Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland and Labrador

04/16/2026

03/02/2026

A message from our ED:

As I prepare to welcome a new baby this spring, I wanted to share that I will be stepping away on maternity leave from my role as Executive Director of Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Serving in this role has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Every day, I see the strength and resilience of individuals and families across our province who are working hard to improve their financial well-being despite all the difficult costs of living. I am incredibly proud of the compassionate, skilled team at CCSNL who support our clients through it.
While I’m away, CCSNL will be in excellent hands. I’m pleased to share that Al Antle will be stepping in as Interim Executive Director during my leave. Al is a familiar face to many of you, as he worked with CCSNL for over 40 years before retiring. Alongside our dedicated team, Al will help ensure CCSNL continues to provide the same trusted, confidential, and judgment-free support that our clients rely on every day.
The work doesn’t stop — and I have full confidence in this amazing team to carry our mission forward.
Thank you to our clients, partners, and community for your continued trust and support. I look forward to returning next spring and continuing the important work we do together.
Until then — I’ll be trading board meetings for baby snuggles!!
If you need to reach Al please email [email protected] or call 7097535812

02/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GeHiJitAa/

📣 Coming up in a couple of weeks!

Food bank demand has surged in response to the skyrocketing cost of living. Rent is too high, groceries are too expensive, and incomes aren’t keeping pace. Our community is feeling the effects, with more and more families struggling to make ends meet.

We can’t budget our way out of an affordability crisis, but we can learn practical tools and realistic strategies to help reduce financial stress. Join Lauren Holwell, Executive Director of Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland & Labrador (CCSNL) for a discussion of money management during difficult times and what free resources are available through CCSNL.

This session is free and open to all members of the public. Snacks, coffee, and tea will be available during the presentation ☕

📍 Where: Bridges to Hope, 37 Cookstown Road
📆 When: Thursday February 12, 2:30 PM

We hope you'll join us!

01/12/2026

We are looking for a volunteer board member

About CCCCredit Counselling Canada (CCC), the national association representing non-profit credit counselling agencies across Canada, is seeking passionate

12/17/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AX8eoGQs5

12/17/2025

💙 To the parents who are worried about Christmas this year… 💙

If money is tight and you’re stressing about gifts for your kids, please know this: you are not failing. Many families are feeling the pressure this year, and you are not alone in this. The sad reality is that because of the rising costs, stagnant incomes and harsh financial conditions, many families are sharing their concerns with our counsellors about affording Christmas at all this year.

Having hard conversations with children about money can feel heartbreaking — but children don’t need perfection, they need honesty, safety, and love.

Here are a few gentle ways to talk with kids when finances are tight:

✨ Keep it simple and age-appropriate
You don’t need to share adult worries. Try:
“Money is tighter this year, so we’re focusing on what really matters — being together.”

✨ Reassure them
Kids often worry about security more than gifts. Let them know they are safe, loved, and cared for.

✨ Shift the focus
Traditions, time together, baking, movie nights, games, walks, and stories create memories that last far longer than toys.

✨ Avoid comparing
Every family’s situation is different. What other kids get doesn’t define your worth — or your child’s happiness. Work through the hard conversations and your child will eventually learn not to compare themselves to others.

✨ Let go of guilt
Children measure love in attention, consistency, and connection — not price tags. Do the best you can with your current situation and make peace with it.

If this season feels heavy, please be gentle with yourself. Asking for help, talking about money honestly, and doing the best you can is strength, not weakness.

If you need support, budgeting help, or someone to talk through options with you — help exists, and you deserve it. Email [email protected] or call 709 753 5812

You are doing more than enough. Your kids will remember how you made them feel — not what was under the tree. 🎄✨

11/18/2025

🎄 Avoid Holiday Debt This Christmas 🎁
Financial Literacy Month Tip from CCSNL

The holiday season can be magical—but it can also be expensive and stressful financially. With the cost of living higher than ever in Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s easy for Christmas spending to snowball into January stress. Here are a few simple ways to keep your holiday budget on track:

✨ 1. Set a realistic budget
Decide what you can truly afford before you shop. Include gifts, food, travel, and last-minute extras.

🎁 2. Make a gift list—and stick to it
Impulse buys are the biggest budget breakers. Planning ahead keeps your spending intentional.

🛍️ 3. Shop smart
Watch for sales, compare prices, and consider DIY or low-cost meaningful gifts.

💳 4. Avoid using credit for “just this once”
Holiday balances take months to pay off. If you can’t pay it off in January, rethink the purchase.

👨‍👩‍👧 5. Focus on memories, not money
Kids will remember the time you spent together—not the price tag of the gifts.

If you’re feeling financial pressure this season, you’re not alone. CCSNL is here to help with free, confidential budgeting and debt counselling.

💬 Reach out anytime:
📞 709-753-5813
🌐 ccsnl.ca

Let’s make this a joyful—and financially healthy—holiday season ✨

11/17/2025

The holidays can be wonderful… but they can also be financially overwhelming — especially with rising costs.
As we recognize Financial Literacy Month, CCSNL wants you to know: you’re not alone.

If you’re stressed about Christmas spending, debt, or making ends meet, our counsellors are here to support you with practical tools and non-judgmental guidance.

💙 Let’s make this holiday season joyful — not stressful.
Contact us anytime: 709-753-5813 |

By searching our webpage and attempting to get as much financial information and knowledge as you can, you have taken the first step to getting your financial woes behind you.

07/10/2025

September's schedule is booking up for presentations, if you would like our Executive Director , Lauren Holwell, to come present to your group or a virtual presentation please email [email protected]

Some popular topics for presentations include: budgeting, debt, saving, credit, personal finance 101 and children & money. But we can present on anything personal finance.

07/10/2025

https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/ten-habits-that-can-help-turn-your-spending-around-in-a-tough-economy

Getting out of debt and building your savings can be tough, but there are strategies to help get your bank account to a positive place