The Credit Counselling Society Marks Milestone of Helping 1 Million Consumers

Debt Relief and New Money Skills Help Restore Financial Peace of Mind

By Monika Ritchie

One-million clients helped is an impressive milestone, but for those at the Credit Counselling Society (CCS) it’s also bittersweet.

“We are honoured to have been able to support so many individuals on their journey to becoming debt free and more financially literate,” states Peta Wales, CCS President & CEO. “However, the increasing numbers of client inquiries also highlights that a lot more Canadians are struggling with their finances and need our help.”

Isaiah Chan, VP of Programs & Services at CCS added, “It’s a significant milestone, supporting one million clients. But what all of us at the organization understand is that as financial challenges continue to impact Canadians, we have a responsibility to help as many individuals as we can.”

Those stressed out, panicked, or otherwise nervous first-time callers, are often pleasantly surprised to hear a friendly voice when they get up the courage to call.

“We do our best to provide a calm, friendly, understanding voice to all of our callers but especially with the first time-callers,” says Daniela Keall, client care specialist at CCS. “When a person has been struggling with their finances for any amount of time, they’re usually expecting the worst when they reach out for help. We try to flip that script and greet them with compassion.”

With more than one-in-three (36%) Canadians reporting that they feel anxious about their financial situation, Jeff Maskell, CCS’s director of Client Care, says a little kindness can go a long way.

“Client care is the first point of contact for many of our potential clients,” he explains. “When people reach out to us, they’re anxious about their financial future and feel like they’re out of options. So, a crucial part of the requirements for folks who work in Client Care, and throughout the organization, is compassion, kindness, and objectivity.”

Financial Education Wherever and Whenever it’s Needed

Financial education is a crucial part of the services offered by CCS, as is ensuring that clients can access it as conveniently as possible, explains Manraj Waraich, education specialist at CCS. “Knowledge is power and a solution to an individual’s debt situation needs to include an aspect of financial literacy education. It empowers clients to take charge of their situation and develop a sustainable plan for their financial future,” she adds.

Amanda Martin, partnership & education specialist, encourages anyone who’s interested in becoming more financially fluent to access the fun, free, and interactive webinars available on CCS’s website. “We have webinars on a variety of relatable personal finance topics. You don’t have to be in financial trouble to register for a webinar or check out our learning hub, those are available for free to anyone who’s interested.”

Questions for a Credit Counsellor

Individuals call CCS with questions and concerns as unique as they are. Inquiries can range from, “What can I do about all this debt?” or “How do I budget with decreased income?” all the way to: “Can I go on a spending spree with my credit cards and THEN claim bankruptcy?” (Spoiler alert: “Your creditors will likely oppose your bankruptcy filing, but it’s great you called to ask first!”)

Danielle Scott, a counselling trainer at CCS says, “After sharing their situation with their credit counsellor, sometimes clients ask us if their situation is the worst they’ve ever seen. We don’t gauge our clients or our cases like that. We don’t track who’s ‘better or worse.’ The goal is always to provide the services and support best suited to each individual’s or family’s situation.”

We Love What We Do But…

CCS helps over 70,000 people a year, in person and remotely. The number is increasing everyday, but Anne Arbour, Director of Partnerships & Education at CCS says the organization is ready for it. “Moving forward, we’re working to get help to as many people as possible. We love what we do but we wish there wasn’t such a need for it.”

Meeting Clients ‘Where They Are’ Since 1996

Whether it’s in person, over the phone, or online, CCS has spent almost 30 years ‘meeting clients where they are.’ After so many years of listening to, counselling, and interacting with clients, the organization has seen many changes, but how clients are treated always remains the same at CCS.

Mason Cox, Director of Counselling, points out, there is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution for those reaching out for help. “Every financial situation is unique to the client who’s going through it. So, while the solutions and resources we offer are individualized and based on each client’s specific needs; we treat everyone who reaches out to us with respect, compassion, and objectivity, regardless of their current financial situation or past mistakes.”

Wondering What CCS Can Do For Your and Your Finances? Reach Out!

The best way to find out if the Credit Counselling Society can help you with your financial situation is to contact us directly. To speak with someone in person, call 1-888-527-8999 and you’ll be connected to a friendly client care specialist. Not as comfortable talking on the phone as we are? No problem! You can also email: info@nomoredebts.org or chat anonymously online.