📅 Last Updated: February 29, 2024
✏️ Written By Kale Havervold
🕵️ Fact-Checked by Caitlin Wood

Finding yourself in debt is a relatively common part of life. Things like homes, cars and even your education are not cheap. Unfortunately, getting out of debt can be even more difficult for those living in Mississauga, one of the most expensive places to live in North America.

While some residents will have high enough incomes to deal with any financial emergencies or unexpected debt, some are not as well equipped. For those currently dealing with too much debt, filing a consumer proposal in Mississauga could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Can you pay off your consumer proposal with a loan? Find out here.

Consumer Proposals Explained

A consumer proposal, quite simply, is a legal procedure where you agree to pay back a piece of what you owe to your creditors or extend the time you have to pay your debts back. The amount that you are responsible for paying back will depend on a number of factors such as your income, how much you owe, and even your possessions. Either way, it will often result in your paying back much less than you would have originally had to.

It is similar to a bankruptcy in some ways but is less extreme. Your assets are not at risk and surplus income is not considered. If you are considering filing for a consumer proposal in Mississauga or another similar debt relief solution, you will likely need the assistance of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT). A LIT is educated, experienced and knowledgeable about bankruptcies and consumer proposals, and will be able to help you find the right solutions to your problems.

So why would a creditor or lender accept less money than they originally should have received? Well, the answer is that if you declare bankruptcy, your creditors might get nothing at all. So if you offer them a consumer proposal, at least they are recuperating some of the money.

The Consumer Proposal Process in Mississauga

If you are considering a consumer proposal or want to learn more about them, a perfect place to start is learning about the process. The first part of the process contains meeting with a LIT. You want to find one that is not only experienced but one that you are comfortable being around.

Once you have found the right person, it’s time to get to work on crafting the consumer proposal itself. The most important thing to consider when filing a consumer proposal in Mississauga is to make sure it’s a fair offer for both you and your creditors. If you want your proposal to be accepted, it needs to make sense for your financial situation but at the same time, your creditors need to feel like they’re being paid enough money. Once you and your LIT have created your proposal, it will be sent to all of your creditors.

If your consumer proposal is to be accepted, the creditor you owe the most to must agree to the terms. If not, you will have to try it again. When the proposal you submit is eventually accepted, you have 5 years to make the payments to pay back the agreed upon amount.

How Does a Consumer Proposal Affect Your Credit?

While a consumer proposal can be a great option for many consumers struggling with debt, your credit score will be negatively affected? In Canada, all credit accounts that appear on your credit report get a rating between 1 and 9. A perfect credit rating is 1 and the worst credit rating a person can get is a 9. Any account associated with bankruptcy will receive a 9, while any account associated with consumer proposal will receive a 7.

Confused about the difference between your credit score and credit rating? Learn more here.

As a result, filing a consumer proposal in Mississauga is actually quite bad for your credit, but still not quite as bad as bankruptcy would be. A note on your credit report will remain for three years once you complete all of your required proposal payments.

While a consumer proposal will hurt your credit, it’s often the right choice to start fresh and work toward rebuilding. It is completely possible to build your credit back up, and it could potentially happen quicker than you might think. Ways to improve your credit include:

  • Making your monthly payments on time
  • Not constantly applying or new credit
  • Keeping credit utilization low
  • Using your credit intelligently and responsibly

By following these tips and others like them, you will soon see your credit begin to improve.

Canadian Credit ScoreFor more information about what affects your credit score, check out this infographic.

Choosing The Right Debt Relief Service?

Dealing with debt can be a struggle. If you feel that filing a consumer proposal in Mississauga is right for you, or want to make sure it is, don’t hesitate to contact Loans Canada.

More From Our Experts

What Is Debt-To-Income Ratio And How To Calculate It?
What Is Debt-To-Income Ratio And How To Calculate It?

Everything you need to know about what a debt-to-income ratio is and how it affects your ability to get approved for the loan you want.

How To Use Debt To Make Money
How To Use Debt To Make Money

Wondering how the rich get wealthy? Debt is often used to make money and get rich. Find out how debt is used to make money.

Debt Relief Programs In Canada: What Are Your Options?
Debt Relief Programs In Canada: What Are Your Options?

Debt consolidation loans, debt management programs, debt settlement, consumer proposal and bankruptcy: Find out which option is right for you.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Debt In Canada?
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Debt In Canada?

Learn about the statute of limitations in Canada and how it can protect you from your creditors wanting to take legal action against you.

Debt Relief For Predatory Loans
Debt Relief For Predatory Loans

Predatory lending is a problem many borrowers face when trying get a loan with bad credit. Here's how you can protect yourself.

Does Bankruptcy Affect My Spouse In Canada?
Does Bankruptcy Affect My Spouse In Canada?

Does bankruptcy affect your spouse in Canada? Find out the implications of declaring bankruptcy when you have a spouse.

How Does A Foreclosure Affect Your Credit Score?
How Does A Foreclosure Affect Your Credit Score?

Everything you need to know about how a foreclosure will affect your credit score.

Learn How To Defer A Credit Card Payment
Learn How To Defer A Credit Card Payment

Are you struggling to make your credit card payments on time? Learn how you can defer your credit card payments.

High-Interest Debt: Tips On How To Get Out Of Debt In Canada
High-Interest Debt: Tips On How To Get Out Of Debt In Canada

Struggling to keep up with your debt load? We have all the tips and tricks you need to know how to get out of debt in Canada.

Student Loan Forgiveness In Canada
Student Loan Forgiveness In Canada

Are you a Canadian student struggling to pay off student loan debt? If so, you may be able to resolve the situation by getting loan forgiveness.

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers
Caitlin Wood Priyanka Correia Lisa Rennie Bryan Daly Cris Ravazzano Margaret Johnson Kale Havervold Liz Enriquez Sean Cooper Veronica Ott Corrina Murdoch Chrissy Kapralos

A Team of Experts

Get expert tips and guidance from a community of renown personal finance experts right here at Loans Canada. We're here to help you stay informed so you can make the best financial decisions.

Build Credit For Just $10/Month

With KOHO's prepaid card you can build a better credit score for just $10/month.

Koho Prepaid Credit Card