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

Personal Bankruptcy New Westminster – Facts, Alternatives & Options | BC

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

Personal Bankruptcy in New Westminster, BC – 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

Self Assessment of Debt Relief 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 Can’t Do

It’s easy for people to tell you that bankruptcy helped them eliminate their debts, but do they also tell you that it’s not possible for everyone? Some debts might still have to be paid because by law, they can’t be included when you file for bankruptcy.

3 common types of debt that aren’t included in a bankruptcy are:

  • Secured debts, like a mortgage or car loan
  • Student loans that are less than 7 years old
  • Child and alimony support payments that you’re behind on

Many people think that they need to declare bankruptcy because of their credit card debt, but if that debt is recent, creditors may not allow you to eliminate those balances with bankruptcy.

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

Filing for bankruptcy is the easy part. Did you know that it takes at least 9 months to complete the whole bankruptcy process? During that time, there are costs and fees to pay to your trustee for bankruptcy. You are also required to attend two bankruptcy counselling sessions. Depending on your situation, if you have to pay extra money to your creditors, completing the process will take longer. If you have too much equity in your home, or assets above what you’re allowed to keep in BC, your trustee will sell your assets for you.

You should also know that your bankruptcy trustee, your creditors, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy or the Court can oppose or delay your discharge. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to attend a hearing, answer questions under oath and/or meet the additional requirements to obtain your discharge.

Your Credit Rating & Bankruptcy in Canada

Bankruptcy is noted on your credit report and seriously impacts your credit rating. Despite what people say, getting credit after you have eliminated your debts legally through bankruptcy is not easy. It takes patience and time to prove yourself to creditors again. Until they trust you enough to lend you money again, your financial plans might be on hold because you won’t be able to take out a loan, renew your mortgage or apply for a low interest rate credit card.

People We Helped Interviewed by the News Media

On occasion, the news media will talk to one or two 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 interviews Dan Robinson after he paid off $30,000 in debt with no interest after receiving help from the Credit Counselling Society. CTV – Debt Relief Story
Global TV speaks with Charis who has nearly paid off $67,000 in debt on 13 credit cards with help from the Credit Counselling Society. Watch

BC 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.

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.

Settling Your Debts

To help you pay back what you borrowed, consolidation programs and loans can help. Most people don’t want to walk away from their debts and go bankrupt, but they think they have to because they don’t know what else to do. Surprisingly, sometimes only paying back part of what you owe can also be a solution. When done properly, a debt settlement offers your creditors a lump sum of money. That might not be as far-fetched an option as you might think.

Filing for a Consumer Proposal

There are also times where you need a legal alternative to bankruptcy, so a Consumer Proposal might be right. A Consumer Proposal in New Westminster 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?

By now you can likely gather that a lot depends on your situation. And regardless of what you’ve tried in the past, you need help taking an objective look at your whole financial situation with a fresh set of eyes. You need a trained and certified 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, Confidential Bankruptcy & Credit Counselling Information & Advice in New Westminster, BC

Get answers to your questions about joint debts or debts remaining after a divorce, find out why someone should not file for bankruptcy, or learn more about bankruptcy alternatives from one of our Debt & Credit Counsellors! They are experts in helping people find solutions to their debt and money problems, and they’d be happy to give you with the information you need to make choices that will benefit your financial future.

Your Counsellor will:

  • Explain all of your bankruptcy alternatives and debt relief options
  • Show you how to budget effectively for all of your household expenses
  • Recommend bankruptcy trustees in New Westminster if it looks like declaring bankruptcy is the right option
  • Provide answers and information so that you can choose the best way of dealing with your debts
Credit Counselling Society New Westminster head office and counselling office.

New Westminster Office

Suite 225 – 625 Agnes Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 5Y4

Phone: 604-527-8999

Plan Your Trip: Translink Trip Planner

Our New Westminster office also provides bankruptcy alternative options in Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, and Surrey.

Free, Confidential Credit Counselling Appointments for New Westminster, BC

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 New Westminster, contact us today at 604-527-8999, 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 offers assistance to people who need help with their payday loans in New Westminster (even online ones).