When the weight of your debt becomes too much to bear, it’s easy to feel trapped. Payments and interest continue to pile up, and no matter how hard you try, nothing seems to be enough for you to regain control.
Here’s the good news: there’s help out there. It won’t be a magic formula that solves everything from one day to the next, but there are tangible, accessible solutions that can be tailored to different situations. Some can be managed all on your own, while others require professional guidance.
The most important thing is that you don’t have to carry this burden alone. This article will give you an overview of the available options – and if you see yourself in any of these situations, know that it’s never too early (or too late) to ask for help.
Step one: taking stock of your situation
Before looking into solutions, you’ll need a clear-eyed view of your situation – not to blame yourself, but to better understand what’s causing the most pressure.
Taking an honest look at your financial situation can often help you regain some stability. Ask yourself a few basic questions:
- What is your income (regular and supplemental)?
- What are your fixed costs (housing, insurance, payments)?
- Which expenses vary from one month to another?
- Are there recurring fees or subscriptions you’ve forgotten about but are adding up?
If this exercise feels too overwhelming to explore on your own, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with a professional to get your numbers in order.
Step two: structuring a repayment plan
When your income covers the essentials but debt is holding you back, the first order of business is creating a repayment plan to right the ship.
Some people will choose to tackle their highest-interest debts first – usually, their credit cards. The idea is to contribute a little more than the minimum payment each month, all while maintaining their payments on other balances.
Others prefer to start with the smallest amounts. It’s motivating to watch your debt disappear before your eyes! There’s no “right” way to pay off your debt. The important thing is to stay consistent… and to avoid racking up new debt during this time.
But if your balance isn’t going down despite your best efforts, or if your repayments are preventing you from covering your basic needs, it may be a sign that you need to go further and talk it over with a professional.
What if you can’t do it alone? A few guidelines for seeking help
Speak to someone you trust
When you’re in debt, it’s normal to feel ashamed, embarrassed, or like you’re a failure. These emotions can prevent you from seeking help, which only makes your silence more difficult to bear.
Talking about it can make all the difference. Whether it’s your partner, a close friend, or a family member, putting your experience into words can help you overcome feelings of isolation.
Some people even choose to make budget management a “team sport” for the whole family. Others just need to feel supported. Speaking to a loved one can be the first step towards asking for help.
Understand when you need a helping hand
It’s not always obvious when we need to seek professional help. We want to “hang in there” and “try a little harder” until the pressure simply becomes too much. When do you cross over into overindebtedness? Let’s break it down.
Here are a few signs that should ring the alarm:
- You’re paying your rent late or only buying the bare essentials at the grocery store.
- Interest is piling up while your balance remains untouched.
- You’re using one credit card to pay off another.
- Financial stress is affecting your sleep, concentration, or relationships.
If this is where you’re at, meeting with a licensed insolvency trustee can be a welcome relief. Book a free appointment with our team.
Which options can a licensed insolvency trustee offer?
When you consult a licensed insolvency trustee, the goal is to better understand what’s possible given your situation. Your expert will take the time to analyze your debt, your income, your liabilities, and above all, what’s realistic for you.
Based on your level of debt, your financial stability, and your priorities, there will be different avenues to explore. Here’s an overview of what you might be able to expect.
Budgeting help
Sometimes, an outside perspective is enough to rebalance your spending, adjust your priorities, and establish a realistic plan. This type of support might be a good fit if your debts are still manageable, but you need a helping hand to structure your finances.
Negotiating with creditors
If you have limited debt and a good relationship with your creditors, it may be possible to negotiate with them directly to set more preferential payment terms. This less-formal approach is best suited for temporary financial issues. However, it does not offer the legal protections afforded by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, and creditors are not obliged to accept your proposal.
Consolidating your debt
Consolidation involves combining multiple debts under a single loan, typically with a lower interest rate. It does require a good credit record and sufficient borrowing capacity, which is not always possible when you’re overindebted. In many cases, a guarantor may be required.
Submitting a consumer proposal
A consumer proposal is an official agreement between you and your creditors that is negotiated via a licensed insolvency trustee. It can often reduce the amount that needs to be repaid or spread the payments out over a number of years. It’s a structured, flexible solution that’s often less damaging to your credit score than bankruptcy. Plus, there’s no interest or guarantor required.
Voluntary deposits
For people in the province of Quebec, a voluntary deposit is a court-managed process that allows you to repay your debts via a monthly payment to the court, which then distributes that money to your creditors. It suspends collections proceedings and avoids wage garnishment. Unlike a consumer proposal, it does not reduce the amount of money you owe, but it is worth exploring for anyone who wants to avoid bankruptcy while maintaining a stable income.
For people from Ontario, New-Brunswick, and other common-law provinces, an orderly payment of debt plan might also be a viable solution. Also known as a Consolidation Order, this debt repayment program combines all unsecured debts to be paid in full over time into one monthly payment with a fixed interest rate of 5%.
Filing for personal bankruptcy
In some situations, bankruptcy is the best way to start from scratch. It allows you to erase the majority of your debt, put an end to collections calls, and regain some stability. It’s never a decision to be taken lightly – but for many people, it’s a huge relief.
Each solution has its pros, cons, and implications. That’s why it’s important to discuss your situation with an expert.
Important takeaways
Finding yourself in a tough debt situation is far from uncommon. It’s not a personal failure or a sign of weakness: it’s a reality that affects countless people for all kinds of reasons.
And there are solutions out there.
Whether you want to change your habits, negotiate an agreement, or simply understand your options, our team is here to support you at your own pace.
Book a free appointment – confidential and judgment-free.