There is a small application cost, as well as the 5% monthly interest accrued during the repayment term.

Depending on the amount of debt and number of creditors you have, it may be possible for you to directly contact your creditors and negotiate a lower interest rate or a repayment schedule that works for you. With informal proposals, each of your creditors will expect you to present them with a plan outlining how you can pay them back. You may also be required to submit a sworn statutory declaration outlining all of your assets, debts and income....

Whether you qualify completely depends on the creditor you are contacting and the plan you present to them. Important factors such as the length of the repayment term and the amount of debt you have will impact their decision to accept or decline your proposal.

There shouldn’t be an initial setup cost for an informal debt settlement. The purpose of an informal debt settlement is to lower the interest rate on your payments and potentially extend the payment period. Additional costs typically result from the accumulated interest charges over a longer repayment period.

It is important to get any arrangement you make with your creditors in writing. While it may not be a legally binding contract, it is a useful document when discussing the termination of your informal debt settlement. If the creditor refuses to reinstate the informal debt settlement, you can file for a Consumer Proposal, which is legally binding when administered by a Licensed Trustee.

An informal debt settlement should be realistic. If your settlement is out of your financial reach you should consider other options to deal with your debt.

A discharge releases you from the legal obligation to repay the debts you had as of the date you filed for bankruptcy, except for specific types of debts that are excluded by the law.

Much like buying a home it is recommended that you have a down payment for your vehicle purchase. Make sure your credit report is accurate before you apply for credit through a financial institution or car dealership. Create a budget! What payment is affordable to you? Don’t borrow more than you can afford to repay. Vehicles depreciate quickly and often need repairs before you have finished paying the loan. Ensure you budget...

If you are discharged from bankruptcy you are once again free to liquidate your assets. However, before cashing in your RRSP’s or other investments there are tax implications and lost future income to consider. It is recommended that you consult with a financial planner to determine the costs and benefits of doing this.

No, whether you can obtain credit after your discharge from bankruptcy will depend on your ability to convince lenders of your financial maturity and ability to repay the debt. There are no guarantees, no one is required to give you credit.