Blair Mantin shares Budget Basics with Vancouver’s Breakfast Television
Jan 6, 2015
Sands & Associates’ Vice-President and Bankruptcy Trustee Blair Mantin appeared on Vancouver’s Breakfast Television to share tips on how viewers can create and maintain a successful budget. Watch here: Why is a budget important? Less than half...Read more
A Hole in your Budget?
Oct 14, 2014
As surprising as it may seem – a lot of people out there don’t have a budget. If you’re someone that does – kudos to you! Sometimes despite our best intentions, our budgets just don’t quite work. If, try as you might, there never seems to be...Read more
A Mid-Year Financial Check-Up
Jul 7, 2014
We're about halfway through the calendar year now and it's a great time to check in on your financial affairs! To arrange a free and confidential consultation to discuss your debt resolution options in one of our local BC offices, please contact...Read more
Budget Boosters
May 12, 2014
Hate budgeting? Think watching dollars is a real drag? Get on good terms with your budget with our top 7 ‘Budget Booster’ tips: Schedule a financial check-up. When was the last time you had a heart-to-heart with your finances? If it’s been...Read more
Warning Signs: Home Ownership Costs
Mar 3, 2014
Owning a home is a great source of pride for many Canadians, one that can have many perks and benefits. For some however, it can be a financial downfall: sky-high mortgage costs, special assessments or unaffordable property taxes can quickly become a...Read more
Love, Marriage & Debt: Poll Results
Feb 17, 2014
Now that Valentine’s Day has passed and the love hangover known as reality has begun to set in, it may just be the ideal time to take a look at the role debt plays in our relationship. Ontario Trustees and Proposal Administrators, Hoyes Michalos &...Read more
All You Need is Love
Feb 3, 2014
Our newest infographic - in time to help you (and your wallet) with Valentine's Day! To arrange a free and confidential consultation to discuss your debt resolution options in one of our local BC offices please contact...Read more
“I Wish I Knew” Contest Finalists
Jan 13, 2014
As part of 2013’s Financial Literacy Month, Sands & Associates partnered with Goth & Company, Hoyes Michalos, Allan Marshall & Associates and Janes Noseworthy, Trustees across Canada to host the “I Wish I Knew” video contest. Our $2,000...Read more
Shedding Light on Black Friday
Nov 4, 2013
The American-based trend of "Black Friday" has exploded across Canada as retailers attempt to keep shoppers from spending over the border... To arrange a free and confidential debt consultation to discuss your debt resolution options in one of our...Read more
Sands & Associates Conducts First B.C. Student Finances Study
Oct 25, 2013
Study results show that B.C. University students lack financial life skills and knowledge Vancouver, B.C. (October 28, 2013) -- Sands & Associates, B.C.'s Largest Firm of Licensed Trustees and Administrators of Consumer Proposals announced today, the...Read more
Apps for Budgeting
Sep 23, 2013
As more and more of us embrace the technological with a variety of hand-held devices, the ease of creating a portable budget is increasing. For the diligent budgeter gone is the need to store paper receipts to be sifted through when calculating your...Read more
Budget Breakers: 7 Little Things that can make a Big Difference
Jul 22, 2013
Sometimes even the smallest things can make a big difference, especially when it comes to your budget. No matter how well laid your plans may be those little variances can really break the bank. If you’re finding it tough to keep on track or can’t...Read more
How to Build a Budget
Jul 2, 2013
If you’re a regular reader of our Sands & Associates blog you may have noticed a frequently recurring suggestion: budgeting. Whether you’re already debt free or are trying to get there, having a budget that works is one of the keys to financial...Read more
Guest Blog: Keys to Good Financial Planning
May 21, 2013
A financial plan is like a roadmap. When you move to a new city, or travel to an area that you’re unfamiliar with, you need to chart the way to your next destination. It’s the same with financial planning. Here to help you navigate, with some...Read more
Small and Easy Ways to Save
May 13, 2013
So, you’ve decided to start saving. The accounts are ready and the goals are set — you just need a few more ideas on where the extra money is going to come from. To get those saving wheels turning, we’ve put together a list of 10 simple tips to...Read more
How to Start Saving
May 6, 2013
Maybe you’ve read the news stories about how few Canadians currently have savings, or you’ve decided to accumulate savings as part of an overdue New Year’s resolution. Whatever the reason, having savings has major benefits — and here are some easy...Read more
Guest Blog: Eating Healthy on a Budget
Jan 21, 2013
January already ... the calendars have been changed and the time for acting on our good intentions for the year is here! Improving health and diet as well as finances are typically high on Canadians’ New Year’s resolution lists; statistically, however,...Read more
How to Resist the Impulse Buy
Dec 3, 2012
Oh, the impulse to buy — so hard to resist. And apparently the majority of us don’t. According to a recent Bank of Montreal survey, 59 per cent of people admitted to impulse shopping, done mostly to cheer themselves up. If you frequently make...Read more
Grown-Up Kids Meet Money
Nov 26, 2012
Shipping kids off on their own: the day many parents love and loathe, both counting the days to and reminiscing about how fast it all went. Since money management is a huge part of flying solo we’ve shared a few thoughts to consider when you pass along...Read more
8 Planning and Spending Tips for the Holiday Season
Nov 19, 2012
The approaching holiday season can bring opportunities for celebration and reconnecting with loved ones, but the financial demands and pressures can cause many consumers to turn to credit to cover seasonal costs, resulting in debt-stress that endures...Read more
Teens and Their Dollars
Sep 17, 2012
If you’ve got a teen (or pre-teen) under your roof, you’ve likely noticed that besides a scarcity of food, what was once a sufficient allowance or financial life lesson for Junior (i.e. “do your chores, don’t spend it all at the candy shop”)...Read more
Starting Kids’ Allowances
Sep 10, 2012
When it comes to children, one of the myriad goals in raising them is to teach them enough about money that they are able to become financially independent once they reach adulthood. Many adults relate that their own problems with finances and budgeting stem...Read more
5 Ways to Beat Financial Stress
Aug 27, 2012
Financial stress — it can be a vicious cycle, really. From life events (divorce, illness or job loss) to life lessons (overspending, poor budgeting), debts and other financial responsibilities can really pile up. Once the stress starts many people wind...Read more
Spring-Clean your Monthly Expenses
Apr 10, 2012
As the days get lighter and the weather (hopefully) improves, there’s less and less doubt about it – spring is here! Like most people, you’ve probably accumulated a list of springtime to-do’s around the house throughout the winter. But don’t...Read more
Categories
Featured Blogs
How Do I Get a Consumer Proposal Loan?
Jul 10, 2023
Consumer Proposals are a unique solution for Canadians to consolidate and cut their debts, without needing new financing or loans. Read on to understand how filing a Consumer Proposal works, how you can finish a Consumer Proposal early – and why you should...Read more
What Happens When You Can’t Pay Your Debt?
Jul 10, 2019
Money problems often sneak up on consumers, and few people are prepared to face unexpected financial hardships that leave them unable to repay their debts as planned. If you’re worried about being unable to pay your credit cards or other debts, read on to...Read more
