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That’s right. What if we told you that you could live a debt-free life? Well, it’s possible, and we’ve helped thousands of Canadians accomplish this. It all starts with you. 

A debt-free life is possible – and this is how we will help you do it.

1. Get out of the mindset that dedicating your income to debt is OK.

We’ve been programmed to think that debt is OK. However, try to see your debt from a different perspective. You work hard for your income. You have spent countless hours working every day to make a living. Now when that workday is done, where is that income going? If the first thing you think about is your debt, that isn’t OK. If that money isn’t doing anything for you, that isn’t OK. Paying off a couple of small bills is one thing, but if you dedicate a large chunk of your monthly income to your debt, there is a problem. 

You only get one life. Do you want to dedicate the majority of it to your debts? I think all of us can agree that we wouldn’t. But the reality is that we are. Many Canadians live their lives day in and day out, paying their debts. Once we break this cycle of thinking, then we can begin to act and take the proper steps toward becoming debt-free. 

2. Make debt OK to talk about.

How often do you discuss your financial obligations with your friends or family? There’s a good chance that many of you reading this right now never have, or have rarely, talked about your finances with other people. That’s because we’ve made finances and debt an incredibly taboo subject in our culture. When the waiter brings your bill to the table, they bring it to you upside down so others can’t see it. When you were raised, you were taught that asking people about their financial situation is rude – regardless of if it was good or bad, even with your own family. 

That is why many Canadians have difficulty admitting when they need help with their debt. Only 5% of Ontarians plan to seek professional advice to discuss their debt relief options. Do you want to be a part of the 95% of people unwilling to seek the right help to change their financial situation?

It’s important to remember a couple of things here. Firstly, you are not alone in your fight against debt. Millions of Canadians are in the same boat as you. So, the moment you start talking about your issues with debt, the more likely others will begin to share their story. Secondly, your finances are not a reflection of your self-worth. Don’t let your debt define who you are because it doesn’t. 

3. Make a plan to start facing your debt head-on. 

Now that you know your debt situation, it’s time to plan to move forward. How will you make changes to your everyday life to tackle your debt? What can you do right now that will positively impact your financial situation? Being aware of your debt will make moving forward a lot easier. Evaluate how much debt you owe and face it head-on. Start driving the right financial choices that will benefit your situation today.

4. Let GetMeDebtFree help find the right professional for you.

If you’re ready to take the leap and start working your way towards a debt-free life quickly, maybe we can help. At GetMeDebtFree, we have searched out who we believe to be some of the best and most ethical companies to help Canadians deal with their debt. With over a decade of experience and working with thousands of past clients, we think we may have some insight into this. So if the company does not pass our standard gold test, we will not recommend their services. If you want the best advice on dealing with your debt, fill out our contact form. We will be sure to refer you to a company we approve of. We do not mine your data or sell your information to companies. We are simply looking to connect people who are serious about dealing with their debt to a professional who is best suited to help make that happen. Start your debt-free journey today. Interest never sleeps.

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We all may have experienced the past year differently, but in one way or another, we have all felt the impact of shutdowns and or illness. Although we are not fully out of the water yet, this past year has taught us all a valuable lesson about being prepared for anything, especially financially. Some of us may not have been impacted at all, while others are still struggling to find work. Some may have debts under control, while others might feel their loan deferrals creeping back to them now. But 2021 is a new year to start fresh and leave your financial woes in the past.

Peace of finances can certainly help with Peace of mind.

More than you may realize, your mental health and your finances may go hand in hand. According to a report by Morneau Shepell, the greatest concern Canadians have related to this past year is the financial impact it has had. Canadians fear this even more than losing a loved one to an illness or even becoming ill themselves. This doesn’t go without reason. The past year has brought uncertainty for many, so of course, there will be fear about our finances, but remember – you are not alone. Many of us are in the same waters but not the same boat, and the first step to relieving your financial stress is taking action.

Start zeroing in on your finances.

This is the time to sit down with your finances and start coming up with a plan or a solution to your debt issues. Evaluate where you currently stand and where you want to see yourself a month, 6 months, or even years from now. Think about your spending habits and where you can cut down to decrease your debts. Think of alternative income opportunities or ways to increase your current income. It’s time to stop worrying about how you will pay off your debts and loans and start thinking about your long-term financial goals. The earlier you get help, the better!

Overloaded with debt? Maybe we can help.

