How do you plan a stress-free move? Is it possible to enjoy the holiday season without worrying? What are our rights when buying on the Internet? Are our data protected online? How can I be sure of the reliability of a traveling merchant? Is it legal for points accumulated on a loyalty card to expire?
We receive tons of questions about situations that arise regularly as consumers. So here's our toolbox, which we hope will help you learn more about your rights and ease your finances during certain times of the year.
Online shopping
Online shopping is now a part of everyday life! Clothing, electronics and even food - you can buy literally anything on the Internet! But what happens if my package is stolen? What if I don't receive it? If it's not in order? See our toolkit that answers all these questions!
Online reviews: a risky practice?
You've bought a product or used a service with which you're not satisfied. So you take to social networking sites and openly criticize the company you've done business with. Good or bad idea?
Prepaid card - points card
Are you the kind of person who forgets your prepaid cards in your wallet or never spends the points you've accumulated on your loyalty cards? Perhaps you'd benefit from using them sooner. Here's what you need to know about this type of card.
Itinerant merchant
A stranger knocks on your door offering to buy goods or services? Does he also mention that his offer is for a limited time, or that the discount will end very soon? There are a number of things you should check before entering into this kind of contract. See all our tips on this subject.
Opt-out contracts
More and more online businesses are changing their business model: they no longer offer a specific product or products, but rather a subscription giving access to a service that allows you to receive goods or access a virtual library. Find out what you need to know about this type of practice!
Moving
Whether desired or not, moving house can be a major source of stress. In fact, some say that the stress of moving is equivalent to that of bereavement. Here are our tips for avoiding headaches.
Credit file
The mysterious credit report... Everyone has one (two in Canada!), but few know what it contains, what it's for and who can access it. We'll enlighten you!
Warranties
Perhaps you've bought a refrigerator from a retailer only to find it breaks down after just a few months. Legal warranty, manufacturer's warranty, extended warranty... who should you turn to, and how can you make sense of it all? We take a look.
Marketplace and other used-goods sites – Our tips
Marketplace, Kijiji… Used-goods sites are goldmines for finding the items you need at low prices, or for selling items you no longer use. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to stay alert for potential scams.
Mediation in consumer law
Mediation is a process that allows you, with the help of a third party, to find a solution to the problem you have with a merchant. It can take place before you file your claim in small claims court.
Formal notice
You may have heard that sending a letter of formal notice could be relevant when there's a disagreement with a merchant. But what exactly does this mean? When is it appropriate to use this type of letter? How should it be written? What can you expect once you've sent it?
Minimum payment on credit cards
On August 1, 2023, the minimum credit card payment increased from 3.5% to 4%, and will continue to rise by 0.5% per year, reaching 5% in 2025. Find out how this affects you and what it means for your finances.
Price accuracy policy
You go to the checkout to pay for your purchases and discover that an item costs more than what is displayed on the shelf. The Price Accuracy Policy, established in 2001, provides compensation for this type of situation. Find out how it works!
Exchange and refund policies
You've made a purchase, but you've changed your mind and want to return it. Is the retailer obliged to reimburse you? What if the item is defective? We take a look!
Online fraud prevention
Fraudsters show boundless creativity in their attempts to trick us, and all too often they succeed. Here are some tips on how to surf safely, recognize fake sites and spot phishing.
Protection of personal information online
Banking transactions, clothing purchases, grocery deliveries, virtual events, telecommuting... it's not just yesterday that a large part of our lives takes place online. How can we ensure that our personal information is well protected throughout all these activities?
Back to school
The vacation season is barely over, and it's already time to stock up on the kids' school supplies. This can be a real headache for parents! Here are our tips for easing this time of year!
Holiday season
Feeling anxious as December approaches? There's so much to plan, so many events to prepare and probably so many dollars to spend! We've put together some of our best tips to get you through this time of year, and have even developed a holiday-specific budget grid.
Crazy Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day
"The more you spend, the more you save! Have you ever heard this expression? It can indeed be very tempting to open our wallets when presented with tempting discounts, but are they always worth the cost? Here are our tips for making the most of these promotional events.