Gail Vaz-Oxlade helps consumers figure out who the “crappy credit counsellors” are on her radio Toronto show, The Late Shift.
Financial Education
We’re passionate about helping you develop money skills.
Objective, Non-Profit Debt Consolidation Advice in Canada
If you’ve been declined for a debt consolidation loan and are struggling to keep up with your bills, don’t let stress and worry get to you. A Canadian non-profit service can help you…
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…
Keep Valentine’s Day Affordable, It’s the Thought That Counts
Find ways to stick to your budget when you think about what to do for Valentine’s Day. It’s really about the thought you put into showing someone how special they are, not the price tag.
Overview of How to Get Out of Debt in Canada
Here is a quick overview of how to get out of debt along with tips and advice to help you succeed.
How to Help Your Teenager Learn to Budget & Save
My teenager has been working, but seems to spend his money as fast as he can earn it. What can I suggest to him so that he learns how to budget and save?…
How to Build New Year’s Goals & Plans
We can’t seem to get ahead financially and the thought of living ultra-frugally for next 30 years so we can retire comfortably, is not very appealing. Where do we go from here?…
How to Save Time and Money on Christmas Gifts
Finding even an hour to look at your budget and plan your gift list will save you the nightmare of Christmas past when the bills arrive in January. Here are some things to consider…
Saving Face – Manage Money & Budget to Avoid Financial Crisis
Managing money & personal budgeting is hard. Learn how to save face when friends want to go out. You can avoid a financial crisis & still have fun.
Credit Counselling Society’s Scott Hannah Awarded Honorary Doctorate
We are pleased to share that Scott Hannah, President & CEO of the Credit Counselling Society, has been recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from University Canada West…
Canadian Consumer Debt Increases 53% in 5 Years
CCS has seen the debt load of Canadians seeking their help increase by 53%, and the majority of the increase occurred in the two years following the global economic crisis…
The Cost of Convenience and How to Save Money When Busy
Our life has gotten very busy, we didn’t realize how much we were spending until we got our credit card bills. Convenience is costing us way too much money! What can you suggest?…
Do Debt Settlement Agencies Really Deliver? Global TV’s 16×9 Investigates
Global TV investigates the claims of debt settlement companies who are heavily advertising their services and speaks with people who have signed up with them.
Use a Credit Card to Build a Good Credit Rating But Not End Up in Debt
Credit cards can be an easy way to build a credit rating because you only need to use them for a few small purchases each month. Here are some ways to do that.
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…
Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Do | Home Renovations
We bought our first home 5 years ago, money was initially tight but we’ve been careful and managed our expenses. Can you offer some suggestions to help us stay on track with our goals?…
Can You Afford to Make Bigger Payments? Here’s How to Decide
Before you add any commitments to your budget, consider your current financial situation. Ask yourself the following…
Questions to Ask When You Review a Debt Settlement Company
I contacted a debt settlement company and they claim they can help me settle my debts for a lot less than I owe. My bills are up to date but if I can get out of debt for less than half of what I owe and my creditors will accept this plan, what’s to lose?
New Mortgage Rules: Are They Really What They Seem?
With new mortgage rules, the government tried to take another proactive step to protect Canadians from themselves. But, depending on who you talk to, opinions are mixed…
Debt Consolidation Overview Canada
Review debt consolidation options like home equity, a credit card, a DMP, a settlement, a consumer proposal & more. Part 1/12. Call 1-888-527-8889 today.
Debt Consolidation Canada – Choose the Right Option
How to choose the right debt consolidation option. Income, living & added expenses require different ways to consolidate debt. Call 1-888-527-8889 for more information today.
Debt Consolidation Canada – Debt Consolidation Loan
What is a debt consolidation loan? A sum of borrowed money used to pay off debts. See if it’s right for you. Call 1-888-527-8889 today.
Tips on Affordable & Budget Conscious Summers in Canada
The summer months can be more expensive than many people realize. From ice cream to drinks on the patio, it all adds up and leaves many of us wondering where our money went…
Debt Consolidation Canada – Common Debts to Consolidate
Review common debts like loss of income, injury, car loan, etc & how people consolidate debts with overdraft, payday loans, etc. Call 1-888-527-8889 today for more information.