If you’re ready to take back control of your financial well-being and make your debts a thing of the past, there’s no better time than the present! At GetMeDebtFree, we have searched out who we believe to be the best companies to help people deal with their debt. If the company does not pass our Gold Standard Test, then we will not recommend their services. If you are looking for the best advice on how to consolidate your debt, fill out our contact form, and we will be sure to refer you to a company that we approve of. Let it be clear, we do not mine your data nor sell your information; we are simply looking to connect people who are serious about dealing with their debt to a professional who is best suited to help make that happen. You have nothing to lose and much to gain, so fill out a contact form and take that first step to a debt-free future.

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If you’re ready to become debt-free, these are the 5 steps you need to take to get started.

Before you read the brief summary of the steps below, it is important to note; you may not like the idea of taking some of them, but it is not really about what you like and don’t like here. It is about getting free of the debt which shackles you down.

1. Your current debt

Sit down and compile all your current debts. Everything from credit cards, vehicle financing, mortgage, and even student loans if they are still lingering. Make a list of everything you owe money on and how much you owe on each of those debts and loans, and how much interest you’re paying for each one. Thinking about the money you owe can be overwhelming, but if you have a proper system to organize your outstanding debt, it can make it a little less stressful to look at and review.

2. Prioritize your debt

Now that you’ve compiled all your debts into a list, it’s time to start prioritizing them from most important to least important to pay off (not to say that some types of debt are not important, just that certain debts are better to pay off right away). To decide which debts are more important to start working on, first, look at the interest rates. In most cases, you want the debt with the highest interest rates closer to the top of your priority list.

3. Review your current spending habits

Are you buying a $5 morning coffee daily from your favorite coffee shop? Do you find yourself spending money on things you want rather than need? If you’re currently sitting on a lot of debt, it’s time to make a few lifestyle changes to help pay that debt off. That daily $5 dollar coffee, for example, is costing you roughly $150 dollars a month alone, which would be otherwise money well spent paying off your debt. So, as you have just prioritized your debt, you need to prioritize your spending habits as well and create a budget for yourself. Stick only to necessities and dedicate more of your money to paying off your debt.

4. Find another source of income 

Another great way to start paying off your debt is to find another source of income. Easier said than done of course but think of extra ways you can earn some cash. Maybe by getting a part-time job or starting a small business. Also, think about things you could sell. Whether it be an older car you’ve been meaning to get rid of or holding a garage sale to earn some extra cash, every little bit counts.

5. Ask for help

The biggest step of them all is asking for help with your debt. As we’ve discussed in this earlier blog, talking to someone and opening up about your debt can seem like a really difficult step to take, but you’d be surprised by how much help you can get if you just ask for it. Regardless of whether you have someone to ask for help, you always have us at GetMeDebtFree to get you started in the right direction. With our industry knowledge and experience, we have searched out who we believe to be the best companies in Canada to help our fellow citizens get out of debt. If the company does not pass our Gold Standard Test, then we will not recommend their services. If you are looking for the best advice on how to consolidate your debt, fill out our contact form, and we will be sure to refer you to a company that we approve of. Let it be clear, we do not mine your data nor sell your information to numerous companies. We are simply looking to connect people who are serious about dealing with their debt to a professional who is best suited to help make that happen. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain, so start your debt-free future today.

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Canada is well-known for its tasty maple syrup, welcoming atmosphere, and chilly winters. But more recently, Canada has become known for its skyrocketing household debt. With $4.4 trillion in household and corporate debt, more Canadians than ever are succumbing to mounting debts. And the debt resolution process is anything but easy.

How to navigate the shark-infested waters of Canada’s debt management industry

If you are like many Canadians struggling with debt, you’d like to find a trusted company to help you with it. But the prospect of navigating the shark-infested waters of the debt management industry can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that you select a company with a proven track record of success in debt resolution. Below are four hallmarks of a company that will fight for your rights and successfully guides you toward debt resolution. 

1) A proven track record of success with clients

There is no substitute for experience in the debt management arena. Ontario’s top debt counselors have over 15 years of experience. They are able to help over 95% of their clients achieve freedom from their debts. Additionally, they have helped thousands of people experience the freedom that comes along with debt resolution. As you compare prospective companies, be sure to inquire about their industry experience before committing to work with them. 

2) A reputation for providing clear, concise guidance to clients

No one plans to accumulate a mountain of debt. But if you suddenly find yourself in the unpleasant position of owing thousands of dollars to creditors, you may not know where to turn for help. In this case, it is important to choose a company that will guide you through the debt restructuring process. Ideally, they will use clear terms that you can understand.

