Consumer News

Online tools help make sense of the homeownership process

2009-08-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

(NC)—While they are often cause for celebration, planning a home purchase and a move are often cited as some of life's most stressful events. Many other life moments have built-in backup to help you along the way: weddings have planners, and vacations offer itineraries and tour guides. It only makes sense, that something as important as a home purchase come with planners and checklists to keep us organized and in control every step of the way.

My Home Planner, found at www.homeownership.ca, is a new and useful online tool from Genworth Financial Canada that helps make sense of the homebuying process. It's like having a constant companion on your journey to homeownership – one with a great memory and a knack for details. An interactive calendar shows you your roadmap at a glance and serves as an official countdown to when you close the deal and move in.

My Home Planner does the memory work for you – keeping track of tasks and decisions that need to be handled on the way to your new home. It even generates email notifications to remind you of key details so that you can stay focused on the big picture.

Other free resources include:

• A personalization feature that populates your Home Planner calendar with both standard and customized homebuying tasks
• The ability to save your own Home Planner to your desktop or laptop, and print it for easy reference
• Interactive tools like “What Can I Afford” and “Rent vs. Buy” calculators
• A library of articles from industry experts, filled with tips and advice about the homebuying process

Why go it alone? Tools like My Home Planner from Genworth Financial Canada can help you understand what homeownership looks like, plan your journey and close the deal knowing that you haven't missed a single step along the way.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Is your income at risk? Your home doesn't have to be.

2009-08-11T17:19:00.001-07:00

(NC)—When life delivers an unexpected blow – like a serious illness, a marital separation or loss of employment – it can be difficult to stay on track. Sometimes, it can even put your ability to make your mortgage payments at serious risk.

This scenario shouldn't mean that your home, and everything you've worked so hard to achieve, is in jeopardy. Often, there is help available if you know where to look.

Many Canadian homeowners – particularly first-time homebuyers – carry mortgage default insurance on their homes – in fact over 45% do. These individuals may have access to assistance programs to help modify their loans should they experience a temporary financial hardship.

For example, if you have a Genworth-insured mortgage, you can take advantage of their Homeowner Assistance Program at no extra cost. The program enables you to work with Genworth and your lender to establish alternative arrangements so you can stay secure in your home when times get tough. It's for Canadians facing a variety of difficult situations, including:

• Work challenges, such as job loss, a strike, or even reduced income
• Health issues, such as injury or illness to yourself or a family member
• Life developments, such as marital separations or a death in the family

You also have the ability to review your options from the privacy of your own home by using the Homeowner Assistance Evaluator, a new self-assessment tool that can be accessed online. It helps concerned homeowners better assess their financial situation and provides potential solutions to help you stay in your home.

With programs like this available to homeowners, a little bit of education and effort can make the difference between a negative outcome, and finding help when you need it the most.

You can assess your own situation online at www.HomeownerAssistance.ca or you can contact your lender.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Water heaters: rent or buy?

2009-08-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

(NC)—In many parts of Canada, homeowners have the option of either renting or buying a new water heater when their machine breaks down. So which option is best for your circumstances?

Renting or leasing offers the convenience of small monthly payments, as well as access to fast, 24-hour service, 365 days a year. Installation is easy and convenient, and removal of the old water heater is part of the job. On the other hand, there may be limits on the type, size and efficiency of water heaters available through lease or rental arrangements.

Add up all the monthly rental payments over the years and you may find that buying a water heater will be cheaper in the long run. Buying outright can also give you access to a broader range of water heating technologies and suppliers, since systems can be purchased from utilities, contractors or through retail outlets.

In either scenario, it's important to select the most energy-efficient model that meets your household's needs. After all, you use hot water in the home every day – often lots of it.

To make an energy-wise choice, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol on the product, its packaging or literature. ENERGY STAR qualified water heaters use at least five percent less energy than conventional equipment, and that can translate into significant cost savings over the life of the equipment.

Whether to rent or buy is a personal choice, but always insist on ENERGY STAR qualified equipment to keep operating costs to a minimum and reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, visit energystar.nrcan.gc.ca or call 1-800-OCANADA.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Home buying tips for first time buyers

2009-07-13T13:06:00.001-07:00

(NC)—After a sustained period of rising prices and competitive bidding wars, first-time buyers are pleasantly surprised by the current opportunities to enter the market as a result of the current economic climate.

Declining housing prices are opening up more possibilities for first-time buyers, who have the advantage of not needing to sell an existing property. For some, the dream of owning a home is closer to reality, and it is easy to get carried away by the excitement of the home-buying process.

Despite the temptations of price reductions, buyers should not sacrifice quality. Judy Pryma, president of MasonryWorx, offers the following tips for how to buy right:

• Go green. Whether buying new or resale, pay careful attention to the materials used to construct the home. Masonry products – brick, block and stone – are the original green building materials. They have a very long life, are produced locally, do not release toxic compounds into the air and can be reused.

• Think resale. Most people live in a home for an average of 5 to10 years, so keep the resale value in mind. Research shows a masonry home will earn 4 to 6 per cent more in resale than non-masonry, which means a little more cash in your pocket for your next home.

• Safety first. When considering a semi-detached or townhome, find out about firewalls. Masonry materials are the best choice for ensuring optimal protection in case of fire because they don't burn and can help prevent the spread of fire between units.

• Looks matter. Stand back and admire the home from the street. It should fit in well with the neighbouring homes and be pleasing to look at. Look for damaged cladding or siding that may require ongoing maintenance. Choosing a home with low maintenance cladding, such as masonry, will ensure the home always looks its best.

More information on this topic is available online at www.masonryworx.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Portable entertainment for weekend warriors on-the-go

2009-06-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

(NC)—“Are we there yet?” It's an all too familiar phrase that can easily stress-out even the most patient of parents.

This summer, drive your kids to distraction with the latest in travel entertainment technology. Portable DVD players, MP3 players, headphones and add-on LCD display screens make summer car trips more peaceful. Philips Electronics has an extensive line of portable entertainment systems designed to go wherever you go.

“Philips offers a wide variety of portable entertainment options for as little as $49.95 that are perfect for families on the go,” says Court Elliott of Philips Electronics. “With Philips technology in hand, music and movies can easily move from the house to the car, and into the cottage. Our leading edge design provides top quality sound, function and reliability.”

Not just for long car trips, Philips portable speakers and iPod docking entertainment systems deliver exquisite sound quality for those summer parties, whether they're indoors or outside. Philip GoGear audio and video players also offer weekend warriors a seamless escape, leaving listeners to enjoy tranquility or seamlessly manage their content from up north or in transit.

Of course every portable device needs to recharge and packing all those different chargers can be a hassle. The solution can be found in a universal USB charger, a unique hybrid product that allows portable electronic devices to be conveniently charged by a single charger, or re-energized by a handy back-up power pack.

And to keep your gadgets going on those super long trips, you can get up to 60 hours of back-up energy from a unit barely bigger than a deck of cards. The rechargeable power pack will energize all your portable electronic devices – even your laptop – without having to plug it in. It's compatible convenience for the wise weekender.

Source: www.newscanada.com

National retailer applauds Canadians on recycling campaign

2009-06-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

(NC)—The challenge was posed and the goal was set.

Last year, Staples asked Canadians to stop throwing empty ink and toner cartridges into the trash can and instead, bring them to recycling bins at their store locations.

The retailer called it their Million Cartridge Challenge, with a lofty target to collect one million empty ink and toner units. Within eight months, Staples is claiming a victory for all by successfully diverting more than 1.3 million used cartridges from landfill sites.

“We have exceeded our goal,” says company president, Steve Matyas. “I knew Canadians would respond enthusiastically to the call. Everyone who participated has contributed to the success of this campaign, or more importantly, to the sustainable good health of our land, air, and sea environment. Thank you Canadians, in fact, thanks a million!”

The Million Cartridge Challenge, which aimed to reach or surpass its goal before the Earth Day deadline, continues to collect and recycle cartridges year-round at Staples stores.

“Recycling is not new to us of course,” Matyas continued. “Our stores have been recycling cartridges, rechargeable batteries, and cell phones for many, many years. But this is the first time we've rallied our customers to make a real difference—and they really did. We have never collected so much before.”

For every million cartridges kept from landfill, he explains, “you and I can prevent the deposit of 96,000 kilograms of aluminium, 400 tonnes of plastic, and 10 million litres of oil into 8,000 cubic feet of Canadian land.”

Source: www.newscanada.com

Online tools help make sense of the homeownership process

2009-06-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

(NC)—While they are often cause for celebration, planning a home purchase and a move are often cited as some of life's most stressful events. Many other life moments have built-in backup to help you along the way: weddings have planners, and vacations offer itineraries and tour guides. It only makes sense, that something as important as a home purchase come with planners and checklists to keep us organized and in control every step of the way.

My Home Planner, found at www.homeownership.ca, is a new and useful online tool from Genworth Financial Canada that helps make sense of the homebuying process. It's like having a constant companion on your journey to homeownership – one with a great memory and a knack for details. An interactive calendar shows you your roadmap at a glance and serves as an official countdown to when you close the deal and move in.

My Home Planner does the memory work for you – keeping track of tasks and decisions that need to be handled on the way to your new home. It even generates email notifications to remind you of key details so that you can stay focused on the big picture.

Other free resources include:

• A personalization feature that populates your Home Planner calendar with both standard and customized homebuying tasks

• The ability to save your own Home Planner to your desktop or laptop, and print it for easy reference

• Interactive tools like “What Can I Afford” and “Rent vs. Buy” calculators

• A library of articles from industry experts, filled with tips and advice about the homebuying process

Why go it alone? Tools like My Home Planner from Genworth Financial Canada can help you understand what homeownership looks like, plan your journey and close the deal knowing that you haven't missed a single step along the way.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Is your income at risk? Your home doesn't have to be.

2009-05-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

(NC)—When life delivers an unexpected blow – like a serious illness, a marital separation or loss of employment – it can be difficult to stay on track. Sometimes, it can even put your ability to make your mortgage payments at serious risk.

This scenario shouldn't mean that your home, and everything you've worked so hard to achieve, be in jeopardy. Often, there is help available if you know where to look.

Many Canadian homeowners – particularly first-time homebuyers – carry mortgage default insurance on their homes – in fact over 45% do. These individuals may have access to assistance programs to help modify their loans should they experience a temporary financial hardship.

For example, if you have a Genworth-insured mortgage, you can take advantage of their Homeowner Assistance Program at no extra cost. The program enables you to work with Genworth and your lender to establish alternative arrangements so you can stay secure in your home when times get tough. It's for Canadians facing a variety of difficult situations, including:

• Work challenges, such as job loss, a strike, or even reduced income

• Health issues, such as injury or illness to yourself or a family member

• Life developments, such as marital separations or a death in the family

You also have the ability to review your options from the privacy of your own home by using the Homeowner Assistance Evaluator, a new self-assessment tool that can be accessed online. It helps concerned homeowners better assess their financial situation and provides potential solutions to help you stay in your home.

With programs like this available to homeowners, a little bit of education and effort can make the difference between a negative outcome, and finding help when you need it the most.

You can assess your own situation online at www.HomeownerAssistance.ca or you can contact your lender.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Breaking the 'mold' in insurance coverage

2009-05-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

(NC)—While you might think that your home insurance covers mold damage, dig a little deeper and you may discover that your policy isn't quite up to your expectations.

It's not a pretty subject, but mold damage in the home is not just an unsightly inconvenience. It can be toxic to residents, and a very costly problem to fix, which is why homeowners like to count on their insurance policies to cover this potentially expensive clean up. However, most policies will only cover mold damage as a result of water damage, and eligibility for coverage can be based on a number of factors, such as how the water damage occurred; how quickly you report it; how promptly you cleaned up the water and dried the premises; and if you followed the proper procedures.

One type of mold damage that is preventable is mold caused by excessive moisture due to improper ventilation. The more effectively you ventilate your home the better your chances of eliminating potential mold issues.

To evaluate your home for ventilation related mold issues, simply take the time to look around your home for problem spots. More importantly, go over your ventilation systems and practices with a professional to ensure that you've done all you can to keep the potential for mold damage at bay. Also, it never hurts to check with your insurance agent to understand the conditions attached to insurance claims for mold damage so you stay informed and are not faced with any surprises.

For tips or professional contacts you can talk to about keeping potential mold damage at bay, visit www.hrai.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Ventilate AND insulate – striking the right balance

2009-05-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

(NC)—'Tis the season for all good home owners to ready their homes for the winter months. Come Christmas time you've likely done a pretty good job of sealing up drafts and reducing any leakages that might drive up your heating costs.

Your home may be cozy and warm, but all of a sudden you start to see condensation on the inside of your windows or signs of mold and mildew throughout your house. Food, pet and other unseemly odours simply won't disappear. More importantly, family members with asthma or allergies are showing more symptoms and even the healthy folks are feeling a bit stuffed up.

So what's the problem? A well insulated home does wonders for energy costs and personal comfort, but if you don't pay attention to your ventilation needs, you will be increasing your exposure to indoor air pollution.

When a living space is enclosed with no means for air to escape, it becomes a haven for all sorts of airborne pollutants that have no place to go. Many of the materials inside your home such as paint, carpeting, etc. give off fumes - not to mention all of the off-gasing from our cleaning chemicals in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room. That's why it is critical when planning your winterizing efforts to put just as much time and research into ventilation equipment and some good common sense practices to make sure your environment remains healthy.

The industry likes to use the phrase “build it tight, ventilate right” when it comes to planning, according to Scott Stevens, Chair of the Indoor Air Quality Product Section for HRAI (Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada). “With more building code restrictions and an increased focus on energy savings, homes are built tighter than ever. But you also need to balance this with good ventilation practices or you have only done half your job.”

