Consumer Proposal Vs. Debt Consolidation
When grappling with debt, it’s essential to understand the relief options available. This article focuses on the difference between a consumer proposal and debt consolidation, two popular debt solutions.
Starting the Journey to Debt Relief
The first step towards financial freedom is understanding your debt relief options. Initially, it may seem that the only solution is to work tirelessly to repay all your debts. However, that might not always be the most practical or beneficial route. Depending on your circumstances, you might find that a consumer proposal or debt consolidation is a more suitable option.
Delving into Consumer Proposals
A consumer proposal is essentially an agreement you enter into with your creditors, facilitated by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT). It serves as both a structured repayment plan and a form of debt forgiveness. Most unsecured debts can be included in a consumer proposal, but secured debts such as mortgages or auto loans are usually excluded.
During a meeting with an LIT, they will help you assess your income, assets, liabilities, and expenses. This assessment will determine how much of your total debt you can realistically afford to repay. Using this information, the LIT will create a consumer proposal that details your monthly payments and your repayment period, which can span up to five years. The total debt repayment amount will almost always be less than your original debt.
Once you fulfill the obligations of your consumer proposal, the remaining debt is forgiven. However, part of the agreement is that you must attend two debt counselling sessions to ensure you stay on track.
The consumer proposal is submitted to your creditors by the LIT on your behalf. If your creditors agree, all interest charges cease, debt collectors stop contacting you, any wage garnishments are lifted, and you retain possession of your assets such as your home and car.
A consumer proposal can be a useful tool if the number of monthly payments you are required to make is overwhelming. Instead of making individual payments to each creditor, you make one payment to the LIT, who then distributes the funds to your creditors. Once the terms of your proposal are met, you become debt-free.
Understanding Debt Consolidation
While it may seem similar to a consumer proposal, debt consolidation offers a different experience. Instead of working with a LIT, debt consolidation involves taking a loan from a financial institution such as a bank. This loan is used to pay off your existing debts, and you then repay the loan over time.
Like a consumer proposal, debt consolidation simplifies your repayments into one monthly payment. However, unlike a consumer proposal, a debt consolidation loan allows you to start accruing debt again while you’re repaying your loan. This often results in a higher total debt amount than before, pushing you closer towards needing to deal with a debt collector.
One of the main differences between these two solutions is that with debt consolidation, you repay 100% of your debt plus interest. This ultimately means you end up paying more than you would with a consumer proposal. However, a debt consolidation loan will not negatively affect your credit score. In fact, if you make timely payments, it could actually improve it.
Impact on Credit Score: Consumer Proposal
A consumer proposal, being a form of debt forgiveness, will reflect on your credit report for six years (or three years from when you pay it off). This can influence which creditors are willing to work with you, the size of the loans they offer, and possibly the interest rates as well.
However, despite this impact on your credit report, consumer proposals provide an opportunity for a fresh start. They allow you to clear your present debt, paving the way for you to begin rebuilding your credit.
Exploring Other Debt Relief Options
Apart from bankruptcy, debt settlement and debt management are two other common choices for those seeking debt relief. These options also share similarities with both a consumer proposal and debt consolidation.
Debt Management Plan Vs. Consumer Proposal
A debt management plan is an agreement to pay the full value of your debt, arranged by a credit counselor. However, it provides fewer legal protections than a consumer proposal and doesn’t prevent wage garnishment or harassment from debt collectors.
Debt Settlement Vs. Consumer Proposal
A debt settlement involves negotiating with each of your creditors individually to eliminate your debt with a single payment or plan. Unlike a consumer proposal, debt consolidation, or debt management plan, a debt settlement allows you to deal with multiple creditors simultaneously.
However, debt settlement companies are often private entities, so it is crucial to exercise caution when hiring one. Since debt settlements usually involve a single lump-sum payment, it’s essential to understand your agreement. If you negotiate to pay 75% of your total debt, be prepared to make that payment all at once, which might be more challenging than a payment plan designed by a credit counselor or LIT.
You’re Not Alone in Your Debt Journey
Dealing with debt can feel isolating, but remember, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The first consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is usually free, and they can assist you in choosing the debt relief option that best suits your unique situation.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, understanding the difference between a consumer proposal and debt consolidation is crucial when deciding on the most appropriate debt relief strategy. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your individual circumstances. Always seek professional advice before making a decision, and remember, you’re not alone in your journey to financial freedom.
