debt

Is Being Debt-Free Possible?

It is possible to live debt-free if you set a budget and realistic goals and stick to them, live within your means, avoid high interest rate loans, and pay off outstanding balances.

Set Budget and Goals

The first step to being debt-free is to set a monthly household budget and weigh your income and expenses. Make a list of essential expenses such as property taxes, rent or mortgage, gas, water, and electricity bills, and groceries. Think of other expenses such as coffee, restaurants, baby sitting or daycare, alimony, child support, credit card balances, etc. Make note of expenses that you can cut if the total amount exceeds your income. Then you should list all sources of income in your household. These can be salaried income, wages, real estate investments, unemployment compensation, or business net income. Other sources of income include high-yield savings, compensatory damages, cash rebates, and sick pay benefits. Add up your expenses and your income sources and see whether you will have any money left by the end of the month. If your expenses exceed your income, this is a red flag which- shows that you are financially vulnerable and should adjust your budget accordingly.

Live within Your Means

Whether you are in the low- or high-income bracket, living from paycheck to paycheck is simply making ends meet. But it can be worse. Many people make impulse purchases that they later regret or buy things that they rarely or never use. Some people tend to stock up on food and products that are on sale and spend a lot of money. Instead of buying items on their shopping list, they end up purchasing 10 cans of kidney beans and 50 whole-grain cereal bars. Buying complementary items is also a mistake when you try to stick to a budget.

Do Not Use Payday Loans

Many payday lenders in Canada offer short-term loans with unfavorable terms and extremely high interest rates. This is a last resort for people who face unexpected expenses and emergencies and cannot access better solutions such as low interest rate cards and lines of credit. The problem with payday loans is that charges can be as high as 30 percent of the total amount borrowed. The interest rate is much higher than that of standard solutions such as personal loans and lines of credit. The focus should be on building savings for rough times and unexpected expenses. People who often resort to payday loans are usually advised to try to build a healthy score so that they have access to different borrowing solutions.

Pay off Your Credit Card Debt and Use Only Cash or Interac

If you have multiple cards and excessive debt like many Canadians do, it is high time to start paying off your outstanding balances. One way to go about this is to focus on one card at a time. Compare interest rates and start with the card that goes with the highest rate. Another option is to pay the smallest balance first and then focus on the next smallest balance. If you carry large balances, you should always try to pay more than the minimum. This is also a good way to save on interest charges, especially if you have high interest credit cards. Once you have paid your card balances, you should try to use cash or Interac only to avoid accumulating debt. People usually spend less because they physically hand over their hard-earned money. Using cash also makes it easier to budget by allocating money to different spending categories. With credit cards, it is much easier to lose track of spending and overspend. Of course, whether you use cash or credit depends on the particular situation and your finances. If you only make small, occasional purchases, then you can use your credit card. If you are not organized and are usually late on bill and credit card payments, then you may want to use debit or cash. And if you have excessive debt, it is best to use cash only.

Another option is to use Interac to pay for products and services. Your card will be linked to your savings or checking account to make payments. This allows you to keep track of your purchases and spending. One of the major benefits is that you use your own cash instead of credit. Another benefit is that you can use your card to make purchases online and from different retailers. An added benefit is the fact that many financial institutions in Canada feature Interac Debit, among which CIBC, ATB Financial, West Credit Union, Unity Credit Union.

Never Get a Cash Advance

It is best to avoid cash advances to stay away from financial trouble. The problem here is that this is a type of loan that adds to your card debt. If the fee is 5 percent or $5, whichever is greater, you will pay $15 on a $300 advance. Another problem is that the interest rate is typically higher than the balance transfer and purchase rates, and borrowers also pay ATM fees. An added problem is the fact that there is no interest-free or grace period meaning that charges begin to accrue at the date of the transaction. So, instead of getting a cash advance, it is better to look into alternatives such as a peer to peer or personal loan, salary advance from your company, or loan from family members or friends.

Use Debt Consolidation to Get Your Finances in Order

Using consolidation is one way to get control of your finances if you have multiple debts. In this case, you take out a single loan and combine multiple payments. Many banks in Canada offer this financial solution, including RBC, CIBC, TD Bank. Banks allow customers to combine different types of debt such as personal loans, lines of credit, and card balances. There are multiple benefits for borrowers, and one is that they save a lot on interest charges. If you have two or more credit cards with high interest rates, for example, debt consolidation is definitely an option to explore. The fact that you have a single payment to make, instead of multiple payments, makes it easier to avoid being late. Obviously, you will also feel relief knowing that your accounts will not be turned over to a collection agency. There are downsides as well, one being that financial institutions usually require good credit. If your score is less-than-perfect, you may not qualify. Another downside is that consolidation loans usually go with higher monthly payments because the terms are shorter than standard loans.