3) A talented team that delivers personalized service

Facing mounting debts and calls from bill collectors can be embarrassing and depressing. The last thing you need is a debt adviser who is negative and critical of you. Especially if you find yourself experiencing these feelings. Unfortunately, some companies use a combination of criticism and pressure in an effort to coax people to use their services.

This is where GetMeDebtFree comes in. We know that we are a valuable resource to Canadians who are looking to get out of debt. We do not accept money from creditors, the consumer does not pay for our service, and we set the standards for who we will refer our fellow citizens. In other words, we have removed barriers of influence while taking out the guesswork for the consumer. You might say that we are on a mission to see as many Canadians as possible get the necessary help. Simple.

4) Expertise outlining debt relief solutions that involve other solutions that simply bankruptcy

And if you are being bombarded with collection calls and are struggling to make minimum payments to your creditors, you may be tempted to take the advice of a bankruptcy service provider who is trying to coax you to use their services. Rather than simply pushing you to declare bankruptcy, a debt restructuring expert will sit down with you and review your individual finances to determine the options you can feasibly explore. 

Once you are aware of your available option, an industry expert will carefully review the advantages and disadvantages of each option. They will help you determine whether debt consolidation might be the best path or whether bankruptcy is a better choice. Some top experts will even suggest a customized consumer proposal process, which is frequently the most cost-effective means of resolving your debt. Regardless of the path you end up taking, they will make sure that you are aware that bankruptcy is often not the only option for people.

Canada’s trusted name

At GetMeDebtFree, with our years of experience and knowledge in working with thousands of past clients, we have searched out who we believe to be among the best companies in Canada to help people deal with their debt. If the company does not pass our gold standard test, then we will not recommend their services. If you are looking for the best advice on how to consolidate your debt, fill out our contact form, and we will be sure to refer you to a company that will look at all options with you. Let it be clear, we do not mine your data nor sell your information to all kinds of companies. We are simply looking to connect people who are serious about dealing with their debt to a professional who is best suited to help make that happen.

The post Choosing the Right Company to Help You Deal with Your Debt appeared first on Get Me Debt Free.

Debt can happen to the best of us and is nothing to be ashamed of. However, it can be tricky to know where to turn in a world that seems to favor creditors. How do you know you are working with a debt relief specialist who is working in your best interest? This is your guide to choosing a debt relief professional who will help get you on the road to recovery and freedom. 

Be Very Careful

The great majority of companies who claim to be able to help people deal with their debt are either a) receiving a percentage of what you pay back to the creditors. Or b) are funded by the creditors under the banner of not-for-profit. Neither of these is bad in itself. But you need to understand these two integral principles. For the person offering help, your file is part of their business model. So what do you do? Well, to be honest, that is where we come in. Through our years of experience and working directly with thousands of clients, we have decided to offer a new service of simply referring Canadians to companies that we believe are among the most ethical and best suited to help Canadians deal with their debt. We do not charge you a fee, we do not receive funding from creditors, and we do not mine your data or sell your information to all kinds of companies. Our goal is clear and simple: help as many Canadians as possible navigate the deep waters of debt relief by referring them to companies that we trust will treat the client with great care and who will take an interest in the client’s success. That’s it. No strings.

Why would we offer this service? Seeing consumers put into really tough plans to then ultimately not be successful with it, only to end up in a worse position, can be detrimental on numerous levels. This is something that we have seen firsthand with its impacts on people and families. We want to mitigate this as much as possible. So here we are. Connecting people right across Canada with some of the finest and best-equipped people in the debt relief world. We expect in the years to come, we will be able to look back and see the impact this has had.

Look for a Company Who Offers a Variety of Options

When it comes to debt relief, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each debtor’s situation is different and requires a one-on-one personal approach. Choose a professional who has extensive knowledge of various solutions and is willing to sit down with you, discuss your situation and explain each of your options. The right debt relief professional will be able to tell you the pros and cons of each and recommend one or two that best fit your circumstances. 

Many companies will push for one option or another as a blanket option without taking the time to determine what is best for your future. For instance, many seem to push for bankruptcy because it seems like the easiest option. However, most of the time, bankruptcy is not the best option and should only be used as a last resort. Quite often, bankruptcy can be very expensive. It can be much harder to recover from and can negatively impact your financial future.

