Is it even possible to throw a kid’s birthday party on a budget? We’ve got some tips to save money and still have fun
Manage Money Better
We’re passionate about helping you develop money skills. Check out these informative blog posts about improving your money smarts and managing money better.
What Does It Mean to Be Intentional With Spending?
Here’s a closer look at what it means to be intentional with your spending – and how you can adopt this way of living to help you get out of debt.
How to Lower Your Fixed Monthly Expenses to Pay Down Debt Faster
How to Lower Your Fixed Monthly Expenses to Pay Down Debt Faster By Carmen Chan You’ve got your mortgage and car loan to pay, credit card...
Is Your Young Gen Z-er Ready for a ‘Fin Lit’ Final Exam?
Faced with rising costs, increasing debt levels, and a turbulent housing market, the more financial literacy and know-how a GenZ is equipped with, the better.
Thinking of Taking Your CPP Retirement Income Benefits Early?
Thinking of Taking Your CPP Retirement Income Benefits Early? Financial, mental, and physical health are key factors to consider before making...
5 Things to Do For a Financial Reset
How do you chart a path to achieve our goals this year? Here are practical steps to get your financial house in order by the end of the year.
How to Cope When You’re Affected by a Natural Disaster Like a Wildfire or Flood
The time to make a plan for how to weather the storm, financially and otherwise, is before you’re affected, but if you’re looking at a situation like this right now, here’s what you can do.
Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Money Skills
When it comes to person finances, if you’ve asked yourself, “Why didn’t they teach us about this in school?!” you’re not alone. Here’s how to improve your financial knowledge and skills.
Keep Home Renovation Costs from Breaking Your Budget
Home renovation costs can be hard for anyone’s budget. Proper planning and preparation are key. Here are some tips to remodel without breaking the bank.
So Much to Lose if You Don’t File Taxes – File & Benefit Your Budget
Learn why you should file your taxes, the federal benefits tied to personal income tax returns and penalties for filing late. Call for help 1-888-527-8999.
Tips to ‘Spring Clean’ Your Finances for Fraud Prevention Month
It’s Fraud Prevention Month, it’s also a time when we’re gearing up for spring cleaning, here’s how ‘tidying up’ your finances can help you avoid fraud.
Don’t Just Cure Your Financial Hangover, Avoid It Altogether
Our healthy money tips can help you build up your resilience and avoid the dreaded ‘financial hangover.’
How is Your Credit Score Calculated?
Financial Literacy Month (FLM) is a great time to check in with your money. Here are some helpful tips for improving finances during FLM.
How Can Financial Literacy Month Help Improve Your Finances?
Financial Literacy Month (FLM) is a great time to check in with your money. Here are some helpful tips for improving finances during FLM.
An Instant Online Payday Loan Won’t Solve Your Money Problem
An instant online payday loan might seem like a solution to your problem. But using high-interest credit to make ends-meet can cause hardship.
7 Tips to Fight the High Cost of Living and Deal with Money Problems
To manage higher grocery, housing, and utility costs, it’s crucial to focus on things you can control. Here are 7 tips you can implement right away.
4 Tips to Change New Year’s Resolutions Into Results
Achieving your New Year’s financial goals can be tough as your motivation can wane in later months. Here are 4 tips that will help you change your resolutions into results.
The Pressure of Social Media on Spending & Credit Card Bills
Social media has its place but it has taken buying what we want vs. what we need to new heights. Awareness is key to taking back control of your money.
Convince a Landlord to Rent to You Even with Past Credit Problems
If you’ve had past credit problems and are afraid of a credit check, show how you’re resolving problems, create a solid budget, and follow these best practices.
6 Personal Money Management Tips Successful People Follow
Do you want in on a secret? Financially successful people have good personal money management habits. Here are 6 you can do too, plus simple how-to tips.
Personal Budgeting Tips & Tricks for Post-Pandemic Spending
Practical budgeting tricks for beginners and the experienced alike to help keep your catch-up spending within your means and easy on your wallet post-pandemic.
Enter the #LearnWithCCS Contest for Chances to Win $50
Join the #LearnWithCCS gift card draw for monthly chances to win $50 while learning how to use money wisely and get out or stay out of debt. Entering is free!
The Pros & Cons of Budgeting Apps for Canadians
Budgeting apps can be a great tool to help manage your spending, but they don’t work for everyone. Here are some pros and cons to consider before downloading.
Filing Taxes in Canada: Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
Need to file your taxes soon? Here’s how to decide if you should do it yourself or hire a professional tax preparer, including key filing preparation tips.
Keep Your Money Safe with These Personal Security Tips
It’s important to know how to guard your hard-earned money from scams and fraud as criminals get better at stealing. Here are 5 ways to help protect yourself.
13 Hidden Ways to Save Money on Groceries
Did you know that Canadian families can spend over $1000 a month on groceries? Stretch your grocery budget money further with these 13 hidden ways to save.
