The Good, the Bad and the Debt-Ugly
In a recent blog by a colleague of mine, the first thing that jumped off the page and metaphorically smacked me in the face was the phrase, ‘us good guys.’…
Financial Abuse Against Seniors
A recent article in the Vancouver Sun got my blood boiling. It was a story about a man in St. Catherine's, Ontario who lost his home, car and possessions. A…
Beware of Fake Credit Counsellors
I’ve known about fake credit counsellors for a long time, and I hate to admit it, they are everywhere.
Some collection agencies have adopted the label of credit counsellor to make their collection activity sound and look less threatening. However, at the end of the day, their duty, their contractual duty, (contractual because they have been hired by the creditor to collect their debt) has been always to the creditor, not the debtor.
Lottery Winners, More Money, More Problems?
We find comfort in the belief that more money would solve all of our problems (or at least most of them). It gives us something to work for (more money), hope for (winning the lottery!), and dream about (what would I do with all of my money?). When it comes to having more money, the possibilities seem endless – you could finally travel, spend more time with your children, buy that fancy car that you deserve, or purchase that lakeside cottage you’ve always wanted. You could go on shopping sprees, jet set to exotic destinations, spoil your family and friends with lavish gifts. All of your debt would be paid off and you could finally quit your soul sucking job.
Contrary to popular belief, more money doesn’t guarantee more happiness. Obviously too little can make us miserable; however, research has shown that once you reach a certain earning point (between $50,000 to $75,000 are the figures that I have read here), you are not more happy than an individual with a salary in the six figures or more. It seems confusing, right? We are constantly inundated with advertisements and other media and insists that we would be happier with more – more of everything! So how is it possible that more money wouldn’t make us happier?
Insurance Blues
Insurance is a hot topic once again. Hot for all of the wrong reasons. Many people have heard about a number of claims under travel insurance policies that have recently been denied by Canadian banks. I say many people because I couldn’t find the story quickly on the internet. It didn’t seem to get a lot of coverage in the local newspapers either. It’s a good thing I watch the news on television.
One case involves the CIBC where a 69 year old senior bought travel insurance and paid an extra $100 premium to make sure her insurance would cover her high blood pressure – and after getting sick abroad and then filing her claim, the bank denied her claim.
BC Debt Pooler Loses Licence
March 25, 2014
BC Debt Pooler Loses Licence after Consumer Protection Investigation
March 25, 2014 Consumer Protection BC announced it has cancelled the licence of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd., owned by Don Antle, after an investigation revealed several breaches of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the Debt Collection Industry Regulation.