Whether consolidation is the best solution depends on different factors such as amounts due, types of debt, income and assets, etc. There are alternatives to consider, including credit counseling, personal bankruptcy, debt settlement, cash-out refinance, HELOCs, and home equity loans. All solutions have pros and cons. Debt settlement, for example, allows borrowers to get lower interest rates but they cannot access credit when they are in the program.

Should You Go on Vacation if You’re in Debt?

By Sam Leave a Comment

Summer is already here, and you probably wonder if it is a good idea to go on vacation if you are in debt. Well, this depends on how much you owe, your monthly payment amounts, and whether you plan a short trip to the countryside or a long summer vacation overseas. This also depends on your income and expenses, the number of family members, and other factors.

When Vacation Is Not an Option

In some cases, vacation is not an option, and you may want to think of other ways to have a good time. This is the case when you have:

High-interest debts
Multiple debts with large outstanding balances
Seasonal or part-time job
Unstable income

If you have to add more debt to go on vacation, then it may be better to change your summer plans and put off your trip. If you have paid vacation days, on the other hand, this is definitely a plus. In any case, if going on vacation is a source of stress and you are in a precarious financial situation, it may be better to put off your trip. There are other questions to ask yourself before you make a decision, and one is how quickly you want to get rid of your debts. If you want to repay your debts within a short period, then going on a short vacation or putting off your trip makes more sense. If you have a 25-year mortgage with affordable payments, you don’t have to wait for 25 years to go on vacation. If, on the other hand, you have a payday loan with a short term of 1 – 2 months and a very high interest rate, then it is best to pay it off first. If money is in short supply and you go on vacation, you may incur an extremely high interest rate. This will only make things worse.

Obviously, to go on vacation, you should save enough money for plane tickets, accommodation, travel, leisure activities, dining, car rentals, and anything else. By charging purchases on your card you will spend a lot on interest charges. Interest charges add up if you only pay the minimum and you will end up paying dearly. This is especially true if you hold a high-interest credit card, whether a specialty or standard card. At the same time, if you have a travel credit card, you may want to redeem your points for airfare and accommodation to save money. Many travel credit cards feature complimentary welcome bonuses, rewards points to redeem for travel expenses, affordable travel packages, discounts, room upgrades, and a lot more.

Budget Travel

Hostels

If your monthly payments are reasonable, travelling on a budget is one option to consider. If you don’t mind staying in hostels, this will save you a lot of money. Hostels are inexpensive compared to other accommodation options such as cottages, rental homes, resorts, family hotels, etc. What is more, you can choose from different types of hostels such as boutique or luxury hostels, eco and design hostels, party and surf hostels, and others. It all depends on your budget, preferences, and destination. Some hostels even offer free food such as BBQ, baked goods, instant coffee, milk, a choice of cereals, and a lot more. If you choose a hostel that offers free breakfast, you will save more. If breakfast is not offered, then you can have a big meal at lunch. Many budget restaurants offer lunch specials for cheap. Another idea is to shop at food courts, stores, and markets near closing time which is when you will find deeply discounted food items.

Check short-term rental homes as well. Some rental homes are quite affordable, especially those that are away from busy locations. Many short-term vacation homes have a fully equipped kitchen as well. Plus if you travel with a friend or companion, you can split the costs.

Camping

If you have camping gear or you can borrow from a friend or relative, this is also an option to consider. You may also buy used camping gear and equipment. You will need camping equipment and essentials such as:

Pillows
Sheets
Sleeping bags
Tent
Thrash bags
Aluminum foil
Campfire grill
Dish pan
Cutting board
Can opener
Folding table
Folding chairs

Don’t forget to bring your first aid kit with you. Pack things such as your sunscreen, bug repellant, bee sting kit, cotton swabs, roll bandages, splinting materials, antiseptic wipes, personal medications, and anything else you can think of.

Book in Advance to Save Money

Book air travel, bus travel, hostel or hotel accommodation, and train journeys well in advance. This will save you a lot of money. It is best to book at least 1 month in advance because prices tend to go up. Usually prices go up the closer you get to your departure date or trip. To save even more, you may want to consider going on vacation during low season and off-peak season when hotels and flights are cheaper compared to peak season.

