The 6 Best Debt Consolidation Firms in Winnipeg
Having debt can really take a toll on your mental health. It’s especially hard during this time when the global pandemic has made it harder for the world to function normally.
If you are currently in a tough situation and your monthly loan payments are out of reach, it might be time to consider debt consolidation. This is a long-term way to manage your debt.
People often use this method to restructure their finances, avail of lower interest rates on loan payments and finally make their way towards a life of financial freedom.
Debt consolidation is when you take out a new loan to pay off other debts and liabilities with more favourable payoff terms like a lower interest rate or a lower monthly payment.
In this list, we will talk about the top choices of Winnipegers for debt consolidation but before that, let’s talk about how much it costs.
The Cost of Debt Consolidation in Winnipeg
The cost of debt consolidation is usually dependent on the amount of your initial debt. The average annual percentage rate on a debt consolidation loan is around 18.56%.
Interest rates are typically between 8% – 29%.
Here is an overview of what is a fair percentage to pay for debt consolidation.
| CREDIT SCORE | ESTIMATE ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE |
| 720 – 850 | 11.8% |
| 690 – 719 | 17.4% |
| 630 – 690 | 23.4% |
The Best Debt Consolidation Firms in Winnipeg
Now that you have an idea of how much it can cost to consolidate your debt, let’s now go over our list of the best debt consolidation firms in Winnipeg.
1. Credit Counseling Society
| SERVICES | Complimentary services, Debt consolidation, Financial advice, financial guidance, credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, financial education |
| WEBSITE | https://nomoredebts.org/ |
| ADDRESS | Power Building Suite 611, 428 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 0E2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 204 942 8789 1 888 948 8960 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 5:30 am to 8:00 pm Saturday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm |
The Credit Counseling Society is an accredited non-profit charity that has been helping Canadians solve their money problems since 1996. They offer a wide range of services like credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, and financial education.
A lot of people prefer to work with the Credit Counseling Society because they offer their services for free. They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Credit Counselling Canada (CCC), and the Council on Accreditation (COA).
They offer free workshops, webinars, and online courses right on their website. You can also download a budget calculator from their website which can help you to immediately start sorting out your finances.
Budgeting 101, Cautious Consumerism, and the Truth about Credit are just some of the courses that are absolutely free on their website. Their clients have said that taking these courses has taught them to manage their finances more efficiently.
Pros
- 23 offices across Canada
- Free financial services
- Accredited by BBB, CCC, COA
- Online workshops, worksheets and courses available
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what these clients have to say about The Credit Counseling Society.
“Upfront and direct. Professional and friendly. I hung up the phone with a sigh of relief and satisfaction. I recommend this organization!” – Reynold R.
“We just finished our program, still waiting for all the paperwork to go through. More than 40k debt paid off!! Now living debt free here I come 🙂 Thank you CCS!” – Alan H.
“Very professional and non-judgmental. They are there to help you understand all the options and choose the one that fits your goals and situation the best. I left feeling empowered financially. It is reassuring to know there are places that are there to help and not to take advantage of you when you’re down.”- Tia N.
2. Fairstone
| SERVICES | Debt consolidation, secured and unsecured personal loans, mortgages, car and auto loans, online loans, emergency loans, car repair loans, wedding loans, home renovation loans, travel loans, POS financing |
| WEBSITE | https://www.fairstone.ca/ |
| PRICING | Unsecured Personal Loans $500 to $20,000 Secured Personal Loans $5,000 to $50,000 Debt Consolidation Loan $500 to $50,000 |
| ADDRESS | 2188 McPhillipes St. #18, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3C8, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 204 694 2875 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday and Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Wednesday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Thursday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
Fairstone is Canada’s leading non-bank lender with the highest customer satisfaction rate and over 3 million loans approved.
They have over 200 locations and provide affordable payment plans to Canadians. Some of their plans can even help you save hundreds of dollars and improve your credit score.
There are only three simple steps to apply for a loan, and the best part is that it is all online.
After receiving a personalized loan quotation, you will be connected with a lending specialist to finalize your loan requirements. Your loan amount will be deposited directly into your bank account once the loan application is complete.
Based on many customer reviews, Fairstone’s no-judge attitude and convenient application process are just some of the reasons that make them one of the best in Winnipeg.
Pros
- Over 200 locations
- Online quote available
- Affordable payment plans
Cons
- Pricey late fees
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Check out what some of Fairstone’s clients have to say about them.
“I called Norma at Fairstone around 2pm with unexpected financial concerns, only a day away from Christmas. With her determination, sympathy and professionalism, we were approved minutes before Fairstone closed for the day. Norma went above & beyond for our family. Thank you, Norma!!” – Sydney, NS.
