Explore every episode of the podcast MNP 3 Minute Debt Break

Borrowing money often gets a bad rap, but in actuality… it’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes life throws unexpected expenses your way, or maybe you need extra cash to invest in your future. In these situations, borrowing can be a smart financial decision... if you’re careful.

Près de la moitié des Canadiens se trouvent à seulement 200 $ de ne pas pouvoir couvrir leurs dépenses mensuelles. Si vous ressentez une pression financière, vous n'êtes pas seul. Mais que faire lorsque des coûts imprévus vous poussent au bord du gouffre? Si vous luttez contre des dettes mais souhaitez éviter les conséquences à long terme d'une faillite, une proposition de consommateur pourrait être la solution idéale.

Almost half of all Canadians are just $200 away from not being able to cover their monthly expenses. If you're feeling the financial squeeze, you're not alone. But what happens when unexpected costs push you over the edge? If you're grappling with debt but want to avoid the long-term effects of bankruptcy, a Consumer Proposal might be your solution.

The MNP Consumer Debt Index has dropped to 85 points, down six points from the previous quarter.

Conducted quarterly by Ipsos on behalf of MNP Limited, the Consumer Debt Index tracks Canadians’ attitudes about their debt and ability to meet their monthly payment obligations.

De nombreux Canadiens entrent dans le mariage avec un fardeau de dettes important. Étant l’un des pays les plus endettés au monde, cela n’est pas surprenant.

Many Canadians enter marriage with a significant debt burden. As one of the most indebted countries globally, this isn't surprising.

Debt can be a heavy burden, and exploring a consumer proposal can feel daunting. It's natural to seek information online or talk to loved ones during this stressful time.

In today’s digital era, the convenience of obtaining anything with a tap of your finger is undeniable. However, these luxuries can quickly add up, significantly impacting your bank account.

Dans l'ère numérique d'aujourd'hui, la simplicité avec laquelle on peut obtenir tout ce que l'on veut d'un simple toucher du doigt est indéniable. Toutefois, ces luxes peuvent rapidement s'accumuler et avoir un impact significatif sur votre compte bancaire.

Canadians are facing a cost-of-living crisis. With rampant inflation, many have taken on more debt just to make ends meet. With interest rates still high, some households might be considering declaring Bankruptcy for the first, second, or even a third time.

Le coût des produits de consommation courante est en hausse depuis quelques années, ce qui entraîne une augmentation du prix de la nourriture, de l'essence, des vêtements et d'autres produits essentiels dont les Canadiens ont besoin. Selon le calculateur d'inflation de la Banque du Canada, les coûts ont augmenté de 15 % entre 2020 et 2023.

The cost of daily goods has been rising over the past few years, increasing the price of food, gas, clothing, and other essential items Canadians need. According to the Bank of Canada’s Inflation Calculator, costs have increased by 15 percent from 2020 to 2023. This means an item that used to be $1.00 now costs $1.15. If your income hasn’t increased by 15 percent in the same period, you might be feeling the pinch of inflation on your budget. Now might be a good time to revisit your budget to ensure your monthly income covers your expenses.

Nous avons tous été dans cette situation. Vous utilisez votre carte de crédit ou signez sur la ligne pointillée pour un achat que vous avez tant désiré. Cependant, après quelques instants, jours, voire même une semaine, un sentiment de malaise s'installe. Peut-être que l'achat ne correspond pas tout à fait à vos attentes, que le budget n'est pas aussi flexible que prévu, ou que vous estimez que l'argent aurait pu être dépensé de manière plus judicieuse ailleurs.

We've all been there. You swipe your credit card or sign on the dotted line for a purchase you've been dreaming about. But then, a minute, a day, or even a week later, that sinking feeling sets in. Maybe the purchase isn't quite what you expected, the budget doesn't stretch that far, or you think the money could have been better spent elsewhere.

The latest MNP Consumer Debt Index has rebounded significantly to 91 points — an eight-point jump since last quarter after a full year of low scores.

Managing personal finances in Canada's current economic landscape is a discussion most households are having. With high levels of household debt, soaring inflation, and climbing interest rates, understanding and navigating personal finance has become crucial for individuals and families alike.

Imagine receiving a call with the message, "This is the Canada Revenue Agency calling. We assessed your tax return that you didn’t file, and you have a significant balance owing." Does this scenario seem all too familiar? It's a situation many Canadians find themselves in, often due to oversight or confusion regarding tax obligations.

Imaginez recevoir un appel avec le message, « Nous sommes l’Agence du revenu du Canada. Nous avons évalué votre déclaration de revenus que vous n’avez pas produite, et vous avez un solde important à payer ». Ce scénario semble-t-il trop familier ? C’est une situation dans laquelle se retrouvent souvent de nombreux Canadiens, souvent en raison d’un oubli ou d’une confusion concernant leurs obligations fiscales.

