My Bio

Written by Margaret Johnson | Thursday, 13 November 2008

I initiated MargaretJohnson.ca simply to help people that are having financial difficulty.

I have over 35 years of industry experience in the field of credit and debt counselling. I started my own company Solutions Credit Counselling Service Inc. (Credit Solutions) in 1999 because I felt there was a clear void in the industry for honesty and integrity in offering 100% confidential and unbiased credit counselling, debt management and credit education services. Today, it is still the only independent agency of its kind in Canada working for you with your creditors.

It is increasingly obvious to me that there is a growing need to assist consumers and the industry find credit solutions: an open online space to provide further education, resources and informative articles. That is why I have created MargaretJohnson.ca. It is my goal to inform you of the correct and precise industry standards so that you know your rights and understand your responsibilities. That you are enabled and empowered to understand and manage your debt and your credit.

Through my blog and social networks like Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, I will be publishing useful content and links and will continue to build my directory of resources. I have also created a fun and factual Facebook quiz that aims to make Credit Masters out of all of us!

I welcome all and any feedback to help me improve this site and my online space so that I can better help you.

In the Media

I am more than happy to assist publications, comment and report on matters of debt and credit as they affect the Canadian consumer, having been quoted and featured in Canadian publications. I have written several articles on credit counselling and continue to write a popular advice column to promote credit education as a part of healthy living. My columns are featured on MyTelus.com, Shaw: Finance and Canada Home Guide.

I am proud to have been a presenter at the Chapters of Health national seminar series and am available for public speaking engagements.

In my "spare time" through my career, I have kept up with these initiatives as well:

• Member - Vancouver Insolvency Discussion Group
• Charter Member - Canadian Insolvency Foundation
• Member - Association for Financial Counselling and Planning Education
• Member - Association of Credit and Collection Professionals - ACA International
• Former Vice President of Credit Professionals International (CPI)
• Member of the CPI board (9 years)
• Former Director - Surrey Public Library
• Volunteer - The Union Gospel Mission
• Volunteer - The Elizabeth Fry Society
• Volunteer and Mentor - Dress for Success Vancouver
• Volunteer - Corrections Canada, Youth Secure Detention Centre
• Volunteer - HRDC Self Employment Entrepreneurial Development Society
• Volunteer - Womens Network to Work Program

I look forward to helping you change “debt fear into credit knowledge”. Please join me on this incredible journey.