“Had a great and rapid service from a very kind woman named Marie she definitely gave me great service and I got the help I requested very easily. I did not believe till I got it, their service is worth a shot if you have several credit cards to be paid.” – Amy
“Nice service friendly staff, always there to help love dealing with them.” – Jerome
3. Creditaid
| SERVICES | Credit counselling, Debt Consolidation, Financial Advice |
| WEBSITE | https://www.creditaid.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 301 – 865 Henderson Hwy Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K 2L6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (204) 987-6890 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Wednesday & Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Sunday Closed |
Creditaid is a member of The Canadian Association of Independent Credit Counselling Agencies (CAICCA). They offer a variety of services that include debt consolidation, budget coaching, debt management and credit counselling.
They offer a variety of resources on their website, including a budget calculator. This allows you to calculate how much interest you will be paying based on the payment terms and interest rates that you have input in the calculator.
They are partnered with Fairway Divorce Solutions, Keystone Financial Solutions, and Birchwood Credit Solutions. This is one of the ways that they ensure that each client is able to rebuild their credit effectively.
Your initial credit consultation with Creditaid is totally free and will not affect your credit score. They will assess your situation and recommend ways in which you can get a hold of your finances again.
Pros
- Free consultation
- Online live support
- Budget-friendly rates
Cons
- Shortened hours on Saturday
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Take a look at these reviews from some very relieved clients.
“Finally debt free thanks to Creditaid! It feels great to not have any bills/debts dragging me down anymore. A special thanks to Lorne for helping me achieve this. I would highly recommend Creditaid to anyone looking to accomplish the same.” – Shawn M.
“I started with Creditaid in March of 2020. Lorne was so professional and I instantly felt at ease talking with him. He was sincere, understanding and by the time the initial meeting was done I was almost in tears – but tears of joy and a huge sense of relief that debt relief was the light at the end of the tunnel. And then Covid hit. I was laid off 2 days before I had to start my payments. But Lorne worked with me and we got things on track and manageable. Since then, they have been nothing but kind, sensitive and helpful. If you are having debt worries, I highly recommend making the call. It will be a positive life changing moment you will never forget! So a huge thank you to Lorne, Kathy, Shey and everyone else! You all are amazing!!” – Cindy H.
“I have been working with credit aid since 2016 and at the end of this month I will be making my last payment!!! They have treated me with respect throughout the whole process, and never made me feel bad about my circumstances, I really wish I had not been so scared to do this for so long 🙁 . They have made the whole process pain free and I want to recommend them and thank them for helping me get back on track after life through me some knockdowns!! So thank you Lorne and Kathy and all the other wonderful people there, know I will be doing my own happy dance Nov 30th, 2020 when I make my last payment :)” – Sandy D.
4. Debt Consolidation Winnipeg
| SERVICES | Debt consolidation, debt counselling, debt settlement, bankruptcy, consumer proposals, |
| WEBSITE | https://www.debtconsolidationwinnipeg.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 78 Marion St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 0T1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 204 975 4987 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
What’s great about Debt Consolidation Winnipeg is that their only focus is debt consolidation. They provide custom solutions that can help you save at least 32% on your payment.
Since their focus is 100% on debt and how to easily pay it off, they provide you with a step-by-step plan that will help you get there.
First, they help you create a budget to determine how much you need per month and then they help you create a plan to start paying off your debt. Once your plan is in motion, they will take a look at your expenses to see where you can save money.
Another helpful service that they offer is debt counselling. They set you up with a debt counsellor who will assist you in managing your debts by negotiating with creditors, consolidating your debt, and making sure that your payments are on time.
You can schedule a free consultation with their team to find out more about what options are available for you.
Pros
- Open 7 days of the week
- Free consultation available
- Low-cost rates
Cons
- No online portal
Customer Reviews
Check out these reviews from some of the clients of Debt Consolidation Winnipeg.
“I had a few silly loans I wish I didn’t have, some with very bad rates that I got suckered into. A friend recommended debtconsolidationwinnipeg.ca so I checked them out. We sat down briefly and I found out my credit was actually pretty good. I ended up putting all my debt under one big loan at a very good rate. I can’t explain how great it felt to not have to continue to pay very high payments. If you’re unsure, just give them a call, it doesn’t cost you anything and they can at least give free advice.” – Cynthia R.
“Sandi is great to work with, so helpful & knowledgeble. We highly recommend her!!” – Kel P.
“I was in a bad place, I didn’t think there was any way out. The interest kept piling up and the phone kept ringing. I had to stop answering the phone all together. I really didn’t think there was a solution, but I didn’t have a choice. I called Debt Consolidation Winnipeg just to feel them out. They helped me realize there was a way out and my debt wasn’t as bad as I thought. I’m writing this review six months after they’ve helped and I’ve been making my payments every month. Finally.” – Charles S.
