How the Orderly Payment of Debts Alberta Helped This Single Mom Erase $85K in Debt Without Bankruptcy
Imagine being a single mom, a full-time student, and $85,000 in debt — all while adjusting to a new life in Alberta. That kind of financial stress would feel impossible to escape. But Samantha’s story proves that with the right help, a fresh start is possible.
A New Beginning with the Orderly Payment of Debts Program in Alberta
By joining the Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) program in Alberta, Samantha was able to combine all her debts into one manageable payment, reduce stress, and regain control of her finances — all without having to declare bankruptcy.
Here’s how the OPD program in Alberta helped Samantha turn her financial situation around and clear a massive amount of debt.
Overwhelmed by Debt and Running Out of Options
After a difficult divorce, Samantha was left with $85,000 in debt under her name — a financial burden she never expected. With a yearly income of just $32,000, she struggled to keep up with credit card payments, an overdraft bank account, and a car loan she co-signed for her ex. On top of that, she was also juggling tuition and everyday expenses as a student.
“For about four or five years before joining the OPD program, I tried to handle my debt on my own, but I was just sinking deeper.” – Samantha
The stress of money troubles affected her health. She barely ate, lost sleep, and even her doctor suggested medication for anxiety.
Finding Hope with Credit Counselling in Alberta
Even though she was struggling, Samantha was hesitant to ask for help. Her parents, who had travelled from Ontario to support her, urged her to see a credit counsellor — but she kept saying no.
Then, one night, she heard a Money Mentors radio ad about their free credit counselling services. It felt like a sign. The next day, she booked an appointment.
“I was so nervous. I almost cancelled a few times, but my dad convinced me to go. My counsellor, Iris, was so kind and understanding. For the first time, I felt like I had options.” – Samantha
How Alberta’s Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) Program Changed Everything
After reviewing Samantha’s situation, Money Mentors helped her enroll in the Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) program — a government-legislated debt repayment program available only in Alberta. Through OPD, Samantha was able to combine all her unsecured debts into one easy monthly payment with a fixed 5% interest rate — much lower than the 19%+ rates on her credit cards.
How the OPD Program Helped Samantha:
- Merged her $85,000 debt into one monthly payment
- Reduced her interest rate to 5% instead of 19%+
- Stopped collection calls and creditor harassment
- Created a structured repayment plan with no hidden fees
- Protected her credit score and avoided bankruptcy
With a clear plan in place, Samantha started making real progress toward a debt-free future.
More Than Just Debt Repayment: Learning to Manage Money
Samantha knew that paying off her debt was just part of the solution. She also needed to learn how to manage her money better to avoid falling back into the same situation.
While in the OPD program, she took Money Mentors’ free financial education classes, where she learned:
- How to budget properly and track expenses
- How to cut out unnecessary spending and focus on needs
- How to save money while paying off debt
“I learned how to budget properly, cut out things I didn’t need, and only spend on necessities.” – Samantha
With these new financial skills, Samantha not only kept up with her OPD payments — but she also built habits that would help her stay financially stable for life.
Life After OPD: Financial Freedom and a Bright Future
After five years of dedication and smart money management, Samantha paid off her OPD program and reduced her debt from $85,000 to just $8,000. She made her last payment and became officially debt-free.
“We’ve set short- and long-term financial goals, and I would never have known how to do that without Money Mentors!” – Samantha
Her financial turnaround led to amazing personal achievements, too:
- She graduated from NAIT and became a part-time instructor in Bookkeeping.
- She is planning a wedding and saving for her first home.
- She has financial goals and a clear future — without the fear of debt collectors.
Samantha’s story proves that debt doesn’t have to control your future. With the right resources, support, and a structured plan like OPD, anyone can take charge of their finances and move toward financial freedom.
Is OPD Right for You? Here’s How to Start
If you’re in Alberta and struggling with debt, the Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) program could be the answer. Whether you’re a single parent, a student, or someone looking for a structured debt repayment plan, OPD offers:
- One affordable monthly payment
- A low 5% interest rate
- Relief from collection calls
- A clear path to becoming debt-free in five years or less
Money Mentors is the only provider of OPD in Alberta, and our credit counselling services are 100% free.
Samantha’s Story Proves It — A Debt-Free Future Is Possible
Samantha’s journey shows that debt isn’t forever, and with the right plan, financial freedom is within reach. If you’re struggling with credit card debt, collection calls, or financial stress, Alberta’s Orderly Payment of Debts program can help.
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