Ventilation is more than just opening up a window when things get a bit stuffy or damp, Stevens adds. “It also means looking at a variety of mechanical ventilation systems – from bathroom fans and range hoods to heat recovery ventilators. Basically, it means anything in your house that ventilates air to the outside.”

A key to good ventilation is what Stevens identifies as “source control” – that is capturing air pollutants at their source to channel them outside. A bathroom fan running when you have a shower is an example of this. Likewise, a range hood can control air flow in the kitchen during cooking and other food preparation activities.

However, even those that have a good network of mechanical ventilation systems in their homes aren't necessarily that good about using them to their fullest advantage. For example, it's important to run your bathroom fan when taking a shower and leave it on for about 15 minutes after you leave the room (installing a timer is an excellent way to ensure that the fan turns off automatically after a designated time span). The same rules apply to your range hood when you're cooking.

Also make sure that when you're selecting a ventilation system of any kind that it is correctly sized for your specific room size and air conditions. Too little ventilation power will waste a lot of time and energy with only marginal results to show for it.

There is a lot of information and professional expertise out there to help you understand how ventilation systems work, what you need to do to keep your home healthy in both the winter and the summer, and how to get the most out of what equipment you already have. You can start by visiting www.hrai.ca and www.hrac.ca to find a qualified professional in your area.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Training your brain

2009-05-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Just as muscles need to be exercised regularly in order to be healthy and strong, so does the brain.

Scientists have recently discovered that, when the brain is regularly exercised, it can acquire new knowledge and skills and even alter its anatomy to perform better, while decreasing stress levels. This phenomenon is referred to as “neuroplasticity,” or “brain plasticity,” and it means that the brain can develop when it's pushed out of its comfort zone – even in the later years of life.

There are many ways you can exercise your brain and once you start, you'll soon see that doing mental aerobics is fun and easy. Puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku are a great way to challenge your mind and they exercise the regions of your brain associated with word naming, word association and arithmetic. You can also sharpen your mind by switching off the TV in favour of a game of chess, checkers or fun group activities like Trivial Pursuit and Cranium. While these are all great ways to stimulate your brain, they won't work the entire organ.

New and safe products developed to give the brain the most intensive and complete workout possible, such as brain training software, are now available on the market. Brain training software is a high-tech and efficient option to improve your brain's performance and keep the mind young. There are games that you can play with hand-held consoles, like the Nintendo DS, and other programs that you can use on your computer, at home, and at work.

The NeuroActive Program, for example, is computer software that was scientifically developed to train the entire brain and improve the functions we use daily, such as memory, brain processing speed, concentration, arithmetic and attention skills.

According to Dr. Stephane Bergeron, Canadian medical doctor and creator of the NeuroActive Program, “exercising with brain training software is the most efficient way to work your entire brain and to see vast improvements in memory and brain performance, in the least amount of time”. Dr. Bergeron says that training the brain three times a week for at least 30 minutes can yield results which can last up to five years. He also recommends the program as part of an all-natural Alzheimer's prevention strategy.

When you select the right brain training program for your lifestyle, the activity can be easily integrated into your routine. Whether you want to maintain your memory as you grow older, augment your brain's performance for increased productivity at work or school, or simply sharpen your brain to feel ten years younger, exercising your brain is the only way to go.

Brain training software is easy to find. The NeuroActive Program is available at national retailers such as Best Buy and Future Shop.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Digital is not high definition

2009-04-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Home Entertainment News

(NC)—Television quality can be confusing these days. If you're fuzzy about the differences between digital and high definition, join the crowd. Almost one-quarter (22%) of Canadians surveyed by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Rogers this summer believe that “digital” and “high definition” mean the same thing. They are not.

“Digital refers to the way the television signal comes to your home, whereas high definition refers to the image quality that is presented on your TV,” says David Purdy, vice president of video product management at Rogers Cable. “It is important for people to know the difference in order to understand what will happen when the digital switch takes place.”

On February 17, 2009 all over the air television signals in the United States will switch from analog to digital, and in Canada, this will take place on August 31, 2011. Canadians with rabbit ears will be the only ones affected in February, as TV providers such as Rogers, will continue to provide analog signals to its customers with a set-top-box. Older analog-signal televisions will need a set-top converter to receive the new digital signals. Newer TVs such as the flat screen HDTVs that are flying off the shelves these days are already equipped for the change.

The benefits are great in moving to digital. Personal Video Recorders (PVR) give you the flexibility to record, playback, fast forward, rewind and jump to any part of your recorded program and the On Demand service from Rogers lets you watch over 5,000 titles, including your favourite primetime programming, from the leading networks at any time.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Ask important questions now when buying a TV

2009-04-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

By J.C. Carroll

(NC)—Within the next two years, all television signals in Canada and the United States will be transmitted in digital format. Converting from the old analog signals, to digital, will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum so it can be used instead for public safety services like police, fire, and emergency rescue. The first deadline is February 17, 2009 for signals from the United States. The second deadline is August 31, 2011 for Canadian broadcasting signals.

Set-top terminals are the quick solution to convert televisions that are not digital. Your cable provider can assist with this. Many Canadians however, will decide that the time is right for a new TV, so here are some tips on that subject, courtesy of Rogers:

• Be sure the TV is digital. The newest lines are legislated to include the needed ATSC digital tuner. However, retailers are permitted to sell analog-only products from existing inventory. If televisions are not digital, a Consumer Alert label is required, advising that the device will need a converter terminal once the signal switch takes place.

• Don't confuse the terms. When shopping, be sure you understand what you're getting. For example:

• A television labelled "Digital Ready” or “Digital Compatible" does not mean that the television includes the necessary digital tuner. You will need a converter terminal after the deadlines, or a cable subscription.

• Switching to digital (DTV) is not the same as switching to high definition (HDTV). The upcoming signal transition is from analog to digital, not a switch to high definition broadcasting. Simply put, digital refers to the way the TV signal comes to your home, whereas high definition refers to the image quality that is represented on your TV. Most television networks have already transitioned to HD, with the remaining broadcasters set to follow soon.

• Consider your high definition options. The best picture quality is with an HDTV. While your TV is HD, you will still need a set-top terminal to receive high definition signals and programming like On Demand, which delivers the most advanced features, freedom and flexibility to date. With 5,000 titles for viewing, On Demand lets you watch or record favourite episodic programming from several networks at a time that suits you best. In addition, you also get HBO Canada with never-before-seen content, including exclusive series, films, documentaries, live concerts and sporting events. Add the High Definition Personal Recorder (HD PVR) to this mix and every favourite show will be yours anywhere, any time.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Tips for taking charge of your debts

2009-04-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

(NC) - Understand the warning signs – Paying bills late, bouncing cheques, making minimum payments on credit cards, using one card to pay another, getting calls from collection agencies, asking friends or family for loans, having your utilities cut off, cutting back on clothing and food;

Rework your budget – Make a budget and stick to it - even if it means changing your lifestyle and reducing your expectations. Keep track of every penny you spend to see where it all goes. By making a budget, you'll pay for essentials first and free up some money to repay your debts;

Seek help – Talk to a budget or credit counsellor; anyone can do so. A counsellor can help you make a plan for managing your money. They can also offer ways to help you get out of debt. Budget and credit counselling services are offered by many types of organizations such as provincial governments, non-profit groups and private companies. Talk to your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office, or a consumer organization in your area for help finding a counsellor near you;

A budget or credit counsellor can also help you decide if the following options are best for you:

Contact your creditors – Make payment arrangements with your creditors to make it easier for you to repay your debts. Make a list of your creditors and contact each one separately. For example, you can ask to reduce your payments. You can also ask to put off your debt for a time, or to pay less interest. You can even propose all three options.

Sell something you own – An asset is something that you own fully with no money owing. It could be your car, your television or computer. Difficult to do but easy to reap the financial rewards.

Last resort – If none of the above options works for you, consider filing for bankruptcy or taking a legal course of action called a “consumer proposal.”

The federal, provincial and territorial governments of the Consumer Measures Committee have posted some great publications on how to take charge of your debt. Go to www.ConsumerInformation.ca and search for Be Informed About…Debt.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Home sweet rented home – what you need to know

2009-04-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Renting a house or an apartment is an important transaction and knowing your rights and responsibilities is key to making the experience safe, legal and stress-free.

Rules for landlords and tenants are different in every province and territory so it's a good idea to brush up on the laws that affect your living arrangement. Before you rent, decide what you want, learn what the law says and read your lease or rental agreement thoroughly.

Ask these basic questions before you sign on the dotted line –

• How much is the rent?

• Do I have to pay a security deposit and how do I get in back when I move out?

• Does parking cost extra?

• How long is the agreement?

• How do I pay the rent?

• Who can I contact if there is a problem?

The Consumer Measures Committee, a group of federal, provincial and territorial government representatives has prepared a helpful tip sheet on renting and leasing an apartment. You can find it at www.ConsumerInformation.ca . Search for Be Informed About…Landlords and Tenants.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Don't be scammed by gift cards or prepaid credit cards

2009-03-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

(NC)—During this past holiday season, you likely gained some great presents along with a few extra pounds. Perhaps you also received some gift cards or prepaid credit cards, allowing you to buy whatever you want. These cards are becoming increasingly popular because they're convenient and easy to buy. Their popularity has however created new opportunities for scammers keen to separate you from your hard-earned money.
Don't be an easy target
Gift and prepaid credit card scams are similar to credit and debit cards fraud. Scammers will buy blank cards and may register them with a small dollar amount or leave them blank. These fraudulent cards are then commonly sold on online auction sites, exchange or barter sites, or through third party non-retailers. Some are even sold on the street or in mall parking lots.

Here are things to consider when purchasing gift or prepaid credit cards from retail vendors:

The gift card design: The store name and brand should figure prominently. For example, the Sears name should not appear on a gift card from Wal-Mart. Some cards are redeemable at more than one establishment, like shopping mall gift cards or department stores like HBC, whose cards can be used in the Bay or Zellers.

Declared value and currency: Make sure that the gift card clearly states its monetary value. Does this amount match the value stated by the seller? Does the card specify a currency or country of use? If the card is programmed in U.S. dollars, you may not be able to use it in Canadian dollars. Before you buy, make sure the gift card is valid in Canada or North America.

Printed with typos? Read the card. Make sure it does not include any important spelling or grammar mistakes. If it comes from a Canadian company, make sure it is written in both English and French.

Card validation: Currently, the gift card validation process at the retail level is not perfect. This may leave you vulnerable because you won't be able to tell if your card has any value or not.

Remember, reduce your risk. Always buy your gift or pre-paid credit cards at reliable stores and outlets. More information is available online at www.assistel.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Fast facts about Canada's underground economy

2009-03-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

• All Canadians are affected by the underground economy (UE). Taking cash to avoid paying tax is cheating. It's cheating Canadians who do pay their taxes, businesses that have to compete with lower prices, and customers and workers who may not be covered if disaster strikes.

• Certain sectors are more vulnerable to underground activity such as construction or hospitality.

• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is taking action against the UE. It has over 1,000 employees dedicated specifically to catching underground operators.

• The CRA works closely with the provinces, territories, and other federal government departments and agencies to identify and catch cheaters.

• The CRA uses a mix of outreach, education, communication, and compliance actions to combat the UE. For example, the CRA has a Record Keeping Initiative where an auditor will visit a business to ensure that proper books and records are being maintained and kept.

• CRA officers also conduct community visits to businesses as part of its outreach program. The purpose of these visits is to provide businesses with the latest information and answer their questions.

• And of course, the CRA audits businesses and people!

• It's a myth that taking cash and keeping no records makes you immune to taxes. If your lifestyle is not in line with the income you report, and you cannot explain the difference, your taxes will be assessed based on an estimate of your income. In addition to the tax, you will have to pay interest and any penalties. You could also be prosecuted and even face jail time.

• Last year, the CRA completed some 17,000 audits related to the underground economy, resulting in about $575 million in unreported income and $150 million in taxes assessed.

• The CRA has a special program called the Voluntary Disclosures Program that allows people to come forward and correct their tax situation, without penalty or prosecution. If you make a full disclosure before the CRA starts any action or investigation against you, you may only have to pay the taxes owing plus interest.

• If you want to check out the CRA's Voluntary Disclosures Program, go to www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures, or call the CRA's toll-free number at 1-800-959-8281. You can also refer to provincial Web sites for information on provincial voluntary disclosures programs.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Consumer information offers key safety and security tips

2009-03-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Canadians wanting more information on some of the most important issues facing consumers today such as identity theft, Internet safety and debt, to name a few, can look no further than valuable information posted at www.ConsumerInformation.ca. Search for Be Informed About… Consumer Issues for information developed by federal, provincial and territorial government representatives in consumer affairs.

The information outlines everything you need to know about debt, identity theft, Internet safety, renting or leasing a property (landlords and tenants) and making an effective consumer complaint. There are multimedia presentations as well as plain text or html versions of the tips online.

The information is clear, practical and relevant for anyone wanting the straight goods on protecting themselves in the marketplace. There are useful links and phone numbers for agencies and organizations that can help.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Tips for dealing with collection agencies

2009-03-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

• A collection agency is a company that works to get back money owed by people in debt. Your creditors pay these agencies to get back the money you owe them;

• If you receive a notice that explains your debt has been given to a collection agency — don't panic — the agency is trying to get back the money you owe its client;

• If possible, pay the amount you owe. If you are unable to pay it all at once, contact the agency and explain your situation;

If you reach an agreement with the agency about the method you will use to pay, get it in writing;

• Never send cash. Always get a receipt for your payment from the agency.

The Consumer Measures Committee, a group of federal, provincial and territorial government representatives has posted some great information for dealing with debt. Go to www.ConsumerInformation.ca and search for Be Informed About…Debt.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Is it phishing or fishing?

2009-03-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

(NC)—With so many new words used regarding online security, what does it all mean? To help you navigate the lingo, MasterCard Canada has defined some of the terms that are more commonly used when it comes to the security of online transactions.

