
Show Notes
Miss a payment and three separate clocks start running, and they don't all start on the same day. The lender's clock, late fees and interest start the day after the due date. The credit bureau's clock doesn't start until you're 30 days behind. The collection and legal clock is slower, but it does the real damage.
And the type of payment matters. A rent, mortgage or car payment can carry different consequences from a credit card bill.
Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos walk through what actually happens when you miss a payment. They discuss what can happen around 30, 60 and 90 days, why a debt write-off doesn't mean you no longer owe the money, and how to decide which bills need attention first.
You'll also learn when to contact your lender, what to ask for, and how to recognize when missed payments have become a recurring problem. Timing depends on your agreement and circumstances; the legal examples in this episode focus on Ontario.
Related material
Guide to Ontario Debt Collection Laws
Wage Garnishment: Know Your Rights
What to do About Credit Card Debt in Collections
Ontario Limitations Act and Old Debts
Mortgage Arrears
Debt Repayment Calculator
Debt Free in 30 is hosted by Licensed Insolvency Trustees Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos of Hoyes Michalos.
Learn more at https://www.hoyes.com
Time Stamps
00:00 What happens when you miss a payment?
00:34 The three clocks: lender, credit report and legal action
02:32 Days 1–29: fees, interest and lender reminders
03:38 How penalty interest rates can work
05:57 What to do if you are only a few days late
06:47 NSF fees and returned-payment charges
07:08 Around day 30: credit reporting and payment history
09:08 Why the type of debt matters
09:46 Around day 60: another missed payment
11:33 Day 90 and beyond: collections
12:18 Why a write-off does not erase your debt
13:13 Collection agencies versus debt buyers
14:31 Negotiating a settlement
15:23 Rent arrears and the Ontario N4 notice
16:32 Mortgage arrears and power of sale
18:53 Car payments, repossession and a remaining shortfall
20:50 Which bills should you prioritize?
22:32 The legal clock and limitation periods
22:52 Ontario Small Claims Court
24:34 Responding to a claim and enforcement
26:19 What to do at each stage
27:45 When missed payments become a bigger debt problem
29:26 Tools to help you assess your debt #MissedPayment #DebtCollection #CreditReport #DebtFreeIn30
More from Debt Free in 30
Rounding up your income or leaving debts off a credit application may help you get approved. But it does not give you more money to repay what you borrow. Learn more about credit and rebuilding your credit score with our free online course after the podcast!
If someone asked you right now how much you owe, you'd probably have a number. It's probably low.
If you carry $5,000 on a credit card at around 20% interest, keeping that balance can cost roughly $1,000 a year. Making the minimum payment may keep your account in good standing, but it does not mean you are paying the debt off.
What does it really mean when you max out your credit card?
Why would a lender raise your credit limit when you're already struggling to keep up?