Call Us!

(844) 845-4219

Debt Relief Solutions in St. Catharines, ON

Residents of St. Catharines, Ontario have reduced their payments by up to 50% by contacting Debt.ca for help.

Debt.ca will evaluate your situation and refer you to qualified and vetted professionals based on the solution that will work best for you.

Reduce Your Payments By Up To 50%

Lower Your Interest Rates

Make One Low Monthly Payment For All Your Debt

Debt Free in as little as 24 – 48 Months

Get Started

Canadian Debt Relief


Credit Counselling


Debt Management Plans


Debt Consolidation


Consumer Proposal


Bankruptcy


Not Alone


Debt.ca is Canada’s trusted source for debt relief

At Debt.ca, we understand that people might find themselves surrounded by debt for many reasons including job loss, reduced income, medical expenses, or even the rising costs of raising a family. And when faced with a mountain of consumer debt, it is quite easy to become overwhelmed and to believe that you will never be able to pay off your creditors. The high-interest rates associated with consumer debts, late fees for those who are behind on their payments, and much more can seem to conspire against your attempts to become debt free. That is why we want to help all Canadians better understand their debt relief options and save the most money while they get out from under their unsecured loans.

Are you struggling with debt or trying to figure out which Canadian debt relief program will help you get out of debt in the quickest amount of time and for the least amount of money? If so, let us show you that you can live a life free of bills and you do have more options than you probably realize. Simply put, if your paying out more money every month than you have coming in, we can get you to a professional who can help. Fill out the form above to get started today!

CREDIT COUNSELLING HELP IN ST. CATHARINES, ON

Ontario may be the largest Canadian province in terms of population, but its residents are fortunate that they do not carry the largest average amount of consumer debt per capita. As of the end of Q1 2019, residents of Ontario had an average debt level of just under $24,032, up 4.5% from the same period in 2018 but down from the peaks earlier in the decade. These debt levels are comparable with other major provinces around the country however well under the highest debt-laden province which is Alberta.

Unfortunately, the picture is not all roses for the residents of St. Catharines as they currently have the highest unemployment rate (8.8%) in all of Canada. If you live in St. Catharines and cannot pay your bills on time or are seeing your overall debt levels increase month after month, then credit counselling may be the answer you are looking for. A quality St. Catharines credit counselling program can help you get out from under your debt and shore up your financial future at the same time.

WOULD A DMP WORK FOR RESIDENTS OF ST. CATHARINES, ON?

Residents of St. Catharines often confuse debt management plans with credit consolidation, because they have some similarities. For instance, both programs entail converting several debts into one monthly payment for ease of tracking. However, you still owe the original creditors when you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). Conversely, you only owe one entity when you participate in a debt consolidation loan. If you’re considering a DMP in St. Catharines, Ontario you must have a steady source of income.

While DMPs serve those with more than $10,000 of debt, homeowners may have to cash out equity instead. Likewise, individuals who have funds in their RRSP may have to use those funds to pay off the debt in lieu of enrolling in a debt management plan. Speak to a counsellor in St. Catharines, Ontario to determine if a DMP is the right option for you.

DEBT CONSOLIDATION OPTIONS IN ST. CATHARINES, ON

As a citizen living in St. Catharines, Ontario it’s not uncommon to fall on hard times. If you’re experiencing difficulty keeping up with your financial obligations, debt consolidation may be your best option to get back on track. As such, consolidating your unsecured debts can make managing your payments easier. For example, multiple credit card debts and other liabilities combine into a single monthly payment. This makes it easier to prepare for and remember when just one due date is approaching every month. In addition, that single payment can be more manageable, with a lower interest rate than the existing rates on your different debts.

While there are different ways to consolidate your debt, the most common way is through procuring a loan. However, your ability to qualify for a consolidation loan depends on your current credit score. Learn more about the debt consolidation process in St. Catharines, Ontario here.

OPTIONS FOR A CONSUMER PROPOSAL IN ST. CATHARINES, ON

To file a consumer proposal, St. Catharines residents must go through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in the area. Consumer proposals allow their participants to pay back less than what they owe to their creditors. Despite how good that sounds, it comes with some drawbacks and should be a last resort, much like bankruptcy.

To qualify for a consumer proposal in St. Catharines, Ontario individuals must not owe more than $250,000. Likewise, a married couple filing jointly cannot have more than $500,000 in debt.