Online phishing (aka spoofing or brand spoofing)
The term phishing is derived from the word fishing, because online scammers use e-mail lures to fish for personal information such as passwords and financial data from the sea of online users. Another common name for phishing is brand spoofing, since online scammers will often create e-mails and web sites that look like they come from known organizations, such as banks, government or merchants.

These fake e-mails and web sites are created to look like the real thing and will usually encourage you to update or confirm your personal information via a response to the e-mail or by clicking on a URL. Popular information requests include credit card numbers, banking information, social insurance numbers and account user names and passwords.

Never, ever click on hyperlinks or provide personal information in response to unsolicited communication.

Computer security
Computer security refers to security programs such as, firewalls, anti-virus software installed on your computer. It's important to have anti-virus software, spyware filters, e-mail filters and firewall programs on your computer, and to update them on a weekly basis. Many of these programs can be set for automatic updates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Regular, weekly scans (which can also be set to run automatically) on your computer are also a must, as any security issues can be caught and dealt with early. It is important to remember these scans can only run when your computer is turned on.

Defensive computing
A good defensive computing measure is to have different passwords for different accounts. If you only use one online password for all your accounts and it becomes compromised, it can mean all your accounts can become compromised.

SSL and TSL
SSL refers to Secure Socket Layer and is the predecessor to TLS, Transport Layer Security. SSL/TLS refers to the security encryption of online communication. You are most likely to encounter this when you are entering personal information online such as a credit card number. The presence of SSL/TSL is symbolized by a closed lock at the bottom of your Internet browser.

No card present
You're in possession of your card and somebody has made purchases using the card number only, which can be done through mail orders, phone orders, or Internet transactions. You may not know these purchases have taken place until you receive an account statement showing purchases not made by you.

Fortunately, in Canada cardholders can dispute charges if the goods or services were misrepresented or never delivered. MasterCard cardholders are also protected by Zero Liability, meaning you are not responsible for fraudulent purchases made on your account. For more information about Zero Liability, visit: www.mastercard.ca.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Spot the e-mail spoof

2009-02-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

(NC)—E-mails are an environmentally friendly and efficient way for organizations to keep in touch with their customers. However, it is important to remember these types of e-mails are usually one-way, and legitimate organizations will never ask you to verify your personal information. Stay safe and follow MasterCard Canada's tips to keep your online information secure.

• Watch for spoof e-mails disguised to be something they're not. Scammers can create authentic looking e-mails asking you to verify your credit card numbers, user names and passwords.

• Never click on the hyperlinks provided in the e-mail. The link you are clicking on may not direct you to the actual site, but to a spoofed site.

• By replying to the e-mail, you're letting someone know that your account is active. E-mail addresses can be faked. Even if the domain name looks real, your reply may actually be going somewhere you don't want it to.

• Spoof e-mails often contain incorrect spelling.

• More often than not, these e-mails will not be personalized, since online scammers will not have your name.

• If you're convinced the e-mail is real, and need to click on the hyperlink, copy and paste the URL into the Web browser's address field. The address from the hyperlink will reveal itself in the address field. This will help you land on legitimate web sites instead of spoofed ones.

• If you see spot a spoof, report it.

Despite our best efforts to stay safe in our online shopping trips, information like financial information can sometimes become compromised. If this happens to you, don't panic. Visit www.mastercard.ca for a list of steps cardholders should take, such as:

• Reporting your concerns immediately to the proper authorities, including the police.

• If your banking or credit card information has become compromised, contact your financial institution or credit card issuer immediately.

• In Canada, MasterCard cardholders are protected by MasterCard's Zero Liability policy; if someone makes an unauthorized purchase using your MasterCard card number, you will not be responsible for that purchase. For more information on Zero Liability please visit www.mastercard.ca/zeroliability.

• Contact the two national credit bureaus, Equifax and/or TransUnion. They will place a “Fraud Alert” on your file.

• Check your financial statements carefully in the following months to make sure the problem has been completely resolved.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Smart tips for keeping your brain healthy at any age

2009-02-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Canadians are well aware of the importance of exercise and a healthy diet. These days, you don't have to look far to find a gym, yoga studio, nutritionist, or health spa in just about any neighbourhood. But why is it that we take such good care of our bodies yet seem to forget about one of the most important parts – the brain? Thanks to neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity – the recently-discovered ability of the brain to change and map new neural pathways and stimulate new cell growth – it is possible to regain youthful cerebral vigour at any age. So, if you want to start remembering where you put your glasses, the name of the woman in accounting, or your aunt's birthday, here are some easy tips that'll sharpen your mind in no time.

1. Smart eating makes smart thinking
Omega-3s are high in DHA, a fatty acid crucial to the health of the nervous system. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. Fish are very high in Omega-3s and excellent choices are salmon, herring and mackerel. You can also find this essential fatty acid in grains and nuts, such as flax seeds and walnuts. The brain is almost completely regulated by amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Legumes, like kidney beans, lentils and black eyed peas, are high in amino acids, so try to find a way of incorporating them into your daily diet. Vitamin B, vitamin C and folic acid are also crucial to your brain health. Eating foods rich in vitamin B, like eggs and oatmeal, can help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells that occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. Blueberries, tomatoes and citrus fruit – all high in vitamin C – may play a role in modulating physical and emotional stress. Finally, foods that contain folic acid like asparagus, leafy greens and broccoli contribute you keeping your brain sharp.

2. Sweet dreams lead to sharp thoughts
Sleep deprivation makes us sluggish and forgetful because it interferes with our normal nightly drop in stress hormones, such as cortisol. Children who get sufficient amounts of sleep have shown an increased ability to learn more and at a quicker rate. It is important for adults to get their nightly dose of “z's” as well, so sleep approximately eight hours a night to regulate your hormones and be able to receive and process new information during the day.

3. Do mental aerobics
Just like a muscle, the brain needs to workout at least a few times a week to stay healthy and fit. While puzzles like Sudoku and crosswords don't hurt the brain, they also don't exercise it entirely. Recent neuroscience research proves that the brain, at any age, has significant potential to acquire new knowledge and skills with proper training and exercise, once it is pushed out of its comfort zone. This can be accomplished by using brain training software, like the NeuroActive program for example, which is available at Future Shop and Best Buy stores across Canada. “We designed NeuroActive for use at home or at work. It offers Canadians a comprehensive program that keeps the entire brain active and improves the functions we need and use in our professional and personal lives,” says Dr. Bergeron, founder and CEO of Brain Center International. “Being able to easily remember people's names and faces, sharpening concentration and reflexes, and learning how to multitask more efficiently to handle stress can benefit everyone. Brain training software can also increase cognitive reserve, making it an important part of an all-natural, no-side-effects prevention strategy for Alzheimer's disease.” So work out your brain as you would your body!

4. Get moving!
Exercise increases oxygenation and blood flow levels to the brain and enhances activity in the part of the brain that's important for learning and memory, says Dr. Bergeron. Work out three times a week for at least 30 minutes and include cardiovascular and strength training exercises for optimal health benefits and brain performance.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Reach your retirement goals with ease

2009-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Desjardins Financial Security's recent Rethink Retirement 2008 survey showed that one in two Canadians is afraid of outliving their savings. This becomes a real concern for many retirees as the life expectancy of Canadians continues to rise. These worries will soon be a thing of the past now that segregated financial products are now offering guaranteed retirement payments for life.
A product that helps you rethink retirement
The guaranteed investment fund is a segregated financial product that works like a mutual fund. Deposits are divided across a number of funds to provide low-risk, well-balanced growth potential. Guaranteed investments funds can now include a special option called the Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB). The GLWB feature will pay the contract holder a guaranteed and predictable retirement income for life, based on the age at which the first withdrawal is made. This means that investors can choose when to start making withdrawals, based on the age they think will be best for them while aiming to maximize the guaranteed income they would like to receive. In some cases, it can start as early as age 45.

"This new feature is the perfect solution for those retirees who are worried that they will outlive their savings," said Michael Aziz, regional vice president of investment product sales at Desjardins Financial Security.
Creating a predictable retirement
With the recent volatility of the financial markets, many investors have lost a substantial portion of their retirement savings. Now, the GLWB offered at Desjardins Financial Security will pay a special seven per cent bonus. The bonus will be added to the total amount used to calculate the investor's guaranteed retirement income every year for the first 10 years, provided no withdrawals are made. With this, the periodic income investors will receive at retirement will grow more quickly.

"We know that investors tend to limit their portfolios' risk exposure in the ten years prior to retirement," said Aziz. "Offering this special bonus provides investors with a safe way to play catch-up after the recent market down-turn."

More information is available online at www.dfs.ca/helios.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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The time for HD is now

2009-01-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Economists are widely reporting that while the economy is experiencing a downtown, Canadians aren't giving up the creature comforts within their homes as readily as you might expect.

In fact, according to a recent Ipsos Reid poll commissioned by Rogers, 49% of Canadians report that they would not be able to live without their cable or satellite subscription if forced to cut back on the amount of money they spend on entertainment during an economic decline.

“When you couple that with the fact that 27 percent of people who own an HDTV are actually watching more TV than they did last year, its a strong indication that not only do Canadians love their TV because of the drastically improved picture quality, but the whole HD ecosystem – which encompasses HD content, electronics and services – is bringing new value into the living room for families,” said Andy Walker, executive producer of technology learning site butterscotch.com.

When it comes to HDTV it's not just the brilliant image that has Canadians hooked, it's also the quality of programs that can be watched. “The viewing choices, of course, are the best part,” said David Purdy, Vice President, Video Product Management, Rogers Cable. “HDTV programming is no longer just sports events and nature flicks, now you can watch hundreds of programs and the majority of your favourite primetime shows in HD anytime you want. Get this great entertainment value for less than $2 a day.”

Source: www.newscanada.com
Visit our website at: www.thenewsleader.ca

Jetting south requires travel insurance

2009-01-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Just as the last leaf falls to the near-frozen ground, the temptation to escape to a sandy beach down south grows stronger. Whether you're heading to Florida or Mexico, purchasing travel insurance should be top of your to-do list to ensure a great holiday and peace of mind.

According to François Morel, travel insurance marketing advisor at Desjardins Financial Security, buying this product is just as important as making sure you have a valid passport. "It doesn't matter whether you're leaving Canada for a day or for several weeks, accidents or illnesses happen all the time and it's best to be prepared," said Morel. "Canadians should be aware that hospital stays and medical services can potentially cost tens of thousands of dollars, compared to the few dollars it costs to buy coverage."
Don't leave home without it
Here are some things to remember when buying travel insurance:

• It's convenient: Travel insurance can be bought on the internet, over the phone. Pick the one that's easiest for you.

• Do your research: Because each traveller is different, each policy offers different coverage. Decide what you need based your destination and the length of your trip.

• Very inexpensive: Even though it cost just a few dollars, many travellers don't buy insurance before they leave. Take the extra time and dollars to ensure a safe trip. You'll be happy you did in case of an emergency.

• Make photocopies of your policy: Make sure that you have copies of all your important documents including your policy before you go. Consider giving a copy to a trusted friend or a family member as a backup.
Final details
There are always lots of things to consider when you go away. Do you need to be vaccinated? Have you packed sunscreen and bug repellent? So, knowing you've purchased travel insurance is one step to ensuring you have a great time.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Your television can do the switch easily

2009-01-12T09:12:00.001-08:00

Technology News
(NC)—Start thinking now about what the digital television switch means to you.

On February 17, 2009, over-the-air broadcast signals from the United States convert to digital, so anyone using an antenna to access conventional (analog) television will require a set-top converter box to receive programming. For Canadian broadcasts, there's a bit more time. The Canadian Radio-Television and Communications Commission (CRTC) has set a final deadline for this digital transition to August 31, 2011. For the vast majority of Canadians with a digital tuner and subscribe to digital cable services, you will see no change once the switch takes place. Here are additional tips on this subject, courtesy of Rogers:

1. If you use an antenna you do not need to buy a digital TV, but you will need a converter box. These are readily available for purchase or lease.

2. To ensure you continue to receive your favourite channels from both the US and Canada, now is the time to look at your options for subscription cable TV, as following the switch these channels will only be available digitally.

3. If your television set is labelled “Digital Monitor”, or “HDTV Monitor”, “Digital Ready”, “HDTV Ready,” it may not contain the needed digital tuner. You will likely need a set-top box to view it. These terminals are provided by your cable TV provider.

4. If you're a digital cable customer, you won't experience any change following the switch. You already have enhanced viewing choices with services such as On Demand from Rogers. Giving you the most advanced features, freedom and flexibility to date, with as many as 5,000 titles, On Demand lets you watch your favourite episodic programming from leading networks such as Citytv, Global, and E! at a time that suits you best. In addition, you also get HBO Canada with never-before-seen content, including exclusive series, films, documentaries, live concerts and sporting events. Add the High Definition Personal Recorder (PVR) to this mix and every favourite show will be yours anywhere, any time.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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Revolutionize your living room

2009-01-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

By J.C. Carroll
(NC)—Home entertainment has become a multi-media world—and yet television remains as popular as ever.

“High definition television is really compelling for everyone that sees it,” says technology expert Andy Walker, executive producer of butterscotch.com. “Plus it's hard to deny the allure of a gorgeous flat, wide-screen HDTV. It's as dazzling as art when hung over a fireplace.

“However, your fantastic new television is nothing until it's got HD content on it. The big attraction here is the recent explosion in availability of HD programming and the ability to watch it whenever you want. That's the magic of it all.”

A recent Ipsos Reid poll, commissioned by Rogers, revealed that 27 percent of HDTV owners are watching more programming than they did last year, an indication, says Walker, of a strong return-on-investment due to choice, convenience and entertainment value. The HDTV experience is further enhanced when combined with a personal video recorder. A PVR gives you the freedom to record, playback, fast-forward and rewind, giving you greater control over what you're watching.

