How Andre Cleared $31K in Debt with a Consumer Proposal

When you’re behind on bills and the phone won’t stop ringing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — and even easier to believe you’re the only one going through it. But you’re not. Debt can build slowly, then suddenly feel like it’s taken over everything, from your sleep to your sense of control.

That was the case for Andre, a 60-year-old homeowner in Ontario.

His story is a real consumer proposal success story, and a reminder that one informed step — like reaching out for help — can change everything.

The Weight of Debt — And the Fear of Losing It All

Andre had always worked hard and done his best to provide. But when his wife lost her job and he became the sole income earner, their household finances started to unravel.

Month after month, it became harder to keep up. He was juggling over $31,000 in unsecured debt — including credit cards, a line of credit, and CRA debt — on top of everyday bills and the mortgage. He tried to stay afloat, but the numbers just didn’t work anymore.

At night, the anxiety hit hardest. He couldn’t sleep, constantly replaying the same thought: What if we lose the house?

The fear wore him down. By the time he called Farber, he sounded broken.

“I don’t know where to start,” he admitted. “But I’m scared I’m going to lose my house.”

It’s a sentence we hear more often than you’d think. And for Andre, that difficult moment marked the beginning of a consumer proposal success story. It was a quiet turning point that would lead him back to stability.

Ashamed and Out of Options

Andre had done what many people do: he tried to fix it on his own. He cut back wherever he could. He reached out to family for help. But the numbers just weren’t working anymore.

He was dodging calls from creditors, such as banks, credit card companies, and collection agencies, feeling more defeated by the day. During his first few meetings with Malak Reslan, his Debt Solutions Manager (DSM), he kept apologizing, as if being in debt was something he needed to be sorry for.

But there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Financial stress can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or how hard they’ve worked.

Malak reminded him gently that getting debt relief in Canada isn’t about being judged — it’s about getting support. And that’s exactly what they focused on: finding a solution that could give him room to breathe again.

A Plan That Made Hope Possible Again

Introducing the Consumer Proposal

After reviewing Andre’s full financial picture (his income, debts, and mortgage) Malak introduced a solution Andre had never heard of: a consumer proposal.

A consumer proposal is one way to make a fresh financial start without declaring bankruptcy. With the help of a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT), you work out a deal with your creditors to pay back just a portion of what you owe, through one affordable monthly payment, with 0% interest, that fits your budget—a debt relief solution that well over 1 million Canadians have used to help them solve their debt problems.

It stops interest from building up, puts an end to collection calls, and gives you the breathing room to focus on moving forward.

One of the biggest advantages? It can help homeowners keep their home while dealing with debt.

For Andre, learning this was a turning point, one filled with relief and surprise. It opened a door he didn’t even know existed — and marked the beginning of his consumer proposal success story.

Protecting the Home That Meant Everything

Andre made it clear from the beginning: their home meant everything. It wasn’t just about shelter, it was their safe place, their routine, their stability.

Malak knew that protecting it was the top priority. She set up a home evaluation process by connecting Andre with a mortgage broker, who provided a letter of opinion of value — a simple note that outlines how much the home is worth, that would determine how much equity is actually available, after taking into account the mortgage amount still owed for the home.

In other words, it helped show that selling the home wouldn’t suddenly free up a pile of cash to pay off the debt. That letter of valuation of the home helped support the proposal and made it clear that Andre should be able to stay in his home.

And just like that, things started to shift. For the first time in a long time, Andre didn’t feel like everything was falling apart.

From Fear to Freedom: Life After Debt Relief

Once the proposal was approved, Andre’s new monthly payment dropped by over $400—from nearly $950/month to just $520, a fixed amount for 60 months. No more surprise interest rate increases, scary phone calls, or sleepless nights.

But the biggest shift wasn’t financial. It was personal.

Malak noticed it almost immediately. The fear in Andre’s voice was gone. He spoke with more ease, even joy. He cracked jokes again. And for the first time in years, he talked about taking his wife on a weekend getaway—something that once felt impossible.

Then, at the end of their final call, Andre said something Malak will never forget:

“For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m not failing my family. I finally feel like I can breathe again.”

That moment stuck with her—not because it marked the end of a process, but because of what it meant for Andre. After months of fear and uncertainty, he finally sounded free.

For Malak, it was a reminder of what this work is really about: it’s not just about lowering payments. It’s about helping people release the fear and shame they’ve carried for too long—and giving them the space to rebuild a life they can look forward to.

You’re Not Alone — And There’s Always a Way Forward with Farber

If parts of Andre’s story felt familiar — the fear, the pressure, the sleepless nights — you’re not alone. Many Canadians carry that same weight quietly, unsure where to turn or how to move forward.
But there is a way through.

Whether you’re dealing with mounting credit card debt, CRA tax balances owed, or just trying to keep up with everyday bills, a consumer proposal could be the steady ground you’ve been looking for. It’s not about giving up—it’s about taking back control with support that actually understands what you’re going through.

Andre’s story isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what happens when someone feels heard, supported, and no longer stuck in survival mode.

What would it feel like to finally breathe again?

Maybe your consumer proposal success story starts the same way his did, with one quiet moment of asking, “What if there’s more support out there than you think?”

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

Malak Reslan is a dedicated Debt Solutions Manager who helps individuals regain control of their finances through tailored debt relief solutions. With a background in automotive finance management and client-focused lending, Malak creates personalized repayment plans that stop interest, protect clients from creditors, and lead to long-term financial stability. Book a free consultation today and take the first step toward a more secure financial future.