My Spouse is Filing for Bankruptcy – Now What?
Jan 10, 2020
As Licensed Insolvency Trustees (formerly known as Trustees in Bankruptcy) we often receive questions from the spouse or common-law partner of someone who is considering filing for bankruptcy. Along with wanting to be supportive of their partner’s financial...Read more
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
Paying Off Credit Card Debt – 3 Problems to Avoid
Nov 19, 2019
With millions of 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 and...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
Office Spotlight: Sands & Associates Penticton
Sep 16, 2019
If you are looking for advice to better manage your debts, need help comparing debt consolidation options, or are seeking debt relief through bankruptcy services, the caring team of debt experts at Sands & Associates is here to help you. Licensed...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
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...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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dealing With a Debt Problem? Here’s What to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)
Apr 29, 2019
Dealing with unmanageable debt can become a long-term problem for many individuals and, as Licensed Insolvency Trustees, sadly we often work with people who have realized too late that the steps they’ve been taking to try to fix their debt problems have...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
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
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
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
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
Not All is Created Equal When it Comes to Debt – Breakfast Television Vancouver
Jan 31, 2019
Most Canadians are carrying some type of debt, from a mortgage to a student loan to a (or several!) credit card. But what many consumers don’t consider, is that not all types of debt are created equal and it’s important to take stock before taking on the...Read more
4 Debt Help Resources Everyone Should Know About
Jan 29, 2019
As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, we have the legal authority and expertise to help you get out of debt. For many people that come to see us, some of the best value we provide is to give coaching and education about what resources exist for consumers faced...Read more
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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
