When facing financial difficulties, it’s essential to know your options. At Blanchard & Company, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Red Deer, Alberta, we specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of consumer proposals and bankruptcy. Understanding these solutions can help you make the best decision for your financial future.

What is a Consumer Proposal?
A consumer proposal is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to repay a portion of your debts over a set period, usually up to five years. This legal process is overseen by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, like Blanchard & Company, and offers an alternative to filing for bankruptcy.
One of the main benefits of a consumer proposal is that it allows you to keep your assets while making manageable payments toward your debt. To get an idea of what your payments might look like, we can help you calculate your possible consumer proposal, which provides an estimate based on your financial situation.

Advantages of a Consumer Proposal
Choosing a consumer proposal has several key benefits. First, it immediately stops all collection actions from creditors, including wage garnishments and collection calls. Second, it consolidates your debts into a single monthly payment, often more affordable than handling multiple debts. Third, it has a less severe impact on your credit rating compared to bankruptcy, making it easier to rebuild your financial standing over time.
What is Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is a legal process designed to help individuals who cannot repay their debts. It involves surrendering certain assets to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, who will sell them to repay your creditors. While bankruptcy provides a fresh financial start by discharging most of your debts, it also has significant implications. A common question we receive is, “What can they take during bankruptcies?” The answer varies depending on Alberta’s provincial laws, but generally, you may have to surrender non-essential assets like secondary vehicles, valuable collectibles, and certain investments. However, essential items such as basic household goods, clothing, and tools of your trade are typically exempt.
Navigating Installment Loans and Bad Credit Loans
For individuals facing financial challenges, installment loans and bad credit loans are often seen as potential solutions. Installment loans allow you to borrow a lump sum and repay it gradually with fixed monthly payments. While they can assist in consolidating debt, it’s crucial to note that they may carry high interest rates, particularly if your credit score is low.
On the other hand, bad credit loans are tailored for those with poor credit histories, offering access to necessary funds despite unfavorable terms. However, before pursuing either option, it’s vital to evaluate them carefully and assess how they align with your overall financial goals. For personalized guidance and a better solution tailored to your specific situation, we encourage you to contact us.

Choosing the Right Path
Deciding between a consumer proposal and bankruptcy depends on your unique financial situation. Using tools like a consumer proposal calculator can help you assess your ability to make payments under a consumer proposal. It’s also wise to seek professional advice to fully understand the implications of each option. At Blanchard & Company, we are committed to providing personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Local Support at Blanchard & Company
As a locally based Licensed Insolvency Trustee, Blanchard & Company is dedicated to helping residents of Red Deer and Central Alberta regain financial stability. We offer consultations to discuss your options and develop a tailored plan that suits your needs. Whether you’re considering a consumer proposal or exploring bankruptcy, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Understanding consumer proposals and bankruptcy is crucial for making informed decisions about your financial future. At Blanchard & Company, we are here to help you navigate these options with confidence.
If you’re still unsure whether a consumer proposal or bankruptcy is right for you, give us a contact us at 403-348-5815 and we’ll help you figure it out FOR FREE.