Student Loans and Bankruptcy In Canada
March 15, 2022
If you have a student loan and you feel constantly overwhelmed trying to keep up with your payments, then this blog is for you.
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Student Loans Debt Ontario
Higher education comes with a big price-tag
Higher education comes with a big price tag, most students can’t afford. So, they take out loans in order to get their degrees, then end up saddled with thousands in debt after graduation. It’s an all-too-common problem, but we can help.
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Based on 740 reviews
Patty Murphy
21:34 18 May 22
Jerry is a very patient person, he answered all my questions and made this experience so smooth and easy for me. I was not sure what to expect but dealing with him made me feel so much better. He sure knows what he is doing and how to put people at ease for sure (should have done this long ago). I recommend him to anyone I am so glad I had him on my side and now to do my part. Thanks Jerry ur greatPattie
Debbie Livingston
01:24 11 May 22
Rhoda Lewis helped me achieve a fresh start two and half years ago! She was very professional with a very warm, caring personality! I emailed her today with a question and she responded quickly. She's great at her chosen profession!!
Cassandra Keenan
21:05 10 May 22
Nothing but good things to say about Jackie. She was so nice and so understand and everything was so quick and easy. In a matter of a week, there was the solution that I never thought was possible. Thank you so very much for everything that you have done. ❤️❤️❤️
Hubert Z
03:08 10 May 22
I was in a lot of debt and stress, Jackie Stanley with David Sklar & Associates was very professional, and extremely helpful with getting out of debt. I should of did this sooner, they take the all the weight and stress of a persons shoulders, amazing team at David Sklar & Associates!!
prettylush 13
02:42 10 May 22
Jackie helped me out during a really tough time and she made the entire process very easy and painless. I highly recommend reaching out to her if you find yourself in any financial trouble. You won’t be disappointed!
Kipyego arap Serem
19:00 09 May 22
I had a good experience with Jackie. Making appointment to see her was easy and follow up was great. I appreciated the detailed information she gave and the clear explanation of the options I had. While I landed on this company without anyone's recommendation, I will be happy to recommend their services to those who need them.
Ankita Sisodia
18:51 09 May 22
Jackie has been really helpful with my issues. She is approachable and friendly and I recommend her to anyone trying to access her services.
Christina Ivany
15:52 07 May 22
The service that was provided to me from Trina at David Sklar and Associates was nothing but superb! I was referred to them through family, and Trina was nothing but understanding and so so so helpful! Every part of the process was smooth and efficient and she explained everything to me so I would be able to understand the process. Can’t believe the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders. Thank you so so much Trina!
Linda Bennett
15:29 06 May 22
I’m so glad that I spoke to Rhoda. I was nervous having to claim bankruptcy, but Rhoda is very resourceful and has a wonderful way of putting you at ease. I felt like I was speaking to my best friend. Rhoda from the bottom of my heart thank you for your help and kindness it goes along way. Linda Bennett
Emma Higgins
19:14 02 May 22
I was absolutely terrified of admitting I needed help and was in a tough position where my best option was to file for bankruptcy. As someone with severe anxiety it was one of the hardest calls I had to make but once I spoke with Trina at David Sklar she immediately made me feel at ease and like I was in good hands. I mostly dealt with Trina and Eva who were so kind and communicative throughout the whole process and made it as painless as possible.I did briefly speak with a couple of other associates from time to time and they were also equally as lovely. The reviews for this company obviously say a lot about these guys and it rings true. I’m not someone who usually writes lengthy reviews but I am happy to recommend David Sklar and associates for anything. Thank you guys for always treating your clients like human beings and always being available for questions or concerns.
Jan Toone
00:43 28 Apr 22
I’m finally debt free! I made the right decision by contacting David Sklar to help me with my debts. Grateful to his Associates, especially Cori Naron, she’s very approachable, knowledgeable and kind. She indeed helped me succeed (with her advices and experiences) to pay off my balance before my due date 😇. Her office at St. Clair Ave. West is very accessible as well. I can now focus with my other goals - for I am a mother of Four….
Keeping It Real With Sandy and Ang
17:15 21 Apr 22
I highly recommend this firm. Christine has been such a help and was very professional but kind I was treated with respect at a time when I was vulnerable and overwhelmed and Christine in a very short time made me feel at ease I didn't feel judged or looked down on. This was a hard decision for me to make but I am so glad I took the leap to move ahead with a plan that is showing light at the end of the tunnel.. Again I highly recommend this firm as well as Christine.
Keeping It Real With Sandy and Ang
12:57 21 Apr 22
I highly recommend this firm. Christine has been such a help and was very professional but kind I was treated with respect at a time when I was vulnerable and overwhelmed and Christine in a very short time made me feel at ease I didn't feel judged or looked down on. This was a hard decision for me to make but I am so glad I took the leap to move ahead with a olan that is showing light at the end of the tunnel.. Again I highly recommend this firm as well as Christine.
Brandon Podilczyk
20:25 19 Apr 22
It's been good talking an working with gurvinder he helped me out a lot with my issue I was having an want to say thanks
Alex Vrzovski
16:14 11 Apr 22
David Sklar & Associates really helped me. Specially Jackie Stanley, and the whole team. It was a difficult decision to make, but I was so glad I made it. It was like a huge weight off my shoulders and felt like never ending payments to creditors that needed to stop. With the Team at David Sklar it helped me reset my life again and giving myself a chance at it. Thank you so much for all your help I really appreciate it.
