Debt-Free Living

Tax Debt Tips

Mar 24, 2014

Your slips are all in, the forms compiled and submitted and you’re waiting for the bottom line.  A triumph for those expecting money back, or a nerve-wracking wait for those with a bill – yes, it’s tax time!  If you’re in the category of people who...Read more

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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

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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

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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

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More “I Wish I Knew” Entries!

Jan 27, 2014

Although there could only be one grand prize winner, there were several other great entries in our Financial Literacy Month video contest.  Watch these notable entries below to see what financial tip or lesson contestants shared: Thank you to all our...Read more

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“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

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‘Twas the Debt after Christmas

Dec 30, 2013

No matter how much you did or didn’t celebrate the holidays, January can leave many people feeling financially low.  There’s a lot of winter left and maybe not much keeping the bank accounts warm…  Read on for some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to...Read more

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Guest Blog: Holiday Décor on a Budget- Part 2

Dec 16, 2013

Festive ambiance doesn’t have to overwhelm your budget - our guest blogger Melissa shares some Do’s and Don’ts for holiday decorating on a budget.  Be sure to check out the accompanying post to this special guest blog for more tips! DO light your...Read more

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Guest Blog: Holiday Décor on a Budget- Part I

Dec 9, 2013

Love the look of designer trees but loathe the costs?  Want to ‘Wow’ your guests this year without breaking the bank?  Check out our special guest blog for tips on stunning holiday décor from design and décor pro Melissa Laithwaite: Designer trees...Read more

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O’ Holiday Budget

Nov 25, 2013

Our newest infographic, with holiday spending stats and tips to keep your financial health this season! To arrange a free and confidential debt consultation to discuss your debt resolution options in one of our local BC offices please contact...Read more

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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

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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

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Put the Trick in Treat this Halloween!

Sep 30, 2013

To arrange a free and confidential debt consultation to discuss your debt resolution options in one of our local BC offices please contact...Read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Kicking the Post-Holiday Financial Blues

Jan 7, 2013

The merriment of the holidays has passed and if you found that your wallet was hit harder than your diet (even with all that eggnog), read on for some ways to make a new financial start this year: Brew a fresh Budget:  If your festivities got the better...Read more

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Holiday Spending by the Numbers

Dec 13, 2012

To arrange a free and confidential consultation regarding your debt resolution options please contact...Read more

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Guest Blog: A Low Cost Christmas

Dec 10, 2012

Celebrating Christmas without breaking the bank account – is it actually possible? Our Quebecois friends at Pierre Roy & Associates, advisors in financial restructuring and bankruptcy trustees, have shared a few tips with us to limit the consequences of...Read more

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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

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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

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