Top 10 Budgeting Tips to Start Using for Financial Literacy Month
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Financial Literacy Month in Canada, here are 10 top budgeting tips to help you manage your money and debt better.
2 Bills to Watch Out for After Receiving CERB & Payment Deferrals
The CERB and payment deferrals have costs that Canadians might not expect or be prepared for. Here are 2 bills to watch out for and how to be ready for them.
Five Reasons to Avoid Instant Payday Loans
Emergencies can happen anytime and when you’re not prepared financially, you might be tempted to take out a payday loan. Here’s why not to & what to do instead.
I Need Financial Help Right Now – Immediately
If you are struggling with your finances and you’re thinking, “I need financial help right now! Fast!” We can help you.
Starting a Side Hustle? Make These Reality Checks First
Side hustles are a popular way to make extra income, but they can do more harm than good. Here are 4 reality checks to make before you start one.
Steps for Effective Personal Finance Management and Planning
For some people, personal finance management is a passionate hobby, while for others it’s a daunting chore. Either way, personal financial planning – including budgeting, tracking your spending, and saving – is crucial if you want to get out of debt and reach your financial goals.
Avoid an Unexpected Financial Crisis & What to Do If Disaster Strikes
Sometimes catastrophe strikes and we end up in a financial crisis. From natural disasters, large-scale pay system errors, illnesses, or sweeping layoffs, Canadians can face major financial emergencies, leaving them suddenly without steady pay or on the hook for significant expenses.
4 Common Financial Goals – How to Make Them SMART & Be Successful
Here are 4 of the most common financial goals we hear and what to do to make them SMART. A goal that is specific becomes measurable. Once it’s measurable, you can ensure it’s attainable and realistic.
New Year’s Resolutions: How to Set and Achieve Specific Financial Goals in 2020
New Year’s Resolutions: How to Set and Achieve Specific Financial Goals in 2020 I want to lose weight. I want to save more money. I want to...
9 Things to Do for a Financially Successful 2020
As yet another year draws to a close and a new decade begins, it’s time to reflect on the past 12 months, how you’ve fared with paying off debt, managing your budget, and what you’d like to do with the year ahead.
Income & Expense Tool: The Simplest Way to Track Your Money
Looking for the simplest way to track your money? Our income & expense alternative budgeting tool will help you manage your finances with ease.
Financial Goals Feel Unrealistic? Here’s What to Do
Working towards your financial goals is a great, proactive move, but if goals are unrealistic, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment and veering off track.
Money Management Basics: Top Tips for How to Manage Your Money
From paying off debt to creating an emergency fund and getting savings in the bank, your financial fate hinges on key money management basics. Getting familiar with the fundamentals of how to manage money lays the groundwork to achieving your financial goals.
3 Strategies to Manage Money as a Couple with Debt or Income Disparity
Managing money as a couple can be tricky to sort out with two incomes and two financial situations merging. While you’re trying to manage money jointly, there could be major disparities in pay, previous debt loads and differences in budget and lifestyle expenses.
What Winter Storms Teach Us About Smart Money Management
The severe winter storms in both Canada and the States should cause us to think about our finances. Three smart money management tips gleaned from Old Man Winter include saving on heating costs, planning for emergencies, and preventing costly health and medical expenses.
Facing a Pay Cut or Reduced Income? Here’s What to Do Right Now
Facing a pay cut is scary, but there are steps you can take now to protect your money and finances. Here’s what to focus on when your income will be reduced.
Kick Start Your Debt Repayment with a Cash Only Diet
Personal finance experts swear by a cash-only diet to kick start challenging goals. It’s often recommended because it force you to do two important things…
How to Spot Early Warning Signs of Financial Problems
It’s always surprising how so many people seem to be doing fine with their finances and then within a fairly short amount of time they encounter serious financial difficulties…
7 Ways to Protect Yourself from Rising Interest Rates in Canada
Today the Bank of Canada raised the interest rate that all banks base their Prime rate on, and if this continues, what can you do to protect yourself from rising interest rates? Here are 7 ways…
What to Do If You Need Help with Your Personal Finances
When life presents us with challenges, we think “We can handle it.” And sometimes we wonder, “Maybe I need help immediately.” This is no different for our personal finances…
How to Set Financial Goals in the New Year
Getting our finances in order is a common New Year’s resolution, and one of the best things you can do to achieve this is to know how to set financial goals.
6 Personal Finance Tips to Help You Achieve Financial Freedom
Financial freedom is something many of us hope to achieve in the future, and developing good personal finance habits now can make a world of difference down the road.
Managing Money and Debt Wisely
Canadians are becoming more and more indebted. Debt will follow you for a long time and can affect your credit rating. Getting a credit card, a job or even an apartment can be difficult…
5 Reasons Why You Should Avoid a Cash Advance
Getting a cash advance on your credit card may sound like a convenient way to get money when you’re in a bind, but there’s a steep price to pay for the convenience. In the long run, it’s usually in your best interest to avoid a cash advance and to look into other options, which we’ll discuss in this article.
