Question: I have about $50,000 in credit card debts. I got laid off two years ago, and it took me a year to find another job, which did not pay as well as my old job. I live in Ontario, so I am wondering if I should file bankruptcy in Ontario, or is there something else I should consider?
Answer: Yes, there are other debt management options you should consider. Bankruptcy should be your last resort, not your first choice. Here are some options:
First, now that you are back to work, is it possible to repay your debts on your own? If you can, that’s your best option, even if it takes a year or two to substantially reduce your debt.
Second, if you have high interest rate credit cards, a second option to consider would be a debt consolidation loan to consolidate your debts and reduce the interest you are paying.
Third, if the bank won’t give you a consolidation loan, another option is a consumer proposal. In a consumer prop0sal you make a settlement with your creditors. For example, the credit card companies may be willing to accept payments of $500 per month for 50 months, or $25,000 in total, and then right off the rest. Whether or not they will accept that deal depends on your personal situation.
If those options are not possible then yes, filing bankruptcy in Ontario may be your final option. You should consult with an Ontario consumer proposal administrator or an Ontario bankruptcy trustee to arrange for a free initial consultation to fully explore your options before you make a decision.
Gerald Conrad February - 20 - 2011
Fidelity has just opened up a new can of worms in the exchange traded fund .
Chris Flood for The Financial Times reports that the provider now offers customers on a total of 30 iShares ETFs. It’s taken by some to mean that iShares is playing a role in the price wars, even if it’s just behind the scenes.
Hannah Glover for Ignites reports that the provider is also taking the price war to the retirement mat, as the 401 platform will start seeing dissolving fees.
The new share classes targeting retirement plan sponsors should roll out soon. This is going to get good for investors – they can’t lose either way. In the end, the plan participants win as the fees are lower, regardless if they’re index funds or ETFs.
Marie Conklin February - 16 - 2011
New credit card rules went into effect in 2010, requiring that your monthly credit card statement include important information about how long it will take you to get out of debt if you only pay the minimum payment and what payment you need to make to rid yourself of the balance in three years. This information is included on your statement for your benefit; use it to your advantage to help you put together an actionable “get out of debt” plan for the next three years.
Gather Credit Card Statements
The first step in getting out of debt is to face the debt. Gather each of your credit card statements. Identify the monthly payment amount you need to make on each credit card to pay it off in three years and write it down. Add up each of the payments to get the total figure you have to deal with on a monthly basis to finally get rid of your credit card debt for good.
The second step in creating your debt payoff plan ising to terms with paying off your credit card debt. You have to
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