Bankruptcy: To File or not to File

should-i-file-bankruptcyBankruptcy: To File or not to File

The decision to file for bankruptcy is a difficult one and it is advised to talk to someone about all of your options before you decide to file. There are many reasons people decide to file for bankruptcy such as a costly divorce settlement, medical bills that have piled up to failed small business. It is best to ask yourself several questions before making a firm decision. For instance, do I or we have large-scale debt? Do our monthly minimums take up all of our living expenses and more? If we do decide to file for bankruptcy, will we promise ourselves to change our spending actions? Do we want to buy a home in the near future?

If your debt in indeed out of control then it is important to be honest with yourself because the decision to file could, in fact, be a move towards integrity and a positive life change for you and your family. Filing bankruptcy is not for everyone and you do have options, so make sure you know all of your options in order to make an informed decision.

Contact Rumanek & Company Ltd. for more information on bankruptcy and debt solutions. Or please fill out the free bankruptcy evaluation form. To learn more please visit our YouTube Channel. Rumanek & Company have been helping individuals and families overcome debt for more than 25 years.

Dealing With an Audit

Dealing With an AuditScreen-shot-2012-01-28-at-11.20.47-PM-150x150

Everyone probably agrees that being audited is a real-life nightmare because you are being questioned and feel like you are being accused of something. An audit does not need to be as scary as you can imagine and most audits are conducted via mail. Audits can also be about someone making a mistake and you end up getting back more money. In sum, do not worry until you know all the information. However, often, audits are about owing money but again that amount does not need to be scary.

It may be helpful to hire a financial advisor to reduce stress and get all the information you need unless the amount you owe is less than the amount you would pay for help. First, organize, label and folder all forms and receipts and show up on the correct day at the correct time. Second, treat the auditor with respect and only discuss the parts of the audit and state your case, once. Do not argue. If you feel the need, you can take your argument above the auditor at a later time. Finally, do as much research as you can about your case in order to feel calm and confident.

Contact Rumanek & Company Ltd.  for more information on bankruptcy and debt solutions. Or please fill out the free bankruptcy evaluation form, to learn more please visit our YouTube. Rumanek & Company have been helping individuals and families overcome debt for more than 25 years.

Bankruptcy Help

Bankruptcy – Reboot Your LifeBankruptcy_Trustee_shakinghands-150x150

Ok, so your financial life is in the toilet. It could be the result of illness, job loss, a disaster of some kind. Whatever the reason you still have your family and your mind. Of course, there are the emotional issues of filing a debt consolidation proposal or bankruptcy. Treat the emotional issues as an advertising issue. All of the banks, financial institutions (visa, mastercard etc.) have been telling us that we should pay our debts. Yeah! Right! What they want is for us to pay the minimum monthly payment so it takes us thirty years to pay the debt. We pay interest until we are old and grey- assuming we never have an emergency and have to charge anything during those thirty years. The law (Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act) is meant to help an unfortunate debtor who is in debt over their head to be absolved of most (if not all) of their debts so that they can rebuild their lives. I do not mean to imply that bankruptcy is a simple process, it is not. But it is not as hard as you might have heard. In the majority of bankruptcies you get to keep your clothes, furniture, car and, yes, even your house. Your employer is informed of the bankruptcy only if there is a garnishee on your paycheque. The garnishee is stopped by the law but the letter from the trustee that stops the garnishee unfortunately tells the employer what is going on.

Many trustees offer a free initial consultation. If you feel that you are in financial trouble take advantage of this. At this first meeting bring a list of your assets and liabilities as well as a list of all of your questions. Remember, there are no silly questions- ask everything. If there are alternatives to a bankruptcy (such as a debt consolidation proposal) your trustee will discuss them with you. As you proceed through the bankruptcy your trustee and his administrators will guide you during the process. When you are discharged from your bankruptcy you will continue to receive help in rebuilding your credit rating and in obtaining a credit card.

Contact Rumanek & Company Ltd. for more information on bankruptcy and debt solutions. Or please fill out the free bankruptcy evaluation form. To learn more please visit our YouTube Channel. Rumanek & Company have been helping individuals and families overcome debt for more than 25 years.  

Bankruptcy Interview

Bankruptcy InterviewBankrupt Interview

I met with a couple today who were filing a consumer proposal.

We were talking about how they got into this financial mess when it came out that they read about bankruptcy and consumer proposal a while ago but did nothing.

I asked why they did nothing and they said they did not believe it was true that debts can be wiped out. They thought it was a scam. So I then asked what changed your mind. The answer was they were speaking with a family member who dealt with us in the past and they verified that debts in Canada can be wiped out. This resulted in a telephone call and a subsequent proposal.

 

The most difficult part of filing for a bankruptcy or proposal is calling a trustee and meeting with someone to have a conversation about your options.

Contact Rumanek & Company Ltd. for more information on bankruptcy and debt solutions. Or please fill out the free bankruptcy evaluation form. To learn more please visit our YouTube Channel. Rumanek & Company have been helping individuals and families overcome debt for more than 25 years.