Hope and a Plan for Rebuilding Lives

Melanie has been the voice of David Sklar & Associates (DSAI) for just over 6 years. Monday thru Friday from opening to closing, she greets and helps our clients in person and on the phone.

Because she has such a unique, first-hand view of our clients and our services, we thought we would share some of her observations.

In our reception area, Melanie frequently sees worried people who are uncertain of their future. But, as Melanie will be the first to tell you - after their initial free consultation with an Estate Administrator – many of these worried folk will leave with smiles, some will actually leave laughing – and the vast majority will leave with hope and a realistic plan to rebuild their lives.

After that first meeting, she gets to see many clients as they come back into the office, to drop off paper work, for additional meetings, counselling sessions and even to bring cards of thanks to the people at DSAI.

Asked if there were any ‘special’ people that she remembered, she told of:

The elegant gentleman in his late 60s, who was clearly worried as he waited for his first consolation. For each of the nine months he was in bankruptcy, he chose to drop off his monthly reports at the reception area. Every month, his step seemed to grow lighter – as his warm sense of humour and confidence returned.

The client who always seemed unhappy. He was not one of clients who left his first consultation with a smile, but he did decide to file for Bankruptcy. Over the following months, he would appear for meetings and credit counselling – never with a smile – but he was successful with his Bankruptcy and was eventually discharged from his debts. Melanie was surprised then, when several months later, she saw him coming into the office again. This time, he was bringing his friend – and offering him reassurance that he would be well treated at DSAI.

The middle-aged man, who decided to make his 60 monthly consumer proposal payments in person. Each month he would present his payment at the receptionist’s desk, get a receipt and leave. Over time, his initial hesitancy turned into confidence, and as he approached his final payment – he eagerly shared his plan to continue putting the same amount, every month, into a savings account.

A very personal story for Melanie was that of a friend, who confided that she was in serious financial trouble. After pouring out her heart and her story, Melanie convinced her to come into the office and speak with someone. As her friend waited in the Reception area – her nervousness and tears were obvious. After her meeting with Estate Administrator, Cori Naron, Melanie’s friend was one of those who left laughing – with new hope and a plan.

Providing our clients with hope and a realistic plan to rebuild their financial lives – as well as the guidance they will need to carry out that plan – is what we do at David Sklar & Associates.

If you are facing overwhelming debt and live in the Greater Toronto Area – you are welcome to call us at 416-498-9200 to book your free, no-obligation initial consultation with one of our caring professionals.