My Blog
Saskatchewan BBB warns about debt relief scams
Written by Margaret Johnson | Tuesday, 15 May 2012
The Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan been receiving inquiries from consumers who have been contacted by debt relief services promising to lower rates and help with their debt.
BBB Saskatchewan has some tips to help consumers separate legitimate credit counselling services from scams:
Looking Back
Written by Douglas P. Welbanks – Guest Blogger | Wednesday, 14 December 2011
It’s that time of year again when we do some reflecting. What should we remember or what should we forget? Looking back presents an opportunity to learn from the good and the bad. My list for 2011 begins with the Tsunami in Japan.
- Tsunami in Japan
- HST Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark March 2011
- The Federal Election
- The Royal Wedding: Kate and William
- Death of Osama Bin Laden
- Death of Jack Layton
- Debt Debt and More Debt
- Debt Crisis #1 Greece
- Debt Crisis #2 The US hits the Roof (Debt Ceiling)
- Debt Crisis #3 the Europe
- Debt Crisis for Canadians?
- Occupy Wall Street
Bank of Canada: The New $100 Note
Written by Margaret Johnson | Monday, 10 October 2011
Questionable Credit Counselling
Written by Margaret Johnson | Thursday, 06 October 2011
Credit Counsellors in Great Demand - Seek Out Licensed Agencies
Written by Margaret Johnson | Friday, 11 February 2011
My advice to Canadians: only deal with Canadian Credit Counselling Agencies. While many agencies say they are Canadian, if you dig deep enough, you may discover that is not the case. Do your homework.
Seek out the licensed agencies and ones that can demonstrate to you their excellent track record. If an agency tells you they will only deal with some of your creditors and not ALL of your creditors - RUN! With the exception of government debt, a good agency can work with all creditors.
Do not believe debt collectors or anyone else when they tell you not to deal with an agency. Think for yourself. Check out your chosen agency and look for information like if they are a member of a National Association, such as the Canadian Association of Independent Credit Counselling Agencies (CAICCA).
If you require information regarding an agency or assistance in locating one in your area, just call me. Here's the number and ask for Margaret - 1.877.588.9491 - or you can This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
You will be glad you did.
As the President of the Canadian Association of Independent Credit Counselling Agencies I will be pleased to help you.
Interview on Shaw TV Program The Express
Written by Margaret Johnson | Sunday, 09 January 2011
Shaw TV came to my offices a few days ago and shot an interview with me about how to get your finances in line for the new year. This is the time of the year when we all want to make changes and stick to them. That definitely includes money! Scroll through to the 10:03 minute mark for the piece.
Credit Education Week In Canada
Written by Margaret Johnson | Tuesday, 16 November 2010
I'm in Toronto this week at the Credit Education Week with some pretty exciting people from all walks of life: government officials, bankers, bankruptcy trustees, just to name a few. All good people to know and learn from. There are over 200 attendees this year at what I think is such a vital importance for gathering these various experts in one place: financial education.
There were some excellent speakers throughout the day. David Chilton - The Wealthy Barber - gave a great opening keynote. If you have not read his book, it's too late! He has taken his book off the market, so you'll have to source Craigslist or the library. But it's well worth the effort!
Other great speakers included Douglas Melville, Canada's banking ombudsman, Grant Clarke, Assistant Deputy Minister of Education, Laurie Campbell from Credit Canada, Marc Lebrun spoke about student loans and the support for Canadians seeking post-secondary education and Lyse Laramee, the Outreach Officer of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada gave an outstanding talk on helping consumers make informed financial decisions. There were a lot of important lessons and messages conveyed today. I wish I could impart all of this knowledge we all share and learn from one another onto everyone to educate and help people from sinking further into debt and then not having the tools or education to help themselves. This was a hopeful day. I love what I do.
Facebook Application Launched! Credit Master or Debt Prisoner
Written by Margaret Johnson | Wednesday, 13 October 2010
I have a Facebook App.
Never thought I'd see those words. But this is an incredibly exciting time and I can't believe this project has come to fruition and it's launched!
A few years back, I attended a local social media blogging conference called Northern Voice. What an eye-opener. There is so much to learn about how to utilize the Internet and effectively share your knowledge using social media tools. If you don't know how yet, you must register for this annual conference, but that's a side note. In that same year, I also attended a marketing seminar where I met Michael Fergusson from Ayogo Games. It was Michael's presentation that turned on the A-Ha! moment where I saw a concrete example of the true power of community outreach and social networks like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
I have always helped people in debt or financial crisis by educating them about their credit and how to get out of debt. It is my mantra to turn debt fear into credit knowledge™. This blog is part of that initiative, but now, I have a Facebook application that is a fun and easy game to play while learning a few tips and tricks on how to manage your money. It's called Credit Master or Debt Prisoner - Which One Are You?™. It's been a ton of fun building it, filming the videos, creating the content and now I'm proud to say that I've added a small token of useful content online. It's a good feeling to be able to share my knowledge. Here is an excerpt from the press release:
Be Aware When Choosing Your Credit Counsellor
Written by Margaret Johnson | Wednesday, 07 April 2010
Insist on having a Canadian credit counsellor help you with your debt problems – someone that truly understands the credit industry in Canada. It’s your financial future - don’t settle for less! Recently, Canada has seen an influx of large American companies. These “not-for-profit” operations have been investigated by American authorities with results that question their desire to help, rather than hinder the consumer. We are 100% Canadian owned our offices and staff are located right here, in Canada. All of our counsellors are highly trained debt professionals and licensed by the Provincial Government for your protection.
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