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Credit and Debt

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Related Guides

A look at information on credit cards, credit ratings, credit scores, and credit reports. If you need to improve your credit, these sources can get you started.

Credit Counselling Services

A non-profit organization that provides free, confidential service to review your monthly budget and help you solve debt problems, manage money, and use credit responsibly. This page contains a list of offices in BC.

National non-profit credit counselling organization that educates consumers about personal finance.

Credit Ratings

From Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, learn the differences between credit reports, scores and ratings.

In Canada, Equifax is one of the two agencies that monitor personal credit reports and credit scores.

In Canada, TransUnion Canada is one of two agencies that monitor personal credit reports and credit scores.

The federal government's guide to improving your credit score.

Useful Websites

Step-by-step plain-language guide to declaring personal bankruptcy. Available In 11 languages.

The debt collection and repayment industry is regulated by Consumer Protection BC to protect consumer rights. This webpage offers information on your rights and obligations around debt collection practices. Includes links on how to dispute a debt, request communication in writing only, or notify a collection agency you are not the debtor.

Information and advice on a wide range of credit and debt related issues.

The federal government's resources on managing debt, credit cards, mortgages, loans, lines of credit, credit reports and more.

A short guide to understanding how credit card transactions are processed and how to use credit wisely.

Provides information on how to manage debt and your credit card(s).

Digital Library Resources
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Thousands of high quality, full-text, downloadable encyclopedias, handbooks, dictionaries and travel ebooks. *Also suitable for research at the elementary, high school and undergraduate levels.

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LinkedIn Learning offers video courses in business, computer technology, software, and creative skills, all conducted by experts in their fields.

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Recommended Titles

Cover Image for Crushing Debt: Why Canadians Should Drop Everything and Pay Off Debt

Crushing Debt: Why Canadians Should Drop Everything and Pay Off Debt

David Trahair

332.024 T765c

2012

It is estimated the average Canadian owes $25,000 in consumer debt, which negatively affects all aspects of the financial system in Canada. This book gives a big picture look at how to deal with personal consumer debt with a step-by-step guide.

Cover Image for The Debt-free Spending Plan: An Amazingly Simple Way to Take Control of your Finances Once and for All

The Debt-free Spending Plan: An Amazingly Simple Way to Take Control of your Finances Once and for All

JoAnneh Nagler

332.024 N14d

2013

This book provides an everyday plan for setting goals without going into debt to get them. A how-to guide to living within your means.

Cover Image for Planning to Borrow: A Practical Guide to Consumer Lending Practices in Canada

Planning to Borrow: A Practical Guide to Consumer Lending Practices in Canada

Steve Bang

332.7 B21p

2015

Focuses on helping everyday Canadians understand consumer lending practices as they exist in Canada today and providing them with strategies for effectively using the wide range of lending products available.

Cover Image for Understanding your Credit Report and Credit Score

Understanding your Credit Report and Credit Score

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

332.7 U55f 2015

2015

Excellent source for understanding Canadian credit reports and credit scores.

Cover Image for Debt-free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life

Debt-free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life

Gail Vaz-Oxlade

332.024 V39d1

2011

Offers accessible information on personal money management and be debt-free.

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