Choose a Budget Destination

If you have outstanding balances, it is best to choose a budget destination such as India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, or Honduras. Check low-cost airlines which serve major hubs and airports. The main benefit is obviously the low price of tickets. On the downside, low-cost carriers offer fewer amenities compared to standard airlines. Budget destinations such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and others have plenty to offer – affordable accommodation and food, breathtaking nature, beaches and palm trees, tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, lakes, mountains, temples, and more. An air-conditioned room equipped with amenities, Wi-Fi, dining facilities, spa and a swimming pool can cost you as little as $50 – $60. In fact, some hotels feature rooms with a view of the garden or beach and a private hot tub and sauna for as little as $50, with superb breakfast included in the price. Other budget destinations include the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Greece, Bulgaria, and Hungary.

Opt for a Cruise Vacation

One alternative is to choose an inexpensive cruise. The price of a cruise usually includes different dining options for snacks, dinner, lunch, brunch, and breakfast, your stateroom, amenities, waterslides, pools, and evening shows. The price also includes room service, youth and kids’ programs, a fitness center, lounges, entertainment and live music. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are usually not included in the price and so are specialty restaurants, photos, shore excursions, and video games. The same goes for tips and service gratuities, laundry services, beauty salon services, and spa treatments. If you have children, check whether kids under the age of 18 sail free.

Saving Money While on Vacation

There are other ways to save money while on vacation to avoid overextending yourself and adding more debt. If you plan a vacation at home, you may want to shorten it. Why not pick a desired location to spend a few days with family, friends, and loved ones? Just choose an affordable location and make it a weekend-long trip to visit places of interest, attractions, and nature wonders. Choose a location nearby or within a 3 – 4-hour drive to save on gas. This way, you will also have more time for leisure and fun activities. Instead of doing local trips, you can visit friends or family to spend time with them. If they are willing to host you, you will save on accommodation as well.

5 Steps to Reduce your Credit Card Debt by Christmas

By Sam 2 Comments

There are many ways to go about and deal away with credit card debt by Christmas. From debt consolidation and balance transfers to cutting non-essential spending, it is possible to reduce debt and eliminate sky-high balances.

Step 1 – Add up All Debts

The first step to reduce your credit card debt is to find out how much you owe. What you can do is add up all your debts, including card balances, mortgages, vacation loans, vehicle, home equity, and personal loans, lines of credit, and so on. Add up all balances to find out the total debt amount. Then make a list of your sources of income, including wages, salary, child support, alimony, real estate investments, and others. This is a good way to figure out how much you make and how much you owe. If you make less than you owe, you are in serious trouble and it’s time to rethink your finances now that the Christmas season is behind the corner.

Step 2 – Balance Transfers: Get a Zero Interest Credit Card

Transferring balances is a good option for high interest cards and allows borrowers to take advantage of a zero or very low rate over a promo period of 6 – 12 months. In this way, you will be paying more toward the outstanding balance and less toward interest charges. An additional benefit is that borrowers are free to choose from different cards with attractive terms and add-ons. Examples include events and concert tickets, deals and discounts, complimentary bonuses, points, and more. On the downside, there is always a risk to end up paying a higher interest rate if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria. It is also a good idea to inquire about the balance transfer fee because it can cost more than interest on your current account.
A balance transfer can be a good option to save on bank fees and interest rates, but make sure you check all details with your financial institution. There are plenty of credit cards with low interest rates of 10 – 12 percent and low or no annual fees. Ask about penalty charges, the grace period, cash advance fees, foreign transaction and balance transfer fees, late and over the limit fees, etc. Some cards also go with replacement, credit limit increase, and processing or application fees. These are less common but it is always good to be on the safe side. Some financial institutions also charge returned check fees, expedited payment fees, and monthly fees.

Step 3 – Consolidate Your Debt

Debt consolidation is a good choice for people who pay multiple card balances. If you have two or more cards with high interest rates, then consolidation is a solution to look into. Apart from balance transfers, there are other options to consolidate your debt, including a line of credit, home equity loan, and unsecured personal loan. The choice of financial solution depends on factors such as available cash, credit rating, types of debt, total debt amount, and others.

Step 4 – Join a Credit Union

Try to join a credit union if you are not a member already. Credit unions usually offer cards and loans with lower rates and competitive terms. Unions are non-for-profit entities that cater to their members and pass through profits in the form of benefits such as low interest rates, low annual rates, etc. Many unions offer credit cards with interest rates that can be as low as 6 percent. What you can do is try to pay the balance in full and keep your current card. Then you can apply with your local credit union to benefit from the rate they offer. Alternatively, you can transfer the existing balance the same way you would do at a traditional bank.

