{"id":10547,"date":"2020-08-12T16:45:50","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T16:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/?page_id=10547"},"modified":"2025-04-28T23:37:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T06:37:01","slug":"how-to-rebuild-credit-after-bankruptcy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/debt-help\/bankruptcy\/how-to-rebuild-credit-after-bankruptcy","title":{"rendered":"How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy Canada – Stay Debt Free"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Banner Image with Heading and Text” module_class=”vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e7dff3″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”circular” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(91,37,175,0.44) 15%|rgba(91,37,175,0) 70%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(91,37,175,0.44)” background_color_gradient_start_position=”15%” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(91,37,175,0)” background_color_gradient_end_position=”70%” background_image=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/budgeting-help_hero.jpg” min_height=”550px” bottom_divider_style=”wave2″ bottom_divider_color=”#e7dff3″ bottom_divider_height_tablet=”70px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”50px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_size_phone=”cover” background_position_tablet=”top_right” background_position_phone=”center_right” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_image=”off” max_width=”100%” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||80px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_font_size=”42px” text_line_height=”1em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||26px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” animation_direction=”top” hover_enabled=”0″ text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Life After Bankruptcy<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font_size=”22px” text_line_height=”1em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”bottom” text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

How to rebuild your credit after you’ve been discharged.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Intro Paragraph” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(91,37,175,0.15)” custom_padding=”0px||150px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”||140px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||45px||false|false” top_divider_style_last_edited=”off|desktop” bottom_divider_style=”ramp2″ bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_repeat=”1x” bottom_divider_flip=”horizontal|vertical” bottom_divider_style_tablet=”” bottom_divider_style_phone=”” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”70px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”100px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_flip_tablet=”” bottom_divider_flip_phone=”horizontal” bottom_divider_flip_last_edited=”on|phone” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs font_icon=”%%20%%” use_home_icon=”off” use_home_text=”on” show_custom_taxonomy_crumbs=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ body_text_color=”rgba(102,102,102,0.8)” link_text_color=”rgba(42,209,61,0.8)” custom_margin=”||50px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_direction=”left” global_module=”6437″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover=”rgba(90,39,178,0.4)”][\/et_pb_dmb_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text admin_label=”H1 Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_margin=”||0px|||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” animation_direction=”bottom” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

How to Rebuild Credit After Bankruptcy in Canada
Tips to Stay Out of Debt<\/span><\/h1>\n

Here are 8 helpful tips to start rebuilding or fixing your credit score in Canada after you\u2019ve been bankrupt:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Pay Bills on Time<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Get a Cell Phone on Contract<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Get a Secured Credit Card<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Apply for a Small Amount of Credit<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Stick to a Monthly Budget<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Avoid NSF Fees and Overdraft<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Only Charge Your Credit Card With Money You Can Pay Back<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Avoid Getting Into Debt Again<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||-90px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-52px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”35px||101px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”55px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_id=”pay-bills” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/paying-bills-on-time_2colm.jpg” alt=”Businessman’s hands with calculator and checking the financial data” title_text=”paying-bills-on-time” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding_tablet=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||35px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”221px” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    1. Pay Bills on Time
    Avoid Bad Credit from Late Payments<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Pay all of your bills on time.<\/strong> Don\u2019t underestimate how important it is to pay your regular bills, like hydro, gas, cable, internet, etc. on time every month.<\/p>\n

    If you find that you’re forgetting to pay sometimes, set up auto-pay through your online banking or put a reminder on your calendar.<\/p>\n

    If you don’t have enough money when bills are due, put money for your bills into a separate bank account as soon as you get paid. If possible, set this up so that it automatically happens with every pay cheque.<\/p>\n

    While paying bills on time won’t fix your credit<\/strong> directly, it will signal to lenders that you’re managing your money effectively.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ prev_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e4f8e0″ custom_padding=”150px||1px|||” top_divider_style=”curve2″ bottom_divider_style=”wave2″ bottom_divider_color=”#e4f8e0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_id=”get-cell-phone” module_class=”custom_row” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”vertical-align second-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_direction=”left” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”24px|||||” custom_padding_tablet=”45px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”5px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    2. Get a Cell Phone on Contract
    Companies Report Your Status to Credit Bureaus<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Apply for a cell phone on contract.<\/strong> The big companies will report your payment habits to the credit bureaus<\/strong> each month. As you pay your bill in full and on time each month, it shows that you’re managing money effectively.<\/p>\n

    You don’t need a costly plan for this to help your credit. Paying your bill on a cheap contract every month will still show that you’re using credit responsibly. What’s most important is to pick a plan that fits your needs as well as your budget.<\/p>\n