“The viewing choices, of course, are the best part,” said David Purdy, vice president of video product management at Rogers Cable. “HDTV programming is no longer just sports events and nature flicks, now you can watch the majority of your favourite primetime programs in HD anytime you want. Get this great entertainment value for less than $2 a day.”

Source: www.newscanada.com
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The Canadian love affair with TV is growing

2008-12-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

(NC)—If you're curious about all the chatter created by high definition television lately, here's the scoop. A recent Ipsos Reid survey commissioned by Rogers, revealed that 38 percent of Canadians own at least one high-definition television (HDTV), and 8 percent of us own more than one.

“Once you've witnessed the incredible sight and sound experiences from such an elegant piece of living room furniture it's painful to go back to your old boxy TV,” says technology expert Andy Walker, executive producer of butterscotch.com. “HDTV gives you brilliant, high-resolution images with incredible detail and sharpness, as well as crystal clear surround sound that seems to put you inside the action.”

Since HD launched, there has been significant expansion, product improvements and growth in programming available. “HD content has exploded in the last few years,” said David Purdy, vice president of video product management at Rogers Cable. “It's not just sports and nature flicks anymore, now you can watch the majority of your favourite primetime programs in HD anytime you want.”

With the growth in programming and viewer demand increasing, TV providers are bringing innovative products to market to enable enjoyment of HD any time the customers want it. “HD Personal Video Recorders are making the old VCR laughable,” said Walker. “The PVR gives you the freedom to record, playback, fast forward and rewind, giving you greater control of what you're watching. Add this to the masses of HD content available it makes TV-watching irresistible these days.”

“It's not just PVRs that have our customers excited,” Purdy explained. “On Demand gives you the most advanced features, freedom and flexibility to date. With as many as 5,000 titles for viewing, On Demand lets you watch your favourite episodic programming from leading networks such as Citytv, Global, and E!, at a time that suits you best. In addition, you also get HBO Canada with never-before-seen content, including exclusive series, films, documentaries, live concerts and sporting events.”

Source: www.newscanada.com
Visit us online at: www.thenewsleader.ca

Canadians not buying into snow tires

2008-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Despite last year's near record snowfall, only 57 per cent of Canadian drivers put snow tires on their cars and of the 43 per cent who don't use snow tires, half (54 per cent) are not willing to spend the money to do so.

“The survey shows that many Canadians continue to take chances on the roads during the winter months,” said Francois Boulanger, president and CEO of RBC General Insurance Company. “Drivers in provinces that don't typically get as much snow should definitely be prepared for unexpected snow storms, considering the fact they may not have as much experience driving in bad weather.”

In Quebec, where the use of snow tires is the law, the percentage of drivers who use snow tires jumps to 96 per cent; and in Atlantic Canada, 72 per cent of the respondents use snow tires, most likely due to their snowier winters.

But the numbers are much lower in Ontario and in the Western provinces. 43 per cent of Ontario drivers don't use snow tires and less than a third (31 per cent) of the respondents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan put snow tires on their vehicles.

More information is available at rbcinsurance.com or call 1-800-769-2526.

Source: www.newscanada.com
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What is distracting Canadian drivers?

2008-12-15T08:19:00.000-08:00

(NC)—As debates continue across the country over the issue of driver distraction and cell phone use while driving, a new survey by RBC Insurance and Ipsos Reid suggests that many Canadians don't approve of using electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

In fact, nine-in-ten Canadians believe it's wrong to use a cell phone while driving and almost all (96 per cent) believe it is wrong to check email or text messages while they are driving.

“Industry research shows most motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver error,” says Francois Boulanger, president and CEO, RBC General Insurance Company. “If Canadians focus on the road while driving, they may be able to avoid a serious accident that could result in injury or expensive car repairs.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver distraction is a factor in 8 out of 10 car crashes in North America each year.

The survey also reports that 95 per cent of Canadians said they have seen other people talking on cell phones while driving, but only 38 per cent admitted to having talked on a cell phone while driving.

In addition, 47 per cent of Canadians said they have seen people checking email or text messages while driving; but only 5 per cent of Canadians admitted to checking email or text messages while driving.

More information is available at rbcinsurance.com or call 1-800-769-2526.

Source: www.newscanada.com
Visit us online at: www.thenewsleader.ca

Canned E-Mail Response From The Jerks At StarChoice

2008-11-30T15:21:00.001-08:00

Here's the half-assed response I received via e-mail on November 21, 2008 from StarChoice. I have heard nothing more since.

We are in the process of launching another complaint regarding StarChoice's business practices with the CRTC through the CFIB.

We expect to see some results from that.

Dear Mr. Elliott:

We would like to thank you for your submission to the "Ask Jim" forum. We would like to mention how much we appreciate the feedback as Star Choice is consistently looking for new methods to improve our satellite television service for our customers. Star Choice prides itself on the superior customer service that we continue to provide and find it disheartening when our customers' experience is unsatisfactory.

We, the Customer Resolutions team on behalf Office of the President, have received your concern and we will be contacting you as soon as possible. Feel free to respond with the most appropriate and convenient times we can reach you. Please include all previous correspondence related to this matter when sending your replies.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.

Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Blain
Customer Care - Customer Resolutions
Star Choice Communications Inc.
Suite 100, 2400 32nd Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 9A7
Direct: (866) 280-4503 ext. 1604
Voicemail: (866) 280-4503 ext. 1600
Toll Free: (888) 554-7827 Local: (403) 538-4320
Fax: (800) 872-8219

Don't set sail without proper travel protection

2008-11-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Planning a cruise vacation? If so, you're not alone. According to Cruise Lines International Association, over the next three years 51 million North Americans have indicated an intention to cruise.

It can take years to plan and save for a cruise vacation. An unexpected event can turn those plans upside down in seconds, so it's critical to protect your investment with travel insurance.

“Although many cruise lines offer some insurance coverage, travellers need to ensure they're getting comprehensive coverage from the moment they book their trip until their return home,” says Stan Seggie, president and CEO of the travel division of RBC Insurance Company of Canada. “Unexpected events such as flight delays or severe weather can mean literally missing the boat through no fault of your own.”

Before purchasing travel insurance, make sure the policy:

• Covers the entire cost of your vacation if, for example, you had to cancel your cruise due to an illness or other insurable risk.
• Covers you if the cruise ship is delayed or cruise itinerary is interrupted due to an emergency medical condition of another passenger.
• Covers you if you are unable to use your cruise shore excursion tour tickets or special events tickets purchased during your cruise due to an emergency medical condition.
• Covers expenses incurred prior to the departure of the cruise ship when it has been redirected or grounded due to weather conditions, experienced mechanical failure or if it has been quarantined.

Next time you're making travel arrangements, ask for RBC Insurance.

Source: www.newscanada.com
Visit us online at: www.thenewsleader.ca

If You Subscribe To StarChoice...CANCEL!

2008-11-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

If you subscribe to StarChoice do yourself a favour. Cancel the service. We have had a problem with them that dates back to June 2008 when a thunderstorm passed by the area and rendered our converter virtually useless. We had the local dealer 'bench test' it in case it was something else and we determined the unit was fried, although we could still get a few channels on it. We were in the process of canceling anyway (not because of the damaged unit) as Summer was coming and we thought it best to shut down the TV service for a few months. I was also a little tardy with the monthly bill and there was a disconnection notice. It actually all seemed to fit in really nice, so we accepted the disconnection (by this time we could barely receive anything) and I chose to catch up on our outstanding account.

Once it was caught up, unknown to us, StarChoice reactivated the account. We received a bill for the reconnection and another month of programming. I contacted StarChoice to correct the misunderstanding and was fairly sure everything was sorted out. Until we received another bill for another month of service. I had about six different conversations over the following weeks and never got the same answer, which should have clued me in. StarChoice, owned by Shaw Communications, does not know what they are doing. Finally, a few weeks ago, a very helpful customer service rep indicated to me that 'everything will be taken care of' which I understood to mean our problem was solved. That was until I received a letter from a collection agency today demanding payment of $155.50. I contacted StarChoice again and after making a bit of a fuss I finally got the problem solved. I'm writing this to warn you about StarChoice.

Do not believe what they tell you on the phone as they really don't seem to mean what they say. I also suggest that if you do have a situation with StarChoice, be sure to record the date and time of your call. Get the name and employee number of who you spoke with on the phone. Request they repeat back to you everything you have discussed with them. Confirm that they have properly recorded the details of your call and set a time limit of when your problem should be solved and what will have to be done if that situation is not recitfied in a timely manner. I had to threaten writing the CRTC to get much of any help from StarChoice. I also suggest you copy and paste this into an e-mail and spread it around to your friends warning them of the potential dangers associated with StarChoice. I have nothing but praise for the company other than how they bungled my account. If you are currently a StarChoice customer, consider yourself warned.

Five things you should know about the new government mortgage rules

2008-11-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

(NC)—If you are planning to buy a home soon, here are a few things you should know about the federal government's new mortgage rules, which came into effect on October 15, 2008.

1. The maximum time allowed to pay off a mortgage (the amortization period) is now 35 years. Prior to October 15, it was 40 years.

2. Homebuyers now must make a minimum down payment of at least 5% of the purchase price of the home. Previously, it was possible to borrow 100% of the purchase price.

3. The new rules only apply to high-ratio mortgages, i.e. where the homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price. In Canada, these mortgages require the homebuyer to obtain mortgage default insurance.

4. Individuals who already hold mortgages with 40-year amortizations and/or down payments of less than 5% are not affected by these changes.

5. Historically, the majority of homebuyers who chose a 40-year mortgage also qualified for shorter amortization periods such as 20, 30 or 35 years.

Talk to your mortgage professional about the mortgage option that is right for you. For more information about the government's new mortgage rules and for additional tips, tools and information on the homebuying process, visit Homeownership.ca today.

Source: www.newscanada.com
Visit us online at: www.thenewsleader.ca

New chip technology helps to tackle payment card fraud

2008-11-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

(NC)—Forty years ago shoppers buying goods at stores in Montreal or Toronto may have been asked: “Will that be cash or Chargex?” The relatively unsophisticated Chargex card would be unrecognizable to consumers and retailers today as credit cards have evolved to include embossed plastics, a magnetic stripe, a hologram and, now “chip” technology.

“Credit card designs have changed in an attempt to stay a step ahead of fraudsters,” said Gord Jamieson, director of payment system risk at Visa Canada. “Chip technology is the next step in that evolution.”

A chip card, sometimes referred to as a “smart card,” is a credit or debit card with an embedded computer chip containing a microcomputer. The chip can securely store and encrypt confidential information and is virtually impossible to copy. “What that means,” continued Jamieson “is that a criminal could not steal the data from one chip card and apply it to a counterfeit card and then use it to buy goods at a store that has a chip-enabled point-of-sale terminal.”

Not only will consumers notice the new chip on their credit or debit card, but the way they pay for items in a store will change as well. Visa chip cards will require a personal identification number, or PIN, to authenticate the transaction rather than signing the sales receipt. The use of PIN, which should be kept confidential and known only to the cardholder, will help reduce fraud related to lost and stolen cards.

“When a consumer uses a chip card with a PIN, they'll insert the card into the terminal – as opposed to handing it to a clerk for swiping – and will need to enter their PIN. The card stays in the terminal until the transaction is complete. The terminal will then prompt cardholders so they know when to enter their PIN and when to remove the card,” said Jamieson.

Today, more than 86 countries around the world already use chip cards and their experience demonstrates that chip technology has successfully lowered incidences of fraud. According to APACS, the UK payments association, following the U.K. migration to chip cards in 2006, total card fraud losses fell by three percent to £428 million, a decrease of nearly £80 million over the two years prior.

In Canada, the migration to chip started with a multilateral chip trial in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. According to the Multilateral Chip Trial website, as of July 2008 over 300,000 residents who live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area have received chip-enabled credit and debit cards and local merchants have installed more than 2,600 chip-enabled point-of-sale terminals.

Tighter security

In Canada, chip and PIN cards will help make an already safe payments system even more secure.

What's different?

Consumers will notice a few key differences when using a chip card at a chip-enabled terminal:

• Self Service: Cardholders should insert the chip card into the terminal rather than handing it to a sales clerk for swiping.
• Prompting for PIN: The terminal will request that cardholders enter their PIN to verify the transaction, rather than sign a sales slip.
• Are we done? The terminal will indicate when the transaction is complete. The card must stay inserted in the terminal until a message is displayed that confirms that the card can be removed.

Source: www.newscanada.com

How can consumers help protect themselves from credit card fraud and ID theft?

2008-11-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

• Sign all your credit cards as soon as you receive them, and never lend them to anyone.
• Shred all personal and financial information, including bank statements, credit card/ABM receipts, credit card offers, convenience cheques and credit card bills before you recycle them.
• Be careful about sharing or disclosing your personal information. Do not give personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you initiated the contact.
• Pay attention to billing cycles and missing credit card statements. If you don't receive a statement, call the bank or credit union that issued your Visa card.
• Carefully check each of your monthly credit card and bank statements and look for unauthorized purchases and withdrawals.
• Take advantage of technologies that help protect your credit card and personal information such as digital signatures, data encryption, and programs like the Verified by the Visa service.
• Minimize the amount of identification and the number of credit cards that you carry in your wallet or purse.
• Report lost or stolen cards immediately to your bank.
• Cancel all inactive credit card accounts.
• Choose difficult passwords. Avoid using ones that are easy to guess such as your mother's maiden name, your birth date, or telephone number.
• Review your credit bureau report annually and immediately question any unknown credit inquiries or unauthorized accounts.
• Be aware of others nearby when entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) at an ABM. Shield the PIN pad with your free hand.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Internet offers convenient and secure holiday shopping option

2008-10-28T08:57:00.001-07:00

(NC)—With the holiday season quickly approaching, Canadians are once again turning to the Internet for their gift-buying needs. Online shopping offers consumers convenient access to a vast selection of goods, to say nothing of avoiding endless mall crowds and bah-humbug moments in the parking lot.

