The Issue
In our booming economy, Albertans potentially face a greater burden on their financial well-being than ever before. Making more money doesn’t necessarily equate to getting ahead and being happier.
- The average Canadian debt load is $30,596. Although Albertans have a lower amount of debt at $18,000, for some, this share of debt still causes stress, personal problems and absenteeism from work.
- There are a number of different debt management options available when faced with financial difficulties, depending on your situation. Bankruptcy or ignoring your debts are not the only solutions.
- The average savings rate in Alberta is 5.1% - only half of what is recommended by financial experts for an emergency fund.
The Solution
Whatever your financial situation may be, CCSA (Credit Counselling Services of Alberta) offers a wide range of services tailored to meet your needs. If you have the will to get out of debt or manage your money better we have the way to get you back on track with:
- A variety of debt management options to help you combat your debts. This includes The Orderly Payment of Debts Program, which allows you to pay your debts off in full over a period of time at an interest rate of 5% with full protection from collectors.
- Money Mentors seminars and personal coaching that teaches the basics on investing, mortgages, insurance, the wise use of credit, money personalities and more.
- A comprehensive website that contains valuable information and resources.
The CCSA Difference
Whether you are young or old, CCSA is the only Alberta-based not-for-profit organization committed to offering you guidance at all levels of your financial needs through counselling, coaching and seminars to ensure a brighter financial future.
- The only Alberta-based not-for-profit organization to provide The Orderly Payment of Debts Program and 40-plus educational seminars on a wide variety of money topics.
- Our staff are Personal Finance and Family Financial Management experts ready to help you see the big picture and develop spending plans to find a few extra dollars to pay off your debts, save or invest.
- We have the knowledge to refer you to other community resources near you.
- We have a 10 year successful track record of helping almost 300,000 Albertans create a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.
The OPD program is exclusive to CCSA and it is designed to help you pay off your debts to creditors at a reduced rate as well as provide you full protection from your creditors. Due to the fact that this program is under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, it has several advantages:
- Interest rate is automatically reduced to 5%
- Your counsellor will deal with creditors on your behalf.
If you feel that the OPD program may be a right fit for you, take a moment to take a moment to fill out the self-assessment form to find out.
Through
Money Mentors, our staff of Personal Finance and Family Management experts is ready to help you see the big picture and help you develop spending plans to achieve whatever your financial goals may be – retirement, savings for children’s education or buying a new house.
By attending these informative group seminars, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to help you combat some of your debts. Our seminars range on topics from mortgages, retirement, estate planning and a survival guide for post-secondary students, just to name a few. Check out our
Money Mentors division to find out more about our seminars and schedule.
Studies show that companies that help their employees stay financially healthy experience less absenteeism, few health claims and better job performance. Community groups gain similar benefits as well. We can customize lunch and learn presentations or coaching sessions, at your site or ours. Contact our
Business Development Coordinator to find out more.
There are three credit reporting agencies (bureaus) in Canada: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Each agency maintains a record of your credit use and payment history. This information can be provided to their members upon your initial authorization. Reporting information and format may differ among the different bureaus.
For a nominal fee, you can obtain a copy of your credit report at a CCSA office, where a qualified staff member will provide you with a one-on-one consultation to help you understand your credit score. You can also obtain a copy by visiting the credit reporting agency.