How an Ontario Caregiver Cleared $75K in Debt with a Consumer Proposal

Lisa didn’t see it coming.

One bill turned into five. One missed payment snowballed into relentless interest. And one moment of hesitation about asking for help stretched into months of sleepless nights.

As a 38-year-old single mother of two, working hard to support her family — both at home in Ontario, and overseas — Lisa carried the emotional and financial weight of caregiving alone. And the worst part? She felt like there was no way out.

But what started as fear eventually became a turning point through a consumer proposal. One that gave her peace of mind, financial control, and a future she could breathe in again.

The Struggles of Debt: Lisa’s Overwhelming Situation

At her breaking point, Lisa had accumulated over $75,000 in unsecured debt. Her income barely covered essentials, and she lived in a constant state of survival.

Every month, she juggled rent, food, childcare, and medical expenses — never quite catching up. Collection calls came daily and she didn’t know how long a collection agency could legally pursue her debt, which made the fear feel endless. Her credit cards were maxed out. And payday loans, which were meant to bridge the gap, only deepened the hole.

As a caregiver and immigrant, Lisa was used to putting others first.

But now, she was terrified of losing the one thing that gave her kids a sense of stability: their home.

The Guilt and Shame of Financial Strain: A Feeling Many Know

Like many Canadians facing financial stress, Lisa didn’t just carry debt — she also carried guilt.

She felt ashamed to talk about her situation and overwhelmed by the silence from friends and family. When she did open up, she was met with unhelpful advice or subtle judgment. That isolation only deepened her fear.

But eventually, Lisa realized that asking for help wasn’t weakness—it was survival. And she wasn’t alone.

A Path to Hope: How Farber Led Lisa to a Consumer Proposal

When Lisa reached out to Farber, she was overwhelmed — but everything shifted when she spoke to Brock Harper, a Debt Solutions Manager who took the time to truly listen.

Brock walked her through the big picture — what she was earning, what she owed, and what was keeping her up at night.

Then he offered a solution Lisa hadn’t even known was possible: a consumer proposal. It could cut down what she owed, pause the interest, and help her keep her home.

He walked her through every detail—income, debts, stress points explaining how it could:

• Reduce her debt dramatically
• Pause crushing interest
• Keep her home
• Allow her to make one manageable monthly payment

Brock ensured Lisa’s proposal was realistic and fair — addressing the key reasons why some consumer proposals are rejected, like offering too little or missing documentation. It was a game-changer.

The Key Concern for Lisa: Protecting Her Home

More than anything, Lisa wanted to keep her home. Brock understood that.

With his guidance, Lisa arranged for a home appraisal and worked with a trusted mortgage broker to get a letter of opinion that supported her proposal.

This step gave her security, both financially and emotionally. Her home wouldn’t be part of the sacrifice. And it helped ensure her consumer proposal success wasn’t just about paying less, it was about preserving what mattered most.

Financial Freedom and Emotional Relief: Life After Debt Relief

Once her proposal was approved, Lisa’s financial landscape changed.

Her debt was significantly reduced, and her new monthly payments were just $200 for 60 months. The calls from creditors stopped. The interest stopped. And for the first time in years, Lisa didn’t have to look over her shoulder.

“I finally feel like I can breathe again.”

Those eight words said everything.

This wasn’t just a short-term win. It was a long-term consumer proposal success story that gave Lisa the confidence to plan for her future.

Reflecting on the Journey: A Personal Story of Transformation

From Brock’s perspective, Lisa’s transformation was more than numbers on a spreadsheet.

“This work isn’t just about solving debt,” he shared. “It’s about restoring someone’s dignity, helping them move forward with confidence.”

Now, Lisa is rebuilding her credit, regaining her confidence, and creating a better life for her family.

You’re Not Alone: Reach Out for Support with Farber

Lisa’s story is powerful because it’s real — and because it’s not unique.

Thousands of people across Canada are living through similar challenges: credit card debt, CRA debt, scams, or the daily strain of trying to support family while in debt.

If that sounds like your story, know that you’re not alone. And that, more importantly, judgment has no place here.

The team at Farber Debt Solutions is here to help you explore your options, including reducing debt through a consumer proposal, with a plan tailored to your life. Whether you’re an immigrant supporting family abroad, a single parent juggling bills, or a worker dealing with a sudden job loss, you deserve relief.

Take the first step. Talk to a licensed debt professional: book your free consultation today!

It could lead to your own consumer proposal success story — and the peace of mind that comes with it.

At Farber, our Debt Solutions Managers take the time to understand your unique situation — just like Brock did with Lisa.

Brock Harper is a dedicated Debt Solutions Manager who helps individuals overcome financial challenges with personalized, compassionate support. With an Office Administration – Executive diploma from St. Clair College and 18 months of hands-on experience in the insolvency field, Brock brings both empathy and practical expertise to every client interaction. He creates customized repayment plans that reduce stress, stop interest, and help clients build a stronger financial future.

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