Debt can quickly accumulate, leaving individuals in Ontario burdened with multiple payments and high-interest rates.

Managing various debts and unsecured loans can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, there are debt consolidation options available in Ontario that can help individuals streamline their payments and regain control of their finances

Write off up to 80% of your unaffordable debt – Check if you qualify!

What is debt consolidation (Ontario)?

Debt consolidation is a financial strategy that combines multiple debts into a single loan or monthly payment.

By consolidating debts, individuals can simplify their repayment process, potentially lower their interest rates, and reduce their monthly payments.

Debt consolidation can be particularly beneficial for individuals in Ontario who are struggling with credit card debt, personal loans, payday loans, and other unsecured debts.

What are my debt consolidation options in Ontario?

In Ontario, individuals burdened with multiple debts can turn to various debt consolidation options to make their lives easier.

Below are some of the most common.

Debt consolidation loan

One of the most common debt consolidation options is obtaining a debt consolidation loan.

This type of loan allows individuals to combine their existing debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate.

By doing so, borrowers can reduce their monthly payments and simplify their repayment process.

Debt consolidation loans can be obtained from banks, credit unions, or online lenders in Ontario.

Debt settlement offer

Another debt consolidation option is a debt settlement offer. With this approach, individuals negotiate with their creditors to settle their debts for less than the full amount owed.

You can use a debt settlement company to assist in the negotiation process and help you reach a settlement agreement with their creditors.

It’s important to note that debt settlement may impact your credit score, so you should always seek debt advice before proceeding.

If you are considering using a debt settlement company you should do your research on the company and make sure you understand all the fees they may charge before moving forward.

Debt management plan

A debt management plan is a structured program offered by credit counseling agencies in Ontario.

Individuals make a single monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, which then distributes the funds to their creditors.

The agency may also negotiate with creditors to lower interest rates or waive certain fees, making the repayment process more manageable.

Consumer proposal

A consumer proposal is a legally binding agreement between individuals and their creditors.

With the help of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Ontario, individuals propose a repayment plan to their creditors, outlining how much they can afford to pay and over what period.

Once accepted, individuals make monthly payments according to the agreed-upon terms.

Consumer proposals can be an effective debt consolidation option for individuals facing significant financial challenges, allowing you to deal with unaffordable debt in five years or less.

Do I qualify to consolidate debt?

Whether you’re eligible to consolidate debt depends largely on your chosen option.

Debt consolidation loans, for example, typically require a good credit score and sufficient income to cover the loan payments.

Debt settlement offers are usually available to individuals who are facing financial hardship and can demonstrate an inability to repay their debts in full.

Debt management plans and consumer proposals, on the other hand, are generally open to individuals with a steady income and who are willing to commit to the repayment terms.

If you’re considering using a debt consolidation option, you should talk to a financial advisor or Licensed Insolvency Trustee beforehand.

They can use their expertise to evaluate your situation and recommend the debt consolidation option that’s right for you.

What types of debts are commonly alleviated through debt consolidation?

Credit card debt

Credit card debt is one of the most common types of debt that can be alleviated through debt consolidation.

High-interest rates on credit cards can make it difficult to pay off the balances.

Consolidating credit card debt into a single loan or payment can help individuals save on interest and simplify their repayment process.

Other unsecured debt

In addition to credit card debt, other unsecured debts like payday loans and personal loans can be consolidated through debt consolidation programs.

Unsecured debt consolidation loans are specifically designed to combine multiple unsecured debts into a single loan, providing individuals with a more manageable repayment plan.

Can secured loans be included in debt consolidation loans?

Secured loans, such as a home equity loan or mortgage payments, can be included in debt consolidation loans, although it’s rare.

Because secured loans generally have a lower interest rate than the debt consolidation loan itself, in most cases it makes more sense to pay off your secured debts separately.

Will debt consolidation services affect my credit score?

A debt consolidation service itself won’t directly affect your credit score. However, the impact on your credit may vary depending on the specific debt consolidation option you choose.

For instance, obtaining a new debt consolidation loan may result in a temporary decrease in your credit score due to the credit inquiry and the opening of a new account, however as you begin making regular payments to the consolidation loan, your credit score can gradually improve.

On the other hand, options like debt settlement and consumer proposals may have a more significant impact on your credit score.

These options may result in a notation on your credit report indicating that you settled your debts for less than the full amount owed.

This can have a negative impact on your credit score in the short term, however as you successfully complete the debt settlement or consumer proposal, you can start rebuilding your credit over time. In addition, the benefits of reducing your debts and eventually becoming debt free typically outweigh any negative effects on your credit score.

What are the benefits of using a debt consolidation program?

There are several benefits to using debt consolidation as a way of dealing will problem debt. Below, we’ve highlighted three key benefits of debt consolidation.

Lower monthly payment

One of the primary benefits of debt consolidation is achieving a lower monthly payment.

By combining multiple debts into a single monthly payment, individuals can often negotiate a lower interest rate and save money overall.

This consolidation of debts into one manageable payment can alleviate financial strain and provide individuals with a clearer path towards becoming debt-free.

Better interest rate

Debt consolidation can also help individuals secure a better interest rate on their consolidated loan.

High interest rates on credit cards and other unsecured debts can make it challenging to make progress in paying off the principal balance.

By consolidating debts, individuals may be able to obtain a loan with lower interest payments, saving them money in the long run

Simpler way to repay outstanding debts

Having multiple debts can be overwhelming, especially when each debt has its own payment due date and interest rate.

Debt consolidation simplifies the repayment process by consolidating all debts into a single loan or payment.

This eliminates the need to juggle multiple payments and ensures that individuals stay on top of their repayment schedule.

With a clear and organized approach, individuals can regain control over their finances and work towards a debt-free future.

Where can I get the advice I need to improve my financial situation?

If you’re experiencing financial difficulty and wondering which debt consolidation option might be best for you, A. Fisher & Associates is here to help.

We’re a Licensed Insolvency Trustee company that specializes in personalized debt advice and financial solutions tailored to suit your needs.

Having helped thousands of people regain their financial stability, you can trust to help you find the best way forward. Reach out today and start working towards becoming debt-free.