Canadians are increasingly comfortable shopping online. In 2001, according to Visa Canada's annual Holiday Shopping Survey, only 16 percent of shoppers were likely to buy presents using the Internet. By 2007 that number had increased to 26 percent. For those who shy away from purchasing goods online, the inability to touch or see the product and concerns about security are prime reasons for choosing local shops over the World Wide Web.

To help secure the online payment process, shoppers and online retailers are turning to programs like Verified by Visa. The Verified by Visa service ensures purchases made online with a Visa card are made by the actual cardholder through the use of a personal password. Free for consumers, the Verified by Visa program has been adopted by more than 56,000 merchants and 350 million cardholders around the world. Canadians can sign up for this program at their card issuer's website, through visa.ca or when shopping at participating merchant websites.

To provide online shoppers with that extra peace of mind, Visa developed its E-Promise. The E-Promise assures cardholders that, in the event that they have tried to resolve a dispute regarding an online, telephone or mail order merchant, and have been unsuccessful, he or she may contact their Visa-issuing financial institution to assist them in resolving the credit card charge.

If you're planning to shop online this year, whether you're a novice or a seasoned online shopper, remember these fraud prevention tips:

• Keep user names and passwords secret.
• Use only secure Internet browsers that allow secure transmission of data.
• Only give your card details when you initiate a purchase.
• Keep a record of transactions, either through e-mail confirmations or by writing down confirmation numbers provided by the merchant.
• Review monthly statements thoroughly.
• Check the site for the merchant's delivery and return policies before making a purchase to ensure items can be returned if they are not in satisfactory condition.
• Never respond to an unsolicited e-mail request for personal or account information, even if it appears to be from a trusted source.
• Never send payment information via e-mail as it is not secure and outside parties can read information that travels over e-mail.

More information on how you can protect yourself when shopping online is available online at www.visa.ca/securewithvisa.

Source: www.newscanada.com

More than just a part-time job

2008-10-08T08:35:00.001-07:00

(NC)—In today's marketplace, employees' expectations are increasing. As a result of these demands, companies are offering greater opportunities and more incentives to continue attracting and retaining top talent.

These "extras" range from frequent employee social events to the 'once in a lifetime' chance to work alongside employees from around the world at the Olympic Games. Other opportunities also include travel, with employees participating in global competitions or exchange programs and attending international conventions and workshops. Companies offer these extras to reward exceptional service and give employees experiences to remember.

Although company perks attract employees of all ages, students in particular can benefit from some of the academic-related benefits employers are now providing. Because of their educational goals, students may choose to work for companies that offer tuition reimbursement, scholarships and awards. Outside of financial support, mentorship programs that match students with successful employees may provide further benefit to students with targeted career paths.

How can students find organizations that offer some of these great programs? A good place to start is by checking out reports like the annual Best Employers in Canada.

Compiled by Hewitt Associates for The Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine, this study measures employee engagement and ranks organizations based on an overall score. An organization makes the list only if its employees think it's a great place to work.

McDonald's Canada, one of the fifty Best Employers for the sixth time, has committed to offering scholarships as a way of recognizing student employees for their achievements at work, school and in their communities. The company also offers the Olympic Champion Crew Program through its long-standing sponsorship of the Olympic Games.

For students, these added incentives can help transform a part-time job into more than just a place to work. With the right company, and the right perks, the experience may also result in further personal and educational development.

Source: www.newscanada.com

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On the hunt for the right part-time job

2008-10-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Now that students have settled into their school routine, the hunt for part-time jobs begins. After-school jobs can provide enough spending money for students to enjoy a variety of extracurricular and social activities. When looking for a job, here are some tips to consider:

1. Flexible schedules – many students have responsibilities and interests outside of work. It's important to find an employer who recognizes the importance of balance. Look to companies like McDonald's, whose flexible scheduling practices enables staff to balance their job with everything else they're doing.

2. Competitive wages – a part-time job that offers more than the provincial minimum wage can be hard to find. Luckily, an easy way to differentiate jobs with the same pay rates is to search out employers who conduct regular wage and performance reviews.

3. Room to grow – students can maximize their job experience by looking for employers who provide training in several areas. Additional training and greater accountability helps broaden the employee's skill set, helping to enhance their experience while furthering their professional development.

4. Who says work can't be fun? Look to companies with environments that make work fun and welcome feedback from employees. These aren't the easiest jobs to find, but they do exist if you keep your eyes – and mind – open.

5. Additional incentives – everyone likes perks, and some jobs are full of them. McDonald's, for example, offers valuable incentives including discounts on food, organized social activities, service and recognition awards, and scholarship opportunities.

As more employers realize that job satisfaction is directly linked to productivity, many of them are offering greater benefits to keep their employees happy. It can be nerve-racking looking for the right part-time job, but students should be encouraged to learn just how hard some companies are working to attract them.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Looking to make money and make a difference?

2008-09-29T08:53:00.001-07:00

(NC)—Today's youth are expected to be full-time students, hold part-time jobs, and participate in volunteer activities. Many high school students are required to complete a certain number of community service hours in order to even graduate. In fact, a growing percentage of youth in general are making the personal choice to volunteer with local organizations.

Typical volunteer opportunities include time helping local schools, senior citizens' groups, literacy programs and various environmental efforts. These activities not only allow youth to support their communities, they have the added benefit of helping them become better-rounded individuals.

The busy schedules facing these civic-minded young people often don't allow time for both paid and unpaid work. As a result, they may make a special effort to find paid work with a company that also offers opportunities to give back to the community.

Looking for companies that have established charity partners, like McDonald's and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) for example, is a great place to start. This partnership allows McDonald's employees to participate in fundraising initiatives that support RMHC and other local children's charities.

One such initiative, McHappy Day, is one of the largest and most successful children's fundraising campaigns in Canada. This national fundraiser see McDonald's employees across the country join together with community members, customers and special guests to raise money to help children in need.

Employers that provide jobs with built in volunteer opportunities can make great options for busy students looking to make money and make a difference.

Source: www.newscanada.com

An easy way to save on energy costs

2008-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

(NC)—During both heating and air conditioning periods, air leaks cost you more than you may think. In fact, you could save as much as 30% off your energy bill by making your home's envelope more airtight through the use of weatherstripping.

In addition to reducing your energy consumption, the installation of weatherstripping increases the comfort of your home, provides better protection to the building's framework, reduces outside noise and dust as well as greenhouse gas emissions, which are directly related to the phenomenon of climate change.

Where are the air leaks?
Air can leak from a number of places throughout the house. As a rule, sources of air leaks are:

• Doors: frame, sides, bottom and threshold
• Windows and patio doors
• Garage
• Air conditioner and air vents
• Electrical outlets and switches
• Hatches and ceiling lights
• Joints between baseboards and floors
• Unsealed wall openings and cracks.

Your hardware store or renovation centre carries weatherstripping adapted to each of these sources. You would do well to install weatherstripping before winter, since its installation will be easier and more efficient before the cold hits.

How to detect air leaks?
To detect air leaks in your home, you could hire a contractor or opt for a simple, yet effective method: do the job yourself using the flicker test. This test consists in slowly moving a smoke pen where air leaks are most likely to be, that is, around doors and windows as well as along the edge of walls, floors and ceilings. The smoke will stir when an air leak is present.

An indispensable tool, the Comfort Plus smoke pen makes it possible to detect air leaks quickly and efficiently. "Unlike a candle or incense stick, the smoke pen not only avoids possible wax or ash messes, but is much safer," said François Gagné of RCR International inc., a recognized pioneer in the insulation of doors and windows. "It releases a steady stream of smoke for approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to conduct 60 thirty-second smoke tests. It contains no hazardous or corrosive substances."

The smoke pen is an efficient tool for detecting air leaks as well as for testing smoke detectors, ventilation systems, fireplaces and chimneys.

You will be surprised by how many places need to be sealed. Often, tiny, seemingly innocuous openings can cause significant increases in energy costs.

As well, check the quality and flexibility of weatherstripping around door and window frames. Replace it when it shows signs of wear using an appropriate product. To check the airtightness of your garage door, turn on the light at night or use a flashlight, then close the door and inspect it from the outside. If you spot light around the door, you've got air leaks.

For a healthy environment
These small measures will make it possible for you to reduce your energy consumption and, by the same token, your costs while ensuring the comfort of your home. And remember, it's the sum total of all our individual actions, as modest as they might be, that yields impressive results on a collective scale. More information on how to detect and eliminate air leaks can be found at rcint.com.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Buying your first condo tips

2008-07-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

(NC)—You are ready to make your first real estate purchase, but is a condo right for you?

Affordability and Location

"First determine what you can afford," advises chartered accountant Park Thompson, partner, Furlong & Co. LLP in Toronto.

"Housing costs are now more than the traditional 25 to 30 per cent of household income, so ensure your budget can accommodate this and the monthly condo fee. Consider the building itself – will you use all those amenities (think pool, gymnasium, etc.) you're paying for, which increase the purchase price and monthly fee? Location, location, location is the best rule. Think long term and consider resale value."

Builder's Reputation

"If it's a new condo, you're buying a dream in the air," says chartered accountant John Warren, partner, Adams & Miles LLP in Toronto. "Do your research – the developer's reputation and track record are critical because you're making a decision based on blueprints, possibly three or four years before you move in."

Start with the Tarion Warranty Corporation website (http://www.tarion.com/home/), which regulates Ontario's new home-building industry, and licenses all new home and condominium builders.

Monthly Fees

"Purchasing a condominium is different from buying a house – you are buying into a financial structure governed by legislation and run by a board. This means you have less control over your monthly costs," says Thompson.

"Know what you're buying and paying for. Owners are required to pay a monthly common-element fee, which covers the building's carrying costs and maintenance, and is set by the board. Different legal structures of condos give owners different obligations and have different costs involved. In many new condos, owners may have more control over utilities."

Beware of Sales Ploys

"Regard the cents-per-square foot ratio with great scepticism," continues Warren. "Developers' budgets are typically low to attract sales, and you'll often see 36 to 38 cents-per-square foot quoted. The cheapest price is not necessarily the best price if it's a shoddy building. While the developer is responsible for any first-year deficit, the costs creating this deficit are ongoing, and owners must pick them up. It is not uncommon for monthly fees to increase 25 to 40 per cent in the second year, with a smaller percentage in the third and fourth years.

Financial Stability

If you are buying an existing condo, review the financial statements to ensure the condominium is financially stable, without a deficit. "Ask questions," says Thompson. "Does a surplus exist for surprise expenses? Is there a current Reserve Fund Study, which is like a long-term budget indicating major repairs in the future? Is there a history of special assessments?"

Watch for Greed

Warren advises: "Beware of mercenary practices. Check the disclosure statement to see what else you must pay for once the corporation is up and running. Sometimes you are obliged to buy guest suites or mechanical and air-conditioning equipment. If the developer promises to pay in year one for certain things like elevators, be prepared for increases in the second year, when you are paying."

Further information is available by contacting a chartered accountant.

Source: www.newscanada.com

Realizing the dream of homeownership

2008-07-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Why not put your rent money into an appreciating asset instead of in your landlord's pocket?

Do you cringe every month when it's time to write that monthly rent cheque? Like many other renters, you probably wish that your hard earned money was being put towards something that has potential payback but haven't explored your options because you don't think homeownership is within your reach. If you are currently renting you may be surprised to learn that there have been recent mortgage product innovations such as a minimal down payment (0%-5%) and extended amortization that can make owning your first home more than a pipe dream.

This is a great time to get into the housing market (resale house prices are expected to appreciate by 5.2 % in 2008)1 but when it comes buying their first home, many renters hesitate because they are concerned about two things. The first is that they may not have enough for a down payment. The second is that they are afraid that they may not be able to carry their monthly mortgage payments. Today, these concerns can be addressed with the minimal down payment and extended amortization options that are available to first time home buyers. Renters can now buy their first home with very little down and also not have to worry about high mortgage payments.

With minimal or zero down payment products, many financial institutions will provide you with 100% financing for the purchase price of the house. Some lenders may also let you borrow close to 100% in financing and offer you a small percentage back as cash. For instance, with a lender like CIBC you are able to borrow 95% of the purchase price to put towards your down payment, closing costs, or other costs associated with purchasing a home. Do keep in mind that with minimal down payment you will most likely need to purchase insurance and also have to commit to a longer mortgage term.

"This is a great product for young professionals who may not have been able to save for a down payment due to student loan repayment but do have income to support monthly mortgage payments" (David Marsden, CIBC Mortgage Specialist). Remember that if you do have money set aside for a down payment or have RRSPs you should still consider putting a larger down payment because this does lower your total mortgage amount and ultimately the amount you will pay in interest.

If on the other hand you are concerned that you will not be able to make your mortgage payments, then you should consider extended amortization products that lower your monthly payment amount. This is done by having the mortgage paid back over an extended period of time. Your monthly payments on a 35 or 40 year mortgage will be lower than the payments on a traditional 25 year mortgage.

You should note that with extended amortization products, you will be paying more interest over the long run but there are definite benefits to getting into a hot housing market early. Plus, you always have the option of decreasing your amortization period by exercising your prepayment options or by increasing monthly principal and interest payments.

A valuable resource for information on homeownership is the Canada Mortgages and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website. On www.cmhc.ca you will find publications such as Bringing Home Ownership Within Reach.

Given the availability of these new options and the resources to support tomorrow's homeowners, it's easy to see why many renters may be switching their rental payments to equity building mortgage payments within the next year.
1 Source: CMHC Housing Market Outlook, Third Quarter 2007

Source: www.newscanada.com

Canada Post and eBay – a partnership for small-town entrepreneurs

2008-06-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Canadians love to shop online, especially on eBay where we bought and sold over $7 million worth of NHL rookie cards last year and spent more than $29,000 a day on handbags.

