Consumer Proposal vs Debt Settlement

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Consumer Proposal vs Debt Settlement: Differences

The differences between a consumer proposal and a ‘debt settlement’ are significant.

Knowing, and understanding the differences can save you thousands of dollars and months of unnecessary stress.

Consumer Proposals

Consumer proposals are legally binding agreements between debtors and their unsecured creditors, that are filed with the government and managed by federally licensed Trustees in Bankruptcy, such as David Sklar & Associates. All fees and procedures are set and overseen by the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy.

Creditors usually agree to a consumer proposal, because they will receive less if the debtor takes the next step and goes into bankruptcy.

If a majority of creditors (in terms of debt owed) approve a consumer proposal, then any creditors who voted against it, are required, by law, to honour the terms of the proposal.

In a consumer proposal, creditors agree to accept a reduced repayment of the debts that are owed to them, to stop all interest charges, and to stop all collection efforts. The debtors, agree to repay the creditors set amounts (usually in monthly payments), for a period of up to 5 years, and to attend credit counselling. The funds are paid into the trustee who holds them in a legal trust and distributes them to the creditors as agreed to in the proposal.

At the successful completion of the consumer proposal, the debtor is legally released from the debts covered in their proposal with a discharge.

Debt Settlements

The Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services has issued a Consumer Alert about Debt Settlement that advises caution and warns of such practices as misleading contracts, pressured sales, excessive fees, and perhaps most importantly – the failure to actually get the debts reduced.

Both Manitoba and Alberta have passed legislation to protect consumers from debt settlement companies.

The ‘debt settlement companies’ we are discussing are the unlicensed organizations who promise to negotiate a settlement with creditors, require a substantial upfront payment, and frequently leave their clients in far worse financial shape.

To be clear: the ‘debt settlements’ we are discussing are not the ‘debt management programs’ that are available through non-profit, licensed counsellors for solvent debtors.

Normally, a debt settlement company with tell their clients to stop paying their creditors, and send the money they would have paid, to the debt settlement company instead. Once the substantial settlement company’s fees have been paid up front, and significant funds have built up (a process that can literally take years) – the debt settlement company will then contact the creditors to see if they can cut a deal.

The pitch is, the credit companies will be so glad to get any money after such a long time without payment, they will be willing to settle.

The reality is, the credit companies will continue to call for their money and may take legal action. They are under no obligation to negotiate.

Use Caution – And Get All the Facts

If You Are in Serious Debt Trouble

If you live in the Toronto area and are in overwhelming debt, call the caring, licensed professionals at David Sklar & Associates at 416-498-9200 for a Free, confidential consultation. During your consultation, we will go over your financial situation, and discuss all of the options you have for getting out of debt and getting on with your life.

 

Take Your First Step Towards A Debt Free Life

If you are overwhelmed by debt, call us at 1-844-962-9200 to book a FREE, confidential appointment. We will review your financial situation in detail and discuss all of your options with you. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you. 

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The team at David Sklar and Associates Inc are very professional and are willing to help you get out of debt. Highly recommended.
Melissa MacKenzie
12:35 29 Mar 23
I would like to thank the team at David Sklar and associates inc. for all the time and effort they put in to support this process for me. This topic can be challenging to disclose but a big thank you to Christine for going above and beyond in guiding me through all my options and supporting me through the decisions. I cannot recommend this group enough , as they have shown me compassion , knowledge , and understanding throughout the entire process. I look forward to the next step of this process and learning how the proper way of becoming financially educated through the support of their financial counselling team. For anyone who is struggling , just know that there is a wonderful group of educated professionals at David Sklar who are available to help!
Michelle Plouffe
18:45 14 Mar 23
It took me awhile to get up the courage to contact David Sklar but I’m so glad I did. Trina walked through my options with me and provided the knowledge I needed to make a decision to help turn my financial situation around. She is patient and empathetic and answered any and every question that I had. Trina provided me the reassurance I needed that I was making the best decisions for me and my family. I’m so happy that I reached out and now have a plan to get back on track.
M. Mackenzie
19:59 12 Mar 23
Trina was very helpful and thorough.
Sam M
15:26 12 Mar 23
Christine was very helpful, kind, and understanding. She explained everything thoroughly, answered any questions I had, and was responsive to any concerns I had. 100% would recommend
Katherine Campbell
17:29 08 Mar 23
Jackie Stanley is excellent she took the time to explain everything to me and I am so grateful to her for giving me a fresh financial start so if you have any doubts don’t and go see her if you want to achieve financial freedom!
Heather Helfield
21:24 06 Mar 23
Amazing friendly staff that knows what they are going. They make a difficult situation not so bad. Would give 10 stars if I could.
alie Balan
22:37 25 Feb 23
Very helpful and kind and gave me all the available options before helping me decide which one was best for me. I would definitely recommend Jackie
Alison Rivard
01:01 21 Feb 23
Great experience i was in financial trouble and someone of my friends recommended this company. Cori is a wonderful and welcoming person she did a very good job and came up with a smooth and flexible monthly payment after the reduction. i highly recommend this company. Thank you David sklar and special thanks to Cori.❤️🙏🏻
Jasmine Joseph
22:08 13 Jan 23
Met up with Mr. Jason Sklar to discuss more in person, very thorough and clear. He is very kind and thoughtful, I will be referring anyone with the same situation to David Sklar & Associates.
Ariel Domingo
02:33 29 Dec 22
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