Owing the government money can be VERY intimidating. It’s a topic that resonates with many Canadians. How to deal with debt owed to the Canada Revenue Agency, especially given the CRA's broad powers to collect what's owed. We’ll dive into what those powers entail, how you can navigate the situation, and what options are available if you find yourself overwhelmed.

Each province in Canada has its unique statute of limitations governing how long a creditor has to take legal action against you for debt collection. Taking Alberta as an example, under the Limitations Act, a creditor has two key time frames to initiate legal proceedings: within two years from when they first became aware of the debt or ten years after the claim arose, depending on which period ends first.

Avoir une dette envers le gouvernement peut être TRÈS intimidant. C'est un sujet qui résonne avec bon nombre de Canadiens. Comment aborder les obligations envers l'Agence du revenu du Canada, surtout compte tenu des pouvoirs étendus de l'ARC pour recouvrer les sommes dues ? Nous allons analyser en détail les implications de ces pouvoirs, comment naviguer dans cette situation et quelles alternatives s'offrent à vous si vous vous sentez dépassé.

Canadians’ current debt perception has reached an all time low on MNPs Consumer Debt index. Conducted quarterly by Ipsos on behalf of MNP Limited, the Consumer Debt Index tracks Canadians’ attitudes about their debt and ability to meet their monthly payment obligations. And last month, the Index has dropped to 83 points.

Les cotes de crédit sont importantes lorsque les institutions financières décident de vous prêter de l'argent ou de vous accorder un crédit. Considérez votre cote de crédit comme une réputation financière qui vous suit partout, indiquant aux banques et aux prêteurs si vous avez de bonnes relations avec l'argent. Votre cote de crédit reflète votre capacité à répondre à certaines exigences financières, telles que l'obtention ou le remboursement d'un prêt ou l'obtention de meilleurs taux d'intérêt.

Credit scores are important when it comes to financial institutions deciding if they'll lend you money or extend your credit. Think of your credit score as a financial reputation that follows you around, telling banks and lenders if you're good with money. Your credit score reflects your ability to meet certain financial requirements such as qualifying for or paying back a loan or getting better interest rates.

The close link between mental and financial health is undeniable. Compromised mental health not only impacts personal well-being but also has significant economic implications. Similarly… financial stress can severely affect mental health.

Parfois, des difficultés financières peuvent surgir de manière inattendue, perturbant tout sur leur passage. Cependant, il est rare que l'endettement apparaisse soudainement. En général, des signes se manifestent le long du chemin, et les reconnaître précocement peut faire toute la différence. Voici quelques éléments à surveiller et des conseils sur la façon de les gérer avant que la situation ne devienne trop délicate.

Sometimes financial trouble can creep up on us, turning everything upside down. But it's rare for debt to just appear out of the blue. Usually, there are signs along the way, and recognizing them early can make a big difference. Here are a few things to look out for and how to handle it before things get too tricky.

Happy Almost New Year! With this new year comes the chance to tackle those resolutions you’ve been thinking about. Especially the financial ones. But it can be tough and setting goals to reduce debt and actually making a dent in it are two different things. So, here are some solid steps to help you move confidently towards a more debt-free life in 2024.

Les Fêtes peuvent être synonymes de festins, de toasts et de joie partagée. Mais soyons réalistes. La pression d’en faire trop pendant la saison des festivités peut vider les portefeuilles, laissant place à une gueule de bois financière qui dure jusqu’à la nouvelle année. La bonne nouvelle ? Vous n’avez pas besoin de casser la tirelire pour vous éclater pendant cette période des Fêtes.

The Holidays can be all about feasting, toasting, and spreading joy. But let's face it. The pressure to go all out during the festive season can turn wallets inside out, leaving you in a financial hangover that lasts into the new year. The good news? You don't have to break the bank to have a blast this holiday season.

From near zero to the highest interest rates in more than two decades, the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index reveals that Canadians’ debt outlook has reached the most pessimistic point since tracking began five years ago.

"Comment savoir si j'ai trop de dettes?" C'est une question que beaucoup se posent, et la vérité est que ce n'est pas toujours une question de chiffres. Bien que la situation de chacun soit unique, il existe des signes universels qui peuvent indiquer que votre dette atteint un niveau inconfortable.

"How do I know if I have too much debt?" It's a question many wrestle with, and the truth is, it's not always about the numbers. While everyone's situation is unique, there are universal signs that might indicate your debt is reaching an uncomfortable level.

Canada has seen a steady rise in debt settlement companies recently. With enticing promises like "Reduce your debts by 70% without the need for bankruptcy," it's easy to see why many are tempted. But as with all things that seem too good to be true, it’s essential to proceed with caution.