Paying less than what you owe at a lower interest rate comes with some heavy consequences. For one, your credit score drops to the absolute lowest it can go. In addition, the consumer proposal will remain on your credit report up to three years after you complete the five-year program. This can make acquiring credit or buying a home or auto more difficult. Speak to a member of our team who understands the laws regarding consumer proposals in St. Catharines today.

HOW BANKRUPTCY WORKS IN ST. CATHARINES

Many people living in St. Catharines can find it difficult to keep up with the cost of living. If your debts have been piling up to an unmanageable amount, declaring bankruptcy might be the solution to your money troubles. However, one must never take bankruptcy lightly, as it is only a last resort. Speaking to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can shed some light on your options and inform your next steps in finding a fitting solution.

Remember, declaring bankruptcy gets most of your debts forgiven, however you forfeit most of your valuable assets in return. In addition, you will no longer experience wage garnishments. Conversely, you may not be able to obtain credit for seven years, and there is a limit on how much you can earn during bankruptcy. If you’re thinking about filing for bankruptcy in St. Catharines, Ontario call us to speak with a professional who can help.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

In 2023, 11 St. Catharines residents reached out to debt.ca to finally tackle their debt problems. They were struggling with an average debt load of $24,706 but now have the help they need to get their finances, and their life, back on track.

Get on the path to debt freedom

Resources available in St. Catharines, ON for people needing debt relief help

If you are struggling to make ends meet, apart from seeking professional credit help, there are several national, state, local government agencies, along with non-profit organizations, you can turn to:

St. Catharines – Service Canada Centre

395 Ontario St E & F
St. Catharines, ON L2N 7N6,
Available Services:
– Unemployment Assistance
– Child Benefits
– Senior Assistance

CRA – Canadian Revenue Agency

Laura Secord Building,
32 Church St,
St. Catharines, ON L2R 3B6

Hamilton Veterans Affairs

55 Bay Street, 9th Floor
Hamilton, Ontario
(866) 522-2122

Better Business Bureau Of Central Ontario

903 – 30 Duke Street West
Kitchener, ON N2H 3W5
(519) 579-3080

Community Care Food Bank

19 Albert St W,
Thorold ON L2V 2G2

CMHA

264 Welland Ave,
St. Catharines, ON L2R 2P8
905-641-5222

Salvation Army

400 Niagara St
St. Catharines, ON L2M 7N5
(905) 935-4804

Debt Consolidation Loans

Loans Canada – Debt Relief Loans

Credit Counselling Resources in Additional Ontario Cities:

Helping residents of St. Catharines and the surrounding locations including Thorold, Welland, Effingham, Wellandport, Vineland, Grimsby, Smithville, Dunville, Cayuga, Pellham, Niagara-on-the-lake & Mississauga Beach.

Insolvency stats for St. Catharines

ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO QUARTERLY DATA FROM 2022 & 2021

Q4 ’22Q3 ’22Q2 ’22Q1 ’22Q4 ’21
BANKRUPTCIES5580997762
CONSUMER PROPOSALS230229208183179
ST. CATHARINES – NIAGARA IN TOTAL285309307260241

ANNUAL CONSUMER INSOLVENCY RATES IN ONTARIO

(Per 1,000 Population Aged 18 Years and Older)

ONTARIO
  2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
INSOLVENCY 3.4 3.4 3.8 2.9 2.5
BANKRUPTCY 1.4 1.3 1.3 0.8 0.6
PROPOSAL 2.0 2.1 2.6 2.1 1.8
HAMILTON – NIAGARA PENINSULA
INSOLVENCY 3.3 3.3 3.8 2.8 2.4
BANKRUPTCY 1.3 1.3 1.3 0.8 0.6
PROPOSAL 2.0 2.1 2.5 2.0 1.8

DATA FROM 2022 IN ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO

2022 DATA
POPULATION136,803
AVERAGE CREDIT SCORE629
MEDIAN INCOME$72,500
AVERAGE HOME PRICE$707,553
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE4.5%
INSOLVENCY
TOTAL INSOLVENCIES:1,161 *(+19.3%)
AV ASSETS / INSOLVENCY$49,140
AV LIABILITIES / INSOLVENCY$62,655
DEBT RATIO:128%
BANKRUPTCY
BANKRUPTCIES311 *(+13.5%)
AV ASSETS$18,243
AV LIABILITIES$70,101
DEBT RATIO:384%
CONSUMER PROPOSALS
CONSUMER PROPOSALS850 *(+21.6%)
AV ASSETS$60,444
AV LIABILITIES$59,931
DEBT RATIO:99%

Source: https://www.ic.gc.ca/
* () change from 2021
Insolvency stats are for St. Catharines/Niagara Falls area

Get on the path to debt freedom

ABOUT ST. CATHARINES

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT St. CATHARINES?