    Like all bills, pay your cell phone bill in full and on time every month. Acting responsibly with your payments goes a long way to repair bad credit<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”first-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/cell-phone-contract_2colm.jpg” alt=”Happy woman checking her phone ” title_text=”cell-phone-contract” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_height=”500px” max_height_tablet=”600px” max_height_phone=”” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_tablet=”||-35px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ prev_background_color=”#e4f8e0″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”130px||0px|||” top_divider_style=”wave2″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_id=”get-secured-card” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/apply-for-secured-credit-card_2colm.jpg” alt=”Credit cards with lock close up” title_text=”secured-credit-card” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_height_last_edited=”off|tablet” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||25px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding_tablet=”15px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”35px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    3. Check Out How a Secured Credit Card Can Help
    Helpful Charge Card Strategy<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Apply for a secured credit card.<\/strong>\u00a0Companies report usage on these cards to the credit bureaus. Paying your secured credit card bill on time will have the same positive effect on your credit as paying a normal credit card bill.<\/p>\n

    To get a secured credit card, you’ll need to save up about $500 for the security deposit so that the credit card company can hold that money for up to 2 years. They use this money in case you don\u2019t make your payments and they need to close the card.<\/p>\n

    Use your card for one or two small, planned purchases each month, wait for the bill to arrive, and then pay it in full and on time. This will help to rebuild credit<\/a> and clean up your credit history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e7dff3″ custom_margin=”||-40px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”||-120px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”||0px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”165px||49px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”85px||70px||false|false” top_divider_style=”curve2″ top_divider_height_tablet=”70px” top_divider_height_phone=”40px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”70px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”50px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_id=”apply-for-credit” module_class=”custom_row” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”130px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”34px||70px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”vertical-align second-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_direction=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”31px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    4. Limit How Often You Apply
    \nWait for at Least 6 Months Between Applications<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Don\u2019t apply for too much new credit.<\/strong> Every time you do, there will be a \u201chit\u201d against your credit report<\/strong><\/a>. This means that when lenders check your report to see if they can give you credit, that check is recorded on your report.<\/p>\n

    If a lender sees that you apply for credit often, they’ll be less likely to give you more credit. For example, you don’t want a bunch of applications for credit cards you don’t need stopping you from getting a car loan or mortgage that you do need.<\/p>\n

    If your credit application is declined once or twice, wait at least 6 months before you apply again. The longer you wait, the better. This is just one factor in how your credit score is calculated or checked<\/strong> in Canada<\/a>.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”first-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/limit-credit-application_2colm.jpg” alt=”Credit score document paper sheet” title_text=”limit-credit-application-to-help-credit-score” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_height=”500px” max_height_tablet=”600px” max_height_phone=”” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_tablet=”||-20px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-45px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”||43px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” prev_background_color=”#e7dff3″ admin_label=”CTA 2 – Get started” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/credit-counselling-couple-3-scaled-purple.jpg” parallax=”on” parallax_method=”off” max_width=”100%” custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|tablet” custom_padding=”347px|0px|1px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”165px||1px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”180px||||false|false” top_divider_style=”ramp2″ top_divider_height=”180px” top_divider_flip=”horizontal” top_divider_height_tablet=”100px” top_divider_height_phone=”70px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_style=”curve2″ bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_height=”150px” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”off|tablet” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”105px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”60px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” scroll_blur=”0|40|60|100|100px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”CTA Components” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” z_index=”0″ width=”60%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width=”100%” min_height=”500px” min_height_phone=”auto” min_height_last_edited=”off|phone” custom_margin=”-6px|auto|-140px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||-275px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”top” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Heading Line 1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.7)” text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1em” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”42px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” z_index=”1″ text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” max_width=”60%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_speed_curve=”ease-in” animation_duration_tablet=”1000ms” animation_duration_phone=”” animation_duration_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ inline_fonts=”Work Sans” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Need expert help?<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Heading Line 2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” text_font_size=”30px” text_line_height=”1em” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#ffffff” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” header_2_font_size=”42px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” z_index=”1″ text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” max_width=”60%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_delay=”1000ms” animation_speed_curve=”ease-in” animation_duration_tablet=”1000ms” animation_duration_phone=”” animation_duration_last_edited=”on|tablet” animation_delay_tablet=”1000ms” animation_delay_phone=”” animation_delay_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ inline_fonts=”Work Sans” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Looking to get back on track?<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Paragraph Message” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_font=”||||||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” z_index=”1″ text_orientation=”center” max_width=”60%” max_width_tablet=”80%” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”79px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_delay=”2000ms” animation_duration_tablet=”1500ms” animation_duration_phone=”” animation_duration_last_edited=”on|tablet” animation_delay_tablet=”2000ms” animation_delay_phone=”” animation_delay_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]Get started today by making an appointment to speak with one of our Credit Counsellors. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you. All of our appointments are free, confidential and non-judgmental.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Make an Appointment” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#2ad13d” button_border_width=”2px” button_border_color=”#2AD13D” button_border_radius=”8px” button_font=”|600|||||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ z_index=”1″ animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_delay=”3000ms” animation_duration_tablet=”1000ms” animation_duration_phone=”” animation_duration_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_bg_color__hover=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” button_bg_enable_color__hover=”on” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_text_color__hover=”#2AD13D”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Extra Space” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” transform_scale_tablet=”” transform_scale_phone=”” transform_scale_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_translate=”0px|-350px” transform_translate_tablet=”0px|-380px” transform_translate_phone=”0px|-430px” transform_translate_last_edited=”on|phone” transform_translate_linked=”off” transform_rotate_tablet=”” transform_rotate_phone=”” transform_rotate_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_skew_tablet=”” transform_skew_phone=”” transform_skew_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_origin_tablet=”” transform_origin_phone=”” transform_origin_last_edited=”on|desktop” transform_styles_last_edited=”on|phone” z_index=”-1″ max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” min_height=”385px” min_height_tablet=”430px” min_height_phone=”470px” min_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”2000ms” animation_delay=”6500ms” hover_transition_speed_curve=”ease-in” transform_styles_tablet=”” transform_styles_phone=”” border_radii=”on|8px|8px|8px|8px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”927px” custom_margin=”0px||-345px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_id=”stick-to-budget” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px|auto|-5px|auto|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/realistic-budget_2colm.jpg” alt=”List of expenses with a pen close up” title_text=”realistic-budget-list” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-5px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-145px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding_tablet=”45px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    5. Live Within a Realistic Budget
    Save for Unexpected Expenses<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Have a monthly budget<\/a> that lets you live within your means. Look at how much money you have coming in every month and how much money on average you spend. If you’re spending more money than you make, then look at what exactly you’re spending on and where you can cut costs. Alternatively, you can look for ways to make more money. The key is to balance your budget so that you don’t rely on credit to make ends meet.<\/p>\n

