Gift Cards

For some, the thought of going from mall to mall, shop to shop looking for that perfect gift, is really what the Christmas season is about. For others like me, I am indecisive and usually end up getting something the receiver does not like. That's why I like to give the gift that keeps on giving, gift cards. I've had discussions with people who think gift cards are cold and impersonal. That they are easy ways to get out of truly looking for and spending time to find a gift that the receiver would love. C'mon, let's be honest, most gifts end up being returned because it's either the wrong size, make, colour or fit. At the end of the day, it's the wrong gift.

My opinion is, why not save yourself and the receiver the hassle of returning a gift when they can pick their own. It's not the same as cash, in that, with a gift card, you are directing the receiver where to go. Unfortunately, the problem with giving cash is that it can be used on things that you might not have intended it to be used on, like bills. With a gift card, your receiver is forced to spend it on something for themselves, from a particular store.

Gift cards are availabe everywhere. For the coffee lover, why not a Tim Horton's, Second Cup, Timothy's or a Starbucks gift card? For the new mom, maybe a Toys 'r' Us or Babies 'r' Us or a Shoppers Drug Mart gift card. For the handy man, Home Depot, Home Hardware or Canadian Tire. For the overworked and stressed woman, a gift card for a particular spa or a mani-pedi and for those picky teenagers, an i-Tunes, VISA, MasterCard or American Express gift card. The options are endless.

Information on gift cards:

• businesses are required to fully inform consumers at the time of purchase how and where gift cards can be redeemed, used and replaced. Whether only at corporate stores, outlets, specific locations, etc.
  

• Gift cards that expire are prohibited, unless they are issued or sold for charitable or promotional purposes, or if they are for a specific good or service such as a haircut, because it is not expected that a business would make the same product or service available indefinitely.

• handling charges or fees are prohibited , except in limited circumstances. 

Contact your Consumer Affairs Department for specific provincial legislation.

Happy Shopping and 
Merry Christmas!!

2010 Smart Consumer Calendar

 2010 Smart Consumer Calendar has arrived. This calendar is full of  tips and advice to help you be a better, smarter and wiser consumer.

The calendar features different consumer protection themes each month such as tips on gift cards, buying or selling a home, dealing with an energy supplier, and buying cars and fitness club memberships.
Get your free copy from Service Ontario.

Life after debt

Bad credit does not have to be the end. After having gone through bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, many people might think that their credit is shot and that there is no way of ever getting a good credit score.

Without a decent or good credit score, you will not qualify for personal or car loans, lines of credits or even a mortgage. There are many companies out there that are willing to help you re-establish your credit after going through some debt troubles.

One of those companies I have had the personal experience of working with is Prudent Financial Services. Prudent specializes in personal loans, car loans and mortgages. By getting a loan with PFS, not only is it an opportunity to re-build your credit but (unlike banks), they will not lend you any more money than you can afford to re-pay. They are easy to work with and have very flexible repayment schedules.

It's nice to know that credit problems are not the end, and that there is life after debt.

Click here for more information on PFS Loan Centre.

Stocking up your pantry for Christmas

Only 29 more shopping days 'til Christmas. Christmas at my home this year is going to be a tight one financially, but that does not mean it is going to be a bad one. My lights are up outside my home to get me into the festivities. Inside, I am checking my pantry, my fridge and my freezer to see what I have, what I need and what I want. I am making a list (and yes, checking it twice) to make sure nothing is left off. With each pay, I try to buy at least 5 to 10 items I know I will need to either make Christmas dinner, appetizers to offer guests or snacks around the house for my family. I try to stock my pantry now and save meats for closer to the day, as this is usually the time meats (turkey, ham and chicken) go on sale. Since I don't have a deep freezer, space in my fridge freezer is limited. Before I go grocery shopping, I add to my original list, items I need for Christmas. These items I know I will not be using immediately. As I buy these products, I cross them off my list. This way, I know what I have and what I still need.

Meal planning is important during the holidays, that way you know what you need to buy and what you can avoid. Plan out breakfasts, snacktime, dinners and what to serve guests when they drop buy. Don't forget drinks and desserts. Christmastime is also a time to treat yourself, so if there is something at the grocery store you have had your eye on all year to try, this is the time to do so. You deserve it.

Happy Shopping!!

Stork Craft Crib Recall

More than 2.1 million Canadian-made drop-side cribs are being recalled following reports of four infant suffocations. The cribs were made by Stork Craft Manufacturing of British Columbia. The cribs were sold in the U.S. and in Canada and include those sold under the Fisher-Price brand.

Calling the company may prove unsuccessful (as their lines are continually busy) and they suggest emailing parts@storkcraft.com with the following information, all of which can be found on the bottom right corner of the mattress baseboard:
-model number of the crib

-date of manufacture
-country of manufacture

Stork Craft is requesting parents include complete shipping information in order to receive a free repair kit that will modify the cribs so the sides are fixed.(Courtesy of thestar.com)



Happy Shopping!!

Making money of H1N1

You cannot go anywhere these days, turn on the TV, the radio or internet without hearing or seeing something about H1N1 or swine flu. It seems to be the topic du jour. This post is not about how to cure swine flu or how to prevent catching it, it is however on how to not be ripped off by all the institutions and people that want to profit off of this pandemic.

In Canada, thousands have lined up in malls and civic centres day after day to receive vaccinations. Most have lined up for 3 hours or more. Imagine being in a shopping mall with small children. They would at some point get hungry or bored. This would be a perfect opportunity for parents to get food or a toy to keep their child(ren) occupied. In this case, food courts and various stores will profit.

The obvious, are the pharmaceutical companies that are making billions off the vaccines and seeing an increase in their stock values. Then there are the others, like pharmacies that are seeing the sales of surgical masks go up (companies that produce surgical masks are turning profits), an increase in the sale of vitamins and cold and flu remedies. Health food stores that have a seen a rise in sales, as everyone is trying their best to prevent contracting swine flu. Hand-sanitizers are flying off the shelves, therefore producing profits for the manufacturers. In addition, companies that produce "anti-bacterial" anything are sure to see increase in sales.

It seems, if marketed correctly, anyone can make money off swine flu. As sad as it is, there are those that will try their hardest to capitalize off others' fears about this pandemic. As consumers, at a time like this, it is very easy to have fear drive our decisions. Although the intention is right, the motivation (fear) behind our decisions may not be. Fear is not a justifiable reason, because it only leads to panic and bad decision-making. Bad decisions always end up hurting us in our pocketbooks. In dealing with this event, one needs to take their time, assess and reassess, ask questions and most importantly, be logical. Do not be hasty to shell out your hard earned money on frivolous, dubious, unproven "stuff", because there are those out there who will be trying and waiting to get you to do just that. Good Luck!

Happy Shopping!!

Groceryalerts.ca

Groceryalerts.ca notifies people of new specials at grocery stores in Canada (Victoria, Vancouver, and Toronto)

They post the latest flyers and top deals each week from all grocery stores. The entire website is free and they also have printable coupons organized by categories so they are easy to find.

They are adding more cities each month, including Calgary and Winnipeg in the next few months.

Check them out!

Happy Shopping!!