A Debt Relief Plan You Can Actually Achieve

There is absolutely no point in committing to a debt relief plan that you cannot achieve. More than likely, you will end up in a worse position than you were when you started. This only adds stress to your plate at a time when you are trying to relieve the stress. Many times, the reason people fail at a debt relief plan is that the plan was not achievable in the first place. You did not get into debt in a day, and you will not get out of debt in a day, either. Choose a debt relief specialist who can help you set a realistic plan that you can achieve. 

Companies that offer instant gratification debt relief plans or options that seem too good to be true probably are. Recovery from debt takes time, and the right debt relief professional will understand this. After all, the end goal is to climb out of debt, not sink further in.

Do Your Research

A little research will go a long way in choosing the right debt relief company. Look for online reviews that tell you whether or not clients have succeeded. If they haven’t, oftentimes, they will tell you why in the review. Be careful to discern between a failure of the client to actually commit to the debt relief plan or poor customer service on the company’s part. 

Research prospective companies’ websites. Look for statistics on client success rates as well as customer testimonials and success stories. In most cases, you can find the company’s vision, mission statement, and approach to debt relief. 

Who We Are and What We Do

As already stated, at GetMeDebtFree, with our years of experience and knowledge in working with thousands of clients, we have searched out who we believe to be the best companies in Canada to help people deal with their debt. If the company does not pass our gold standard test, then we will not recommend their services. If you are looking for the best advice on how to consolidate your debt, fill out our contact form, and we will be sure to refer you to a company that, if needed, we would refer our mother too. Let it be clear, we do not mine your data nor sell your information to all kinds of companies. We are simply looking to connect people who are serious about dealing with their debt to a professional who is best suited to help make that happen.

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Sharon, a well respected career nurse, suddenly became a single mom. She was left with a large mortgage, a car payment, and $70,000 of credit card & line of credit debt, which by the way she herself did not create. Sharon’s three young daughters were her priority, but she was unable to spend the time required with them due to needing to work to service the debt.
Sharon sold her house and downsized, but that still wasn’t enough and she continued to work her second job on the weekends. Being worn out and not giving the attention needed to her daughters. Sharon had no choice but to look for options to deal with the high cost of servicing the $70,000, after all it was taking roughly $1500 per month out of her pocket.
Sharon went to see a company who claimed to be able to help her with her debt, but their plan was quite unattainable given her budget, and further to that they wanted to take back or collapse the RESP’s that were in place for her daughters future education. Could you imagine? Looking for help, only to find out that the “help” will make things worse.

Thankfully Sharon decided to get acquainted with some of the ins and outs of the “debt help” industry in Canada, and that is how she found us. With our years of industry experience and in working with thousands of clients across Canada, we were able to connect Sharon with a company who would work with her, considering specifically her situation, and not shoe horn her in to a boiler plate plan.Thankfully Sharon contacted us before she pulled the trigger on the options that were given to her by others. The company we were able to connect Sharon with, saved her an additional $30,000 over an above what the other companies offered her. Why is that? To put it plainly, and without speaking in a derogatory way; there are many companies selling services, and all of them do things their own way. Sharon, just like anyone looking to deal with their debt, sat down with a company who was willing to give her the time, answer all of her questions, and tailor a plan best suited for her. When looking to manage debt as best as possible, a cookie cutter solution is just not going to cut it. All too often people end up in a plan less than ideal, and they don’t even know that it could have been better. Sadly, this happens because they have been under immense financial stress for months and years. They then meet with someone who offers a solution, and at the time it looks like relief, but it could have been so much better. It doesn’t make the company a bad company, they still helped to some degree, but they might operate a but different or are limited in scope as to what they can offer.

Since 2010, the proprietors of Getmedebtfree.ca have been helping Canadian families and businesses find real solutions to put debt behind them for good. After working directly with thousands of clients, it was determined that Getmedebtfree.ca could help more people, and do so nationwide, by offering a simple referral service. When you fill out a contact form on Getmedebtfree.ca, we will put you in touch with a company who we have personally vetted. If the company does not pass our test, then we refuse to send anyone to them. It is our mission at Getmedebtfree.ca to connect Canadians with companies who we know, like, and trust, and who are best suited to help people and businesses handle their debt challenges. By playing this role, of simply connecting people with quality companies, we know that we can help more Canadians forgo the all too common experience of ending up in a less than ideal situation, when looking for solutions to manage their debt.

Congratulations to Sharon who now is in a completely different place financially, is spending time with her daughters, and doing the things that truly matter in life!

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