Personal Bankruptcy Swift Current – Facts, Options & Alternatives | Saskatchewan
No one feels good about filing for bankruptcy. Get more information and find out what other options and solutions could work better, before making this important decision.
Personal Bankruptcy in Swift Current, Saskatchewan – 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.
Types of Debts – What Bankruptcy Won’t Do
There’s a lot that people don’t tell you about bankruptcy. Sure, it will get rid of most of your debts, but there are some debts you might still have to pay because they can’t be included in your bankruptcy.
3 common kinds of debt that are excluded from bankruptcy are:
- Secured debts, like a car loan or mortgage
- Student loans, if they are less than 7 years old
- Child and alimony support payments that aren’t up to date
Also, if you recently racked up credit card bills and now want to go bankrupt, creditors may stop you or ask that you pay more, before they let you get rid of the debt through bankruptcy.
The Bankruptcy Process – Working with Your Trustee to Obtain 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 Saskatchewan, 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.
Your Credit Rating & 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.
People We Helped Interviewed by the News Media
From time to time, the news media interviews some of those we helped who are comfortable sharing their story publicly. Below are three of these experiences with the Credit Counselling Society.
You can check out even more of the Credit Counselling Society in the news.
Alternatives to Bankruptcy in Saskatchewan
By now you are likely wondering what alternatives to bankruptcy really exist. There are quite a few, and combining them might also be a solution. Depending on your situation, 4 options that might work for you are: consolidation loans, debt repayment programs, debt settlement options or a Consumer Proposal.
Consolidation & Debt Repayment Plans
Consolidation usually means consolidating your bills and everything you owe into a new loan. With a fine-tuned budget, this might work for you. For other people, consolidating only the monthly payments makes more sense. Don’t worry if you’ve been turned down by your bank or credit union. There are other types of debt consolidation that may be available.
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.
Settling Your Debts
Consolidation programs and loans help you repay what you borrowed. Most people really do want to pay back what they owe and not walk away from their debts by declaring bankruptcy. However, only paying back part of what you owe might be the best solution. That’s where a debt settlement, when structured properly, can help. You need a lump sum of money to offer your creditors a settlement, but sometimes that’s not as far-fetched an option as you might think.
Filing for a Consumer Proposal
Sometimes a legal alternative to bankruptcy might be what you need. A Consumer Proposal could be the right solution depending on your situation. A Consumer Proposal in Swift Current is arranged by a trustee, and by making monthly payments, you pay back part of what you owe. Your creditors have the option to agree to the proposal or not.
What’s My Best Option?
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 Hope Without Declaring Bankruptcy
“Whatever your financial worries, trepidation or fear of being judged/forced into bankruptcy – get CCS to help. Their staff is incredible, couldn’t have dealt with a better group of people. They are truly dedicated to finding practical solutions, advocating for your financial future. First they provide hope, then they help and finish by delivering happiness.”
– Daryl, Actual Client Review from Google
Non Profit Bankruptcy & Credit Counselling Information & Advice in Swift Current, Saskatchewan
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 Swift Current 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
We specialize in helping people just like you deal with their debts in ways that work best for them. It really is possible to be debt free and look forward to a stable financial future. To learn more or to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Debt Counsellors that serves Swift Current, 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.
Related Articles of Interest
The Credit Counselling Society also provides help to those who are struggling with payday loans – including online loans – in Swift Current.