Non-Profit Credit Counselling

What is Credit Counselling

When to Seek Help

Choosing a Credit Counsellor

Get Help from Credit Canada

Credit Counselling: A Three-Step Approach to Financial Wellness

Our Credit Counsellors are experts at finding solutions to even the most difficult financial situations. How do they do it? Let’s take a look.

Financial Assessment

A Credit Counsellor will take a look at your current financial situation and determine the full scope of the problem.

Debt Solutions

Every debt solution is different. Your Credit Counsellor can help you map the best route forward.

Money Management

Get help creating a household budget that works for you, your family, and your income.

Step One: Financial Assessment

Your Credit Counsellor will first review your current financial situation to determine the full scope of the problem. This assessment includes looking at your current income, expenses, debts, and assets.

What this Assessment Includes

Income: Your take-home (or net) pay, even if you currently have no income.
Assets: The value of your home, car, RRSP/RESP, or any other investments and properties.
Expenses: Your monthly costs for necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation.
Debts: Your current credit card and debt balances, interest rates, and minimum payments.
Understanding Life Expenses: Your counsellor will try to understand what expenses you value most, so that you get the best possible guidance on how to move forward.

Getting in Control of Your Debt

Your Credit Counsellor can walk you through the process of gathering your financial information and adding it up, so you’re looking at the reality of your financial situation – and rest assured, your Credit Counsellor won’t let you panic at the size of the problem. Instead, they will immediately help you start forming a plan that begins to address the problem right away.

You’ll walk away from the financial assessment feeling a sense of control. You’ll know what the problem is, and you’ll know how to fix it. You’ll even know when you’ll be debt-free – and you’ll finally be able to believe it’s possible, because it is.

Step Two: Crafting a Tailored Debt Strategy

Every debt solution is different. That's one reason why we don’t recommend tackling debt on your own. Without experience, it’s very difficult to know where to start and who to turn to.

Get a Fair Evaluation of Your Debt Management Options

Our counsellors will help determine whether your best first step is enrolling into a Debt Consolidation Program, paying off a few of your smaller debts, negotiating with your creditors, or something else entirely, such as:

Applying for a debt consolidation loan at your bank.
Creating a budget that actually accommodates your monthly bills, instead of letting them pile up.
Filing a consumer proposal or bankruptcy through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT).
Borrowing from home equity (such as a mortgage or secured line of credit) to pay off your debts.

Learn the Basics of Money Management

Your Credit Counsellor will explain their best recommendations for you, given your financial situation, and you’ll know all the reasons why each solution could work. Your Counsellor will also answer any questions regarding any of your options, so you can make an informed decision about what you’d like to do next.

Once you feel you’ve regained control over your most immediate and pressing financial problems, your Credit Counsellor will help you learn the basics of sound money management, which helps you continue on the path towards financial freedom – and gives you a solid foundation to avoid debt in the future.

Step Three: Money Management

Our Credit Counsellors are here to help make sure that whatever led you into debt problems never becomes an issue again. They’re here to teach you money management skills that will help you for a lifetime.

Get Back on Track to a Better Life

Some people get into debt problems for reasons that are utterly beyond their control. For the most part, the cause of serious debt issues is simply that people aren't given the right tools for smart money management.

Most people have never been taught how to create and stick to a budget. Very few have been taught why and how to build savings or create a safety net. And almost no one has actually calculated the true cost of owning and using a credit card when you intend to carry a balance.

3 people smiling from financial freedom

person looking on laptop

Start Enjoying the Debt-Free Life

Your non-profit Credit Counsellor will assist you in creating a household budget that works for you, your family, and your income, including setting aside money for your debts and for your future. We’ll talk about your goals in life, as well as your priorities for the future, and we’ll show you how your current income can support those goals with a little planning and strategizing.

You’ll also learn how to stay motivated to keep moving forward, even when it’s difficult. There's an immense reward for doing so, and our job is to help you keep your eye on the prize so you can enjoy a debt-free, fulfilling life.

Non-Profit vs For-Profit Credit Counselling

Choosing between non-profit and for-profit credit counselling depends on your specific financial situation, the types of services you need, and your personal preferences regarding the approach and costs associated with these services.

The choice between a non-profit and a for-profit agency can significantly impact the kind of assistance you receive, the fees you might pay, and the overall strategy for resolving your financial challenges.

	Non-Profit Credit Counselling	For-Profit Credit Counselling
Main Objective	To educate and assist consumers in managing their debt.	To generate profit from the services provided.
Funding	Various sources, which can include voluntary contributions, grants, sponsorships, client fees and creditor payments	Revenue from client fees and possibly creditor payments.
Fees	Generally lower, often based on a sliding scale.	Typically higher and can include upfront fees.
Services Offered	Debt consolidation programs, budgeting advice, financial coaching and education.	Debt settlement, negotiation services.
Approach to Clients	Offers services to any individual in need.	May prioritize clients based on profit potential.
Transparency	Typically high, with clear disclosure of fees and services.	Can vary between services.
Creditor Relationships	Generally cooperative, as goals are aligned with repaying debt.	Can vary between services.

Signs That You Might Need Credit Counselling

Here are a few telltale signs that you may be mishandling your money and would benefit from credit counselling services.

Credit Card Debt

Using credit because you don’t have cash on hand and paying only the monthly minimum payment.

Using Cash Advances

Using a cash advance from one creditor to pay another creditor.

