How Much Debt is too Much Debt?

Posted on: November 10, 2014

Posted in Debt | Comments Off on How Much Debt is too Much Debt?

How Much Debt is too Much DebtCanadians like their stuff. They’re not afraid to go into debt for their new cars, homes, large-screen TVs, and other items, big-ticket and small.  As a result, many of us often ask the question, “Am I in too much debt?”

Moody’s, one of the world’s leading credit agencies,  recently gave Canada an AAA rating for its “relatively solid economic performance” and stable banking system. But at the same time, it warns that the country’s high household debt levels and soaring house prices pose “a potential risk” to those strengths.

Even though debt isn’t usually a good thing, sometimes it can be justified. Rather than simply buying something we can’t afford, debt can be a shrewd way to get ahead if you’re reasonably sure that you will have the means to pay it off.

For example, a graduating lawyer expecting to make $250,000 could probably take on a mortgage and expect to pay it off in a decade, whereas someone freelancing in a shakier industry might find themselves on the road to financial disaster owing this much money.

But how much debt is “too much debt”?

A recent Financial Post article reports:

Statistics Canada says that the average level of household credit market debt to disposable income was 163.6% between April and June. That means we owe almost $1.64 for every $1 that we make. . . . Economists have said that a more stable ratio would be between 110% and 120%. The ratio was closer to those figures in the early 2000s when the economy was on firmer ground, says Cris deRitis, senior director at Moody’s Analytics.

From the bank’s point of view, when you total your monthly debt payments along with heating and taxes for your house, this number should not exceed 40% of your income. Lenders call this the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR). If you exceed this ratio, then you will have a hard time borrowing money.

When you make out a budget, you can figure out what minimal amount you need to support your lifestyle. Once you know this number, you can figure out how much money you can put towards your debts. If you don’t have enough money left over to pay these, then your debt level is too high.

And keep in mind that the bank doesn’t know this number when they offer you more credit. Just because you’re eligible for increased credit doesn’t mean you can afford it.

Generally speaking, if you’re worried that your debt level is too high, it probably is. The fastest way of all to measure this is the 50% rule. If more than 50% of your income is going to servicing your debt load, your debt is too high. No question about it.

So in the end, if you’re having trouble servicing your debts and would like some help in assessing your prospects and options for dealing with the problem, call us at Richard Killen & Associates. We can help you sort it out and the debt consultation is free.






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    About Richard Killen & Associates


    Since 1992, Richard Killen & Associates, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, have helped thousands of people resolve their financial problems. With 25 years experience in this industry, our president, Richard Killen, and the rest of our team understand the difficulties that honest people can sometimes find themselves in. This expertise makes it possible to provide you with a service that effectively deals with the issues.


    Serving the GTA for 25 years