Given today’s weakened economy, an ever increasing cost of living and a struggling Canadian dollar, it’s no surprise to learn that many Canadians have come to depend on credit to get them through financially tough times. The tricky stitch however, lies in how fast and high those debts are piling up vs. how quickly they can be paid down. While credit can be a helpful tool, it can also become a very costly expense if not kept in check. For many, this situation is all too real and they find themselves not only struggling to keep up with the cost of living, but failing to be able to keep on top of their debt payments. One missed payment turns into another and suddenly creditors are calling left, right and center. It can be completely overwhelming and seemingly impossible to face head on. The good news? You do have options.
Don’t let the feeling of unmanageable debt swallow you up. You might feel like you’re in a sinkhole today, but a meeting with a professional advisor might reveal that you have more lifelines than you think.
For instance, filing for a Consumer Proposal could be a viable alternative to bankruptcy. In a Consumer Proposal, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee will work with you and your creditors to create a formal arrangement to settle your debt, often for less than the full amount owing. Usually this involves consolidating all of your unsecured debts into a manageable, single monthly payment over a period of up to 60 months (though other arrangements can be made). You know what that means? It means your metaphorical sinkhole has been filled and you can start living again! When the agreed monthly payments are made, your debts are eliminated and you can start begin rebuilding your credit and putting budgeting plans in place for short and long-term financial goals. This is just one of several debt solutions which may be available to you.
A Licensed Insolvency Trustee will be able to fully assess your personal financial situation and explain all of the options available to you so you can choose which route is the most manageable to your unique circumstances. As one of Canada’s largest personal insolvency practices in Canada, MNP has the team members and in-depth expertise necessary to help Ottawa residents get above ground with their finances so they can start working towards achieving a debt-free life!
CIRP, LIT
Senior Vice-President
Servicing: Ottawa, Ottawa - East, Ottawa - Bells Corners, Ottawa - Downtown, Arnprior, Cornwall, Ottawa - West, Pembroke
2025-01-08
Lifestyle Debt
Imagine this: you’ve just signed up for a gym membership, bought into a timeshare, or switched to a new service plan after someone convinced you it was a good idea. Now, you’re having second thoughts. It’s called buyer’s remorse, and it’s more common than you might think. But here’s the good news: buyer’s remorse laws exist to protect you.
2024-12-18
Lifestyle Debt
The holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, and creating memories. But hosting a holiday party can get expensive, especially with rising costs these days. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a fortune to throw a memorable celebration. Here are some ways on how to host a fantastic holiday party on a budget.
2024-12-03
Lifestyle Debt
Debt can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be a valuable tool to build credit and achieve financial goals, like buying a home or pursuing higher education. On the other hand, bad debt—like unmanaged credit cards and payday loans—can spiral out of control and lead to significant financial stress if not managed carefully.
