VANCOUVER — The head of British Columbia's Credit Counselling Society is offering a word of warning in the lead-up to the holiday shopping season.
President Scott Hannah says holiday expenses should be planned and on budget.
Hannah says the average British Columbian has a non-mortgage debt of $25,000, which includes lines of credit, loans and credit cards.
He says that shouldering that level of debt could spell trouble if mortgage rates increase.
Hannah says a rise in debt levels is also happening alongside a decline in spending rates.
He says Canadians are floundering when it comes to managing their savings and meeting other financial goals.
