Do you have money problems?

1. Are you:
   • spending more than you earn?
   • using credit cards all the time?
   • borrowing money monthly?
   • paying only the minimum payment due on credit?
2. Are creditors:
   • calling you for payment?
   • threatening to sue?
   • saying that they will get your car, furniture or other possessions?
3. Were your utilities (hydro, water, telco, etc.) cut because you cannot pay your bills?

Get help if you have said yes to any or all of the above.

How to get help

Follow these steps:

1. Admit your problem. Stop spending and adding to your debt.
2. Get debt counselling. Debt or financial counselling agencies offer solutions.
   Go to:
• Community Financial Counselling Services
• Manitoba Credit Counselling Society
• An Immigrant Serving Organization nearest you. Settlement workers can refer you to the right agency.
• Use 211 Manitoba directory for credit counselling, and Employment & Income Assistance (EIA) services.

Financial literacy programs:

Learn good habits to handle money:

• SEED Winnipeg or New Journey Housing– Manage your Money workshops and Savings Circle.
• Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) – Access to Benefits and Matched Savings programs.
• Read the Six Steps to Get Out of Debt (Office of Consumer Affairs). It is a guide to help you take control of your finances.

Your Rights: Collection agency

It is against the law for a collection agency to:

• phone or visit before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• phone or visit on a Sunday or a statutory holiday.
• trick you with a paper that looks like a legal document or a court form.
• harass you or your family.
• say that they will repossess goods without authority.
• get any goods when no one is at your home, except with court authority.
• harass neighbours or friends to know the where you (or members of your family) are.
• get any item that they are not authorized to get.
• phone or telegram collect. (Collection Practices, Manitoba Consumer Protection Office)

Contact the Consumer Protection Office if you have questions.
 
Sources: Consumed by debt? Government of Canada site; and Consumer Protection, Manitoba.ca. All accessed October 5, 2017.