Episodes

  • The Risks of Co-Signing a Loan | What You Need to Know Before You Sign
    Oct 8 2025

    If you’ve ever co-signed a loan for a family member or friend, you might think you’re just helping them get approved — but what happens if they stop paying or file for bankruptcy?

    In this episode of Debt Free Life, Licensed Insolvency Trustee Richard Sklar from David Sklar & Associates explains the financial, legal, and credit risks that come with co-signing a loan in Canada. You’ll learn what happens to co-signers when the borrower declares bankruptcy or files a consumer proposal, why you’re still legally responsible for the debt, and what steps you can take to protect yourself before agreeing to co-sign.

    Richard also shares practical advice on what to do if you’re already facing co-signing debt problems — including when to seek help from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

    👉 Read the full article for more details:
    What Happens to Co-Signers With a Bankruptcy?

    🎙️ Debt Free Life is brought to you by David Sklar & Associates, helping Canadians find relief from debt and take back control of their finances. Visit www.davidsklar.com
    to book your free consultation today.

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    7 mins
  • What Happens to Your Debt When You Die in Canada?
    Jun 2 2025

    No one likes thinking about death — but if you have debt, it’s important to know what happens to it when you’re gone. In this episode of Debt Free Life, Licensed Insolvency Trustee Richard Sklar breaks down how debt is handled after death in Canada, who is responsible for paying it, and how to protect your loved ones from financial stress during an already difficult time. Whether it’s credit cards, mortgages, or co-signed loans, we’ll help you understand what your family can expect — and what steps you can take today to minimize the burden tomorrow.

    Need help with your debt?
    Book a free, confidential consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee at David Sklar & Associates.
    Visit davidsklar.com, call us at (416) 498-9200, or email info@davidsklar.com.

    Read the full blog article:
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/death-and-debt-ontario/

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    6 mins
  • Who Will Know That I’ve Declared Bankruptcy?
    Oct 3 2024

    In this episode, we debunk common myths about the confidentiality of declaring bankruptcy in Canada. Worried about who will find out if you file for bankruptcy? We break down who is legally informed and why your financial fresh start is more private than you might think.

    For personalized advice and a free consultation, visit David Sklar & Associates.

    Link to Blog: Who Will Know That I’ve Declared Bankruptcy?

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    10 mins
  • What is a Consumer Proposal and how can it help me with debt?
    May 12 2021

    Many people struggling with debt in Ontario have considered filing for personal bankruptcy but are concerned about losing their assets and the consequences that follow. In some cases, bankruptcy is the right solution, however, most debt problems can be solved with a Consumer Proposal, the #1 alternative to bankruptcy.

    A Consumer Proposal is a way of consolidating all your debts and offering to pay your creditors a smaller percentage of what you owe them. It’s a legal agreement you make with the help of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and is a federally regulated program. It also has several advantages over a bankruptcy, whereby you get to keep all your assets, freezes interest charges, stops collection calls, and stops any legal actions made against you. Once your consumer proposal is accepted you will make one low monthly payment to your Licensed Insolvency Trustee, who will then distribute the funds to all your creditors.

    Listen in and find out why a Consumer Proposal is the #1 alternative to bankruptcy.

    Related Links:

    What is a Consumer Proposal?
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/what-is-a-consumer-proposal/

    Consumer Proposal or Bankruptcy? What Is the Best Choice for You:
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/consumer-proposal-or-bankruptcy-what-is-the-best-choice-for-you/

    The Role of a Consumer Proposal Administrator:
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/the-role-of-a-consumer-proposal-administrator/

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    14 mins
  • Can I Apply for Credit During a Consumer Proposal?
    Apr 28 2021

    One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, “Will my credit be affected, and will I still be able to use a credit card after I file a consumer proposal?” The short answer is yes, a consumer proposal will impact your credit rating and yes, you will still be able to acquire a credit card after you file. A consumer proposal will have an effect on your credit report, but these effects are temporary and vary depending on the repayment terms of your proposal. Listen in and find out how you can quickly rebuild your credit after filing for a consumer proposal.

    Related Links:

    Can I Apply for Credit During a Consumer Proposal?:
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/can-i-apply-for-credit-during-a-consumer-proposal/

    Consumer Proposal or Bankruptcy? What Is the Best Choice for You:
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/consumer-proposal-or-bankruptcy-what-is-the-best-choice-for-you/

    The Role of a Consumer Proposal Administrator:
    https://davidsklar.com/blog/the-role-of-a-consumer-proposal-administrator/



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    8 mins
  • The emotional impact debt has on peoples lives
    Mar 29 2021

    In this podcast, we sit down with Shirley Sklar a certified insolvency counsellor at David Sklar & Associates and discuss the emotional impacts living in debt can have. Being in debt is stressful, It can put a strain on you, your family, and even your job performance. The emotional effects of debt include depression and anxiety, resentment, and stress, all of which are known to cause people to make more impulsive decisions.

    Related Links:

    Financial Stress in the Midst of the COVID-19 Crisis: https://davidsklar.com/blog/financial-stress-in-the-midst-of-the-covid-19-crisis/

    What Are the Consequences of Living with Difficult Debt? https://davidsklar.com/blog/what-are-the-consequences-of-living-with-difficult-debt/

    Facing Debt Together With Credit Counselling In Toronto: https://davidsklar.com/blog/credit-counselling-toronto-facing-debt-together/

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    17 mins
  • How to overcome debt - Common mistakes people make with their finances
    Mar 22 2021

    In this episode, we discuss the common mistakes people make when managing their finances. How to overcome feeling defeated or wanting to give up. The mistakes people make using credit. Setting boundaries with your children and common roadblocks.

    Creating a financial plan and sticking to it, is the most effective way of getting out of debt and staying out of debt!

    Related Links:

    The Truth About High-Interest Loans VS. Consumer Proposals & Bankruptcy

    12 Habits to Achieve Debt-Free Living

    How to Break Your Bad Spending Habits for Good

    Break Free of the Paycheque to Paycheque Trap

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    19 mins
  • Get to know David Sklar & Associates
    Mar 15 2021

    Welcome to the Debt Free Life Podcast. In this episode, we take some time to learn about David Sklar & Associates, what they do and how they can help people struggling with debt. The world of insolvency can be intimidating and confusing to a lot of people. In this episode, David Sklar takes the time to explain what we do and how we can help. Compassion and Empathy is the driving force behind our business and it’s why David Sklar & Associates is the first choice for people looking to rebuild their financial lives. We are here to help!

    Related Links:

    The Role of a Consumer Proposal Administrator: https://davidsklar.com/blog/the-role-of-a-consumer-proposal-administrator/

    12 Habits to Achieve Debt-Free Living: https://davidsklar.com/blog/12-habits-to-achieve-debt-free-living/

    What Is a LIT? And What Do They Do?: https://davidsklar.com/blog/what-is-a-lit-and-what-do-they-do/

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    18 mins