Ricky Oliveira
16:04 11 Apr 22
I definitely recommend going to see Jackie Stanleyto anyone who needs help with their financial stability. Not only was she very knowledgeable in the field, but she was super supportive and always keep your interests as their number one priority. Thanks for all your help!!!
Managing Student loan Debt with A Consumer Proposal
A Consumer Proposal is a great option for students that have been out of school for 7 years or more. If you’ve just recently finished your studies and do not meet the 7-year requirement, a consumer proposal is still a great option to help you reduce your other unsecured debts like, credit cards, bank loans, CRA debt, and payday loans. Eliminating these other forms of unsecured debt will make it easier for you to keep up with your student loan payments and get out of debt faster!
If you’re struggling with Student loan debt a Consumer Proposal might be the right solution for you. A Consumer proposal is another form of debt consolidation that allows you to combine all your unsecured debt and offer your creditors a smaller portion of what they are owed. If your offer is accepted by your creditors, you will be asked to make one low monthly payment, interest free over a maximum of 5 years or less. Once your consumer Proposal is completed you will be free and clear of all your unsecured debt.
STUDENT LOAN DEBT IN ONTARIO
A steep tuition rate is one thing that makes paying for secondary education difficult. Another challenge is student loan interest. These interest rates make your debt grow long after you’ve received your diploma.
When it comes to federal student loans, applicants are given a six-month grace period after graduating where they won’t have to start their repayment plan. The grace period allows for graduates to adjust from their full-time schooling to find full-time employment.
Previously, federal loans during the grace period were still subjected to accruing interest. Although you had the opportunity to delay your repayment plan, you would dig deeper into debt. Now, graduates are free from collecting interest during the grace period.
Unfortunately, provincial student loans don’t carry the same benefit for applicants. In January 2019, the Ontario Government announced that OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) would undergo some changes in the upcoming year. One of the biggest changes was that the six-month interest-free grace period has ended — the loans will collect interest from the moment that students graduate. Now, students using OSAP will be given no interest-free buffer between their schooling and their job hunt.
Many shared their worries about the changes for OSAP grants and loans on social media. They were upset that they would get less funding and face greater debt than they did the year before. They wondered if they could even afford to stay in their programs, and some admitted that they would be forced to juggle employment with their full course load in order to make ends meet.
Student Loan Repayment Relief plans
Maybe you’re struggling to find stable employment and you’re not bringing in enough income to make payments. Maybe you’re dealing with other types of unsecured debt and your student loans are taking the backseat to higher interest rates. Whatever the reason, you should know that there are resources that can help you repay your student loans.
- OSAP’s Repayment Assistance Plan
- Canada’s Repayment Assistance Plan
- National Student Loans Service Centre
You may be tempted to try a debt consolidation loan but that move comes with several downsides. Debt consolidation loans often have high-interest rates — student loans don’t. Taking out a consolidation loan in order to pay off the student debt isn’t the best strategy and could end up costing you more in the long-run.
Plus, a debt consolidation loan will eliminate the possibility of filing for a tax break.
Plus, a debt consolidation loan will eliminate the possibility of filing for a tax break.
When you’re struggling to repay your student loan, it’s important you explore all your options, and a Licensed insolvency Trustee can help you decide what’s best for you.
STUDENT DEBT IN CANADA
Canada is currently in the midst of a student debt crisis. Over 20% of Bachelor degree holders graduate from their programs owing more than $25,000 in debt. Those findings are from 2017 — the numbers have likely grown since then. Tuition costs have gone up every single year for the past three decades, and the majority of students are having trouble keeping up.
According to Statistics Canada, undergraduate students currently pay an average of $6,838 for tuition in a single year. In 2017, that average was approximately $6,500 a year. Graduate students pay an average of $7,086 per year. And the following specialty programs come with astronomical tuitions in Canada:
- Pharmacy: $10,746 a year
- Law: $13,332 a year
- Medicine: $14,780 a year
- Dentistry: $23,474 a year
The steady rise in tuition costs isn’t the only thing causing students to take out massive loans. The student debt crisis is aided by precarious employment and stagnant wages — these can barely cover the costs of living in the GTA, let alone the rising costs of higher education.
Decades ago, students could pay off their yearly tuition with the money that they made during a summer job. Now, a student would have to make almost $7000 from seasonal employment. The minimum wage in Ontario is currently $14.00 an hour — this means that students would have to work over 490 hours just to match the price of tuition. If they worked for forty hours a week for three months straight at a minimum wage job and saved every single penny of their paycheques, they would still come up short.
Plus, tuition isn’t the only expense that comes with the university/college experience. Students have to pay for books, dorm rooms/rent, utilities, food, transportation, phone bills and more. When you tally up the costs, it’s easy to see why so many people turn to loans for help.
Speak to a Licensed Debt Professional
If you’re having trouble with your student debt and live in Ontario, you can always book a free consultation with one of the licensed insolvency trustees at David Sklar & Associates for assistance.
You’re not alone. Many Canadians are struggling with the burden of student loan debt long after graduating from their program. The positive news is that many Canadians have also found a way to relieve themselves of that burden — and you can, too. Follow these financial tips and you can say goodbye to your student loans forever.
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