Step 5 – Cut Unnecessary Spending

Splurging and non-essential spending are the main culprits for piling debt, and this is especially true for low-income persons and households. If you tend to splurge and overspend, it is time to have a good look at your expenses. There are basic necessities to cover, including food, electricity, gas, water, etc. Routine expenses also count toward essential expenses. Examples include appliance replacement and repair, deductibles, medical costs and medications, car repairs, emergencies, and so on. Discretionary spending, on the other hand, includes things like parties, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. If you have a piling credit card debt, then you may want to look at your budget and identify the things you can go without. They are destroying your budget. Non-essential expenses include vacations, luxury clothing, dry cleaning, going to the gym, going on outings or to the pub, and others. If you have a huge debt load to pay off and are living paycheck to paycheck, it is important to cut unnecessary spending. Then if you have a seasonal or part-time job and your income is very low, you may want to cut utility expenses as well (like opt for a basic internet plan).

There are other ways to reduce your credit card debt by Christmas, and one is to ask your financial institution for a lower interest rate. If you are a regular customer, your bank may be willing to slash the rate. If you have a very good or spotless credit score, you are likely to get a lower interest rate. If you use multiple cards, one way to reduce your debt is to pay off one card at a time. It is easier to start with the lowest balance first. If your goal is to improve your credit rating, however, you may want to start with the card that has the highest utilization rate. A third option is to apply for a loan through a peer to peer network to pay off existing credit card balances. Peer to peer lenders offer affordable loans with rates that are significantly lower compared to standard cards. A spotless or very good credit score and a steady job is all you need to qualify.

Debt Consolidation Loans in Canada – Your Way Out of Debt

By Sam 3 Comments

If you feel like you’re drowning in debt, you’re not alone. The problem is so pervasive throughout our society that there are now credit counseling services devoted exclusively to Debt Solutions!

For people overwhelmed by debt, one of the most demoralizing aspects is the unmanageability of the many different loans, credit accounts, and payments. It feels like there’s always another payment coming due, another payment missed or overdue, and others pending. You probably dread the arrival of the mail carrier because he always brings another bill, collection letter, or threatening notice. You probably don’t pick up calls from unknown phone numbers for the same reason.

If this describes you, take heart! There’s a solution just waiting for you. It’s time to consider debt consolidation.

How Does a Debt Consolidation Loan Work?

Debt consolidation in Canada is essentially the process of putting all your various debts and payments under one umbrella. When you’re finished, you’ll have just one extant loan, and one monthly payment. You’ll be paying less interest overall, and you won’t be swamped by all that demanding mail and all those threatening phone calls from bill collectors.

To get your debt consolidation loan under way, you will first need to gather up the paperwork on every debt you have. That includes bank loans, payday loans, title loans, credit card balances, mortgage, and every other form of debt you owe.

Once you have collected all that paperwork, you’ll want the assistance provided by credit counseling, with an experienced professional to guide you through the necessary steps. Your credit counselor will use the information you’ve gathered to determine exactly how much you owe in total, adding up your home and car loans, your credit cards, and all the other commitments on which you owe.

With that number in hand, you will know exactly how much you’ll need in order for a debt consolidation loan to cover your existing obligations. At this point the goal is to apply for a loan that will enable you to pay off all of your debtors. That’s right, you’ll pay off your car, your house, your credit cards, and every other loan that’s accruing interest and attracting the attention of bill collectors.

Now you have a single loan, and because its interest rate will be lower than the rates of many of your previous debts, your overall monthly payment will be lower than the total you were paying before.

Benefits of Debt Consolidation Loans

The benefits of debt consolidation are many, and readily evident:

Single payment.

You have been getting multiple statements, bills, invoices, and collection letters for the various obligations you owe. That’s an overwhelming amount of mail, and an impossible number of payment due-dates to keep track of. With consolidated credit in Canada, you’ll have just one loan, one statement, and one payment each month. Imagine the extra time you’ll have once the hassles of multiple debts have been resolved!

Lower payment.

Not only will the number of your payments decrease, but also the total amount of those payments will diminish. Credit cards, payday loans, and title loans all charge extremely high rates of interest, and once you’ve gotten behind on your payments, you’ve been paying a whole lot of extra money just toward the interest. With debt consolidation loans in Canada, your single loan will have a much more reasonable interest rate, so your total monthly payment will be considerably lower.

