If you’re a BC consumer looking for options to consolidate your debt, have debts forgiven, or simply get a plan to better manage your debt, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee is your best ally. We are Canada’s only official debt help professionals dedicated and qualified to support individuals and business owners dealing with debt.
Sands & Associates is BC’s largest firm of Licensed Insolvency Trustees focused exclusively on debt help solutions for consumers and we have been serving BC communities from our local offices since 1990. Our experienced, caring experts offer debt help with a supportive, empathetic and non-judgmental approach – a long-standing fundamental value of Sands & Associates.
- Sands & Associates’ Vernon Licensed Insolvency Trustees are available 7 days a week with support, solutions, and resources to assist you in achieving your debt-free goals.
- BC residents can access Sands & Associates’ full suite of debt help services by phone, online video, and in-person meetings at local Sands & Associates offices.
“I have been dealing with Sands & Associates for one year now. They are highly professional, easy to understand and very understanding. There was no judgment on their end and the whole process of a consumer proposal was made easy.
They were able to reduce my debt load substantially and eliminate the stress on my monthly finances. I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel and a bright future for myself and my family. I highly recommend them to anyone who is struggling in life. All from the comfort of your home also!” – Sands & Associates Client
Take 30 minutes to talk with a non-judgmental debt expert and get a debt-free plan that’s right for you.
How Can Sands & Associates Help Me with My Debt?
As Licensed Insolvency Trustees we are uniquely qualified and endorsed by the Canadian government to help people restructure or eliminate their debts. Sands & Associates has a team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees, Estate Managers, and Insolvency Counsellors who can help you get out of debt for good and support you along the way.
Some common areas of debt help we provide guidance and resources on include, but are not limited to:
- Assessing your financial situation and debts together during a free, confidential consultation.
- Explaining, comparing, and working through debt management options such as:
- Debt consolidation loans
- Credit counselling programs
- Consumer Proposals
- Personal bankruptcy
- Reviewing whether or not a debt is payable or collectible, and if a debt may be statute-barred.
- Discussing the unique aspects of different types of debts (secured VS unsecured, etc.).
- Outlining solutions that can stop wage garnishment or other collection actions.
- Dealing with consumer debts such as credit cards and payday loans, as well as government debts like taxes or student loans.
Is a Consumer Proposal the Same as Filing for Bankruptcy?
No – although Consumer Proposals and personal bankruptcy are both options that only a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help with, they are not the same thing.
These two distinctly different debt solutions are governed by Federal legislation which serves to ensure that consumers are protected from virtually all creditors and afforded a transparent process – but they follow two separate sets of rules outlined in the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act when it comes to key components. A Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you understand the pros and cons to Consumer Proposals VS bankruptcy, including but not limited to:
- How much debt can be forgiven, or how much debt may be repaid.
- How long the process lasts.
- Credit rating impacts.
View an Infographic Comparing Consumer Proposals and Personal Bankruptcy
Can I Make a Consumer Proposal if I Have Bad Credit?
Licensed Insolvency Trustees offer debt help to people regardless of their credit score or credit history, and when it comes to consolidating your debt with a Consumer Proposal there is no new lending involved, so a credit check to determine eligibility is not required.
Many individuals who decide to deal with their debts using a Consumer Proposal (or through declaring bankruptcy) have ‘good’ credit ratings but recognize that at their current rate of repayment they will be paying significant interest charges and/or paying down their debt for many years (or decades) to come.
Can I Do a Consumer Proposal on My Own?
In Canada you need to work with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to do a Consumer Proposal. Licensed Insolvency Trustees are the only professionals legally authorized to offer this unique consolidation and debt settlement tool to Canadians.
There is no cost to connect directly with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to explore whether a Consumer Proposal may be a suitable consolidation option for your debt.
How Do I Declare Bankruptcy in Canada?
Services for personal bankruptcy or business bankruptcy filings in Canada must be done by working with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Your Licensed Insolvency Trustee will help you throughout the process, including filing the documents necessary to start the official bankruptcy proceeding.
There is no need to hire a lawyer or get a referral to discuss whether personal bankruptcy or business bankruptcy may be a solution recommended for your situation – just talk directly with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.
Debt Consultations with Sands & Associates
We believe that money problems can happen to anyone at any time, and we are proud to offer supportive debt help to all members of the communities we serve.
Dealing with debt can feel overwhelming and it is our goal that by the end of your 30-minute consultation you will have peace of mind and a clear outline of the next steps so that you can be confident in the debt-free plan you choose.
Sands & Associates’ debt consultations are always free and confidential.
Ready to take the first step towards your debt-free future? Book Your Free Consultation