Debt Consolidation Using a Credit Card
Review of debt consolidation with a credit card. Make sure you can afford the payments, plus interest. Call 1-888-527-8889
Using a Line of Credit, Bank Overdraft to Consolidate Debts
Using a bank overdraft or a line of credit for debt consolidation is a temporary fix. We’ll help you get debt relief that lasts. Call 1-888-527-8889 today.
Use Home Equity to Consolidate Debts, Refinance Your Home, Get a Second Mortgage
Overview and cautions of how borrowing money against your home equity can dig you deeper into debt. There are better options. Call 1-888-527-8889.
Use a Debt Management Program to Get Out of Debt
Learn how a debt management program can help you consolidate debt into one easy monthly payment that fits your budget. For more information, call 1-888-527-8889 today.
Become Debt Free with a Debt Settlement, Consolidate Debt
Review how a debt settlement may be the best debt consolidation option for you if you have a lump sum of money. Call 1-888-527-8889 today.
How Does a Consumer Proposal Consolidate and Settle Debt?
A Consumer Proposal is a legal process, that can be used to deal with your debts when you don’t qualify for a debt consolidation loan, a debt management or debt repayment program and you…
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…
Debt Consolidation – Borrowing Money
Review debt consolidation options like borrowing money from family & friends to consolidate debt. Call 1-88-527-8889 today.
Debt Consolidation Company Review
Review of what our clients like about us & what you should look for in a debt consolidation company. Call 1-888-527-8889 today.
Credit Counselling Society Opens New Office in Ottawa
CCS is pleased to announce the successful expansion of our services with a new credit counselling office in Ottawa. The demand for our services and programs has only increased since opening…
Debt Help Org Recognized as One of Canada’s Best Workplaces
Credit Counselling Society is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the Great Place to Work Institute as one of the “Best Workplaces in Canada” for 2012…
5 Tricks to Keep Your Cash Safe from Yourself | How to Control 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 Give When Money’s Tight
We value the work of charities and believe very strongly in giving to good causes. Our income is down this year, any suggestions on how to keep giving even though we have less income?…
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 Keep Your Resolution to Shed Your Debt Weight & Get Out of Debt
A successful plan to shed debt weight is similar to a weight loss plan. Both require discipline, a check up to determine where you’re at and a reasonable timeline to achieve your goal…
Christmas Budgeting: It’s Not Too Late
Even if you haven’t been able to save money for the holidays, it’s not too late to make a plan for your holiday season…
How to Stop Yourself from Overusing Your Credit Cards
High school is a good time for students to start learning about credit. Here are a few things to consider as you look to learn a little more yourselves…
How to Prepare for and Weather the Financial Storms of Life
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…
How to Deal with Financial Infidelity
Finding out that your spouse hasn’t been honest regarding financial matters can put a lot of strain on a relationship. While this is difficult to accept, at least the problem is out in the open…
What to Do When Your First Credit Card is Uncontrollable
While my card isn’t maxed, I’m feeling a little nervous about how I’m going to pay my bill. Can you give me some advice before I become maxed out like my friends?…
How to Get Out of Debt Quickly – for Those Nearing Retirement
What can you suggest as we would like to know how to get us out of debt sooner? If you are serious about getting out of debt sooner, you will need to make some decisions going forward…
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 Credit Counselling Can Help You Get Out of Debt
My friends have made a few comments about their financial situation and I’ve noticed their bills are piling up, I think they need help. Is this something credit counselling can help with?…
What to Think About Before Buying a Vacation Home
3 things you need to watch out for when considering using the services of a debt settlement company.
How to Help Friends Who Need Help with Their Financial Problems
As adults, we’re expected to know how to manage our money, but it’s something most of us are never taught. With feelings of financial failure comes stress – stress about not knowing how…
Canadian Debt Settlement Bureau Is Not Real | Review
We had never heard about the Canadian Debt Settlement Bureau before. So we looked into it. As it turns out, no one else has heard of it either. The bottom line is that it doesn’t exist…
How to Plan a Vacation on a Budget
Many families have traditional summer vacations that they look forward to each year, but are now reviewing holiday budgets. Keep these points in mind as you start your vacation planning…
The Cost of Living is Increasing – How to Protect Yourself from Inevitable 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…
How to Find a Trust Worthy Debt Help or Debt Settlement Organization
Here are 7 things that you should look for in a reputable organization that helps people with their debts.