St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Region of Ontario. In Ontario, St. Catharines is the sixth-largest city and neighbours other cities and towns, such as Niagara Falls, Welland and Fort Erie. St. Catharines is close to the US border which is convenient for those who travel to America often.

ST. CATHARINES’ HISTORY

During the 18th century, several thousand United Empire Loyalist settled on the site that is now known as St. Catharines. Around 1790, the settlement became known as “The Twelve” and grew to be an agricultural community. Later, The Twelve became well known for grain produce, lumber produce and milling. Lastly, due to the creation of salt springs, the settlement became known as a health resort.

Eventually, the Twelve became known as a village by the name of St. Catharines. The actual origins of the name are not definite, but it’s assumed to be named after Catharine Askin Robertson Hamilton. Catharine was the wife of Hon. Robert Hamilton, an established businessman. During this time, the Erie Canal, which links Lake Erie with the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, was created. St. Catharines greatly benefited from the Erie Canal.

The agricultural aspects of St. Catharines eventually suffered due to various changes in the industry. St. Catharines became better known for its world-class health spa services at this time. In addition, the American Fugitive Slave Act was passed, and many freedom seekers were looking for a northern country to flee to. St. Catharines was an excellent place for these individuals to start a new life with equality and freedom. Furthermore, Harriet Tubman used St. Catharines as her home base for many years.

Over time, St. Catharines was incorporated as a city. Over the last 100 years, the Welland Canal was built, and St. Catharines became involved in hydroelectric power and manufacturing. As a result of these changes, St. Catharines began to grow rapidly to become the city it is today.

WHAT’S ST. CATHARINES FAMOUS FOR?

St. Catharines is famous for the Welland Canal, various wineries, provincial parks and other natural sceneries. The Welland Canal is famous because it connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie and is a major port for large ships. The St. Catharines region produces wine which is distributed to other parts of Canada. Also known as “The Garden City”, St. Catharines is renowned for luscious parks, beautiful gardens and green trails.

WHAT ARE THE LARGE ECONOMIC DRIVERS?

St. Catharines main economic drivers include retail, social assistance and health care, accommodation, manufacturing and education. As you can see, much of the history of St. Catharines contributed to what the city is economically involved in today. The newest economic driver to the city education, attributable to Brock University.


Recent Changes that May have Changed the Economic Outlook

Currently, St. Catharines and the Niagara region are experiencing growth spurts. The GDP in the region increased drastically between 2015 and 2018, which opened many new jobs and kick-started the construction of commercial buildings. Exports are the main contributor to the success since money is coming into the city and being circulated within the area.

Due to the growth, many people are moving to St. Catharines, especially since the standard of living is more affordable. While this is fantastic, St. Catharines and other neighbouring towns and cities need to keep up with this development to ensure growth is sustainable.

Sources

  • https://www.stcatharines.ca/
  • https://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/
  • https://www.stcatharines.ca/

2023 Ontario Tax Brackets

Residents of Ontario are required to pay both Federal and Provincial Income Tax each year on your total taxable income.

Each Province sets their own bracket thresholds.

For Ontario:

5.05% on the portion of your taxable income that is $49,231 or less 
+ 9.15% on the portion of your taxable income between $49,231 and $98,463 
+ 11.16% on the portion of your taxable income between $92,455 and $150,000 
+ 12.16% on the portion of your taxable income between $150,000 and $220,000 
+ 13.16% on the portion of your taxable income that is more than $220,001

Example:

If your total taxable income came out to be exactly $150,000, your provincial tax amount owed would be $12,742.

5.05% * $49,231 = $2,486.17 plus
9.15% * $49,232 ($98,463 – $49,231 ) = $4,504.73
11.16% * $51,537 ($150,000 – $98,463 ) = $5,751.53

Provincial tax owed = $2,486.17 + $4,604.73+ $5,751.53= $12,742.43