Many people think that overindebtedness is caused by a major event. Sometimes, that really is the case: an accident, divorce, job loss, or death can rattle even the most stable of financial situations.
But in countless other cases, the descent is much more subtle – an expensive move, parental leave, late bill payments, or a gap between your salary and the cost of living. You can experience these strains without realizing it until the pressure becomes unavoidable.
So, when should you start getting worried?
Some debts are manageable, while others – if you don’t react quickly enough – can weigh heavily on your everyday life.
We’re here to explain which signs should set off your alarm bells, and why it’s never too early (or too late) to start talking about it.
What is overindebtedness?
Overindebtedness isn’t just “being in debt.” It’s when the total amount of money owed exceeds what you’re able to repay, even if you cut back on your discretionary spending.
In real terms, it means that each month, despite your best efforts, you can no longer keep up: you can’t make a dent in your credit card balances, bills keep piling up, and you’re not earning enough to pay for it all.
Early signs: when asking for help can change everything
What we call “preliminary signs” aren’t always easy to detect at the beginning. Lots of people manage to stay on top of their payments for a little while… but they’re constantly stressed and slowly drying up their financial reserves.
Some signs are easy to brush off, but they deserve to be taken seriously.
For example:
- You only make the minimum payment on your credit cards. Interest piles up and your debt remains, month after month.
- You use your credit card to cover essential expenses like groceries, gas, or bills.
- Sometimes, you delay important payments like your rent or mortgage due to insufficient funds.
- You feel like you’re losing control of your finances. Making a budget feels debilitating or you simply can’t wrap your head around it.
If this sounds like you, it’s not too late to explore your options. Want a clear picture of what’s going on? Fill out our quick debt diagnostic.
Moderate signs: when the pressure becomes tough to ignore
At this stage, your financial woes will start having a more visible impact on your daily life, your ability to manage it all, or your access to credit. It’s often at this point that stress bubbles closer to the surface and riskier solutions are used to try and stay afloat.
These signs can take on many forms:
- You start receiving collections calls. Agencies reach out to claim overdue payments, which is a constant source of pressure.
- You get turned down when you ask for more credit or to increase your credit limit, even though it wasn’t an issue before.
- You take out a microloan: a small amount of money that may be loaned by an online platform or a private company. Some of these loans are above board, but others charge very high or non-transparent fees.
- You take out a quick loan: money that can be accessed quickly, often online, with little verification. These products might seem convenient, but the underlying cost is often extremely high.
- You take out a payday loan (or equivalent), which must be repaid as soon as you receive your next paycheck. These loans are currently prohibited in Quebec, but some lenders use similar frameworks. Even if the associated fees seem minimal, they can add up to an annual interest rate of several hundred percent.
- You feel like you’re juggling one payment after another and you can’t get back on track. Meanwhile, you have less and less leeway as time goes on.
These signs don’t mean that it’s too late for you – but they do mean that it’s probably time to seek help. A licensed insolvency trustee can help you understand what’s going on, assess your situation without judgment, and find solutions that are tailored to your needs. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have at your disposal.
Advanced signs: when you’re on seriously shaky ground
At this stage, your financial issues will have a major impact on your well-being, your daily life, and your ability to function normally. The stress will become overwhelming and real consequences will start piling up. Even if the situation feels impossible, there are still solutions to relieve some pressure and slowly regain control.
Here are a few examples of signs to watch out for:
- You have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or functioning normally due to your financial stress.
- Your wages are being garnished or your bank account is frozen, limiting your ability to cover essential expenses.
- You’re using one credit card to pay off another, or you’ve maxed out all of your cards with no option to increase your credit limit.
- You avoid opening the mail or answering the phone due to fear of collections agencies or creditors.
- You feel like you’ve completely lost control of your finances, and you have no idea how you’re going to dig yourself out.
While these signs are certainly worrying, there are still ways for you to get back on track. A licensed insolvency trustee can work with you to evaluate which options are best suited to your situation. Whether it’s reducing your payments, putting an end to creditor recourse, or considering solutions like a consumer proposal, there are many avenues to explore. Every situation is unique, and a confidential meeting will help you take stock of your situation in a clear, non-judgmental, compassionate environment.
When it comes to debt, acting fast can make all the difference
So many people put off asking for help. And it’s totally understandable. Fear, shame, doubt… it’s natural to feel this way, especially when it comes to financial issues that are shrouded in stigma. The word “bankruptcy” can feel scary – and stop you in your tracks if you’re thinking of asking for help.
But the sooner you act, the more options you’ll have. It’s often possible to avoid bankruptcy by exploring other avenues like a consumer proposal or debt consolidation. In some cases, some help with budgeting is all you need to get things under control.
So what if we started talking about it?
No pressure, in a confidential setting, just to see what’s possible.
Our team is here to listen, educate, and support you.