Debt Consolidation & Counselling

Is Debt Consolidation Good or Bad? Understand the Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation

Sep 4, 2023

Consolidating your debt can help you streamline your debt payments and ultimately pay off your debts faster – but there are different types of debt consolidation, and pros, cons, and considerations for consumers to be aware of. Read on to learn the ins and...Read more

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What Can I Do to Pay Off my Debt?

May 8, 2023

Are you trying to figure out what to do about your debt, or looking for help deciding how best to pay off your debt? You are not alone! Read on to understand the different debt solutions you might consider to help you pay off your debt, and learn where BC...Read more

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4 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counsellor

Apr 11, 2023

When dealing with a debt problem as many as 95% of people don’t seek professional support right away. Once the decision is made to get help, it’s not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed trying to understand what resources are available, and where to...Read more

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What’s the Best Way to Consolidate my Debt?

Dec 12, 2022

Debt consolidation can make it easier for you to pay off your debt, and there are several different types of debt consolidation you might consider. Read on to learn about one of the best ways consumers can consolidate AND cut their debt without paying...Read more

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Ways to Deal with Credit Card Debt

Nov 28, 2022

What can you do to get a handle on credit card balances and pay off your credit card bills for good? Read on for strategies in managing credit card balances, paying down credit card debt, and the professional resources available to BC consumers. The Problem...Read more

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Options for Consumer Debt Relief in BC

Oct 10, 2022

Many people struggling to manage their monthly debt payments or pay off their debt balances in full don’t know where to turn for help. As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, debt help is what we do! Read on to learn about different strategies and resources...Read more

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Consolidating Debt with a Consumer Proposal: Step-by-Step

Sep 12, 2022

Making a Consumer Proposal is one of the best ways Canadians can consolidate and cut their debt. Read on to learn about key benefits to Consumer Proposal debt consolidation, how the Consumer Proposal process works in BC, and the steps involved in starting and...Read more

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Looking for a Debt Consolidation Loan? Learn Why Borrowing Isn’t Always Best for Consolidating Debt

Feb 21, 2022

Debt consolidation loans are a popular debt management option that many people consider when they want a solution to streamline balances from credit cards, overdrafts and other basic consumer debts. While consolidating debt can provide great benefits and help...Read more

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What’s the Best Plan for Consolidated Credit Counselling?

Oct 22, 2021

From understanding the differences in debt help professionals to deciphering the ‘fine print’ of the Canadian debt relief industry, the world of debt expertise can be a confusing place for those already overwhelmed trying to solve their challenges with...Read more

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Should I Work with a Debt Settlement Agent or Credit Counsellor? What’s the Difference?

Oct 8, 2021

If you’re considering getting professional debt help it’s crucial to make a fully informed decision about the organization or individual you choose to work with before moving ahead. What many BC consumers seeking debt solutions do not realize is how...Read more

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What is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee?

Sep 10, 2021

Although tens of thousands of Canadians proceed with formal debt solutions each year, many others who struggle with financial challenges don’t know where to turn for support when it comes to dealing with debt. It is important for consumers to not only be...Read more

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Shopping Around to Find Your Best Debt Solution? Here’s What to Consider

Aug 9, 2021

Taking time to research and compare your options can be a sound strategy in many financial situations - from major purchases to borrowing to retirement planning, and, of course, when it comes to seeking a solution to help better manage your debt. The...Read more

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How to Better Manage Credit and Debt, and Mistakes Not to Make

Jul 19, 2021

Whether your goal is to establish a good credit history, pay off your debt or boost your credit score, there are many aspects of credit ratings that are misunderstood by Canadians. More importantly, sometimes the actions we think are correct in managing our...Read more

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What You Should Know About Co-Signing Debts

Apr 19, 2021

Whether you are considering co-signing a loan with your child, signing up for a joint credit card with your spouse or even signing on to help out a close friend – when it comes to co-signed debt consumers need to be aware of the commitments and...Read more

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“It’s All Relative”: Understanding Debt Liability for Couples & Families

Mar 22, 2021

As Licensed Insolvency Trustees it’s common for us to hear from people who are concerned about someone else’s debt problem, or how their own challenges with debt might impact someone else. We often address questions from children worried about their...Read more

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How do Consumer Proposals Compare to Debt Consolidation Loans?

Nov 16, 2020

Consumer Proposals are an increasingly popular choice for Canadians seeking to better manage their debts. Known for affordable monthly payments and flexibility, a Consumer Proposal can have many benefits over choosing to consolidate debt with a consolidation...Read more

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3 Things You Should Know About Debt Consolidation

Oct 6, 2020

Debt consolidation is often one of the first options people consider when facing debt management decisions, especially for dealing with credit card debt. Many consumers aim for a consolidation to simplify monthly payments, and hopefully even lower the monthly...Read more

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BC Consumer Debt Help: Do You Know Your Consolidation Options?

Sep 28, 2020

In the most recent annual BC Consumer Debt Study undertaken by Sands & Associates, roughly 30% of indebted consumers polled said they waited to seek professional debt help because they didn’t know where to seek it – and over 35% of people who later...Read more

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Small Business Debt – Basics, Challenges & Solutions

Jun 19, 2020

In BC virtually anyone can become self-employed and take a shot at being their own boss – unfortunately, there’s no handbook explaining the financial ins and outs. Given the difficulties of starting and maintaining a successful business, it’s no...Read more

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Debt Management Tips to Help Navigate the COVID-19 Crisis

Apr 3, 2020

As Licensed Insolvency Trustees serving the entire province, the debt help experts at Sands & Associates are no strangers to assisting individuals and businesses in overcoming challenging financial situations – we aid thousands of BC residents each year...Read more

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The Truth About Legal Debt Help Options – Myths Debunked

Feb 26, 2020

As a licensed debt help professional, some of the saddest words Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin hears are “I didn’t know I had any options”. Like many complex areas of consumer legislation and laws – what you don’t know can hurt...Read more

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What’s the Difference Between Credit Counselling and Consumer Proposals?

Dec 5, 2019

At a first glance credit counselling programs and Consumer Proposals may sound much the same. Although there are some similarities between these two debt consolidation options, there are also some key differences to understand. Read on for an overview and...Read more

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Paying Off Credit Card Debt – 3 Problems to Avoid

Nov 19, 2019

With over 75 million credit cards in circulation across the country, it’s clear that the average Canadian is enjoying the convenience of credit card use - unfortunately that convenience can come at a big cost. Vancouver-based Licensed Insolvency Trustee...Read more

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How Does a Licensed Insolvency Trustee Get Paid?

Sep 11, 2019

If you’ve been considering debt management solutions, you’ve likely discovered that there are several options available. You may also have learned that in Canada only one type of debt help professional is legally empowered and endorsed by the federal...Read more

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4 Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debts

Aug 19, 2019

With every major bank and big retailer offering consumers a credit card, it’s no surprise that most Canadians have at least one credit card in their wallet. While credit cards can be convenient, not paying your balance in full each month can accumulate a...Read more

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