How to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out of Debt

4. Is a Consolidation Loan an Option?

For home owners, is refinancing the mortgage a possibility? Refinancing might lower the monthly mortgage payment. A consolidation loan may reduce overall monthly debt payments, as long as no additional credit is used until the consolidation loan is repaid in full.

5. Are Creditors Able to Help?

Negotiate lower interest rates with creditors to pay debt off faster or obtain relief during a difficult time. This is particularly important early on with student loans.

6. Could Family or Friends Provide Assistance?

If funds are borrowed, be clear about repayment expectations. If direct financial assistance is not possible, help to reduce certain costs might be, e.g. child care relief or providing housing.

7. Is a Settlement for a Portion of the Balance Owing an Option?

Depending on the circumstances, creditors may accept a written proposal to settle outstanding balances owing for a reduced amount.

8. Could a Debt Repayment Plan be a Possibility?

For consumers with a surplus in their budget and the desire to repay their debts in full through a non–profit credit counselling organization, a voluntary debt management program supported by their creditors or alternate debt consolidation option may be possible.

9. Is There a Need for a Legal Debt Remedy?

Depending on the nature of the debts and someone’s situation, a Consumer Proposal or filing for bankruptcy, might be options to consider. These legal remedies for debt are done through a trustee who is licensed through the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

How to Stay Out of Debt

Now that you are trying to work out how you are going to get out of debt, does it feel like your pay cheque doesn’t seem to go quite as far as it used to? Maybe you’re just managing to live pay cheque to pay cheque. Part of staying out of debt means planning for rising living costs. Living costs have increased significantly for most Canadians.

• Gas prices have gone up.
• Housing costs, including utilities, maintenance, taxes and insurance have risen, not to mention the price of the home itself.
• Groceries and consumer goods and services have become more expensive.
• The cost of borrowing has changed. While rates have been lower for several years, what goes down will eventually go up again.

Small Increases Add Up

While many consumers feel that a few small increases won’t affect them very much, the cumulative effect can be significant enough to destroy a budget. Just spending a little more each month; $30 more on fuel, $75 more on housing, $150 more on loan or mortgage payments, plus an extra $100 at the grocery store – where will the extra $355 each month come from? What extras are you able to cut back on so that you have money to pay for necessities?

Don’t Rely on Credit to Make Ends Meet

When costs increase, rather than looking for ways to decrease their expenses, people turn to credit to supplement their income. Limit increases on credit cards, using one credit card to pay another, or depending on a line of credit to make ends meet, are not sustainable money management strategies.

Without a plan to manage the additional expenses, many people face an uncertain financial future. The good news, however, is that with a little preparation and planning, most people are able to avoid financial disaster.

Preparations to Avoid a Financial Disaster Need to Include:

• Reducing debt and staying out of debt – trying some strategies above are a good start
• Eliminating costly contracts that may be difficult to maintain during a financial crisis – only commit to services / features that you really can’t do without
• Building up a savings account to cover 3 – 6 months of living expenses and financial obligations
• Having a budget so that you can quickly identify which extras you can do without if money gets tight

Over–committing to deferred payment plans or locking in to long–term contracts can make it difficult to reduce or get out of debt. Repay deferred interest loans before interest charges become payable. Avoid long–term obligations that you may want to eliminate from your budget during times of reduced income or when expenses increase.

Related: The 7 Smartest Things You Can Do for Your Finances

Save for the Unexpected to Get Out of Debt & Stay Out of Debt

Building up a savings account may seem like a daunting task, especially when trying to eliminate debt at the same time. However, having savings is the one true trick for getting out of debt! Some tips to jump start a savings account include:

• Save unexpected funds, such as tax refunds, gift money or bonuses from work, in a separate account.
• If you are paid bi–weekly, you will have 2 extra pay cheques during the year – add them to your savings account.
• If you receive a pay increase, continue your budget as if you were still earning the lower amount.
• Make savings automatic – ask your employer or financial institution to direct deposit a set amount to your savings account each pay day.

Related: How Savings Can Help You Stick to Your Plan to Pay Off Debt

How to Get More Help to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt, Create a Personal Budget or Find a Credit & Debt Counsellor

Eliminating what you owe to get out of debt, using credit wisely to stay out of debt and saving for the unexpected are all part of a responsible money management plan. And a good plan will reduce the possibility of a financial crisis. If you want help getting started with a budget that works for you, try our free, interactive budget calculator spreadsheet.

If an Excel spreadsheet isn’t your thing for creating a personal budget, we have our step-by-step workbook, webinars and workshops, budgeting resources or free, individual help from a Credit & Debt Counsellor at a non-profit organization.

Whatever works best for you, help is available!