Smaller communities have reaped the benefits of buying and selling online, proving that location doesn't matter on eBay.ca. Just ask the residents of Kemptville (ON), Fort Nelson (BC), Kingston (NS) or Ste-Marthe-Sur-Le-Lac (QC), towns that represent some of the online giant's top 10 Canadian buying and selling communities.

"An eBay business gives anyone the opportunity to become an entrepreneur," says Andrew Sloss, eBay Canada's country manager. "The Flat Rate Box takes the guesswork and the legwork out of shipping items sold on eBay."

Sellers often wrestle with finding the proper box and estimating shipping costs in their listings – until now. The new Canada Post eBay Flat Rate Box gives sellers the simplicity of three flat rates – Regional, National and USA. Anything that fits in this sturdy box, up to 5 kg (11 lbs), ships. The boxes fit a variety of items sold on eBay and are available free (shipping and handling applies). Sellers use labels that are printed using the eBay shipping tool.

"Our staff are often asked to help eBay sellers calculate the shipping costs of sending their goods," said Dawn Adams, from the Kemptville Post Office. "The new Flat Rate Box takes the guess work out of the shipping process, meaning a much smoother shipping experience for eBay users."

- News Canada

Small towns do big business

2008-06-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

(NC)—The Internet has transformed how people communicate and interact in their daily lives. Online marketplaces like eBay have changed the way people buy and sell goods. With a click of a mouse, people can bid on a variety of items – from cameras to handbags to real estate. Canadians have welcomed online shopping, creating a $1 billion (U.S.) economy last year on eBay alone.

This entrepreneurial spirit has been embraced by smaller Canadian cities that recognize the value of online retailing. A recent eBay survey revealed smaller communities, like Belle River (ON), Sooke (BC), Cornwall (PEI) and Ste-Marthe-Sur-Le-Lac (QC), form some of the online giant's top Canadian buying and selling communities.

That's good news for the post office, which benefits from delivering those hockey cards, car parts and iPods. Canada Post has been partnering with eBay since 2006 to bolster this booming economy. "It made sense to work with eBay and provide easy-to-use solutions for their users," says John Swettenham, general manager of marketing strategy at Canada Post. "Though we compete with other companies on eBay, our extensive delivery network, service standards and cost-effective delivery options – like the new Flat Rate Box – make Canada Post the logical choice for eBay users."

eBay makes it easy for anyone to get started with step-by-step instructions on how to bid, buy and sell. Some eBay sellers find that packaging and shipping can be tricky. Correctly estimating shipping rates impacts their profit, and finding the proper box for shipping is key. That worry is gone with a new flat-rate shipping option from Canada Post.

Canada Post and eBay have introduced a Flat Rate Box that gives eBay sellers the simplicity of three flat rates – Regional, National and USA. Anything that fits in this sturdy box, up to 5 kg (11 lbs), ships. The boxes are free of charge (shipping and handling applies), use labels that are printed using the eBay shipping tool, and can be dropped in a mailbox or post office.

"eBay sellers, especially new ones, say finding the right package for their items and calculating shipping can be tricky," says Andrew Sloss, eBay Canada's country manager. "The Flat Rate Box will remove that stress for my eBay sellers." One more way to ensure small town Canada continues to contribute to the Canadian economy, on eBay at least.

- News Canada

Right-size your fridge

2008-06-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

(NC)—Do you have mystery food items that have been in your freezer for months? What about a second fridge in the basement that holds a couple of pop bottles and a big jar of pickles or a deep freezer with seven months worth of food? Maybe it's time to downsize. Older, secondary fridges and oversized deep freezers are a big drain on Ontario's electricity grid and may be costing residents between $120 and $150 on their electricity bills.

"Many people don't realize just how costly these older, inefficient, secondary fridges are on the electricity system and on their hydro bill," said Bill Wylie, program manager at the Ontario Power Authority. "It's important for people to purchase the right size refrigerator to suit their needs. The larger the fridge, the larger its electricity needs."

Wylie explains that replacing your old refrigerator or freezer with an ENERGY STAR qualified model that fits your household's needs can help to reduce your electricity bill. When purchasing a new fridge, consider the number of people that will be using it. ENERGY STAR provides the following guidelines as reference for purchasing a new refrigerator:

• One or two people – 12 cubic feet
• Three or four people – 14 to 17 cubic feet
• Each additional person – add 2 cubic feet

To ensure you buy the most energy-efficient fridge, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol and consider the fridge's design. A fridge with the freezer on top is the most efficient design, followed by bottom freezers. Side-by-side fridge models are least efficient.

Information on finding the right fridge for your home is available online at www.everykilowattcounts.com.

- News Canada

Green Matters: Are you a responsible consumer?

2008-06-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

By J.C. Carroll

(NC)—When polled recently by Angus Reid, 93% of Canadian women and 85% of men said that they are becoming more conscious of the environment and are starting to look at, and buy products that are more environmentally friendly. Consumers, therefore, do intend to spend their money on environmentally conscious products, but only if additional benefits are evident.

Here are more findings by Angus Reid about Canadian action and attitude:

• 99% agree that manufacturers should try to do more for the environment
• 75% are concerned about the effects of regular soaps and laundry detergents on the environment
• 74% say they would be more likely to buy an environmentally friendly laundry detergent if it was the same price as regular detergents.

And perhaps this observation is most revealing, to which 60 percent of Canadians agree, and 40 percent disagree: "I know that I should do something about the environment but when it comes to making decisions in store, I seem to always stick to the regular brands, not the environmentally friendly ones."

"Acknowledging these reluctant buying habits gives some manufacturers great incentive," says Ed Zello at Purex, a name associated with one of Canada's leading brands. "Canadians know Purex will get their clothes clean—and it's priced right. We also know by polling, that Canadians don't want to have to pay more and get poorer cleaning power for the sake of buying an environmentally conscious brand. We want it all – clean clothes, a trusted brand name, great fragrances, available at our regular store, at no additional cost. It's a tall order, but that's what it takes.

"As a result, the Purex research and development scientists got to work to develop the biodegradable Natural Elements line. It's formulated with 100% naturally derived cleaning ingredients and natural fragrance extracts. Better still, it's reasonably priced, free of dyes, the packaging is recyclable, and its 2X concentrated formula means you use half the amount of any standard detergent calling for far less water, less waste, and less packaging."

So how do your shopping habits measure up? Check yourself:

I am a responsible consumer if I:

• Use fabric shopping bags, not plastic
• Scout the store shelf for a 'greener' line in the product I need
• Read labels to determine biodegradability
• Buy products that have the most responsible features
• Avoid plastic packaging unless it is biodegradable, or recyclable
• Buy local produce since it uses less energy to arrive at the market
• Ask my retailer to stock more green products

- News Canada

Eco-Consumer Quick Tip: What does 2X mean on detergent packaging?

2008-05-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

(NC)—In the past few months, designations like 2X have been showing up on laundry detergents. Such developments were not always fully explained and that left consumers guessing that 2X had something to do with the size. The containers were notably much smaller.

"That's right, 2X means the content is twice as concentrated and you use only half the amount normally used todo the laundry," says Ed Zello at Purex. "A concentrated detergent means the product is smaller, more convenient, easier to carry, and easier to pour. And the lowered impact on the environment is felt right across the supply chain including reduced fuel consumption, reduced packaging, reduced water, and reduced waste.

"If you want to go one step further than simply using a 2X concentrate detergent for the environment," Ed continued, "why not insist that your detergent be biodegradable?"

Leading the pack, Ed said, is the newest Purex line of ultra concentrates, called Natural Elements. "This new formula uses 100 percent naturally derived cleaning ingredients and natural fragrance extracts—and it biodegrades in just 28 days. Natural Elements has the same economical price as regular Purex and is also hypoallergenic, free of dyes, and the packaging is recyclable."

Recent polling data from Angus Reid reports that 74% of Canadians felt that they would be more likely to buy an environmentally conscious laundry detergent if it was the same price as regular detergents.

"Taking the 2X product and improving it with a biodegradable formula is a great step to minimizing our impact on the environment, while still providing the same effective, great smelling product consumers enjoy." Ed said.

- News Canada

How to talk to friends and family about money

2008-05-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

(NC)The holidays are a great time to see family and friends and talk about the New Year ahead. One topic that is often taboo, even within families, is money. It can be difficult to talk about financial worries or long-term goals even with those who are closest to us. But if you learn more about financial life skills now, you'll be able to open a whole new topic of conversation with the people you love in the year to come.

Why? Because people in British Columbia lose millions every year to fraud and unsuitable investments. The more we talk about it, the better able we'll all be to tell the difference between a legitimate investment and one we shouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

Here are two conversation starters you can find online. Both are endorsed by the B.C. Securities Commission, and can be found at www.investright.org:

Scam Meter. Wondering if the investment you're interested in is legitimate? Use the InvestRight scam meter to help you spot a potential investment scam. In three questions you'll have the tools and the knowledge to better assess your investments.

The "I got scammed" video. Imagine trusting someone with your entire nest egg, only to find that your "friend" was a fraud artist. It happened to more than 20 innocent people in one B.C. community. Hear their stories online at www.investright.org/gottaken.aspx.

- News Canada

Going Contactless: MasterCard PayPass leads the change in how we pay

2008-05-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Paying with cash takes about 34 seconds by the time money is handed over, rung into the register, change made, and a receipt provided. That may not seem like much but multiplied by hundreds — or even thousands — of transactions for some businesses every day and you see how lineups and frustration can occur.

For merchants in high-volume, small-ticket purchase businesses, it is vital to the customer experience to make the purchase process efficient. Recognizing the costs and frustrations of handling cash, MasterCard developed a solution for merchants: MasterCard PayPass, a contactless payment function that can be added to a traditional MasterCard card.

PayPass was developed for specific, high-speed merchant categories like newsstands, stadium concessions, parking lots, cinemas, supermarkets, drive-thru lanes, and quick-serve restaurants and to handle small value transactions.

With PayPass, consumers authorize the transactions securely, via radio frequency (RF) by simply "tapping" their cards against a point-of-sales payment reader. The transaction is confirmed within seconds and the consumer never lets go of their card.

"PayPass serves the twin demands of the modern world: speed and convenience," says Kevin Stanton of MasterCard Canada. "Canadian consumers want to use electronic payments for all types of purchases instead of cash. They want to pay fast and securely and MasterCard PayPass serves those needs."

MasterCard launched PayPass in 2002 and it has become the world's largest and leading contactless payment system with over 16 million PayPass cards issued globally. PayPass has come to Canada and is already accepted at Tim Hortons restaurants, Petro-Canada gas stations and Cineplex Entertainment movie theatres across the country.

For more information on PayPass please visit www.mastercard.ca.

- News Canada

Consumer alert: Underground contractors can cost you everything

2008-04-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

(NC)—With the home renovation season upon us, you might be thinking of hiring a contractor. There are many reputable contractors in your community ready to do the work and willing to sign a contract to make sure both parties are satisfied when the job is done, and protected if something goes wrong.

Not all contractors play by the same rules, though, and if you get stung by one of these underground contractors, you could lose everything – your peace of mind, your savings, even your home.

Sound serious? It is. As the owner of the property where the work is taking place, you are legally responsible and liable for any damages or injuries that occur on your property, regardless if someone else is doing the work. If that contractor becomes injured, or causes a life-threatening hazard due to sloppy work, you can be sued. A professional contractor is covered by his own liability insurance.

Without a paper trail - no contract, no warranty, no estimate or invoice - there is absolutely no record that the work was done, who did the work, or that they were even paid.

If you participate in the underground economy, whether as a buyer or a seller, not only are you putting your own safety at risk, you are taking away tax dollars from the health care system, government pension plans and employment insurance, to name a few.

Evading taxes is unfair to honest taxpayers and it's illegal. The Canada Revenue Agency has more than 1,000 full-time employees dedicated to catching these underground entrepreneurs, and once they "get their man or woman", the result can be hefty fines or even jail time.

If you want to do some homework on the issue, check out the Taxpayer Alert section of the Agency's website at www.cra.gc.ca, then click on the Underground Economy link.

- News Canada

Where do your tax dollars go?

2008-04-22T15:32:00.001-07:00

(NC)—Have you ever stopped to think about the many good things your tax dollars do for you?

Imagine that your child has an ear infection and you have to pay for that trip to the emergency room, or you get a flat tire because the roads and bridges you drive on haven't been repaired, or you've finished working but get no money from the government to help pay your bills in your old age. These are just some of the services our tax dollars pay for in Canada.

Tax revenue helps redistribute wealth to such beneficiaries as:
• lower-income families;
• charities;
• students;
• retirees; and
• people with disabilities.

Tax revenue also offers incentives to large and small businesses, pays for police and Canada's Armed Forces, and provides social services such as:
• Old Age Security benefits;
• Guaranteed Income Supplement;
• Canada Child Tax Benefit payments; and
• Universal Child Care Benefit payments.

Programs and services depend on your tax dollars and the integrity of the tax base. The bottom line is, the taxes you pay contribute directly to your quality of life. There is more information on where your tax dollars go at www.fin.gc.ca/taxdollar/previous_e.html.

- News Canada

Required reading: Your home insurance policy

2008-04-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

(NC)—When was the last time you read your home insurance policy? Granted, it's not as much fun as curling up with the latest Harry Potter novel, but it's a good idea to take a close look at your policy every year and rethink your insurance needs.

So the next time your renewal notice comes in the mail, take the opportunity to ensure you're getting the best coverage for the best price. Shop around. Visit a few brokers and agents. You might also make use of several on-line shopping tools.

There are several things you can do to lower your premium. Here are some tips:
• raise your deductible
• install smoke detectors
• install a centrally monitored burglar alarm (ones that just make noise aren't good enough)
• buy home and auto insurance from the same insurer.

