Bankruptcy Alternatives in Brooks
Discover all your options and get back on track.

Personal Bankruptcy Brooks – Facts, Options & Alternatives | Alberta

No one wants to file for bankruptcy. Find other options and get more information before taking such a drastic step.

Personal Bankruptcy in Brooks, Alberta – Bankruptcy might be the first thing you think of when you realize that you can’t keep up with your bills and debts. It might even be the right debt solution for you. But, before declaring bankruptcy, you need to know your options, how the process works and how it will affect you and your family in the years to come. Let us help you avoid a mistake by explaining all of your options first.

Find Out What Options May Be Available to You
by Answering 9 Simple Questions

Just answer these easy, multiple-choice questions to get a look at your potential options. Within a few minutes, you'll be looking at summarized options and results that apply specifically to your situation.

 

Discover Your Options

1. How would you describe your financial situation? Please move the slider along the scale to reflect approximately where you feel you're at.
I can cover all my expenses each month, plus have the ability to save.
 
I can cover my monthly expenses, but I need to borrow, work extra, etc.
 
I can no longer cover all my expenses every month.
 
2. Which of the following best describes you?
3. How stressed do you feel about your debt?
Not stressed
 
Somewhat stressed
 
Very stressed
 

Types of Debts – What Bankruptcy Won’t Do

Bankruptcy isn’t something most people want to talk about with their friends. Yes, bankruptcy gets rid of most of your debts, but did you know that there are some debts you might still have to repay because they can’t be included in your bankruptcy?

3 types of debt that you can’t declare bankruptcy on:

  • Secured debts, like mortgages or car loans
  • Student loans that are less than 7 years old
  • Child and alimony support payments that are in arrears

Some people also want to declare bankruptcy because of their credit card debt. However, if they only recently got into debt with their credit cards, creditors may oppose eliminating the debts with bankruptcy.

The Bankruptcy Process – Working with Your Trustee to Gain Your Discharge

It’s not well known, but it takes at least 9 months to go through all the steps of the bankruptcy process. As part of the process, you make payments to your trustee for the costs and fees of going bankrupt, and you also have to attend two bankruptcy counselling sessions. Completing the process and getting discharged takes longer if you need to pay extra to your creditors because of your situation. If you have assets or too much equity in your home, above what you’re allowed to keep in Alberta, your trustee will sell your assets for you.

Many people aren’t aware that their trustee, their creditors, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy or the Court could oppose or delay their discharge from bankruptcy. Depending on someone’s situation, they may need to attend a hearing, answer questions under oath and/or meet additional requirements to obtain their discharge.

Credit Ratings & Bankruptcy in Canada

Bankruptcy is one of the worst things you can do to your credit rating. There is no easy way to obtain credit after you have legally eliminated your debts through bankruptcy. It takes time and patience before creditors trust you enough to lend you money again. Not being able to take out a loan, renew your mortgage or apply for a low interest rate credit card can impact your financial plans and put your life on hold.

Canadians We Helped Interviewed on the News

At times, the news media will interview one of the people we helped who are comfortable sharing their story with the public. Below are three of these stories.

Global TV interviews Julia Fletcher after she eliminates her debt with zero interest & avoids bankruptcy with help from the Credit Counselling Society. See Story Now
CTV News reveals how Dan Robinson paid off $30,000 in debt with no interest with the help of the Credit Counselling Society. Watch the News Story
Charis is interviewed by Global TV after nearly paying off $67,000 on 13 credit cards. The Credit Counselling Society helped her. Watch

Alberta Bankruptcy Alternatives

By now you may be wondering which alternatives to bankruptcy could work for you. There are a number of options and the best solution might mean combining some of them. Depending on your circumstances, 4 options that you may not have considered are: consolidation loans, debt repayment programs, debt settlement options or a Consumer Proposal.

Debt Consolidation & Debt Repayment Plans

When you hear the words “debt consolidation,” you probably think that this means consolidating your bills and other debts into a new loan. This could work for you if you’ve got a realistic budget. For many people, it makes more sense to consolidate only their monthly payments. Don’t worry if you’ve been turned down for a consolidation loan by your lender. There are other types of debt consolidation to consider.

When you consolidate payments, you don’t actually borrow more money, so bad credit is never a problem. That’s how a debt management program with a non-profit credit counselling organization works. Your creditors will help you by lowering or waiving ongoing interest charges. This saves you thousands of dollars in interest and lets you repay your debts. The amount you pay each month is based on your budget and on what you can afford.

Settle Debt

Repayment and consolidation programs or loans help you pay back what you borrowed – which is a good thing because most people really don’t want to file for bankruptcy and walk away from their debts. However, sometimes it’s possible that only paying back part of a debt may be the best solution. That’s where a debt settlement with a reputable company might help. Offering creditors a settlement requires a lump sum of money, but sometimes that’s not as far-fetched an option as you might think.

Filing for a Consumer Proposal

If you need a legal alternative to filing for bankruptcy, your situation might mean that you need a Consumer Proposal. A Consumer Proposal in Brooks is set up by a trustee, and once agreed to by your creditors, you make monthly payments to repay part of what you owe.

How Do I Decide Which Option to Go For?

The right solution to your debts depends on your circumstances. When you’re busy just trying to get from one pay cheque to the next and avoiding collection calls, you need help to look at your situation with a fresh set of ideas. You need a qualified Debt & Credit Counsellor to help you come up with a good plan.

There’s a Way Out of Debt Without Bankruptcy

“I’m so grateful for the help of The Credit Counselling Society. I honestly didn’t know what to do. I got myself in debt way more than I could handle. And it’s nice to know that I’m paying off my debt with their help rather than claiming bankruptcy. Thank you so much everybody that spoke with me at the credit counselling.”

 

– Tammy, Actual Client Review from Facebook

Non Profit, Confidential Bankruptcy & Credit Counselling Information & Advice in Brooks, Alberta

One of our expert Credit Counsellors can help if you need answers to questions about joint debts, have questions about debts left over from a divorce, want to learn more about alternatives to bankruptcy, or want to know more about how going bankrupt would affect you. They are experts in helping people come up with good solutions to deal with their debts, and would be happy to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision to get your finances back on track.

Your Counsellor will:

  • Explain all of your options to deal with your debts, including alternatives to bankruptcy
  • Show you how to effectively manage all of your bills and living expenses
  • Refer you to a bankruptcy trustee in Brooks if it looks like bankruptcy is your best option
  • Answer your questions and give you the guidance you need to know what to do about your debts
Free, Confidential Credit Counselling Appointments for Brooks, Alberta

We are experts in helping individuals and families just like you find good solutions to their debt problems. It really is possible to get back on track and look forward to being debt free. To find out more or to schedule a free, confidential appointment with one of our Credit Counsellors who serves Brooks, contact us today at 1-888-527-8999, email us or chat with us online.

Putting Your Interests First

Our goal is to always put consumers first and look out for their best interests in everything we do. One way we do this is through transparency and accountability. We are held accountable to the most rigorous standards in our industry.

Certified by Great Places to Work Canada
Accredited by Canada’s national association of non-profit credit counselling organizations.
North America’s largest association of non-profit credit counselling organizations.
Accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

The Credit Counselling Society also provides help to those who are struggling with payday loans – including online loans – in Brooks.