5. 4 Pillars
| SERVICES | Debt settlement, debt restructuring, credit counselling |
| WEBSITE | https://www.4pillars.ca/mb/winnipeg |
| ADDRESS | 2211 McPhillips St # 204, Winnipeg, MB R2V 3M5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 204 220 4151 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
4 Pillars is Canada’s largest debt restructuring firm. They have been around since 2002 and have helped over 50,000 families regain financial control by reducing their debt.
What sets them apart is that they created a community-based financial literacy program called EmpowerU, which offers financial literacy training to participants by covering topics such as budgeting, credit, debt reduction, investments, and more.
The goal is to help you pay back the least amount possible, to aid in fixing your cash flow and to rebuild your financial future. They offer customized solutions for your long-term financial recovery.
Pros
- Free debt consultation
- Online client portal
- 51 offices nationwide
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Take a look at what these customers have to say about 4 Pillars.
“I recently went too far into my financial debts, to the point where I was living paycheck to paycheck and just couldn’t pay it off anymore. This was due to my careless spending habits and so being in this rut has made me realize that it’s time to get some help. I discovered 4 Pillars through a Facebook advertisement and decided to look them up. There were certainly some mixed reviews, but I decided to reach out to them anyway and experience them for myself. Mark was my advisor, along with the help of his colleague JP. They assured that I’ll be in good hands. It was a bit of a lengthy process, but it was worth it in the end. I am on my way to becoming debt free, and have learned my lesson. Thank you, 4 Pillars, for lifting a huge load of stress off of my shoulders.” – Raquel R.
“It’s nice to know that there is a 4 Pillars that you can always rely on in times of stress, due to debts. I was able to deal with John and JP, and they are amazing and awesome people. They will lead you to the right track, to become a debt free individual. God bless you more and may you continue to help other people, the way you helped me.” – Josephine T.
“Such an amazing company to work and partner with!! Friendly, approachable, trustworthy and knowledgeable staff. John and Jen are such humble people, I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to work with them. Best debt solution out there. Leave stress free and with a peace of mind after working with 4 Pillars !” – Chanelle T.
6. Vertuity Mortgage
| SERVICES | Mortgages: The First-Time Home Buyer GuidePre-qualify in minutesFirst Time Home BuyerBuying your next homeRefinance your homeMortgage RenewalNewcomers to CanadaPurchase Plus Improvements Insurance:Home InsuranceLife Insurance |
| WEBSITE | https://vertuitymortgage.ca |
| ADDRESS | 1-1450 Corydon AveWinnipegMB R3N 0J3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Ph: 204.888.HOME (4663) Fax: 1.888.245.9717 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5 PM |
With the realization that most Canadians are not being treated fairly by major banks. Brent Parnell and Todd Lovallo formed Vertuity to help people across Canada with their mortgage financing needs. For over 14 years they have not only taken care of their client’s needs but also educated them throughout the process.
Access to multiple lenders is vital in mortgaging, that’s why they enable their clients to pick their own lenders and will only advise lenders that would best fit them. Furthermore, they will provide you with honest advice and propose the best product for your circumstances, unlike most huge financial organizations.
They particularly focus on helping clients buy their first home since it is one of the most memorable and important financial decisions people make.
While clients are looking for their dream home, Virtuity will handle the heavy work, such as monitoring fluctuating rates given by multiple lenders and informing them of changes, as well as making suggestions if better possibilities become available.
Pros
- Client-focused service
- 14 years of service
- Great attention to detail
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Vertuity is top notch!
“Service with Vertuity is top notch! Highly recommend using Brent and Todd. As a first time home buyer, Todd was excellent in helping educate me on the process of obtaining a mortgage. He did not push rates on me and was very open about everything . He provided comfort that the banks could not provide me. Next time I’m looking for a mortgage, they will be the first people I will contact. I will refer Vertuity to all my friends!” – John Witman
Extremely knowledgeable and helpful broker
“Matt Wozniak is an extremely knowledgeable and helpful broker. We used him when we bought our first home together, when we had to transfer the mortgage to a new home, and are in the process of using him again to purchase a new home. We are a military couple and Matt makes the posting/moving process much easier. He is well organized and ensures that we were aware of all the proper steps we needed to take to ensure the process goes smoothly. Matt deserves more then 5 stars. We would highly recommend working with him when needing a new mortgage or to refinance” – Rhonda Elizabeth
FAQs about Debt Consolidation in Winnipeg
We hope we were able to provide you with the information you need about debt consolidation. Get in touch with any of the companies on our list for a consultation.
Did we miss out on any other debt consolidation firms? Reach out to us and let us know about them!
If you have other questions or financial requirements, check out this list of the best financial advisors in Winnipeg!