One occasion when you're forced to think about homeowner's insurance is when you're buying a house and insuring it for the first time. If you're in this position, be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your new home. For example, insurers are interested in details such as the size of the house, the materials used to build it and whether it has a wood-burning fireplace.
Insurers need this information for two reasons – to calculate how much it would cost to rebuild your home if there were a catastrophe and to determine the likelihood of there being a catastrophe.

Ask questions of your own. Find out what you're covered for and what you need additional coverage for, such as sewer back-up. Some items, such as jewelry, may need to be insured separately.

Whether you're buying a new policy or renewing an existing policy, remember this: An educated consumer is an empowered consumer. Ask questions and shop around.

For more information on insurance related topics, visit Insurance Bureau of Canada web site at www.ibc.ca.

- News Canada

The more time you save...the faster you'll get your refund

2008-04-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

(NC)—An estimated 24.5 million Canadians will be filing income tax returns this year. And whether you hire someone to prepare your taxes or do- it-yourself, it's important that you're organized – misplacing important documents and receipts, feeling stressed as you race towards the deadline or handing over the proverbial 'shoe box of receipts' to a tax preparer, might end up costing you more money and time. "With today's wide array of office supplies and software available to organize your documents and help with tax filing, tax time doesn't have to be stressful, says Steve Matyas, President, Staples Business Depot.

STAPLES Tax Tips for making tax time easy

1. Set up an all-year-round file system. Designate a box, an accordion file or a file cabinet for year round paper storage and retrieval.
2. Create folders for your bank statements and receipts—anything you have spent money on or need to keep track of for tax purposes.
3. Label your folders using stick on labels.
4. Put tax-related papers in one place—designate a large envelop or box in one area of your home or file cabinet. Tax-related papers include: T4/T4A payroll information, T5 & T Dividend Information, Salary Bonus Accruals, Workers Compensation Forms, EHT – Employer Health Tax Annual Return, Investment statements, charitable donations receipts.
5. Create categories for your papers and receipts—e.g. salary, medical/dental, childcare, investments, donations.
6. Consider buying income tax software. There are many products on the market today to meet your needs and skill level that make tax time easy. The most popular software programs include QuickTax, TaxWiz.
7. Do you have a Will? Now is also the time to think about tax planning and the future. There are many do-it-yourself books and kits on the market. Look for a guide that is authored by a Canadian Lawyer.
8. Office Supplies—make sure you have a reliable calculator, with a paper print out and paper clips to keep together your receipts from each category and a sharpened pencil!!!
9. Have the tax package Revenue Canada sent you in January handy. You'll need your social insurance number, date of birth, and a four-digit access code.

- News Canada

Spring is coming: Have you looked at your insurance policy?

2008-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

(NC)—With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get your financial house in order and review your insurance policies.

Before your eyes start to glaze over, consider the fact that there's never been a better time to get a deal on insurance, especially if your renewal is coming up.

Following substantial auto insurance reforms that took place in the last year, the insurance industry is now telling us that prices in several provinces have gone down. The best way for consumers to put this to the test, however, is to shop around.

Do some comparison shopping
Thanks to a competitive marketplace, there are many insurance options out there. Any smart customer knows that when making a major purchase, shopping around pays off. You wouldn't buy a TV without checking out at least a few options; why should your insurance policy be different?

More than just price
Price is only one consideration. If 24-hour claims service or face-to-face contact with insurance representatives is important to you, this might affect your decision when selecting a provider. Think about the claims settlement process, the amount of the deductible, and whether you require full replacement coverage. Talk to your family and friends about their insurance providers and the experience they have had with them.

Sources of insurance
The main sources of insurance are brokers, agents and direct writers. Many people prefer the expertise and personal service of a local broker. Remember, however, that while brokers are often able to offer a good variety of products, they typically write business for a limited number of companies. More than 200 companies offer insurance in Canada, so don't limit your options.

An insurance agent is another great choice if you want face-to-face interaction and personal service. Agents work for one company, selling the products of that company.

You might also look into direct writers – companies who sell insurance via the Internet or call centres. Or perhaps there is a group plan that you can take advantage of through work, alumni or other affiliations.

Don't be daunted
The better informed you are, the easier it will be for you to take advantage of the options. Make it a yearly habit to review your insurance needs, do your research, and make sure your policy still works for you. The legwork will pay off in savings.
For more information on insurance related topics, visit Insurance Bureau of Canada web site at www.ibc.ca.

- News Canada

Will your car insurance protect you in the US? Call your auto insurance provider before driving across the border

2008-03-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

(NC)—A recent RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid survey showed that only 38 per cent of Canadians checked the impact of their coverage with their auto insurance provider when they travelled and drove to the U.S.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadians took 1.1 million overnight car trips to the U.S. in November 2007, the highest in over 15 years. But cross border shoppers and those on family vacations may not be aware of the serious financial risks in driving to the U.S. without adequate auto insurance.

If you have a car accident in the U.S. in which you're at fault and injure several people, your liability insurance coverage could be used up quickly, even if you had $1 million in coverage. Liability insurance covers you when you are liable for causing personal injury or property damage and a claim is raised against you.

In many U.S. jurisdictions, the ability to sue is not restricted to serious injuries and liability settlements can be extremely high.

Awards made to automobile victims are not limited by the level of liability coverage of the person at fault. Once the damages reach the insurable limit, an at-fault driver would be responsible for the amount of the award that is in excess of the limit.

Most people have a $1 million liability limit, but the price of increasing your liability coverage is less than you might think. Increasing it to $2 million may only cost a fraction of your current insurance premium.

Talk to your insurance company before crossing the border, even for a day of shopping, to make sure that you have sufficient coverage for your specific needs, as you may spend more than you bargained for.

For more information, visit RBC General Insurance Company of Canada at rbcinsurance.com/online or call 1-800-769-2526.

Compare features and benefits when shopping for auto insurance

2008-03-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Getting ready to purchase auto insurance? Make sure you compare apples to apples when shopping for a policy. Too often, consumers don't know what they've purchased until it's too late – when they have to make a claim.
Here are some things to consider before buying your policy:

• Does the insurance provider offer 24 hour, seven day a week claims service?

• Does the company offer a valet service in your area? Valet service can bring a replacement vehicle to your home or your workplace or even the accident site where possible, and delivers your vehicle back to you when your repairs are complete.

• Does the provider offer an accident protection benefit, which forgives the driver for their first at-fault accident?

• Will you have access to deductible rewards coverage? Some companies, such as RBC Insurance, decrease your deductible by $50, for every year you are claim free, up to a maximum of $250.

For more information, visit RBC General Insurance, Company of Canada at rbcinsurance.com/online or call 1-800-769-2526.

- News Canada

Will you be affected by the digital television transition?

2008-03-29T09:10:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Canada and the U.S. are both making moves toward digital television, or DTV. After August 31, 2011, all signals broadcast over the air in Canada will be in digital only format. The United States will be doing the same earlier, on February 17, 2009. So what will you need to do? Once the transition takes place, Canadians with analog televisions, using over-the-air signals, will have to add a digital-to analog converter box, or use a television with a digital tuner built in to continue to view over the air broadcasts. However, Canadians who already have televisions with a digital tuner should see no change. The same is true for cable and satellite subscribers. To learn more aboutthe upcoming transition, go to www.ConsumerInformation.ca.

- News Canada

Use the Consumer Handbook to stay informed

2008-03-29T09:09:00.002-07:00

(NC)—Learning how to be a wise consumer is one of the smartest things you can do you for yourself and your family, especially nowadays when we seem to be saturated with marketing messages 24/7. Whether it's choosing affordable housing, protecting yourself from fraud, learning how to find the right cellphone or how to deal with collection agencies, the need to be an informed consumer has never been more important. The Consumer Measures Committee, a group of federal, provincial and territorial representatives responsible for consumer affairs, has produced the Canadian Consumer Handbook which is available at www.ConsumerInformation.ca to make it easy for Canadian families to make informed consumer decisions.

- News Canada

How to file an effective consumer complaint

2008-03-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

(NC)—We've all been at the receiving end of poor customer service, a product that won't work, guarantees that aren't honoured or prices that seem too high. How you file your consumer complaint is almost as important as the actual complaint itself. Industry Canada has produced an interactive, online tool to walk consumers through the necessary steps of launching an effective consumer complaint – assessing your complaint, understanding your rights and responsibilities, contacting the business by phone, e-mail, face-to-face or through a third party such as a lawyer. Each step should be taken slowly and with careful consideration. There's even a tutorial to help you get started. You can find the Complaint Courier at www.ConsumerInformation.ca.

- News Canada

Signs your identity might have been stolen

2008-03-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Identity thieves can wreak havoc with the lives of people they try to scam, but if you know the warning signs you can prevent it from happening. Here's what to look for:

• A bank or credit card company contacts you about suspicious transactions.
• Bills and bank or credit card statements arrive late or not at all (someone may have had your mail forwarded to another address).
• Bills arrive for accounts that you do not own.
• A creditor or collection agency contacts you about unknown debts.
• Purchases and/or withdrawals not made by you appear on your monthly bills or bank statements,
• You're denied credit for reasons that don't match what you understand about your financial position.
• Your credit report shows credit issued that you didn't request.
• Your property has a lien on it that you didn't know about.

If you suspect someone has tried to steal your identity, you must take action and report it immediately. The Consumer Measures Committee, a group of federal, provincial and territorial representatives responsible for consumer affairs, has outlined what to do in the Consumer Identity Theft Kit and Checklist available at www.ConsumerInformation.ca.

- News Canada

Moving this spring? Choose your move wisely

2008-03-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Don't make your moving day more stressful than it already is. Make sure the mover you've chosen is reputable, certified, experienced and reliable. Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs has put together some tips for choosing a moving company.

• Ask questions – Does the company abide by Good Practice Guidelines for Canadian Movers? Have you been informed of your rights and responsibilities? Is the company insured?

• Ask for an estimate – For long distance moves, the company should come to your house to inspect your belongings and prepare a comprehensive quote – if not, try another company. For local moves, companies should be able to estimate the number of hours. All estimates should be provided in writing.

• Get the details – Who does the packing and unpacking? Can you provide your own boxes? Are any customs documents required and who completes them? If a deposit is required, will the money be put in trust? Is it refundable?

• Be aware of Replacement Value Protection – If your existing household insurance policy is not sufficient, you should check with the moving company for the cost of Replacement Value Protection, an agreement that makes the company liable for an estimated value of your possessions. Ask that it is actually Replacement Value Protection and not depreciated value only.

• Make the most of your moving day – Take all of your valuables with you in your own vehicle, such as jewellery, prescriptions, artwork and computer with backed up files. Make sure your new home is ready to receive your things.

Reputable companies will go over all of this with you and more. To be safe, use the Consumer Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company from Industry Canada, available by searching www.ConsumerInformation.ca.

- News Canada

March is Fraud Prevention Month

2008-03-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

(NC)—March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and around the world. In Canada, the campaign is designed to improve Canadians' awareness and understanding about the dangers of fraud and help them learn how to recognize, report and stop it.

The campaign is hosted by the Fraud Prevention Forum. The forum is chaired by the Competition Bureau, an independent law enforcement agency, and consists of more than 80 members from federal, provincial and municipal governments, law enforcement agencies, consumer and volunteer groups, retailers and others in the private sector, committed to fighting fraud aimed at businesses and consumers.

Each year, forum members host and participate in many education and awareness activities for consumers and businesses. For example, Scam Jams, which are one-day consumer awareness sessions, National Consumer Shredding Days that rally consumers to shred personal information, as well as townhall sessions and talk radio round tables.

The Fraud Prevention Forum model has been adopted around the world. Twenty-eight countries, including the United States, Belgium and Australia, will host Fraud Prevention Month activities this year.

As part of this year's campaign, activities are planned all across Canada in major cities and small towns, so if you want to reduce your risk of being victimized and learn more about Fraud Prevention Month, the forum, or to view the complete list of participating organizations, visit www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/fraud.

- News Canada

Stay on guard - Reduce your risk of identity theft by protecting your personal information

2008-03-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

• Minimize your risk –- Carry only the identification you need (eg. driver's license, health card) and keep the rest (Social Insurance Number, birth certificate, passport) locked up at home.

• Keep it to yourself – Be careful about sharing personal information especially on social networking sites and don't give out more than you need to. And when shopping, if someone asks you for information that is not relevant to the transaction you are making, ask them why.

• Be discreet – When disclosing your personal and financial information speak discreetly. Always shield your PIN when using your debit card and never lend your card. The Canadian Code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services outlines your rights and responsibilities at www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca.

• Be proactive – Always ask about how secure your information is when dealing with businesses and charities and even where you work.

• Be tidy –- Don't leave personal information lying around at home, in your vehicle or at the office. Don't put more than your name and address on your personal cheques.

• Be careful – Lock your household mailbox, if possible. If you are going to be away, arrange for a trusted neighbour to pick up your mail. You can also go to your local post office (with identification) and pay for Canada Post to hold your mail.

• Be wary – Never give personal information by phone, Internet or mail unless you're the one who made contact and you know the company very well. Identity thieves may use phoney offers or pose as representatives of financial institutions, Internet service providers or even government agencies to trick you into revealing identifying information.

• Be aware of dumpster divers – Shred or destroy all documents with your personal information before tossing them into the garbage or recycling. This will help defeat dumpster divers looking for transaction records, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, cheques, financial statements and old income tax returns. Cut up expired and unused credit and debit cards. The card may have expired but the number may still be valid and could be used to make purchases.

• Guard your computer – Use passwords and install and subscribe to a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware and security software to reduce the chances of your personal info being stolen from your computer.

For important tips on how to protect your personal information check out the Consumer Identity Theft Kit available at www.ConsumerInformation.ca. Youth and parents can also visit servicecanada.ca for tips on how to protect their personal information, including their Social Insurance Number (SIN).

