Signs that you may be in financial trouble include: Difficulty paying bills on time Dependence on credit cards to cover daily expenses Persistent worry or stress about money Ignoring bills or avoiding opening mail from creditors Regularly exceeding your budget or spending more than you earn

Building an emergency fund is essential for financial security. Start by setting a goal for your emergency fund, such as three to six months' worth of living expenses. Cut unnecessary expenses and redirect the savings into your emergency fund. Consider automating contributions to your emergency fund to make saving easier and more consistent. Read more tips on creating an emergency fund here .

After someone passes away, their debts are handled by the estate’s executor. The executor must inform creditors, settle outstanding debts from estate assets, and distribute any remaining assets to the beneficiaries. Jointly held debts may fall solely on the surviving debtor. While executors may sell assets to settle debts, certain assets like life insurance policies and RRSPs with named beneficiaries are exempt. Planning ahead and seeking...