Making a Consumer Proposal to creditors can be a great solution for consumers to consolidate and cut their debt, and, although a Consumer Proposal is not a ‘new’ type of debt solution, it is one that many people exploring debt options don’t know a lot about. Read on as we debunk some common Consumer Proposal myths and share key facts you should know about Consumer Proposals.
What is a Consumer Proposal?
A Consumer Proposal is a legal debt solution that allows a person to consolidate and cut their debt by repaying a reduced amount through a single (usually monthly) payment. By consolidating your debt with an interest-free Consumer Proposal you may be able to cut your debt by as much as 50-80% of your balance and your creditors will agree to consider the unpaid debt forgiven and never charge another dollar of interest or finance charges.
- For example, a person owing $20,000 of debt might offer a Consumer Proposal where they repay 30% of their total debts via monthly payment of $165/month for 36 months – the balance of the debt (70%!) is written-off at the end of the Consumer Proposal.
If you’ve been looking for a way to make repaying your debt affordable a Consumer Proposal can be the best solution for consolidation, with many built-in benefits in addition to being able to consolidate without borrowing AND cutting your debt – and this may be one of the reasons Consumer Proposals sound almost too good to be true!
Common Myths About Consumer Proposals Explained
It’s important to fully understand your options before committing to a debt management program or borrowing; below are some common myths and misconceptions about Consumer Proposals that Licensed Insolvency Trustees frequently hear.
- Get the information you need to move forward confidently – take 30 minutes to talk with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee about your situation and all your options. Consultations are free, confidential, and without any obligation.
Myth: Consumer Proposals Only Consolidate Basic Debts
There are very few debts that can’t be resolved with the help of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee – and generally these are debts that legally can’t be cleared except by paying them, like child support, for example.
Facts About Debts a Consumer Proposal Can Consolidate
In addition to consolidating (and cutting) common consumer debts including credit cards, payday loans, lines of credit, overdrafts, mortgage shortfalls and more, a Consumer Proposal can also include income tax and business GST debts, CERB overpayments, student loans where you’ve been out of school for seven years or more (federal, provincial, and private), old MSP premiums, ICBC debts, and more.
- Filing a Consumer Proposal is the only option (besides declaring bankruptcy) that can be used to reduce or clear government debts in full, with no interest or penalties.
For a Consumer Proposal to be accepted only 50% of your creditors (by dollar value) need to agree to it for the offer to be binding on all of them – and Consumer Proposal offers are almost always accepted.
What Debts Can a Consumer Proposal Consolidate? Learn More
Myth: Consumer Proposals are the Same as Credit Counselling
A Consumer Proposal may sound like credit counselling or debt settlement plans, but these are very different options for debt consolidation. Some similarities:
- Both are alternatives to bank consolidation loans or financing
- Your credit score doesn’t impact your eligibility
- Temporarily noted on your credit history for two to three years after you pay off the debt
Facts About the Difference Between Consumer Proposals and Credit Counselling
Some key differences between Consumer Proposals and credit counselling:
- Credit counselling requires each creditor to agree to the ‘program’ and 100% of your debts must be repaid – creditors not in agreement are paid separately (and can continue collection action).
- Creditors may agree to stop charging you interest while your credit counselling repayment is active, but there’s no guarantee of this, and credit counsellors have no legal means to compel your creditors to agree to your plan or stop legal action.
- Government bodies will never agree to credit counselling plans – this type of informal debt repayment can only deal with basic consumer debts.
- There are no set qualifications or regulatory body for credit counsellors, and various fees are typically charged in addition to monthly debt payments.
As mentioned previously, Consumer Proposals only need 50% of creditors to agree to the debt settlement offered in the Proposal in order for it to be binding on them all – typically only a portion of your debt needs to be repaid, in full legal settlement. Consumer Proposals are accepted by all major banks in just about all situations and are the only means to resolve government debts by making a negotiated ‘deal’.
- If you’re considering a debt settlement option but aren’t sure if it’s a Consumer Proposal, check your representative’s credentials – only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you file a Consumer Proposal.