Pay down debt faster.

Less of your money will be going to interest with your debt consolidation loan, which means you can pay down the actual debt much faster! With lower amounts due each month, you will be able to afford to pay down the principle on your loan that much more quickly.

Improved credit rating.

When you have a dozen different payments due at different times, it’s almost impossible to keep track of them and keep up with them. Your credit rating has probably taken a big hit due to missed and late payments, but all that bad credit is about to change. When you only have one single payment to make each month, you can make it a priority to get that payment in on time. Watch your credit rating improve as you pay off your original debts and loans, and make your new payments on time every month.

Debt Consolidation Strategies for Canadians

Add the debts to your mortgage.

If you have an existing mortgage on your home, that can be a good opportunity for consolidating your other debts. You can refinance for a new mortgage in an amount that will cover your various debts as well as the amount still owed on the home. Or you can take out a second mortgage, or home equity loan, against the equity you have in the home.

Using a mortgage to consolidate your debts will usually get you a low interest rate and sufficient funds to pay off your debts. The lender has the collateral of your home to secure the money, so you are not considered a high-risk prospect.

Get a debt consolidation loan.

A debt consolidation loan encompasses all of your current debts, allowing you to pay them off and go forward with a single, low-interest loan. Your best bets for consolidation loans will probably be banks or credit unions. The lender will assess the worth of your assets and income and your credit rating, among other factors. If you have a pre-existing relationship with a bank, you may enjoy better terms with that bank than with one where you don’t have a history. A credit counselor can help you identify and apply for a debt consolidation loan that suits your circumstances.

Consolidate with credit cards.

Some people use their existing credit cards in such a way as to minimize the interest owed, and reduce the number of different debts. They do this by transferring all their balances to the card with the lowest interest rate. If you can get a card that has an especially low rate (or an introductory period in which no interest is charged), that type of card is ideal for this purpose. With this approach, you will lower your overall owed interest, as well as streamlining your outstanding debts.

File a consumer proposal.

A consumer proposal consists of a legal filing in which you propose a payment amount that’s less than you’re currently paying. This is an option if you don’t qualify for a consolidation loan and don’t want to declare bankruptcy. If the creditors holding more than half the debts agree to the filed proposal, you may be able to clear your debts with a lesser payment than what you currently owe.

Borrow from family or friends.

Do you know someone who has the resources to help you out with your debt consolidation? You can work out a private arrangement wherein you agree to pay back (probably with a certain amount of interest) the money you borrow now to pay off your high-interest debts. Your lender will benefit from getting the interest, making it essentially a low-risk investment where they’ll earn better interest than if that money were sitting in a savings account. And you will benefit by being able to pay off your high interest obligations and get right to the business of paying down your debt. It’s a good idea to sit down with your lender and forge a written agreement about your loan. That way you can avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings; after all, you don’t want to lose a friendship as the price of reducing your debts!

Talk to a credit counselor.

If you find the options overwhelming, or aren’t sure what choice would work best for you, seek the advice of a credit counselor. There’s more to it than simply replacing your existing loans with a new one; you’ll also want to make some changes to your finances so you don’t find yourself mired down in debt again. There’s no one more experienced and savvy than a credit counselor when it comes to debt consolidation loans in Canada.

Who Offers Debt Consolidation Loans in Canada?

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada offers everything you need to get a handle on your debts. You can apply online, request a call, or phone them at your convenience to get a start on consolidating your debts.

Whether you are trying to recover from (or avoid) bankruptcy, have gotten behind on utility bills or rent or other expenses, or are just struggling with your debts, CCCSC can work with you to find debt solutions and financial advice as you go forward.

Debt consolidation goes hand-in-hand with making financial changes to avoid debt troubles in the future, and your credit counselor will be right there with you as you tackle your financial habits and consolidate your debts. You will find that it’s not sufficient to merely lump your existing debts together with debt consolidation; you will also need to fundamentally change the way you handle your money and finances. A change in habits, combined with a debt consolidation approach to your existing outstanding balances, will do the trick for you!

It can truly be overwhelming to try to get a handle on your debts when they seem to be coming at you from all directions! It’s hard to figure out how to prioritize the various debts and payments, and it’s hard to come up with the money for each of those payments as they come due in their turn. More than anything, it’s just hard to get your head around the whole mess and figure out how to come out on top.

That’s why credit counseling and debt consolidation loans in Canada hold the key. With a consolidation loan you can look forward to eventual freedom from debt, and peace of mind in your near future!