Help in Dealing With Your Finances
Seeking Help
You may be feeling overwhelmed by your debts and are worried about your financial situation. If your finances are causing you concern or you are beginning to experience financial trouble, the Nova Scotia Debtor Assistance Program is designed to offer counseling to those facing financial difficulty. Counselors may offer assistance in preparing a family budget or refer you to Consumer Proposals. You may also want to contact your own financial institution to learn about what they can do to help you.
Credit History
It's a good idea to check your credit history once a year. To learn more about your credit history and rating you can visit the Web sites of Equifax Canada, Trans Union of Canada, and Northern Credit Bureaus Inc., three national credit reporting agencies:
- Equifax Canada - Consumer Information Centre
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Equifax Canada - Request to obtain my credit history report [
- 20 kb]
- Trans Union of Canada - Personal Solutions Page
- Trans Union of Canada - Consumer Relations - Information form to request your credit
Budgeting
Here are some helpful links on identity theft for both consumers and business operators
- Budgeting
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Budget Worksheet [- 54.98 kb]
Calculators
Here are some helpful links on identity theft for both consumers and business operators
- Canadian Retirement Income Calculator The calculator takes you step by step through an estimate of the ongoing income you may receive throughout your retirement from:
- Credit Cards and You All you need to know about credit cards
- Money, Credit and Debt Calculators to help you determine the most convenient credit card to use
Consumer Information
- Information on consumer protection activities, filing complaints and tips
- Consumer Savvy A collection of consumer articles.
- Online Shopping Assistant
- Consumer Information - Consumer Complaint Form
Collection Agencies
- Collection Agencies Links to legislation and a summary of legislated consumer rights
Other Tips and Resources
- Using Credit Wisely
- Managing Your Debt - What can you do?
- Canadian Consumer Information Gateway an online resource providing various information on consumer related inquiries including credit
- Getting Value for your Service Fees
Finding a Lawyer
Other Resources
Financial problems often go hand in hand with personal or family concerns. For more information, talk to your family doctor or look in the yellow pages for a family counseling agency in your community. Other resources may include:
- Directory of Members of Family Services Canada
- Nova Scotia Problem Gambling Helpline if you are concerned about your own or someone else's gambling