Resources for money management and consumer issues

Free resources are available if you:

  • Need help managing your debt and expenses
  • Have a complaint regarding a financial service
  • Want to avoid financial problems in the future

On this page

Budgeting and credit counselling

Credit Counselling Society

The Credit Counselling Society is a non-profit organization that provides free, confidential service to review your monthly budget. The organization can help you:

  • Solve debt problems
  • Manage money
  • Use credit responsibly

Office of Consumer Affairs

The Office of Consumer Affairs provides information on budgeting, including:

  • Why it is necessary
  • Budgeting methods and resources
  • Budget counselling

Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB)

The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) is the federal regulator for all matters relating to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. The office provides information for both individuals and businesses about the insolvency process.

Complaints and disputes

Consumer Protection BC

Consumer Protection BC can help if you have questions or a complaint about a:

  • Payday or high-cost credit
  • Credit agreement

Visit Consumer Protection BC to learn more and to access other helpful resources. You can also email them at info@consumerprotectionbc.ca or call them toll-free at 1-888-564-9963.

If you have an issue with a bank, credit union or credit card provider, contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada can help with questions or complaints involving a:

  • Bank
  • Federal credit union
  • Credit card provider 

Their website also has useful resources on:

Financial Services Authority

The BC Financial Services Authority regulates credit unions and other provincially regulated financial institutions. You can file a complaint regarding a credit union online via their website.

Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments

The Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments provides independent, impartial and free services. The Ombudsman can help resolve disputes between participating banking services or investment firms and their customers, if they can’t resolve the issue on their own.

Reporting financial fraud

Are you a victim of financial fraud? Or do you have a concern about a suspicious activity promising easy or free credit? The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provide information and tips to prevent and report financial fraud.