easier to tell the difference between a trustee that you want to work with and someone who is distant or disinterested.

Trust your gut

If something doesn’t make sense or you aren’t receiving clear answers to your questions, then you might not have found the right trustee for you. It’s important to have a professional relationship in which you have plenty of trust with the person who is handling a very important financial decision in your life.

You will be in communication with your trustee for at least nine months and potentially up to five years depending on what avenue of debt relief you pursue. You’ll be seeing a lot of each other and will need to communicate well during that time, so find someone that you can see yourself working with over a period of time. IF you’re not sure that you’re getting the best advice, then don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

Questions to Ask a Licensed Insolvency Trustee

You probably have a lot of questions about what to expect when filing for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal in Ontario. As a way to collect your thoughts and make sure no question is forgotten, set aside a few moments before your first meeting with your trustee to write down all the questions you have about your finances.

Probably one of the biggest questions on your mind, as you go into the debt relief process, is: what do I have to do? Your trustee can explain what’s expected of you and how you are expected to fulfil your duties either through bankruptcy or a consumer proposal.

To help you prepare for a consultation with a bankruptcy trustee, here are some other popular questions that can help you develop a full picture of how your debt recovery plan will affect your life.

  • What assets will I have to give up if I file for bankruptcy?
  • What can I keep through bankruptcy?
  • I have student loans — how do they factor into everything?
  • Does my debt relief process affect my spouse’s finances?
  • What are the costs associated with bankruptcy? With a consumer proposal?

Asking good questions will put your mind at rest during what can be an otherwise stressful period of time. You may want to carry a notebook in the early stages of developing your debt recovery plan and jot down questions or concerns as they arise.

How a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can Help

There are professionals out there known as Licensed Insolvency Trustees (formerly known as bankruptcy trustees) who are patient, empathetic, and willing to help you navigate the processes of debt relief.

When collection agencies are calling or your wages are being garnished, it might seem like bankruptcy is your only option, but there are alternatives in the form of a consumer proposal that might offer a better way of eliminating your debt without losing your assets. A licensed insolvency Trustee will help you to assess your financial circumstances and show you your options. Ready to learn more? Let’s begin.

Take Your First Step Towards A Debt Free Life

If you are overwhelmed by debt, call us at 1-844-962-9200 to book a FREE, confidential appointment. We will review your financial situation in detail and discuss all of your options with you. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you. 

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I was a little nervous going into my consumer proposal with David Sklar & Associates as I had a horrible experience attempting to file with a different group.Following the first correspondence, I immediately felt much more relaxed and confident in my decision.Beatriz was incredible! I feel so lucky to have had her working with me.She was friendly and kind, professional, patient, considerate, and caring. I felt no judgment in anyway. Honestly, speaking with her regarding my debt felt like I was speaking with a family member – just very easy to discuss how I ended up in my financial situation and being met with understanding, no judgment.Mark was also very kind and made sure that I understood what was discussed and was open to going over it again if needed prior to signing.David Sklar & Associates is the team you want handling and assisting you with your debt. I have only positive things to say about them and will 100% recommend them to anyone if the situation ever arises.
ally.
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Helped me with filing for bankruptcy and getting a fresh start and made the whole process seamless and easy.
Sameer Kamal
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I would like to say "Thank you very much" for David Sklar team that handled my case smoothly and without any issues! I am glad that I ve got consultation by Jerry Janiec. He explained me all process in details and told me right away what options I do have to resolve financial difficulties. I ve proceed with consumer Proposal option and entire process was very smooth. Jerry took care of my case and gave me personal recommendations for future! Thank you very much Jerry and Hernee for your help and really take care of your clients!
Alexander Arepyev
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Very knowledgeable, helpful and fast service
Anthony Mcfeat
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I am so delighted to have found this company. They are the best. Everyone in the office is very nice never to busy to assist you. Thank you David Sklar and Shirley and associates for being you. 😊🌺😊
Deborah
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Trina was amazing and quick. No judgement was made and they all made me feel I made the right decision. Would highly recommend them
Crystal Minaker
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Trina was very easy to work with. Any questions I had were answered promptly. What seemed like a complicated process was explained in a clear manner that wasn't at all intimidating. It made for a more comfortable experience during a turbulent time.
Eldon Aubie
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Jackie is very professional...I would recommend David Sklar to anybody especially knowing how understanding they are.
Kimberley Lyder-Niles
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I had Shirley and Kim take care of my finances. From the very first moment I spoke with Shirley I could sense how caring, professional and patient she was. She was also very understanding with my lack of financial knowledge and never made me feel dumb as some other companies have.Her and Kim were always very quick to respond to emails, always available if I called and answered my abundance of questions in such detail that I now believe I have a thorough understanding of how finances work. I am hopeful about my fresh financial start and very grateful I had the privilege of meeting and working with these two beautiful women.I also spoke briefly with Richard over zoom and he to was extremely friendly, patient and made sure I was well taken care of.I could not recommend David Sklar and Associates more. Thank you again.
Shayleen Muzi
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Good professional team! Jennifer is the best, helped me through everything and answered all my questions. Made the process easy! Would recommend Jennifer and the team at David Skylar.
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