How to Manage Money Better with These 6 Money Management Tips
Knowing how to manage money better is a key to achieving your financial goals. Knowing how to manage your finances takes some time, but incorporating these tips will set you on the right track.
Money Tips – 8 More Money Mistakes That Will Keep You Broke
A while ago we shared some common money mistakes people make, and a lot of you asked for more money tips. So, here are eight more money mistakes that keep a lot of people in the “being broke” cycle.’><meta name="twitter:site" content="@CrdtCounselSoc
Ways to Help Students Learn About Money | Classroom Financial Literacy
Financial literacy isn’t something we are born with, but it is as important a life skill as reading, writing and arithmetic. As parents struggle to do the best they can, they often don’t…
Moving from Vancouver to Toronto, How to Manage Transition Costs
Moving across the country from Vancouver to Toronto for your spouse’s work might be an exciting career opportunity, so plan ahead to make the transition time and budget as easy as possible.
Save on Cable Bills, Cell Phones & Bank Fees, Spring Clean Finances
Clean up your finances with these spring cleaning tips. How to save and spend less on cable, cell phone bills, bank fees and more.
How to Break the RRSP Loan Cycle | Invest in RRSPs Without Borrowing
Rather than playing catch up each year with a loan, you need a plan that will allow you to make monthly contributions without borrowing…
Retired and in Financial Trouble? Here’s What to Do
Taking action instead of worrying about your financial situation and debt problems will get your retirement back on track and make your golden years truly golden…
Helping Employees Who Are Struggling with Financial Difficulties
When we see a friend, employee, co-worker or family member struggling to cope with everyday life it’s hard not to become concerned. Thinking that there might be more involved…
5 Tricks to Keep Your Cash Safe from Yourself | Controlling Spending
Creating special occasions to justify our spending can be extremely costly. So, here are 5 tricks to keep your cash safe from yourself with some wise words from a lucky leprechaun…
How to Avoid Freedom 85 – Tips to Retire Debt Free
From high consumer debt levels to interest rate hikes, Canadians need to change how they plan financially for retirement and more importantly, start actively planning for their golden years…
How to Turn New Year’s Resolutions into Results
New Year’s resolutions are easy to break so change your language: instead of resolutions, refer to them as goals which imply progress, steps, measurable achievements, setbacks and successes…
How to Weather the Financial Storms of Life | Preparing for Problems
Life events happen to us all, they can either be positive or devastating. Preparation is the key to surviving these unavoidable life events financially intact…
Checklist for Snowbirds Heading South
As with any travel plans, you’re wise to consider the financial implications of your decision ahead of time, and then prepare accordingly. Here’s a checklist to get you started…
Before Interest Rates Rise, Take Steps to Get Out of Debt
It’s become so normal to owe on credit cards, lines of credit and loans that most people don’t know how to live without debt…most have grown up seeing debt as a normal part of living…
How to Protect Yourself from Higher Costs of Living
In the excitement of buying a first home, many people spend more time deciding on paint colours than on establishing a contingency plan for when their circumstances will change…
Financial Management & Planning for the Future
Wouldn’t it be great to wake up and know exactly what the day held in store for you? Financially speaking, wouldn’t it be great to know what the next few months or years might mean to you?…
How to Manage Your Money the S.M.A.R.T. Way
It’s not how much you make, but what you do with what you’ve got. Proper money management doesn’t involve a magic formula; it simply means getting the most from the money you have…
Should you buy your next big screen TV in Canada?
There are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about making large purchases, like TV’s and electronics, south of the border…
Don’t let your worst financial fears become your reality
While some people are proactive and plan for the unexpected, the vast majority are reactive, living paycheque to paycheque rather than planning ahead – you may be setting yourself up for disaster…
Why You Should File a Tax Return Even If You Owe Money
Tempting as it may be, procrastinating to file your taxes will only make it worse. Filing late might mean that with interest and penalties, your balance owing is only that much more painful…
The 7 Smartest Things You Can Do to Improve Your Finances
Have you ever wondered what the best things are that you can do for your financial future? Here is our list of the 7 smartest things anyone can do for their finances…
One of the Biggest Retirement Mistakes
Without a plan to reduce your debt level, your debts, unfortunately, may not face retirement at the same time you do…
The Easiest Way to Prevent Financial Problems: Get Organized
People have financial problems for all sorts of reasons. The simple truth is that many people’s finances are completely disorganized. If you can’t find your bills, how are you supposed to…
Why Does It Feel Like Managing Money Is So Much Work?
Why does it feel like managing my money is so much work? It’s hard to stay focused. What can I do?…
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Get answers from an expert.
With so many debt consolidation options out there, it can feel overwhelming to try and find the right one by yourself. One of our professional credit counsellors would be happy to guide you through this process by carefully reviewing your whole financial situation with you and answering any questions you have. Speaking with our certified counsellors is always free, confidential and without obligation.