In your first session, we will review your finances and help you build essential money management skills, including: How interest and minimum payments work on loans and credit cards Creating a custom budget that fits your income and expenses Setting up and following a savings plan Planning for major or unexpected expenses Recognizing common signs of overspending and excessive borrowing

Credit Counselling in Ontario

Improve your relationship with money and find lasting debt relief

What Is Credit Counselling in Ontario?

Trustees (LITs) provide credit counselling in Ontario, as part of bankruptcy or consumer proposals. The goal is to give you the tools to manage money wisely, avoid future debt, and rebuild financial confidence. By improving your relationship with money, you can avoid future debt problems.

Managing money can feel overwhelming, especially if debt has been part of your life for years

Financial guidance from licensed professionals

David Sklar & Associates has provided credit counselling in Ontario since 1998. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, our accredited insolvency counsellors are federally regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and bound by a strict Code of Ethics.

By working with us, you’ll acquire first-class money management skills. With boldness and confidence, you’ll learn how to make your money work for you, not the other way around!

How Credit Counselling Helps You Manage Money

Given the critical role money plays in our lives, we’re baffled as to why our schools don’t offer education in personal finance. No wonder many Canadians are drowning in debt. It’s simply not right!

That’s why we’re passionate about helping people take control of their finances

What You'll Learn in Credit Counselling Sessions

We’ll help you improve your money management skills, understand the root of your financial challenges, and gain the confidence to avoid them in the future. Our sessions cover key money topics, giving you a strong foundation to rebuild. You’ll learn how to:

Benefits of Credit Counselling in Ontario

Manage debt, create a budget, build savings, and navigate the insolvency process with confidence. Bankruptcy or a consumer proposal forgives most of your debt, but credit counselling gives you the lifelong skills to stay debt-free by learning how to:

These skills can save you thousands and help you reach milestones like graduating, raising a family, or planning for retirement

Why Work With David Sklar's Credit Counsellors?

In a comfortable, judgement-free environment, we’ll guide you in improving your money management skills.

Advice from professionals

Our accredited insolvency counsellors have over 25 years of experience helping people take control of their money and achieve their financial goals.

Personalized sessions

Money management isn’t one-size-fits-all. We tailor our credit counselling to your needs and lifestyle so you can feel confident reaching your financial goals.

Relaxed and friendly setting

We provide a patient, compassionate, and judgment-free space to talk about debt. Our counsellors give you the tools and support to achieve financial wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Credit Counselling

When is it required?

By law, if you file for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, you must complete two credit counselling sessions—one about two months after filing and another about five months later.

How long do I need to attend?

If you file for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, you must attend at least two sessions. We can provide more if needed, tailoring each one to your situation so you leave with the knowledge and resources to rebuild your finances.

Counselling vs Proposal?

Credit counselling and consumer proposals are not the same. Credit counselling provides educational sessions with a licensed counsellor, while a consumer proposal is a legally binding agreement to repay part of your unsecured debt.

What can I expect?

In your first session, we will review your finances and help you build essential money management skills, including:

How much does it cost?

In Canada, credit counselling costs $85 per session, but this fee is covered by your bankruptcy estate or included in your consumer proposal payments, so your sessions are effectively free, paid by your unsecured creditors.

Can I complete it online?

Yes, you can complete credit counselling online. At David Sklar & Associates, sessions are available in person, by video, or by phone if needed.

What is my first step?

If you’re facing severe debt problems, contact us at 1-844-962-9200

In your free consultation, we’ll review your situation and find the best way to reduce or eliminate your debts. With offices across Ontario, we’re here to help you for good.

5,000+ Top-Rated Reviews

4.9 stars based on over 2800+ reviews

J F.

1 week ago

Serena Sklar has been fantastic to work with. She’s knowledgeable, responsive, clear, and made a potentially stressful process for our family feel straightforward and manageable. I really appreciated how well everything was explained and how easy she was to communicate with throughout.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, J F. Serena will be so pleased to hear your kind words. We’re happy to know that her support and guidance had such a positive impact on your experience. Congratulations on your Fresh Start from David Sklar & Associates!

Donna

2 weeks ago

My call to David Sklar was one of the best call I had ever made. At first I though it was not real,but I said to myself what do I have to lose. Serena was very kind and professional. She explained the process and let me feel relaxed. It's as if I was talking to a family member. All my phone calls and emails were returned and answered promptly. I recommend David Sklar & Associates if you're drowning in debt.

Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share this, Donna. It means a lot to know that Serena’s kindness and professionalism helped you feel comfortable and relaxed. We appreciate your heartfelt words and are grateful to be a part of your new chapter. Congratulations on your Fresh Start from David Sklar & Associates!

Ludmila S.

3 weeks ago

It wasn't easy for me to realize that the only way to solve my financial problems was Bankruptcy. I turned to David Sklar &Associates trustees whose representative is Grace Cuffaro, and I think it was one of my best decisions I made. Grace not only helped me solve my financial problems, but also provided moral support, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much for your help, Grace.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your review, Ludmila. We’re pleased to hear Grace’s support made a meaningful difference. Wishing you continued peace of mind moving forward. Congratulations on your Fresh Start form David Sklar & Associates!

Violet B.

3 weeks ago

I am pleased with the service I have gotten at this company. I will refer David Sklar to anyone who would love to find solution to their debt problems. Mr. Mo Patel was very helpful and patient in informing and advising me through the process. Many thanks.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Violet, for taking the time to leave us such a thoughtful review. We’re glad to hear that you had a positive experience working with Mo and our team. We truly appreciate your recommendation. Congratulations on your Fresh Start from David Sklar & Associates!

4.9 stars based on over 1600+ reviews

What our clients are saying

“Debt collectors don’t control me anymore.”

“I thought I had to suffer alone… I was wrong.”

“When no one else could help, David Sklar did.”

“Six debt collector calls a day—now, none.”

“For the first time in years, I could breathe.”

“The best thing I’ve done for my finances.”

Here to help you

Our federally 🇨🇦 regulated team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees in Ontario can help you get out of debt and in control of your own financial future.

We’ve helped thousands of people and we can help you too.

We know this is stressful, but you’re not alone