How to Repay Back Taxes, Pay the Bills & Get Back on Track
I cashed out some of my RRSPs last year to pay down my credit cards, I got my assessment back and now I owe. I’ve not sure how I’m going to be able to manage my bills. What do you suggest?…
Should You Invest of Pay Off Debt? Try a Balanced Approach
We are often asked ‘Should I invest my money or pay off debt?’ A: While it always makes sense to pay off high-interest credit-card debt, there are advantages to taking a balanced approach…
Is Bankruptcy Your Best Option to Solve Debt Problems
I have an employee who has a lot of debt and is getting collection calls from her creditors. She thinks that bankruptcy is her only option. Is she right, is bankruptcy her only option?…
What Your Teenager Should Know Before Buying Their First Car
A driver’s license is a major milestone for any teenager, as is owning a car. However, before hitting the open road, your child will need to find the best route to get his/her new car…
What Is the Best Thing to Do with Your Tax Refund?
It’s easy to lose sight of the fact that an income tax refund isn’t free money from the government. The bottom line is you work hard for your money and it should work every bit as hard for you…
Medical Debt – Turned Down for Debt Consolidation Loan | Can Your House Lend a Hand? Here’s What You Need to Consider
I’m a stay at home mom and my husband’s been on short term disability for almost a year, recovering from an injury…
Save Money with a Family Budget – Staycation Ideas for Spring Break
Spring Break has become known as a reason to escape, however people are now reconsidering their expectation of going away for a week and favouring a staycation over a vacation instead…
Debt Settlement Companies – Attractive ads sound great. Why not go for it?
I keep hearing and seeing ads from companies that claim to be able to settle your debts for a lot less than what you owe. What’s there to lose?
Why Save Money When Interest Rates Are Low?
You might think that saving isn’t worth it when interest rates are so low. But think again. What happens when borrowing rates go up? When you have cash, you are in control.
Valentine’s & Holiday Debt Can Kill Those Lovin’ Feelings: How to Make Valentine’s Day Special Yet Affordable
Advertising makes February 14 sound like the only day to express love. Before you think about buying anything, put things in perspective – what would make your loved ones feel special…
Saving Money – What Would Your Community do with an Extra Million Dollars?
A major TV network is looking to produce a reality TV show to help people get out of debt, save money, build a stronger community and live their best life. We support initiatives like this…
What Do Groundhogs Know About Money & Financial Management?
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?…
Car Debt – High Interest Rates | What to Watch Out for with New Car Ads
The sole purpose of a car ad is to get you onto the car lot. Ads are enticing, making it seem easy to afford a new vehicle. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look at the advertising…
What Canada’s New Mortgage Rules Mean – In Plain English
The federal finance minister announced changes to Canadian mortgage rules. What do these changes really mean? And how will they impact you? Here’s how it boils down…
Are You Tired of Being the Family Bank & Lending Money to Relatives?
I’m repeatedly lending money to my siblings. My wife and I have our own financial plans and are starting to get frustrated with being the family bank. How can we change this?…
How to Tackle Credit Card Debt & Save Thousands of Dollars
How to Tackle Credit Card Debt & Save Thousands of Dollars Q: Each year, I resolve to tackle my credit card debt and I never seem to get anywhere. What can I do to start the new year off right? A: While it might only have taken a short time for your debt to add...