- News Canada

Fast facts about Canada's underground economy

2008-03-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

• The underground economy refers to any economic activity that generally would be taxable if it were reported at tax time.

• Certain sectors are more vulnerable to underground activity such as the construction or hospitality.

• Taking cash to avoid paying tax is cheating. It's cheating those Canadians who pay their taxes; it's cheating businesses that have to compete with lower prices charged by cash-only entrepreneurs; and it's cheating customers and workers who may not be covered if disaster strikes.

• It's a myth that taking cash and keeping no records makes you immune to taxes. If your lifestyle is not in line with the income you report, and you cannot explain the difference, your taxes will be assessed anyway based on an estimate of your income. You might even have to pay interest, penalties and even face prosecution if you get caught.

• Cheaters do get caught as the Canada Revenue Agency has an aggressive program to detect and deter those Canadians with suspicious profiles.

• The agency has 1,200 employees dedicated specifically to catching these underground operators. Once caught, cheaters can face prosecution, hefty fines and jail time. If you want to do some homework on the issue, go to the Taxpayer Alert section of www.cra.gc.ca, and click on the Underground Economy link.

- News Canada

Why you can believe what you're about to read

2008-03-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

(NC)—Truth is an essential part of any successful ad campaign. That is why the advertising industry created the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards. It sets the standards for acceptable advertising in Canada. The Code helps ensure the ads you see and hear are truthful, fair and accurate. Administered by Advertising Standards Canada (ASC), and first published over forty years ago, the Code is regularly updated to ensure that it remains relevant in today's environment. ASC is the national, not-for-profit, industry body committed to ensuring the integrity and viability of advertising through industry self regulation. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject, courtesy of Linda Nagel, president and chief executive officer of ASC:

What do I do if I have a concern about an ad that appears in Canadian media?

Submit written complaints in one of three ways:
• Online (www.adstandards.com)
• Via mail (Advertising Standards Canada, 175 Bloor Street East, South Tower, Suite 1801, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3R8)
• Via fax (416-961-7904)

What happens to my complaint?

Complaints are first reviewed by ASC. If a complaint raises a potential issue under the Code, it will be evaluated by independent National and Regional Consumer Response Councils in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax or Vancouver. Council members include senior industry and public representatives who volunteer their time to support this important effort.

What happens if an ad contravenes the Code?

If the Council finds an ad contravenes the Code, the advertiser is asked to withdraw it or amend it.

ASC informs the public about upheld complaints in its online quarterly Ad Complaints Reports. If you want to learn more about the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards visit www.adstandards.com, or call the recorded information line 1-877-656-8646.

- News Canada

Warning signs of debt

2008-03-21T10:26:00.001-07:00

• Frequently pay bills after their due date.
• Regularly bounce cheques.
• Use an advance from one credit card to pay the minimum amount on another card.
• Receive a call from a collection agency.
• Regularly ask friends and family for loans.
• Have your utilities cut off.
• Have cut back on regular expenses such as clothing, recreation, even food.
• Are considering a second job to better manage your debt.

You can take steps to get out of debt. Identifying your debt load is the first step to breaking free, as well as making a budget and getting help. Consider talking to a budget advisor or credit counselor. Remember, you're not alone. People in debt can sometimes fall prey to illegal schemes to get them out of debt so do your homework. It pays to be smart with your money, even when it comes to paying back what you owe.

Industry Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs has developed an excellent online tool at www.consumer.ic.gc.ca/debt to help Canadians take control of their financial future. It's well worth a visit and it's free.

- News Canada

Guide to Government of Canada Services for people with disabilities

2008-03-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

(NC)—About 3.6 million Canadians have one or more disabilities. That's more than one in every eight Canadians.

The Government of Canada has produced a helpful new guide called Services for People with Disabilities. This comprehensive, easy-to-use guide provides federal government information on everything from employment, accessibility and education to health, income support and tax benefits. Altogether there are 60 different programs, services and other resources listed in the guide, including a special section telling you how to contact your provincial or territorial government for information about its programs and services for people with disabilities.

The publication will be useful for people living with a disability, caring for someone who has a disability, a professional or community service provider who works with people with disabilities or a volunteer who helps people with disabilities.

Information is "bundled" under such important quality-of-life topics as learning and skills development, income benefits and taxation, employment, health and wellness, safety and security, and personal finances and pensions.

The guide is presented in a larger-than-average print size for the convenience of readers. It is also available in alternate formats, including large print, Braille, audio cassette or computer diskette. You can viewor download the guide at servicecanada.gc.ca. You can also obtain a copy through 1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232 or TTY 1 800 926-9105), by email at guide@canada.gc.ca or in person at one of the 320+ Service Canada Centres nearest you.

- News Canada

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft

2008-03-12T15:27:00.001-07:00

(NC)—Gone are the days when identity theft and corporate espionage were the makings of a good spy novel. Today these criminal activities impact millions of people and businesses each year.

According to the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus, identity theft costs Canadian consumers and businesses an estimated $2.5 billion annually.

Identity theft can ruin an individual's credit rating. Identity thieves steal records with an individual's personal information, such as a Social Insurance Number, bank account or credit card numbers or medical records. They find the information by stealing wallets, mail, bills, even receipts from retailers. Identity thieves also sift through garbage and recycling bins. They then use this information to sign up for new credit cards, open bank accounts, secure loans or government benefits.

The problem is not only a concern for consumers – businesses are also at risk. Theft of employee, customer or confidential information about the company can ruin a company's reputation and its financial health.

"Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in North America," said Greg Brophy, President and CEO of Securit. "The best safeguard against identity theft and fraud is to shred confidential personal and business documents."

Laws such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act offer some protection by requiring organizations to develop guidelines to determine how information is protected in-house, in transit and upon destruction. Individuals should also take action to protect themselves. On-site document destruction company, Shred-it, a Securit company, recommends the following tips to prevent identity theft and fraud at home and in the workplace.
At Work:
• Store personnel files securely
• Develop a document management system
• Shred old files and documents
• Educate yourself about your company's privacy policy
ID Theft Prevention at Home:
• Limit use of your Social Insurance Number
• Shred documents containing personal information as well as envelopes and return address labels. Don't have a shredder? Watch for information about Shred-it's Community Shred events near you and take your documents to be shredded for free
• Don't give out information unless you know who you're giving to
• Take receipts from stores
• Protect your Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
• Ask about company privacy policies

By following these simple tips to safeguard your information, you can deter identity thieves and minimize your chance of becoming a victim.

- News Canada

Make a budget and get out of debt

2008-03-10T08:20:00.001-07:00

(NC)—"I want it and I want it now." That seems to be the little voice inside the heads of many Canadians as they continue to spend more and save less, no matter how much they earn.

According to a recent report by the Certified General Accountants of Canada, 84 per cent of Canadians reported having some kind of debt which reinforces the most troubling statistic of all – that Canadian household debt reached an all-time high of $1 trillion in 2006.

There are a number of things you can do this New Year to get a grip on your spending and reduce your personal debt. Here are some ideas:

• One of the best ways to take control of your finances and pay off your debts is to make a budget and stick to it. It takes time but give it a chance.

• Switch your thinking from spending to managing your money. It can be the first big liberator for people in debt. And once you do that, creating the actual budget and sticking with it becomes easier.

• By following your budget, you will find it easier to control your spending, pay for essentials before anything else, and free up some money each month to repay your debts. You will slowly find that you have more money available, especially as your debts disappear.

Industry Canada has created an all-inclusive online tool to help you understand your debt problems and help you make a budget that works for you. There are worksheets as well as trusted links for budgeting software. There's also a section on budget counselling for those who might prefer to meet with someone one-on-one.

The tool, Take Charge of your Debts is available at www.consumer.ic.gc.ca/debt.

- News Canada

Tips on critical illness insurance.

2008-03-07T16:38:00.001-08:00

(NC)—Critical illness insurance provides a lump-sum payment should you become seriously ill with an illness or disease like cancer, heart attack, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or paralysis. The exact amount of the insurance payment varies from policy to policy and the terms depend on the degree, or the severity of the illness or disease.

Critical illness insurance is not the same as long-term care insurance, or disability insurance. Long-term care policies generally reimburse to a specified limit, the expenses for care due to a chronic illness, disabling condition, or cognitive impairment. Disability insurance replaces income on a monthly basis if an insured illness or accident prevents the ability to work.

Critical illness insurance provides a financial safety net, particularly for high-risk individuals, but it cannot be purchased for pre-existing conditions.

Before purchasing critical illness insurance, consumers should read the terms carefully and get answers to all questions, says the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. FSCO is the regulator of the provincial insurance industry and offers a guideline on this topic. Highlights from the guideline include:

• Before buying critical illness insurance, consider the benefits that may already be available to you through other policies, such as life and health insurance, on a group or individual basis. Be aware that private or supplementary health insurance plans have coverage limitations.

• If you die for a reason not covered by the critical illness policy, the premiums you paid may be refunded to your named beneficiary. Some plans will return the premium, or a portion of the premiums paid, if the policy matures and no claim has been paid.

• You are entitled to collect the entire benefit, even if you make a full recovery.

More information about this and other financial service topics is available online at www.fsco.gov.on.ca. Look for the publication Understanding Critical Illness Insurance in the Consumer Brochures section.

- News Canada

Maintain your car for better mileage.

2008-03-07T16:36:00.001-08:00

(NC)—With spring around the corner, just as you would freshen up your home, take time to tune up your car. An engine shampoo will help you see if your car has any leaks. And remember to check all fluid levels and tire pressure. Have a licensed mechanic look at the condition of the brakes, transmission, and battery, as well as wear and tear on the tires, since ensuring a smoother, cleaner run will help you get better gas mileage.

"Scheduling seasonal maintenance keeps your car in good order, " advises Vishnu Kangalee, Manager of the Consumer Services Bureau of Ontario's Consumer Protection Branch. "It's also important to find a car repairer you can trust – get a referral from family and friends. We frequently see cases of repairers who persuade car owners to authorize unnecessary repairs." Remember, it's always possible to get a second opinion.

Keep a record of repairs: knowing what work was done and when is key in resolving any warranty issues. Ontario consumer law provides that car repairers installing new or reconditioned parts give a warranty for a minimum of 90 days or 5,000 km, whichever comes first. There is no warranty, provided by law, for the installation of a used part. A smart consumer will know if the part to be installed is new, reconditioned or used. So hang on to your finished work order or invoice. It is your proof of what was done, when and how much you paid for the repair, if a problem arises.

A clean, well-maintained vehicle keeps its value longer and saves you from higher fuel costs. For more information about car repairs and your rights under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, go to www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection or call toll-free 1 866 351 5655.

- News Canada

Reduce stress if you control the controllable

2008-03-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

(NC)—A recent Ipsos Reid survey reported nearly half of Canadians (45 percent) feel their stress levels are out of control. Finances are a large contributor and while some economic anxieties are unavoidable, with a bit of strategizing and planning it is possible to gain the upper hand and control the controllable.

Be prepared – Illness cannot be predicted, but it's a fact of life. It is important to have a back up plan should you be required to take time off work, especially if you are the family's primary income earner. As a general rule, saving three months worth of salary is a good first line of protection. Illness insurance is also a great way to achieve peace of mind, knowing your bills will be taken care of should you be unable to work. Learn more at www.illnessprotection.com.

Curb home-ownership costs – Controlling everyday household expenses can leave you better prepared to face an unexpected event, like a flooded basement or leaky roof. For instance, choosing a fixed-rate for natural gas over a period of time will help protect your finances from potential spikes in energy prices. Natural gas supplier RiteRate.ca consistently offers fixed-rate contracts at much lower prices than larger competitors and at www.riterate.ca they provide accurate and easy to understand information on how to choose the right natural gas contract option.

Know your tolerance for risk – Investments such as stocks and RRSPs come with varying degrees of risk and it's important to know how much you can handle. If fluctuating mortgage rates keep you awake at night, a moderate to low amount of risk in your portfolio might be an ideal shortcut to reducing anxiety. For a quick assessment of your risk tolerance visit http://icief.org/risk/risk_quiz.html, and be sure to talk to a financial advisor to ensure the promise of long-term gain isn't exposing you to excessive short-term pain.

Most importantly, stay active – No matter the cause of your stress, regular exercise defuses anxiety filled lifestyles by boosting the brain's output of chemicals that counteract the effects of stress hormones. Simple ideas for physical fitness activities that you can easily build into your daily routine are available online at www.participaction.com.

-News Canada

When was the last time you had a medical check up?

2008-03-04T15:14:00.000-08:00

(NC)—With the New Year upon us, many Canadians will be making resolutions for 2008. This may include exercising more, eating better and maintaining a work/life balance.

But those who are planning a healthier lifestyle in 2008 may not consider the obvious - visiting their doctor for a regular medical check-up. In fact, a recent survey by RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid shows that half (51 per cent) of all adult Canadians do not go for regular medical examinations. Women are also by far, more likely than men to check in for a check-up, as 59 per cent of women regularly go for complete physicals, compared to 39 per cent of men.

"Regular check-ups are essential for everyone. Maintaining health and fitness also means screening for potential illnesses, particularly the ones that can be treated successfully when caught early," said John Young, president and CEO, RBC Life Insurance Company.

The RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid further indicates many Canadians would prefer to avoid physicals altogether. In fact, almost half would rather tackle tedious household chores such as cleaning their bathrooms (48 per cent) or closets (46 per cent) rather than going for a medical check-up.

"Taking care of your health should be top of mind for everyone although many don't consider regular check-ups until it's too late," added Young. "It's similar to insurance in that respect. By taking initial action, you can help yourself and your family if something comes up in the future."

For more information, visit www.rbcinsurance.com/lifeinsurance, or a local RBC Insurance branch, or call 1-800-991-0707.

-News Canada