Le dépassement de budget demeure un facteur significatif entraînant de nombreux Canadiens dans des problèmes financiers. La préférence des cartes de crédit par rapport à l'argent liquide et le manque de planification budgétaire ne font qu'aggraver le problème. Avoir des pratiques financières saines dépend de la maîtrise des habitudes de dépenses, telles que la gestion efficace des dépenses, la réduction des dépenses redondantes et le remboursement des soldes de carte de crédit. Si vous avez du mal à faire face à vos dettes ou à vous en rapprocher à chaque utilisation de votre carte de crédit, envisagez quelques-uns de ces conseils!

Overspending remains a significant factor leading many Canadians into financial troubles. The rise of credit card usage over cash and the lack of budgeting only continues to make the problem worse. Having healthy financial practices depends on controlling spending habits like efficient expense management, reducing redundant expenses, and clearing credit card dues. If you find yourself struggling with debt or edging towards it with every credit card swipe, consider some of these tips!

While navigating the sometimes turbulent waters of personal finance, two terms might cross your path: 'insolvency' and 'bankruptcy.' The differences between them is important because they play different roles in the financial recovery process.

Before the unforeseen happened in March 2020, a term like 'virtual insolvency proceeding' was nonexistent. To navigate the process of Bankruptcy or Consumer Proposal, a face-to-face interaction with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) was mandatory. But, as with many things, the pandemic compelled the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) to pivot.

Avant que l’imprévu ne se produise en mars 2020, un terme comme « procédure d’insolvabilité virtuelle » était inexistant. Pour naviguer dans le processus de faillite ou de proposition de consommateur, une interaction en personne avec un syndic autorisé en insolvabilité (SAI) était obligatoire. Mais, comme pour beaucoup de choses, la pandémie a obligé le Bureau du surintendant des faillites (BSF) à changer son approche.

As interest rates move upwards and the cost of living remains a challenge for households, the proportion of Canadians who report being insolvent has reached an all-time high, according to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index.

C’est la pause de la dette MNP 3 minutes! Un podcast avec des conseils, des idées et des conseils sur la prise de contrôle de votre monde financier. Apporté à vous par MNP Dette

For richer… or for poorer? That is the question. Or put another way... when you get married, does your partner’s debt become your debt?

There are a few different ways you can manage your debt in a smart way. One is a frequently misunderstood topic, Consumer Proposals. We’re going to look at three common misconceptions that could be hindering your journey towards financial freedom.

We visit and talk to doctors and other professionals about our health regularly. Or we should. Just like we should talk with professionals about our financial health. How can you tell if you're financially healthy? There are some signs that can help you assess your financial wellbeing.

Nous visitons et parlons régulièrement avec des médecins et d'autres professionnels de la santé pour prendre soin de notre santé. Tout comme nous devrions parler avec des professionnels pour prendre soin de notre santé financière. Comment savoir si vous êtes financièrement en bonne santé? Il existe des signes qui peuvent vous aider à évaluer votre bien-être financier.

When it comes to personal debt, there are many areas that can affect how well we can stay in control of it and get ahead. One of the most important to know more about is credit card debt. We'll cover the basics, how it affects your credit score, and strategies to pay it off.

Lorsqu’il s’agit de déterminer le seuil de surendettement, il peut être difficile de répondre à cette question. Les revenus, les dépenses, les taux d’intérêt et les conditions de remboursement jouent tous un rôle. Cependant, l’échelle d’endettement MNP peut vous aider. Cet outil d’évaluation en ligne, disponible sur mnpdettes.ca, est conçu pour vous donner une évaluation claire de votre situation d’endettement, quels que soient vos revenus ou le montant que vous devez.

When it comes to determining the threshold of excessive debt, it can be a challenging question to answer. Income, expenses, interest rates, and repayment terms all play a role. However, the MNP Debt Scale can assist. This online assessment tool, found at MNPDebt.ca, is designed to give you a clear rating of your debt situation, regardless of your income or the amount you owe.

Personal finances continue to be a major source of stress for Canadians, and half anticipate that the situation will continue to deteriorate. This is according to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index conducted quarterly by Ipsos. When asked about the impact of Canada’s current economic conditions on their personal finances, half say they believe the worst is yet to come, while a third feel we are currently experiencing the worst part of the economic cycle. Fewer are optimistic about the future, with only 15 percent stating that the worst is behind us.

Debt is something that affects millions of people, and it's a hot topic for a reason. The financial impact of carrying debt can be enormous, but it's not the only thing to worry about. In fact, prolonged debt can have real and measurable effects on your retirement plans, relationships, and even your mental and physical health.