How long does a bankruptcy last?

The length of the bankruptcy depends on a few factors – whether you have ‘surplus income’ (see below) and whether you have been bankrupt before. If you have no surplus income and have never been bankrupt before, you will be eligible for an automatic discharge after nine months.

How long does the Consumer Proposal last?

A Consumer Proposal must be completed within 5 years. Usually the payments are monthly (over 60 months), but a Consumer Proposal can also include a lump sum payment, or a combination of the two. If your finances allow, you can pay it off sooner than the agreed-upon payment schedule lays out.

What is a bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy is a legal process to discharge your debts. It is a declaration that your debts are too high for you to repay – and far better than the old concept of a ‘debtor’s prison’! It allows for a fresh start, while giving your creditors some return on what’s owed only if you have a level of income that allows for payments to be made to them, or unprotected assets that can be liquidated (however, most common assets are protected during this process – see below for more information on protected personal assets).

What is a Consumer Proposal?

A Consumer Proposal is an offer to your creditors to pay back a percentage of what you owe them, based on your ability to pay. It is governed by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Unlike other negotiated debt settlement plans, it is legally binding on all creditors and usually involves paying back less than the total amount of your debt.

What is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT)?

Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs) are federally regulated professionals who provide advice and services to individuals and businesses to reorganize and resolve financial difficulties with expertise and compassion. LITs help individuals or businesses make informed choices to deal with their financial difficulties. They are the only professionals able to administer bankruptcies or proposals.

10 Strategies to Break the Chains of Debt | Campbell Saunders Licensed Insolvency Trustee

Almost half of Canadians (48% to be exact) have found themselves carrying debt above their mortgage. The debt burden in Canada continues to increase and with the rise in living costs, British Columbia has seen its fair share of rising debt.

The important takeaway is you are not alone. Whether you are afraid of bankruptcy or need support to get yourself out of debt we understand, and we are here to help. This article will discuss the importance of managing your debt and give you tools and strategies to implement in your life that will help you get through this.

These strategies will not tell you to buy less Starbucks, they will give you real financial options. If you are concerned your debt is too large to get out of alone, grab a free consultation. At Campbell Saunders, we are a licensed insolvency trustee and we treat you like a person, not a number.

Understanding Debt Management

Debt management helps guide you through financial storms and stay on course towards your financial goals. It’s about taking control of your finances and making informed decisions that will eventually set you free from debt.

The Role of Debt Management

Consider debt management your roadmap to financial freedom. It provides guidance and tools to help you navigate your debt and make informed decisions. Additionally, there are qualified professionals like Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs) who can offer personalized support throughout the process.

Understanding Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

Not all debt is created equal. Good debt, like investing in yourself, is an opportunity to grow and build wealth over time. It helps you reach your financial goals faster. Bad debt, on the other hand, is like dragging an anchor behind you. It weighs you down and holds you back from reaching your financial goals. By distinguishing between the two, you can make smarter choices about how to manage your finances.

Identifying Good Debt

Good debt is any borrowing that increases your net worth or future earning potential. It’s a strategic use of money to invest in yourself or assets that will appreciate over time. Here’s a list of some common examples of good debt:

Mortgages: Owning a home can be a good investment, especially if property values rise over time. The mortgage payment helps you build equity in the property, and you can potentially benefit from tax deductions on the mortgage interest (depending on location).
Student Loans: Education can lead to higher-paying jobs and a brighter career path. Student loans can help finance your education and the potential for increased future earnings.
Business Loans: If you’re starting or growing a business, a loan can provide the capital you need to invest in equipment, inventory, or marketing. A successful business can generate significant returns on your investment.
Home Improvement Loans: Renovations that improve the functionality or value of your home can be considered good debt. This could include adding a new bathroom, upgrading the kitchen, or finishing a basement.
Debt Consolidation Loans: If you have multiple high-interest debts, consolidating them into a single loan with a lower interest rate can save you money overall. This simplifies managing your debt and frees up extra cash to put towards repayment.

Good debt is money that is borrowed to yield a higher payout at a later date.

Recognizing Bad Debt

Bad debt refers to borrowing that increases your financial burden without providing any lasting benefits or appreciating in value. Here are some common examples of bad debt:

Credit Card Debt
Payday Loans
Car Loans with High-Interest Rates
Debt for Non-Essential Items
Retail Store Credit Cards

There is a link between debt and mental health. Learn more about how to keep your mental health in good standing while you work through getting out of debt.

10 Strategies You Can Implement Today to Become Debt-Free

Taking control of your finances and achieving debt freedom requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are 10 actionable strategies you can put into effect today to chart a course toward becoming debt-free:

1. Craft a Detailed Budget:

Understanding where your money goes is crucial. Track your income and expenses meticulously for a month to gain valuable insights. Categorize your spending and identify areas where you can cut back. Allocate a realistic portion of your income specifically towards debt repayment and commit to sticking to this allocation religiously.

2. Prioritize High-Interest Debt:

Not all debt is created equal. Focus on tackling debts with the highest interest rates first. These are typically credit cards or payday loans that accrue interest at alarming rates. By eliminating high-interest debt first, you’ll save a significant amount of money in the long run.

3. Explore Debt Consolidation:

Consider consolidating multiple debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This simplifies your repayment process and potentially reduces overall interest costs. This can make managing your debt and staying on track much easier. This is a good strategy to explore when your payments are still in good standing, and all or most of your debt is with a single bank.

If you are concerned you need to file for bankruptcy, learn more about what this takes.

4. Negotiate Lower Rates and Terms:

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your creditors and have a conversation. Explain your situation and demonstrate your commitment to repayment. Many creditors are willing to negotiate lower interest rates or flexible repayment terms if you approach them proactively.

5. Leverage Government Assistance Programs:

Investigate government programs designed to assist Canadians with debt management, such as debt management programs offered by non-profit organizations, or (in some provinces, though not BC) an Orderly Payment of Debt. Utilize these resources if they align with your specific situation.

6. Seek Guidance from Professionals:

Consider seeking professional guidance from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. LITs can provide personalized advice and assistance in negotiating with creditors and developing a structured repayment plan tailored to your needs, and are required to review all of your options with you, not just the ones they can offer.

7. Consider A Proposal:

If you are struggling to repay the full amount owed on your debts, consider making a proposal to your creditors. This option involves working with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to negotiate with your creditors to accept a payment amount that is less usually less than the total amount you owe, will stop any interest or further charges, and put a legal stay of proceedings in place to stop any legal action such as wage garnishment by your creditors. Be aware that this will negatively impact your credit score, but so will carrying debt you are unable to ever fully repay.

8. Choose a Debt Repayment Method:

There are two primary debt repayment methods: the snowball method and the avalanche method. The snowball method focuses on paying off the smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate. This can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going. The avalanche method prioritizes paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, ultimately saving you more money in the long run. Choose the method that best suits your goals and personality.

9. Increase Your Income Streams:

While this may be easier said than done, explore ways to supplement your income through part-time work, freelancing, or selling unused items. Allocate this additional income towards debt repayment to accelerate the process and achieve financial freedom faster.

10. Invest in Financial Education:

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about personal finance and debt management strategies. Attend financial literacy workshops or seek guidance from financial advisors. By gaining insights into effective debt management techniques tailored to your specific situation, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and achieve your financial goals.

Don’t hesitate to contact Campbell Saunders today for a free consultation. Our friendly and experienced Licensed Insolvency Trustees (LITs) can help you understand your options and develop a personalized plan to achieve your financial goals.

Navigate Your Way to Financial Freedom: 10 Strategies to Break the Chains of Debt