How to resolve fighting over money: look below the surface
Money is one of the biggest stressors in a relationship. Money isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about values, beliefs, behaviours and feelings, which complicate things…
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…
How to Get a Great Credit Score with These 7 Steps
Have you ever wondered if only rich people have awesome credit scores? Wonder no longer. The truth is you don’t have to be rich to have an awesome credit score…
Debt Settlement Companies: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
I heard an ad for a company that can settle my debt for much less than what I owe and rebuild my credit rating. I’m considering going ahead with this, but it just sounds too good to be true?…
What Debt Settlement Companies Don’t Tell You
In Canadian radio ads, an American company said it could help people struggling with debt, but they never mentioned the company name. We thought this was strange, so I gave them a call…
This made our day: people tell us how we’ve helped them with our non profit debt relief
Like so many of you, all of us at CCS work hard every day. The only difference is we get to help people solve their debt problems, provide debt relief and find solutions to their financial…
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…
How Blended Families Can Prevent Fighting About Money
Blending families also means blending your values, and our financial choices tend to reveal what we hold near and dear. While you have a unique set of challenges to work through…
Could You Survive Missing a Paycheque? A new survey says 60% of Canadians couldn’t
Canadian Payroll Association released a survey, which showed 6 out of 10 Canadians would be unable to meet their financial obligations if they only missed one paycheque…
Spender vs. Saver: What to do when you and your partner don’t see eye to eye
My husband and I argue about money due to the spender vs saver mentality. I think it’s okay to spend carefully and live a little, but he doesn’t. How can we find a compromise?…
Why Is a Good Credit Rating So Important for Our Finances?
A good credit rating doesn’t cost you anything. All that is required is that you use credit carefully, pay your bills on time and set money aside to manage unforeseen emergencies…
Keeping the Magic Alive: Get Out of the Relationship Rut, Plan a Date Together
While money does make the world go ’round, it means that it enters the world of dating and relationships. I suggest planning your money so you and your partner can enjoy “date nights”…
Avoid Technology’s Traps: How to put the need for the latest gadgets into perspective
It’s really expensive keeping up with technology these days. I can’t afford to keep upgrading every year or so. Any suggestions?…
How to Maximize Your Back-to-School Budget
A new school year for your kids means buying new school supplies, backpacks, shoes, clothing, and more. Here’s how to maximize your back-to-school budget.
How to Cope with Living in Canada while Sending Money to Family Overseas
You are faced with a challenging situation. However, the financial support you provide must be balanced against the needs and well-being of your family here in Canada…
3 Common Credit Problems & How to Fix Them
People often ask how they can fix their credit. Depending on your situation and how much damage you’ve done, the answers vary. Here are answers to the 3 most common concerns…
How to Know the Best Time for Buying a House with a Mortgage
Mortgage rates are still low and house prices keep going up. Is now the time to buy? And is it better to buy as big as you can?…
Gambling: How to tell if you’ve gone too far
When Does Gambling Stop Being “Just for Fun” and Become Problem Gambling?
Do You Ever Get Even with Revenge Spending?
“Revenge spending” is a way to get back at your partner financially. Regardless of the intention behind it, revenge spending is when one person in the relationship spends money and then…’><meta name="msvalidate.01" content="54B0D5D4AED3C5A25D8C3DD344F61E8D
Credit Counselling Society Wins National Award
Credit Counselling Society receives the Credit Counselling Canada Agency Award recognizing CCS and its staff for their outstanding contribution to credit counselling nationally…
How to Afford a Summer Vacation this Year
How to Afford a Summer Vacation this Year According to a recent survey, more than half of Canadians say they can’t afford to take a vacation this summer. The poll indicates that Canadians are having trouble putting money aside for holidays. We would like to offer some...
Financial Help or Handout – When has helping family gone too far?
My parents keep borrowing against the equity in their home to bail my sister out of debt. I don’t want to see them burdened by debt that they shouldn’t need to pay. What can I do?…
Average Canadian Bride Spends $20,000 on Her Wedding: 5 Ways to Make Your Wedding More Affordable
If you would like to get married soon but don’t think you can afford an expensive wedding, there are many easy ways to cut down the cost…
Reward Credit Cards: Are the Points Really Worth It?
How do you figure out if rewards cards are worthwhile? Here are some of the potential drawbacks of using a credit card with rewards…
Do Summer Vacations Leave You Broke? Here’s an Idea.
Vacations away from home can cost a lot of money and energy, why not opt for a staycation where you and your family get to relax at home and enjoy day trips close to home?
Should You Rent or Buy a Home?
People generally think it’s much better to buy a home rather than rent one. But there are a lot of good reasons why someone may not want to do this.
Are Canadians Reckless Spenders? Here’s What One Study Says
A study shows that Canadians “are among the most reckless spenders in the developed world.” Many Canadians have felt that Canada is different from the rest of the world, but are we?…
Not sure which option is right for you?
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.