While every situation is different, there are some common signs that may indicate financial difficulty.

The following checklist is a helpful tool to assess whether you may be having problems with your debts. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions it may be a sign that you are headed for debt problems.

1. Do you find yourself juggling your monthly bills as you are unable to pay your bills regularly, in full, and on time?
2. Do you find yourself dipping into your overdraft most months?
3. Do you make only minimum payments on your credit cards?
4. Do you charge more each month than you pay on credit?
5. Have you had problems with cheques being returned NSF?
6. Have you gone over your limit on your credit cards, overdraft, or line of credit?
7. Do you use your credit to cover regular monthly expenses because you can’t afford to pay them with income?
8. Do arguments in your household centre around money?
9. Do you avoid thinking about and or dealing with your financial situation because it causes you stress?
10. Off the top of your head are you unaware or uncertain about the total amount of debt you have from all sources?
11. Have collection agencies been contacting you about debts that have been placed for collection?
12. Has a Creditor threatened legal action or said they were going to garnishee your wages?
13. Have any of your assets been repossessed by a creditor?
14. Are you considered a consolidation loan to help manage your debts?

If any of these scenarios apply to your situation you may want to get some information about your options. A bankruptcy or proposal can provide you with a fresh start and help to relieve the stress and sleepless nights that debt problems can create.