Archive for April, 2011
A nationwide mailing scheme from the Canadian government plans to lower consumer and business bankruptcy levels in the country. Addressed from the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and issued to an assortment of Canadian businesses and individuals, the letter and attached report explains how poor financial situations such as bankruptcy and excessive debts can be avoided and managed.
Household debt levels have increased throughout Canada over the past two years, although not at the same levels as seen in the United States. Throughout 2010, the average number of personal or business insolvencies filed increased 20 percent from just three years ago. While the numbers are relatively stable today, it’s still a worrying upwards trend in insolvency and bankruptcy levels.
The mail packages, which are free and filled with consumer and small business debt advice, are just one of several steps the government is planning to use to combat debt. The idea is that education is an important aspect of personal and business finance, and one that’s often overlooked. Consumers and businesspeople alike need to balance their budgets – information that the report itself contains.
As in the United Kingdom, interest rates in Canada have sat at record low levels throughout the past year; leaving many families at risk should they increase. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty claims rates are likely to increase and that prevention of risk for homeowners and professionals is important. It’s also essential that business owners prepare for increases in long-term loan or purchase repayments. Invoice factoring is one of the options which they can take as well.
While personal and business bankruptcy levels are similar in other countries, few have taken steps towards furthering financial education. Canada’s mass mailing of financial plans is far from a huge step towards financial education for its residents, but it’s one that could save many professionals – and, in fact, many businesses, a lot of potential financial issues over the next twelve months.
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