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Smart Borrowing & Loan Management Tips | Hoyes Michalos

Gain valuable insights into responsible borrowing practices and loan management in Canada. Learn about different types of loans, including personal loans, lines of credit, and secured vs. unsecured loans. Understand key factors that affect loan approval and interest rates, such as credit scores and debt-to-income ratios. Discover strategies for comparing loan offers and identifying predatory lending practices. Get information on how to read and understand loan agreements, including terms and conditions. Learn about the impact of borrowing on your overall financial health and credit score. This section provides essential knowledge to help you make informed decisions about loans and borrowing to avoid future debt problems.

Too much debt already? Schedule a free consultation with Hoyes Michalos. Our Licensed Insolvency Trustees will conduct a free debt assessment and help you find debt relief.

Should You Use a Second Mortgage to Consolidate Debt?

Should You Use a Second Mortgage to Consolidate Debt?

If rising house prices has helped you build some equity in your home, is consolidating credit card and other consumer debt with a second mortgage worth it? Explore the pros and cons.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation

HELOC Debt: Is a Home Equity Line of Credit Right for You?

HELOC Debt: Is a Home Equity Line of Credit Right for You?

Should you consolidate credit card debt with a home equity line of credit? Find out how a home equity line of credit works and if it’s really the right choice for you.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation | Debt Prevention

What the Bank of Canada’s Interest Rate Means for Your Debt

What the Bank of Canada’s Interest Rate Means for Your Debt

Do you know a higher or lower interest rate could mean for you? Learn about the interest rate patterns in Canada, how recent changes affect your finances, and what you can do to move forward confidently.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Does Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Credit?

Does Debt Consolidation Hurt Your Credit?

Discover how debt consolidation affects your credit score in Canada. Learn about consolidation methods, their pros and cons, and alternative debt relief options from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation

Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?

The credit impact of a bankruptcy or consumer proposal does not have to prevent you from getting a mortgage. Discover steps that can help you get a mortgage even if you have bad credit.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: House & Mortgage

The Pros and Cons of Using a Payday Loan for Emergencies

The Pros and Cons of Using a Payday Loan for Emergencies

A payday loan may be tempting, especially when you are in need of an emergency expense but beware! They do more harm then good and can put you into serious debt. Doug Hoyes explains the pros and cons of using payday loans for emergencies.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Payday Loans

What is Revolving Credit? Benefits & Risks of Available Credit

What is Revolving Credit? Benefits & Risks of Available Credit

Revolving credit means credit cards and lines of credit. You probably use it everyday but it's important to understand all of its benefits and risks so you avoid financial trouble. Doug Hoyes explains in this post.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Making Extra Loan Payments More Important Than Ever

Making Extra Loan Payments More Important Than Ever

What is the point of making extra loan payments? Here we explain how making more payments can save your money and help you pay off your debts much earlier.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

What Is an Acceptable Debt-to-Income Ratio?

What Is an Acceptable Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Do you ever wonder if the debt you have accrued is more than you can handle? Or what is considered a ‘normal' debt-to-income ratio of someone in your financial situation? Find out more in this post.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Prevention

5 Borrower Profiles You Need To Know: From Subprime to Super-Prime

5 Borrower Profiles You Need To Know: From Subprime to Super-Prime

Does my credit profile expose me to risks when applying for loans? Use this guide to help you understand what your borrower risk profile is, and how to navigate your lending options.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Predatory Lending: How to Identify & Avoid Unfair Loan Practices

Predatory Lending: How to Identify & Avoid Unfair Loan Practices

Predatory loans are the causative agent of 40% of filings for bankruptcy or consumer proposals in Canada. Read along for Doug Hoyes’ tips on how to spot this form of lending and how to protect yourself.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Should Married Couples Get a Joint Consolidation Loan?

Should Married Couples Get a Joint Consolidation Loan?

Trying to figure out if a joint loan is your best option? Learn here, about the pros and cons of having a joint consolidation loan with your partner and debts that may be a bad idea to consolidate.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation | Marriage & Divorce

Should I Borrow to Pay Taxes to CRA?

Should I Borrow to Pay Taxes to CRA?

If you are unable to meet your tax payments, you may be considering borrowing to reduce long term interest and penalties. Learn if taking out a loan to pay taxes is a good choice for you.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Tax Debts/CRA

Should You Consolidate or Pay Bills with a Car Title Loan?

Should You Consolidate or Pay Bills with a Car Title Loan?

Considering borrowing against your vehicle to help deal with some debts? Find out how car title loans work, the advantages and disadvantages, and other options you have to pay off debts.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation | Vehicle

Beware The Payday Loan Modification Trap

Beware The Payday Loan Modification Trap

Payday lenders will try anything to collect. Loan modification agreements do not alter the ability of your bankruptcy or proposal to wipe out these debts. Learn about these traps from Ted Michalos.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Payday Loans

Should You Get a Debt Consolidation Cosigner?

Should You Get a Debt Consolidation Cosigner?

Thinking about applying for a debt consolidation loan, but don’t have good credit? A cosigner can help you get approved but there are risks. Learn the pros and cons, and alternatives if you are not successful.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation

Should I Get A Debt Consolidation Loan? Pros and Cons

Should I Get A Debt Consolidation Loan? Pros and Cons

Debt consolidation loans are one of the several debt relief options consumers can use to help them deal with debt. Explore how these loans work, pros and cons, and if consolidation makes sense for you.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation

Why Bad Credit Installment Loans Are Seldom the Answer

Why Bad Credit Installment Loans Are Seldom the Answer

Are you trying to quickly pay off some credit card debts or old bills with a cash loan? Here is our expert opinion on why these credit instalment loans might not be such a good idea.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Risks of Debt Consolidation Loans – The Hidden Traps

Risks of Debt Consolidation Loans – The Hidden Traps

Debt consolidation loans can help you consolidate debt but before you approach a lender review the possible costs and risks of using this option for debt relief.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation

How Does a Debt Consolidation Loan Work?

How Does a Debt Consolidation Loan Work?

Getting a debt consolidation loan to pay off debt seems like a simple solution, but it may not be. In this detailed guide, we explain everything you need to know before applying for a consolidation loan.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

Tags: Debt Consolidation

Loan Scams: Advance Fee Loans are Illegal in Canada

Loan Scams: Advance Fee Loans are Illegal in Canada

Companies can be very creative with scamming individuals looking for loan, especially those with poor credit. Learn about advance fee loans and how to identify, avoid, and report loan scams.

Category: Loans & Borrowing

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Hoyes, Michalos & Associates - Consumer Proposal & Licensed Insolvency Trustee

Hoyes Michalos provides residents of Ontario burdened with debt a fresh start. As Licensed Insolvency Trustee (also known as bankruptcy trustees) regulated by Industry Canada, we provide free initial consultations to explain all your debt relief options, including credit counselling, debt settlement, debt consolidation, consumer proposal and personal bankruptcy.

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