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Financial Secrets Nobody Told You About

Thinking out of the box is the key to achieving financial freedom and accumulating wealth. Most people believe that earning a college degree and working a well-paid job will help them to earn a good living. Here are some secrets that well-to-do people rarely share that will help you to attract wealth energy.

Budgeting to Build Your Net Worth

Budgeting is the first step to financial stability and the first technique to master. Budgeting means tracking your spending over time to see whether any money is left after covering all expenses. There are bills and expenses that most people pay on a monthly basis – debt payments, groceries, gas, water, and other utilities, transportation, and housing. In addition to regular expenses, there are also less predictable or unexpected expenses such as insurance coverage, gifts, vacations, and home and car repairs. They may reach 10 to 30 percent of your monthly expenses. Budgeting also involves adding up sources of income such as bonuses, salary, and wages. What is left after deducting your total expenses from your income is money that you can use to create an emergency fund or invest to build wealth. If there is no money left to invest and increase your assets, you will never be able to build a healthy net worth.

Increasing Your Net Worth

Budgeting is only the first step to achieving financial freedom. The next step is to focus on your net worth which is the difference between the total assets that you have and your liabilities. Examples of assets to include are tangible assets such as land, inventory, and personal possessions, including collectibles, jewelry, electronics, and vehicles. There are also non-physical or intangible assets such as franchises, software, patents, and copyrights. Personal assets are intangible and tangible and may include things like savings and retirement accounts, insurance, and works of art. Liabilities, on the other hand, are obligations or debt that you owe. Liabilities include things like vehicle and student loans, credit card balances, and mortgage payments. One way to increase your net worth is to eliminate debt and another is to buy assets that generate income. Such assets are, for example, bonds, certificates of deposit, money market savings accounts, and single family rentals.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments to Build Net Worth

The key to building a healthy net worth is choosing the right investment instruments based on factors such as your investment objectives, age, and risk tolerance. There are advantages to being young such as fewer responsibilities, higher disposable income, and higher risk tolerance. If you are in your 40s, there are advantages as well, including more experience and better ability to identify and deal with problem situations. Your investment objective is also an important consideration, whether it is saving for retirement or making high profits. If your goal is to have some type of passive income or to keep your money safe, then investing in low-risk instruments sounds like a good idea. Interest paying bonds and fixed deposits are two options to look into. Bonds can be purchased from different establishments and institutions such as local and state governments, small and large companies, and foreign companies. Depending on the entity offering bonds, there are different types, including foreign, municipal, agency, treasury, junk, investment grade corporate, and corporate bonds.

Fixed deposits are offered by banks and feature higher rates than standard instruments such as savings accounts. Certificates of deposit also pay higher rates and come in different types such as liquid, IRA, jumbo, and traditional. If you have a higher risk tolerance, you can choose from a pool of high-risk options such as contracts for difference, equity investments, spread betting, and venture capital trusts. Investing in biotechnology stocks, for example, is risky, and the reason is that up to 90 percent of experimental drugs and therapies fail. Land banking is also a risky investment because the plots on offer are usually too small, brownfield, or green belt, for which planning permission has not been obtained. Other high-risk investment options include peer-to-peer lending, mortgage real estate investment trusts, and closed-end funds.

Developing Skills and Healthy Financial Habits

Persons who make sound investment decisions also have good money skills and financial literacy.It is important to develop healthy financial habits to stay away from debt and increase your net worth. Essential skills to focus on and master include tax, debt and credit, spending, and saving skills. Analytical skills also help with problem solving, prioritizing, planning, financial planning, and decision making. People with strong analytical skills are also good at risk management and risk analysis, troubleshooting, and data interpretation. Having good financial literacy is also the key to making sound decisions and achieving short- and long-term financial goals. People with good financial literacy have understanding of basic concepts such as interest rates, repayment terms, inflation, bear and bull market, and liquidity.

Diversifying Your Income

Relying on a single source of income can be risky because you are dependent on it, whether it is your regular job or rental income. The main types of income to look into are capital gains, royalty, rental, dividend, interest, profit, and earned income. Profit income refers to profits made by selling goods or offering services. Interest income is money that you get by investing in different interest-bearing products which basically means that you are lending money to an individual or institution.

Dividend income is an example of a passive source of income that you get by investing in company shares. Common types of dividends include liquidating, scrip, property, stock, and cash dividends. Building a balanced portfolio involves investing in a mixture of instruments for optimal returns. A conservative portfolio includes up to 75 percent of fixed-income securities, between 5 and 15 percent of cash and cash equivalents, and 15 to 20 percent of equity investments. A moderate-risk portfolio, on the other hand, includes up to 40 percent of fixed-income instruments, between 5 and 10 percent of cash and cash equivalents, and up to 55 percent of equities. After deciding on the right mix of assets, the next step is to choose from different sub classes of assets such as corporate and government debt or foreign and domestic stocks. The last step is to choose from different investment instruments such as exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, bonds, and stocks.

There are simple things to do to achieve financial security and freedom, including budgeting to find out whether any money is left to try to increase your net worth. Assessing your present net worth, on the other hand, will help you to see how close you are to reaching your financial goals. Choosing the right investment instruments will also help you to build your net worth and mastering basic money skills will help to this end. Financially literate people know how to track their spending, manage debt, create and stick to a budget, and make sound decisions when it comes to choosing the right insurance product or investment tool. Financially literate people are also in a better position to avoid costly mistakes such as being defrauded or falling victim to predatory lenders. Mastering essential money skills is the key to achieving financial health and making money work for you in the long run.

Is Being Debt-Free Possible?

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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.

Debt Consolidation Loans in Canada – Your Way Out of Debt

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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!