In the Media

Managing Debt During COVID-19 – and Planning for the Future

May 26, 2020

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many BC consumers were in precarious financial situations, leading to recent increases in personal bankruptcy and Consumer Proposal filings. As recently as February 2020, province-wide filings for bankruptcies and...Read more

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5 Free Debt Management Resources

May 12, 2020

Each year thousands of consumers across the province seek professional debt help solutions from Licensed Insolvency Trustees, Canada’s only government-endorsed debt management professional. For most of these people, knowing what debt management resources...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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5 Myths about Tax Debt

Mar 10, 2020

Although Canada Revenue Agency states that 9 out of 10 individuals who owe tax pay it on time, that still leaves a large number of Canadians carrying tax debt every year – adding up to billions in tax debt outstanding. With this year’s tax season upon...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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New Consumer Debt Study Suggests Debt Education Lacking

Feb 14, 2020

The 2019 BC Consumer Debt Study recently released by BC Licensed Insolvency Trustees Sands & Associates has local debt help professionals concerned about where the apparent lack of financial literacy and specifically awareness of debt help may be leaving...Read more

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Insolvent Consumers Weigh in on Warning Signs of Debt Problems

Feb 13, 2020

It may be one thing to hear financial advice and warnings from professionals and analysts, but it can be quite another to hear that advice from someone who’s lived through their financial tipping point. The recently released annual BC Consumer Debt Study...Read more

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The True Cost of Debt – Beyond Financial Impacts

Feb 12, 2020

A new BC Consumer Debt Study recently released by Sands & Associates, the province’s largest firm of Licensed Insolvency Trustees focused exclusively on debt help for consumers and small businesses revealed startling findings, digging deep beyond the...Read more

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Consumer Debt Study Reveals Insights into Debt Problems in BC

Feb 10, 2020

The latest annual BC Consumer Debt Study was released today by Sands & Associates, and findings may be surprising - especially for consumers who think they’re safe from the potential pitfalls of debt. Senior Vice-President of Sands & Associates...Read more

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Credit Card Debt Driving Insolvencies – Even for Consumers with Full-Time Employment and Good Credit Scores

Feb 10, 2020

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – February 10, 2020 Working full-time and hold a good credit score? That might not be enough to keep a debt problem from setting in. A new BC debt study shows over 70% of BC residents who filed for bankruptcy or made a...Read more

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4 Warning Signs of a Debt Problem

Feb 3, 2020

With New Year’s resolutions still fresh and season’s spending bills looming, many consumers may be considering their financial status this time of year. Blair Mantin, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Vice-President of Sands & Associates meets with...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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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

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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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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 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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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

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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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