Expert Debt Advice

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

Read more

Mistakes Not to Make When Dealing with Debt

Nov 28, 2019

Deciding to take proactive measures to get out of debt is an important step in taking charge of your financial future. Unfortunately, some actions can have unforeseen consequences and ultimately cause setbacks in meeting your debt-free goals. November is...Read more

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more

4 Actions That Can Hurt A Credit Rating

Oct 1, 2019

Local Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Vice-President of Sands & Associates Blair Mantin meets with people every day who are looking for solutions to help them manage debt. Whether ultimately trying to pay off debt or boost their credit score, as a debt...Read more

Read more

Office Spotlight: Sands & Associates Penticton

Sep 16, 2019

Sands & Associates is pleased to announce we are adding to our local office network in the Thompson-Okanagan region with the opening of our newest office in Penticton. Since 1990 Sands & Associates has served a network of local offices across the...Read more

Read more

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

Read more

How Bankruptcy Protects Your Assets

Sep 11, 2019

Many people facing a serious debt problem avoid considering bankruptcy as a solution because they believe filing bankruptcy will cause them to lose their personal assets or put their income at risk. Contrary to popular belief, the truth is that filing a...Read more

Read more

An Overview of Seize or Sue and Vehicle Loans in BC

Sep 3, 2019

As Licensed Insolvency Trustees we are often contacted by people who have vehicle loans or leases but can no longer afford to maintain their ongoing payments. In BC there are laws under the Personal Property Security Act (“PPSA”) that can help consumers...Read more

Read more

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

Read more

Signs of a Debt Problem You Shouldn’t Ignore

Aug 7, 2019

Warning signs of debt problems may be more subtle than you’d expect, and as consumers across Canada cope with more financial obstacles than ever before, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint when personal debt doesn’t just mean payments you make, but...Read more

Read more

Office Spotlight: Sands & Associates Duncan

Jul 22, 2019

Sands & Associates is pleased to announce the opening of our newest Vancouver Island office in Duncan BC! Since its founding in 1990, Sands & Associates has grown to a network of local offices throughout the province and we are proud to help more...Read more

Read more

Office Spotlight: Sands & Associates Colwood

Jul 15, 2019

One of our four Vancouver Island locations, Sands & Associates’ Colwood office serves local residents of Colwood, Langford and surrounding areas. Our friendly team of debt management experts helps individuals and small businesses assess their debt...Read more

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

Read more

Why Your Credit Rating is the Wrong Indicator of Your Financial Health

Jul 3, 2019

Although many consumers aren’t totally clear on what a credit score really means, most are concerned about their credit rating when it comes to evaluating their financial health. Learn why your credit rating is often the wrong measure, how focusing on your...Read more

Read more

An Overview of Wage Garnishment in BC

Jun 24, 2019

Wage garnishments or seizures are an extreme collection method that creditors may use to recover money owed to them. Facing a wage garnishment can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming, and many people don’t know what their rights and remedies are in the...Read more

Read more

What You Need to Know Before Consolidating Debt

Jun 10, 2019

First off – what do we mean by ‘debt consolidation’? Debt consolidation is a term that you hear a lot, and it typically means that you combine all of your debt into a single monthly payment, rather than paying each of your debts separately each month....Read more

Read more

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

Read more

Bankruptcy Basics Explained

May 14, 2019

The 12-month period ending December 31 2018 saw over 10,000 BC consumers turn to insolvency legislation for debt relief. Over 4,000 of those people filed personal bankruptcy, and debt industry experts are predicting that annual filings will rise over the next...Read more

Read more

5 Ways to Make Your Debt Problem Worse

Apr 29, 2019

It can take a long time to realize that your slowly-accumulating debts have become a problem too big to handle alone. Many people struggle for months and even years to get out of debt before seeking the help of a professional. Sadly, sometimes people learn...Read more

Read more

Comparing Debt Management Plans – Pros and Cons of Consumer Debt Solutions

Apr 15, 2019

Many people feel unsure what to look for, consider, or even where to start when evaluating resources they have to manage debt. Fortunately, you are not alone in navigating these decisions. Every day Licensed Insolvency Trustees help individuals do just this,...Read more

Read more

4 Common Causes of Tax Debt (and What to Do if you Can’t Pay)

Apr 2, 2019

While filing an income tax return might be a financial win if you’re expecting a refund, it can be a huge source of stress if you’re one of the thousands of Canadians who have unpaid tax debt. Blair Mantin, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Senior...Read more

Read more

Risky and Riskier – Understanding Payday and Brokered Cash Loans

Feb 25, 2019

When it comes to alternative borrowing, payday loans are about as risky as it gets. Payday loans are often used as a way to get access to credit quickly, regardless of your credit history or score. Here’s how it works: Payday loans are short-term loans...Read more

Read more

Why Financial Advisors Need to Know a Debt Expert

Feb 21, 2019

“Knowing is not owing” isn’t just good advice for those in debt; if you’re a specialist in the financial industry, here’s why you should have a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (formerly called Bankruptcy Trustees) within your professional...Read more

Read more

What’s the Difference Between Credit Counselling and Debt Consolidation?

Feb 11, 2019

One of the first debt management tools most people research is a debt consolidation loan. Another debt solution that is a type of debt consolidation is a credit counselling program, often known as a Debt Management Plan (“DMP”). Although both options can...Read more

Read more