Debt-Free Living

You Owe it to Yourself to Get Debt Help

May 22, 2023

Are you worried about managing debt that feels never-ending? Facing account balances that never seem to go down, no matter how many payments you make? Have you been thinking about seeking professional debt advice but been too overwhelmed or afraid to seek...Read more

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9 Things Sands & Associates Licensed Insolvency Trustees Want You to Know About Dealing with a Debt Problem

Dec 3, 2021

Since 1990, Sands & Associates - BC’s largest firm of Licensed Insolvency Trustees focused on debt help services for consumers - has helped tens of thousands of people break free from debt and ultimately change their lives with a financial fresh start....Read more

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Personal Debt Check-Up: What to Look for (and What to Ignore)

Apr 5, 2021

Are you feeling unsure about where you stand when it comes to debt? Learn some key factors to consider when you’re evaluating your personal debt situation and overall financial health – we’ll also note some things you can disregard, and where to get...Read more

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How to Balance Your Budget to Pay Off Debt and Cut Money Stress

Mar 5, 2021

Whether your goal is to pay off debt faster or simply manage your regular expenses without relying on credit, you need a financial plan that works for you. Maybe it feels like your financial intentions are going awry each month? You may be going off-course...Read more

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4 Reasons to Get a Debt-Free Plan Today

Dec 14, 2020

The BC debt help specialists at Sands & Associates work with people across the province every day who are seeking a better way to manage their debts and get a financial fresh start. Whether it’s being unsure where to turn for answers, believing a...Read more

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What to do When You Can’t Pay a Student Loan in Canada

Apr 24, 2020

While studies have shown that students are often optimistic about their ability to earn great wages after graduation and easily repay their debts, the reality is that many may people wind up juggling student loans, in addition to other debt accumulated during...Read more

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Less Debt, More Cheer – 5 Quick Holiday Spending Tips

Dec 11, 2019

The approaching holiday season can bring new memories, time to reconnect with loved ones and celebrate the season. For some though, the financial pressures can mean big stress throughout the holidays that often endures long after the festive times have...Read more

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Knowing is Not Owing – 5 Debt Myths Dispelled

Oct 17, 2019

When it comes to debt, what you don’t know can hurt you financially. Vancouver-based Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Vice-President of Sands & Associates Blair Mantin helps people with debt solutions every day and is no stranger to giving advice and...Read more

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4 Financial Professionals Everyone Should Know

May 28, 2019

Blair Mantin, Senior Vice-President of Sands & Associates and Vancouver Licensed Insolvency Trustee meets with people every day who are looking for debt help and financial expertise. He knows better than most that there are times and situations in life...Read more

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Cutting Interest on Student Loans – Is It Enough?

May 21, 2019

Blair Mantin Senior Vice-President at Sands & Associates, BC’s biggest firm of Licensed Insolvency Trustees, cautions that recent moves by provincial and federal governments on student loans may not be enough to entirely halt future financial challenges...Read more

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4 Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Time

Mar 13, 2019

Tax season can be the best of times (if you’re getting a refund), or the worst of times (if you procrastinate filing or know you owe money). Like it or not, tax time is here! Vice-President at Sands & Associates and Vancouver Licensed Insolvency...Read more

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The Cost of Being Single…

Apr 9, 2018

For the first time ever, one-person households are the most common type of living arrangement in Canada.  Because expenses are not being shared, singles are typically forced to spend more of their income on basic necessities like food and housing.  In a...Read more

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Budget Best Practices with Blair Mantin: Breakfast Television Vancouver

Jan 29, 2018

How much of my income should be allocated to housing?  What percentage of my pay should go towards debt repayment?  Savings?  Groceries?  These are just a few commonly asked questions for people looking for best practices when it comes to budgeting. ...Read more

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What the Higher Interest Rate Means to You: Blair Mantin on Breakfast Television Vancouver

Jan 19, 2018

A predicted interest rate hike took effect this week, following record-low interest rates Canadians have previously enjoyed.  The Bank of Canada’s interest rate raise has left many Canadians wondering how they may be impacted.  Debt management expert...Read more

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Global News: “Focus on Financial Literacy Month” – 5 Things You Didn’t Know about Debt

Nov 20, 2017

Vice-President of Sands & Associates and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin was a recent guest of Global News Vancouver, for a segment highlighting November’s Financial Literacy Month.  Blair shares “5 Things You Didn’t Know about Debt”...Read more

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Frightening Facts, Startling Stats and Terrifying Tips!

Oct 10, 2017

One of the most chilling things about Halloween?  Just how much cash Canadians are willing to part with for the annual thrill! A debt-free future IS possible. Take the first step, book your free confidential debt consultation with one of our...Read more

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Global News – Money Matters: Five Sneaky Credit Killers

Aug 21, 2017

Sands & Associates Vice-President and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin recently appeared on the Global News segment “Money Matters”.  In this segment, Blair sheds light on some of the most common, yet often unknown issues that can impact...Read more

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Mental and Physical Health Suffers under Strain of Debt: BC Consumer Debt Study Report

Jun 5, 2017

Sands & Associates recently released the results of the fifth annual BC Consumer Debt Study.  The study highlighted several findings, with a focus on providing insights into the psychological and physical impacts of debts on consumers. The 2017 BC...Read more

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Sands & Associates Releases Fifth Annual BC Consumer Debt Study

May 25, 2017

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – May 25, 2017 Sands & Associates, BC’s largest firm of Licensed Insolvency Trustees, released the results of their fifth annual BC Consumer Debt Study today.  The 2017 BC Consumer Debt Study provides an in-depth look...Read more

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CTV News at Noon: “Tips for Tax Time”

Mar 20, 2017

Vice-President of Sands & Associates and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin was a guest on CTV Vancouver’s ‘News at Noon’ today.  While tax time can seem intimidating to many filers (especially if you owe money), the season for tax returns is...Read more

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CTV News at Noon: “Relationships & Debt”

Feb 7, 2017

Vice-President of Sands & Associates and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin was a guest on CTV Vancouver’s ‘News at Noon’ today.  Although finances don’t often play a part in couples Valentine’s Day plans, one in three couples do say that...Read more

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CTV News at Noon: “Budget Best Practices to Start 2017 Off Right!”

Jan 9, 2017

Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Vice-President of Sands & Associates Blair Mantin was a guest on CTV Vancouver’s ‘News at Noon’ today.  With a fresh year and new resolutions, January is the perfect time to start, or improve upon a household...Read more

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CTV News at Noon: “Holiday Tips to Keep you in the Black”

Dec 12, 2016

Vice-President of Sands & Associates and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin was a guest on CTV Vancouver’s ‘News at Noon’ today.  The holidays are often a time when the best laid financial plans can take a big hit!  If you embark on the...Read more

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Tips to Avoid a Financial Bah, Humbug!

Dec 12, 2016

Our latest holiday infographic, with seasonal spending stats and tips to keep your finances festive - well into the new year! To meet with a representative for a free, confidential consultation in one of our 17 BC offices, please contact...Read more

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CTV News at Noon: Financial Myths and Misconceptions

Nov 21, 2016

Vice-President of Sands & Associates and Licensed Insolvency Trustee Blair Mantin was a guest on CTV Vancouver’s ‘News at Noon’ today.  As November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada, this afternoon Blair shared his top 4 financial myths and...Read more

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