Credit Canada has announced the launch of a new TV commercial that is bringing rays of warmth and sunshine to an economic climate otherwise riddled with news of doom and gloom. Called “Dignity”, the 30-second commercial offers hope to consumers burdened with debt that just one step in the right financial direction can make a world of difference.

Highlighting a single mother and her daughter as they rise together in the morning and go about their day, the commercial uses striking black and white cinematography, a warm voice over, and an uplifting musical score to tug at the viewer’s heartstrings, conveying the message that “When you decide to get out of debt, you may be surprised at what you get back.” [click to continue…]

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What makes for an “I had no idea” person.

by Laurie Campbell on January 19, 2012

Let’s talk about people who share what I like to call the “I Had No Idea” experience.

I Had No Idea people come to us every day here at Credit Canada. They are experiencing problems with debt, and they have come to us for counselling. We look into matters and devise a game plan – involving money, lifestyle and attitudes – that will put things straight.

Part of that straightening out process involves tracking and analysis of the I Had No Idea person’s spending habits. This enables the I Had No Idea person to adhere to a budget, which must be strictly followed if debts are to be overcome. [click to continue…]

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A lifetime of kid sports. Know what you’re paying for parents.

January 17, 2012

As a parent – or as someone who aspires to parenthood – you may be interested to know that in Canada the average cost of raising a child from infancy through high school is about $182,000. If you foot the bill for another two to four years of college or university for your child, you [...]

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Baby steps can lead to big savings.

January 12, 2012

Out with old man 2011 and in with 2012’s cute and cuddly baby wrapped in a fuzzy blanket and soothing with a pacifier. A good friend of mine recently welcomed a baby boy to her family. He is an adorable bundle of joy, cooing and sleepy-eyed while his parents shower him with admiration and loving [...]

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And on the 13th day – I got the bill. (sung to the tune of the 12 days of Christmas with apologies)

January 10, 2012

-And on the thirteenth day of Xmas, the mailman gave to me, a credit card bill for free . So Happy New Year! You thought that you recovered from your New Year’s hangover. Then you open your mail. Everything was good in December and then you decided that you would buy a few things. Besides [...]

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Post-script: Boxing Day Sales. Please give it a rest.

January 5, 2012

It’s the New Year. But here’s a little post-script regarding the holidays that have just passed.

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Top 10 True New Year’s Resolutions.

January 3, 2012

My friend Bob sent me an email during the Christmas break saying he’s sick and tired of hearing about New Year’s resolutions that few people ever keep. He supplied me with a top ten list of what he calls his true New Year’s resolutions. Here it is. 10. I will read less. 9. I will [...]

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Last minute travel tips in your holiday.

December 22, 2011

Your bags are packed. You’re ready to go. You’re leaving on a jet plane to somewhere nice. But have you considered the following tips from FareCompare.com? 1) Pack light. If you need a coat, wear it on the plane to save space in your luggage. Adding another $50 to the cost of your round-trip ticket is [...]

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Christmas frenzy.

December 20, 2011

I found it rather coincidental that on the day I decided to start shopping (Black Friday), my Moneysense magazine came in the mail with a startling declaration. The editorial ,”Overtaking America”, stated that in the Credit Suisse 2011 Global Wealth Report that we are currently wealthier than the Americans. Apparently, our net worth median income [...]

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My dinner with Santa. An exclusive interview.

December 15, 2011

I would like to thank a colourful, wee elf named Undlin Neldth for arranging dinner last week between me and Father Christmas himself, St. Nicholas Claus (aka Santa). Undlin, who is in charge of Santa’s publicity department, recommended me to his boss for an interview after surfing the Net and chancing upon a blog I [...]

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