Increasing Credit Limits

Requesting an increase on spending limits on credit cards, overdrafts, etc.

Taking Out Multiple Loans

Taking add-on loans or consolidation loans while continuing to use your credit cards.

Borrowing Money

Borrowing from a friend or family member just to make ends meet each month.

Too Many Credit Cards?

Applying for a second Visa or Mastercard at another branch.

Recognizing the signs of financial distress is the first step towards regaining control of your finances. If any of these indicators resonate with you, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. Take the first step towards a brighter financial future by scheduling a free, confidential debt assessment with us today.

How to Choose a Reputable Non-Profit Credit Counselling Agency

This has never been easier! Canadian debt counselling agencies are easy to find, but it is key to look closely at any agency before choosing one to work with. Use the following as a guideline to helping you choose a financial debt counselling partner wisely:

Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if consumers have filed complaints about the credit debt counselling provider.
Make sure the organization offers fair fees and educational material.
Avoid credit counselling agencies that claim they can remove accurate negative information — because they cannot.
Know whether there's a monthly administrative fee, how much it is, if it's affordable, and if it's worth the service you'd be receiving.

Ask if you will continue to receive statements from your creditors showing what interest rates you're paying.
Avoid the infamous "quick fix.” Be careful that you don’t confuse credit debt counselling services with people offering something called “debt settlement programs” — often seen in TV commercials.
Find out what other sources of funding they receive as well as who regulates and audits their operations.

With 50+ years of dedicated service, Credit Canada has established ourselves as a trusted non-profit credit counselling authority. Our commitment to integrity and client success is reflected in our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a testament to our high standards of service and client satisfaction.

Credit Canada is not only accredited by Credit Counselling Canada but has helped Canadians resolve over $350,000,000 in debt, demonstrating our capability to handle financial challenges of any scale. By choosing Credit Canada, you're not just getting a free credit counselling service; you're partnering with a seasoned team that is deeply committed to helping you reach your financial goals.

Our Non-Profit Credit Counsellors Are Different

Our not-for-profit credit counselling agency, Credit Canada Debt Solutions, is a well-known financial leader. In fact, we've spent more than 50 years helping thousands of people with debt problems by using financial debt counselling to teach them how to manage difficult financial situations and move past them.

What You'll Get From a Counsellor

All of our credit counsellors are highly trained and certified and our counselling services are non-judgemental, confidential and free. We are a trusted member of Credit Counselling Canada and we're proud to be a 12-time winner of the Consumer Choice Award for Credit and Debt Counselling Services.

You’ll speak to an expert in debt solutions – a real, qualified Credit Counsellor who knows all the ins and outs of the debt and credit world.
You’ll get debt relief options that can work for your financial situation, support managing your personal finances, and a customized spending plan for your day-to-day expenses.
You’ll get a sympathetic ear and a judgment-free assessment of your current financial situation.
You’ll learn the smartest way to tackle your debt, and you’ll have a knowledgeable guide to walk you through every step of the process.
You’ll have someone who will stand between you and your creditors while working through a solution.
You'll be on the right path towards financial freedom with a clear understanding of the problem.

A credit counselling session, tailored to the individual's needs

Get the Help You Need

Credit counselling helps in any situation involving out-of-control debt problems. The general rule is if your monthly debt payments – not counting mortgage or rent – exceed 20% of your income, you're headed into trouble and you should speak to an expert. Debt help is available to anyone stressed about credit card bills, personal loans, payday loans, or any other kind of debt that isn’t backed by collateral (like a house or car).

At Credit Canada, we welcome anyone who needs advice on how to handle money and reduce or eliminate debt. You're eligible for help regardless of your income level or employment status. There’s no pressure or judgment. And everything we do for you is confidential.

If You Need Help, Give Us a Call

Most importantly, you’ll have a bright future. You’ll know how to avoid financial troubles moving forward. You’ll know how to manage your money successfully and wisely. You’ll be able to create a safety net that protects you from future unexpected problems.

And all along your path to financial freedom, you’ll have someone who will encourage you, support you, provide you with the information and tools you need, and be your biggest cheerleader whenever you achieve even the smallest milestone.

Get out of debt. Get back into life.

To speak to someone right now, call: 1 (800) 267-2272

Or, request a callback from one of our certified credit counsellors. It's free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Credit Counselling and Debt Settlement?

Credit counselling is a service designed to help individuals manage their debt through financial education and a structured Debt Consolidation Program or debt management plan, while debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to pay off a debt for less than the amount owed.

A credit counselling agency helps you to create a budget and will negotiate lower interest rates with your creditors, consolidating your debts into a single monthly payment. This process, known as debt consolidation, streamlines your financial obligations, making it easier to keep track of payments and potentially reducing the overall interest you pay over time.

Debt settlement companies negotiate with your creditors to allow you to pay a lump sum that is less than the total amount you owe. This approach can lead to significant reductions in your debt, but it also comes with risks, including potential damage to your credit score, tax implications on forgiven debt, and the possibility that creditors may not agree to negotiate.

Does Debt Counselling Affect My Credit Score?

Debt or credit counselling does not directly affect your credit score. Engaging in a debt counselling service is a personal finance decision and isn't reported to credit bureaus.

The process involves working with a Credit Counsellor to understand your financial situation, develop a budget, and potentially enroll in a debt consolidation plan if necessary.

Non-Profit Credit Counselling for Canadians

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