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READ OUR DEBT HELP, MANAGEMENT & ADVICE BLOG
D. & A. MacLeod Company Ltd.’s blog is your resource for understanding the finer points of debt management as well as for financial tips and tricks in Ottawa and across Eastern Ontario. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.


Bankruptcy Help in Ontario: How to Pick the Right Licensed Insolvency Trustee
If you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, you may feel anxious, uncertain, and unsure where to turn. For many Ontario residents, bankruptcy or a consumer proposal can provide a fresh start, but the process can seem intimidating. Qualified experts are available to guide you through each stage of the process. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) is the only professional in Canada legally authorized to administer bankruptcies and consumer proposals under the Bankruptcy and In
Mar 19


Renting with Debt? Here’s How to Build a Path to Buying Your First Home
Owning a home is a dream for many Ontarians, but if you’re renting and burdened by debt, that dream can feel out of reach. Rising housing costs, high interest rates, and everyday expenses make saving for a down payment challenging, especially when credit card balances, student loans, or payday loans are eating away at your income. The good news? You can take control of your finances and move toward homeownership, even if you’re starting from a place of debt. It begins with a
Mar 13


What Is My Personal Liability for Business Tax Debt?
Many Ontario business owners assume that once they incorporate, their personal finances are fully protected. The truth is far more alarming. Certain unpaid business taxes can cut straight through your corporation and land directly on you. If GST/HST, payroll source deductions, or other government-related taxes fall behind, the CRA can hold owners and directors personally responsible, no matter how well-structured the company is. This is where problems escalate fast. At D & A
Mar 13


5 Resources to Improve Your Financial Literacy: Build Confidence, Beat Debt
If money has ever felt confusing, stressful, or like something you’ll “figure out later,” you’re in good company. Financial literacy isn’t a fancy buzzword. It’s the secret weapon that helps you stay out of debt, make smarter choices, and feel genuinely confident about your future. Yet, across Ontario, many people, students, parents, business owners, and even seasoned professionals, still fall into financial pitfalls simply because no one has taught them the basics. The good
Mar 11


Ontario Bankruptcy Exemptions in 2026: What You Can Keep and How Your Home May Be Protected
If you’re overwhelmed by debt in Ontario, you don’t automatically lose everything. Provincial law protects essential assets so you can keep living, working, and rebuilding while you resolve what you owe. These protections, called exemptions, cover your home (up to a set amount of equity), your household basics, one vehicle, and the tools you use to earn a living. They’re updated periodically by the province and are current as of mid‑January 2026. Why Ontario’s Exemptions Exis
Mar 11


Too Much Debt for a Consumer Proposal? Here’s your next option
If you owe more than $250,000 (excluding your mortgage) and feel stuck, a consumer proposal may not be enough to solve your debt problems. Fortunately, a Division I Proposal could be the right option for you. At D & A MacLeod Company Ltd., we specialize in helping Ontario residents and businesses find the right debt relief strategies for large debts. Keep reading to learn how a Division I Proposal works and why it might be the best next step if you have too much debt for a co
Jan 7


Debt Relief for Seniors: How to Find Financial Freedom in Retirement
Retirement is supposed to feel lighter. After decades of hard work, you deserve days filled with peace, not bills that keep you awake at night. Yet many seniors in Ontario find themselves facing debt they never expected: medical costs that have crept up, credit card balances that have grown during tough months, or mortgage and tax payments that didn’t disappear when the paychecks did. If this sounds familiar, take a breath. You’re not the only one navigating this, and you’re
Dec 22, 2025


Kickstart Your Year with Smart Financial Goals
A new year brings a clean slate and the perfect chance to reset your financial mindset with confidence. Whether you’re a student figuring things out, a parent juggling bills and busy schedules, or an Ontario retiree craving more peace and stability, setting clear financial goals can give you the fresh momentum you need. It’s not about cutting joy out of your life. It’s about taking simple, intentional steps that help you feel more in control and more optimistic about what’s a
Dec 22, 2025


Licensed Insolvency Trustees Explained: Your Guide to Debt Relief in Ontario
A Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) is a federally regulated debt professional authorized by the Government of Canada to help individuals and businesses resolve serious financial problems. In Ontario, LITs are licensed under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and are the only professionals legally allowed to administer insolvency proceedings such as consumer proposals, Division I proposals, and bankruptcy. This federal oversight ensures that every process is fair, transparen
Dec 18, 2025


Too Much Business Debt? Here’s What You Can Do Before It’s Too Late
When you’re running a business, the wins feel incredible… until the debt starts creeping in faster than the cash flow can keep up. If you’re an Ontario business owner, entrepreneur, or director staring at rising balances and worried about what comes next, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not out of options. The truth is that bankruptcy is rarely the only path. The sooner you take action, the more control you keep over your company’s future. D & A MacLeod Company
Dec 18, 2025


Understanding Business CRA Debt: Types, Timelines & What to Do Next
If you’re running a business in Ontario and the CRA letters are starting to pile up on your desk, you’re probably wondering how serious things are getting and what your next move should be. Maybe cash flow is tight. Maybe a payment deadline slipped during a busy season. Or maybe interest and penalties have snowballed faster than you ever imagined. Whatever the reason, CRA debt can feel like a weight sitting right on your shoulders. You’re not the only one dealing with it, and
Dec 16, 2025


Personal Income Tax Debt: When to Worry and What to Do?
If you’re losing sleep because the CRA is sending letters with that bold tone you’d rather ignore, you’re not alone. Personal income tax debt creeps up faster than most people expect, and once it does, it can feel like you’re drowning in deadlines, interest, and “urgent reminders.” The good news is that there is a way out. If you live in Ontario and you’re starting to wonder whether your tax situation is still manageable or slipping into trouble, this guide will help you fig
Dec 16, 2025


Ontario Freelancers: How to Stay Financially Grounded When Income Isn’t
Freelancing comes with perks: freedom, flexibility, and the satisfaction of being your own boss. But let’s be honest: managing money on...
Jul 25, 2025


Buy Now, Pay Later… Regret Forever? How to Avoid the BNPL Debt Trap
It starts with a tempting little button: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). No interest, no stress, or so it seems. However, for many Canadians,...
Jul 25, 2025


Tired of Making Minimum Payments? Here’s How to Get Ahead of High-Interest Debt
Carrying high-interest debts like credit cards, payday loans, or multiple personal lines of credit can feel like an endless cycle,...
Jun 24, 2025


How Overusing Credit Can Quietly Derail Your Finances
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re constantly juggling bills, unexpected expenses, and the pressure to keep up. If you’ve found...
Jun 24, 2025


How to Protect Your Credit Score During Financial Hardship
Financial hardship can hit hard, and when it does, worrying about your credit score only adds to the stress. If you’re facing tough times...
May 27, 2025


Debt Repayment Strategies for High-Income Earners
Big income doesn’t imply no debt. If you’re one of those big earners still facing financial pressure, know that you’re not alone. It’s a...
May 27, 2025


Managing Debt While Saving for a Down Payment on a Home
For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership can seem out of reach when they’re also struggling with debt. At D. & A. MacLeod Company...
May 1, 2025


Understanding the Impact of Inflation on Your Debt
Managing debt when inflation is driving up the cost of living, especially for individuals in Ottawa and across Ontario, is a daunting...
May 1, 2025
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