Do Creditors Usually Accept a Consumer Proposal? Learn More
Myth: Filing a Consumer Proposal Will Wreck Your Credit Score Long-Term
Any time your debts are not paid in full according to the original borrowing terms there will be some effect to your credit score, but this is generally brief and for most people the short-term pain is well-worth the long-term benefits.
Facts About How a Consumer Proposal Affects Your Credit Score
A Consumer Proposal will be customized to your situation and needs, considering not only the total amount of your debt, but also your income and personal circumstances. A Consumer Proposal could last just a few months, while others may take the maximum term of five years (60 months) to complete.
- A Consumer Proposal will be noted on your credit history for three years after completion, or six years from the date you started, whichever is soonest. This doesn’t prevent you from applying for credit during this period, and it is not uncommon to be eligible for major financing such as a new mortgage within two years.
- For many people, even a five-year Consumer Proposal would allow them to have all their debts paid off in far less time than if they continued to try to pay off their debt on their own. You can also pay off your Consumer Proposal early at any time, without penalty.
After Making a Consumer Proposal – What You Need to Know
It’s important to remember that your credit history and score is constantly changing; if you’re worried about lowering your credit score by filing a Consumer Proposal, consider:
- Could you become 100% debt-free in five years and maintain your current credit history?
- How much is your credit score helping you day-to-day? People are often surprised to learn that despite their good credit history they are unable to get any new financing or qualify for a bank consolidation loan to help them manage their debts.
If your credit history has been impacted by your debt, know that a Consumer Proposal provides a ‘reset’ on your credit history, allowing you a financial fresh start – and there are two private financial counselling sessions included as part of the Proposal process to provide you extra support on boosting your credit rating and more.
Myth: Consumer Proposals are Expensive and Have Upfront Fees
When it comes to the cost of a Consumer Proposal it is very important to understand there are no hidden costs or upfront fees to pay to get your Consumer Proposal started. All you pay is what you are offering your creditors and, when working with Sands & Associates, you will always make zero payments until the Proposal has been filed and sent to your creditors.
Facts About How Much a Consumer Proposal Costs
A major benefit of consolidating debt with a Consumer Proposal is that it allows you to repay what you can afford, without interest or added fees. Often people only need to repay 20-30% of their overall debt, making a Consumer Proposal far cheaper than continuing to try to pay off your debt each month with interest.
There are no hidden professional fees or charges in a Consumer Proposal. Once you and your Trustee have worked out your monthly debt payment amount, that is all you will pay.
- Licensed Insolvency Trustees are paid for their services, but this isn’t charged based on time (like the number of meetings you have, or how many times you call your Trustee), or a cost you will pay on top of your debt payments.
- The Licensed Insolvency Trustee fees are paid according to strict rules set by the government and these tariff-based administrative costs are simply deducted from the funds your creditors receive. In this regard, it’s your creditors who are absorbing the administrative costs of the Consumer Proposal. Again, all you, the consumer, pay is what you’re offering to your creditors.
If you’re being charged a fee to discuss a Consumer Proposal this should be a red flag that you’re probably not dealing with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. It should never cost you money to talk about your situation and explore your debt options.
Learn More About How Licensed Insolvency Trustees Get Paid
Get Advice About Consumer Proposals and More
When it comes to Consumer Proposals and getting advice about your debt, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is the best person to talk to. As Canada’s only designated debt help professionals, we are uniquely qualified to assist you and it’s our job to help you understand your situation and all your options.
- Licensed Insolvency Trustees offer a free, confidential consultation and you can simply reach out to a Trustee local to your community to set up this meeting.
- Licensed Insolvency Trustees are neutral parties with a responsibility to ensure a fair outcome for everyone; unlike many credit counsellors, we don’t receive any money from your creditors.
Sands & Associates serves all of BC and you can connect with us in person at a local office near you, over the phone, or online. You’re not alone in dealing with your debt, we’re here to help you!
Get the information you need to move forward with your life – without debt. Talk with a Sands & Associates Licensed Insolvency Trustee about your options today.