    You will definitely need to set some savings aside for unexpected expenses. They tend to happen when we least want them to! Make regular deposits to your savings account<\/a> and manage your normal monthly expenses<\/a> carefully. More than anything else, sticking to a good budget is the best way to keep financially healthy.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” next_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#e4f8e0″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”335px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”180px||130px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”120px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”100px||||false|false” top_divider_style=”ramp2″ top_divider_color=”#ffffff” top_divider_height=”200px” top_divider_flip=”vertical|horizontal” top_divider_height_tablet=”” top_divider_height_phone=”60px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|tablet” bottom_divider_style=”wave2″ bottom_divider_height_tablet=”70px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”50px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_id=”avoid-overdraft” module_class=”custom_row” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”vertical-align second-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_direction=”left” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    6. Use Your Bank Account Responsibly
    Avoid Account Overdraft and NSF Fees<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Use your bank account responsibly and consistently. Overdrawing your account<\/strong> or writing NSF<\/strong> cheques is a sign of financial difficulty<\/a>. It will cause problems with the bank account you’re using and could cause problems for future credit applications.<\/p>\n

    The easiest way to have quick access to your bank balance is to set up your online banking. Most banks and credit unions also have apps for your smartphone. Log on to check where you stand before making purchases. It can even help to have separate bank accounts for routine expenses and savings if you’re having trouble staying organized.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”first-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/using-bank-account_2colm.jpg” alt=”Man’s hand using calculator checking his cheque book” title_text=”using-bank-account” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”65px||65px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_id=”avoid-loans” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/avoiding-credit-and-loans_2colm.jpg” alt=”Hand woman calculating expenses on a calculator with bills and a computer” title_text=”avoiding-credit-and-loans” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||6px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding_tablet=”35px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    7. Avoid Credit You Can’t Afford
    Never Take Out Loans You Can’t Repay<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Avoid using payday loans<\/strong><\/a> to make ends meet. They won’t help improve your credit rating<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    If you find that your pay cheques aren’t enough to make it to the end of the month, consider other options to help avoid ending up in financial difficulty again. If you feel like you’re out of options, contact us<\/a> and we’ll be happy to help you find solutions that will work for you.<\/p>\n

    After going through bankruptcy, you know the consequences of having debts you can’t repay build up. Keep it from happening again by staying away from credit and loans you know you can’t afford.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” prev_background_color=”#ffffff” next_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e7dff3″ custom_margin_tablet=”||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||65px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”65px||1px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||1px||false|false” top_divider_style=”wave2″ top_divider_height_tablet=”70px” top_divider_height_phone=”” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_style=”wave2″ bottom_divider_flip=”horizontal” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”70px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”50px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_id=”avoid-debt” module_class=”custom_row” _builder_version=”4.16″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”70px||100px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”35px||60px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”vertical-align second-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_direction=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding_tablet=”15px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” animation_direction=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    8. Avoid Getting Into Debt Again
    Make Smart Financial Choices<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Part of rebuilding your credit<\/a><\/strong> after bankruptcy means learning new money habits<\/a><\/strong>. The tips on this page have hopefully helped you. However, just as rebuilding your credit takes time, getting used to and practising new money habits does too.<\/p>\n

    If you notice that you’re starting to get behind again, don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re maxed out before you get help. Whether you need to talk to a family member, friend, or get expert help, the sooner you take that step, the easier it will be to get back on track.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”first-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/new-money-habits-saving_2colm.jpg” alt=”Hand putting banknote into pig money-box” title_text=”new-money-habits-saving-using-piggy-bank” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_height=”575px” max_height_tablet=”600px” max_height_phone=”” max_height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin_tablet=”||-5px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||29px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Repairing Your Credit After Bankruptcy Discharge
    Common Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n