[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ next_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e7dff3″ custom_padding=”0px||90px|||” bottom_divider_style=”ramp2″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” 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” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_2_font_size=”30px” custom_padding=”||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
By Julie Jaggernath<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_class=”custom_row” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ module_class=”vertical-align second-on-mobile” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Does it feel like your debts are out of control? Maybe you\u2019re wondering if going bankrupt would be the way to solve your debt problems once and for all? Most of us don\u2019t worry about our debts until they\u2019ve become too stressful to ignore. But unfortunately, the longer we ignore our debt, the more dire our situation can get.<\/p>\n Thankfully, there are more options than most people realize for getting back on track because\u00a0the process of bankruptcy<\/a>\u00a0has long term consequences. While bankruptcy might be worth considering, explore your other options first. Then, if nothing else works, you can still file for bankruptcy later.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ next_background_color=”#e4f8e0″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”||120px|||” bottom_divider_style=”curve2″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Before you can determine what you need to do to get your finances back on track, think about why you keep struggling with debt. This will help determine which solution will work best for you. Ask yourself:<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve taken out a consolidation loan in the past, also ask yourself what lifestyle choices you struggled to make as you tried to bring your expenses in line with your income.<\/p>\n Answer these questions honestly for yourself, without filtering them with what you think you\u00a0should\u00a0be doing. It\u2019s important to evaluate your money management habits accurately. This will help point you towards a realistic solution for your debt problems that benefits you not just now, but in the long term as well.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ next_background_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#e4f8e0″ custom_padding=”||125px|||” bottom_divider_style=”curve2″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” 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” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][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=”70%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”24px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Going bankrupt might seem like an easy way to get out of debt and fix your credit rating. But did you know that\u00a0when you file for bankruptcy<\/a>\u00a0it is noted on your credit bureau report and stays there for 6 years after you\u2019ve obtained your discharge? A second bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 14 years. During this time it will be difficult to borrow money, it can affect your job choices, and it could even prevent you from renting the home you want because landlords will often shy away from renting to someone who has had trouble paying their bills.<\/p>\n Many people also overlook the huge emotional cost that comes with bankruptcy. No one sets out to get into debt and file bankruptcy, so long after someone\u2019s credit report no longer reflects their past difficulties, feelings of shame can remain. Some people are also filled with overwhelming regret. This is partly due to the fact that once you declare bankruptcy and sign the paperwork, there\u2019s no turning back. If you wake up the next morning and want to change your mind, it\u2019s too late. Your filing becomes a matter of\u00a0public record<\/a>, remains part of a permanent, searchable database, and needs to be declared if you\u2019re asked if you\u2019ve ever gone bankrupt.<\/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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/does-declaring-bankruptcy-solve-debt-problems_2colm.jpg” alt=”Declaring Bankruptcy Solve Debt Problems” title_text=”does-declaring-bankruptcy-solve-debt-problems_2colm” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ 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=”||-45px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If you ask Canadians, most believe that anyone can go bankrupt. While it\u2019s a practical option for some people, there are\u00a0costs and fees that go with declaring bankruptcy<\/a>\u00a0and it is not the right solution for everyone. Depending on your\u00a0income level and assets<\/a>, it can be a very expensive way to solve your financial problems, and it might not even get rid of all of your debts.<\/p>\n Secured debts like a mortgage or car loan cannot be included in a bankruptcy<\/a>. Student loans are generally excluded if it has been less than 7 years from when you stopped studying. This rule is in place to help ensure that the student loan system, which is largely self-funded, is available to everyone who qualifies to use it. There are\u00a0other debts that survive a bankruptcy filing<\/a>, and declaring bankruptcy on\u00a0joint debts<\/a>\u00a0will impact the other borrower.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ next_background_color=”#e7dff3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”||120px|||” bottom_divider_style=”ramp2″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Bankruptcy, however, doesn\u2019t mean that you automatically lose everything you own. If you still have money in an RRSP, only the most recent 12 months of contributions are used to pay your creditors. Most provinces allow you to keep your personal items and basic household furnishings as long as their value doesn\u2019t exceed certain provincial limits. You are also allowed to keep necessary medical and health related equipment.<\/p>\n Some provinces have provisions that allow you to\u00a0keep a modest priced vehicle<\/a>\u00a0as long you don\u2019t have a lot of equity in it. You may also be able to keep the tools you need to earn a living, as long as their value is within the allowable limit.<\/p>\n However, the biggest question most homeowners have is if they can\u00a0file for bankruptcy and keep their house<\/a>. Generally speaking, if you have assets above what you\u2019re allowed to keep your trustee will arrange to sell those assets so that the money can be used to pay your creditors. However, if your finances allow for it, you might be able to buy out the surplus and not lose your home.<\/p>\n Bankruptcy is not meant to solve a short-term cash crunch. It should be used as a last resort. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to reflect on what got you into debt in the first place. Canadian bankruptcy laws are designed to provide legal protection for\u00a0people in severe financial hardship<\/a>\u00a0and to give them an opportunity for a fresh start. You owe it to yourself to carefully explore all of your options and the implications of each.<\/p>\n Alternatives to bankruptcy include\u00a0debt consolidation loans<\/a>,\u00a0debt repayment programs<\/a>,\u00a0debt settlements<\/a>,\u00a0consumer proposals<\/a>, or even\u00a0communicating with your creditors<\/a>\u00a0because you\u2019ve got no ability to repay your debts for the foreseeable future and you\u2019ve got no assets to sell to come up with a lump sum payment.<\/p>\n This is where one of our credit counsellors can help you to weigh the pros and cons of each option. We provide this service to you for free, and if bankruptcy looks like an option you should explore, we\u2019ll refer you to reputable trustees in your area.<\/p>\n 6 Times When Bankruptcy Might Not Be Right for You<\/a><\/p>\n [\/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” background_color=”#e7dff3″ custom_padding=”||110px|||” bottom_divider_style=”curve2″ bottom_divider_color=”#5b25af” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” 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=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n When it comes to dealing with your debts, learning more about bankruptcy, and exploring your options, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Reach out to us at\u00a01-888-527-8999<\/a>,\u00a0by email<\/a>, or\u00a0chat with us anonymously online<\/a>\u00a0with your questions and one of our credit counsellors will be happy to review your situation with you. Your counsellor will provide you with guidance and information so that you can make an informed choice about what will work best for you. We know that asking for help can be hard, but living with the stress and worry about your finances is harder. That\u2019s why we\u2019re here and available.<\/p>\n Last Updated on September 18, 2024 <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When it feels like your debts are out of control, you might wonder if bankruptcy will solve your problems. It’s a big step and thankfully there are options to explore first.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":23894,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bankruptcy"],"yoast_head":"\nStart by Thinking About Why You\u2019re in Debt<\/h2>\n
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Can You Live With the Long-Term Consequences of Bankruptcy?<\/h2>\n
Bankruptcy Is Not a Good Option for Everyone<\/h2>\n
You Won\u2019t Automatically Lose Everything to Bankruptcy<\/h2>\n
Consider Other Options and Alternatives to Bankruptcy<\/h2>\n
Get Help to Deal With Your Debts and Learn More About Bankruptcy<\/h3>\n