Frugal Canadian Living

Canada Post Rates Increasing in 2013

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 22:02:00 +0000

The price of mailing a regular letter within Canada will rise 2 cents to 63 cents on Jan. 14.

Postage rate increases are supposed to keep with inflation based on the Canada's consumer price index. However the postage rate increased have been more than the CPI for the past 12 years. The cost of a mailing a letter in 2000 was 47 cents, in 2013 it will be 63 cents. A 12 year increase of almost 37%. Inflation for the same 12 year period according to the Bank of Canada has been 26%.

In the next 10 years that price of gas, Canada Post employee salaries, taxes will increase.

Buying and hoarding permanent P stamps, since they have the same value of a regular letter mail stamp, would have returned a 11% profit.

If you mail a lot of letter or packages it is time once again to stock up on Canada Post `P` stamps.

Year	Postage	Increase
2000	$0.46	0.00%
2001	$0.47	2.17%
2002	$0.48	2.13%
2003	$0.49	2.08%
2005	$0.50	2.04%
2006	$0.51	2.00%
2007	$0.52	1.96%
2008	$0.52	0.00%
2009	$0.54	3.85%
2010	$0.57	5.56%
2011	$0.59	3.51%
2012	$0.61	3.39%
2013	$0.63	3.28%

Bypass The Globe and Mail Paywall

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 07:09:00 +0000

The Globe and Mail at globeandmail.com now requires readers who look at more than 10 articles a month to pay for their articles. The introductory price is 99 cents for the first month. Then you will have to pay the regular price of $19.99.

Online versions of Canadian newspapers only have a limited numbers of articles. The paid print versions have more articles. Online newspaper websites rely on advertising to generate revenue and are subsidized by their print versions.

If you do not want to sign up for the Globe and Mail online service there are a couple of ways to get around the paywall. The Globe and Mail paywall uses cookies to track the number of articles you read per month.

The easiest and quickest way to to use private browsing. You can also use the switching browsers, or blocking single site cookies methods. All have been listed below.

Private Browsing

Firefox

At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button ( menu in Windows XP) and select .

Internet Explorer

To open an InPrivate Browsing window, you can either use the Ctrl+Shift+P shortcut key, or just use the Safety \ InPrivate Browsing item on the menu.

And you’ll immediately see a private browsing window, which will leave no traces of your browsing history.

Chrome

Open an incognito window

Click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
Select New incognito window.
A new window will open with the incognito icon in the corner. You can continue browsing as normal in the other window.

You can also use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS) and ⌘-Shift-N (Mac) to open an incognito window.

Switch Browsers

You get 10 articles per browser. If you have Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer installed on your computer you can read 30 articles per month.

Block Cookies From The Globe and Mail

You don't necessarily way to block cookies from all websites. Most websites store a lot of tracking information in cookies and though it might seem like a good idea to block all cookies doing so will only cause you more headaches.

You will have to enter all your usernames, passwords, security questions everytime you visit a website. Some sites will not allow you to logon because they will assume that you a logging from a public computer.

You want to block cookies from the Globe and Mail only.

First set Firefox to block cookies from one website:

Go to the website you wish to block from setting cookies in Firefox.
Right-click within the page and select View Page Info.
In the Page Info window, select the Permissions panel.
Underneath Set Cookies, remove the check mark from Use Default.
Change the setting to Block.
Close the Page Info window.
Remove any cookies that the website has already set in Firefox.

Then To delete cookies for one site:

At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP) and then click Options
Select the Privacy panel.
Set Firefox will: to Use custom settings for history.
Click Show Cookies.... The Cookies window will appear.
In the Search: field, type the name of the site whose cookies you want to remove. The cookies that match your search will be displayed.
Select the cookie(s) in the list to remove and click Remove Cookie.
- Select the first cookie and press Shift+End to select all the cookies in the list.
Click Close to close the Cookies window.

Canada Stops Minting Pennies

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:18:00 +0000

As part of the new federal budget the Government of Canada has decided to stop producing the one cent coin, more commonly known as the penny. Business will be encourage to round up or down to the nearest 5 cents.

According to the federal government there will be no regulation forcing business to round down or up. The government suggests that business round down $1.02 and less and round up $1.03 and up. However the rounding will be left to the discretion of the individual business. It would be safe to assume that most businesses will round up because it will help their bottom line.

The government of Canada expects to save $11 million a year by no longer producing the 1 cent coin.

What can you do to protect yourself from this new business practice:

Pay with a credit card or debit card. There will be no rounding when paying with a card. However make sure that the business does not have an extra charge for small credit or debit card transactions. Some convenience stores charge a service fee for transactions less than $10. Also make sure that your bank does not charge for debit card transactions. You will also have to make sure that you never carry a balance on your credit card or will end up paying more in interest charges.
Carry a few pennies with you at all times. 35 billion pennies have been minted. Even with the Mint's metal recovery program, there are billions of pennies in circulation. If you have a hoard of pennies in jars now would be the time to put them to use.
Use American pennies. Most businesses accept American coinage at par. The United States mint will continue to produce the 1 cent coin and with the Canadian dollar being equal or worth more than the American dollar now would the time to use US coins. This is perfectly legal as long as the business is willing to accept the coins. Many South American countries do not produce their own coins and use US coins instead. The US mint has produce over 400 billion pennies and most are in circulation because the US mint does not cull pennies out of circulation.

The cost of producing the penny is 1.6 cents per coin and eliminating the penny will save the government $11 million per year. A study by one Canadian financial institution, Desjardins Group, estimates the economic costs of the penny for the private sector total $150-million annually. This includes counting, storing and transporting the coins. That is $150 million that the private sector will not be putting back into the Canadian economy.

Expect the Royal Canadian Mint to increase it metal recovery program rate. Even if 50% of the pennies in circulation were sent back to the mint and melted the copper content would net the mint over $700 million in profit.

The Bank of Canada would also save money. As more Canadian switch over to cash less transactions the Bank of Canada will no longer have to print and distribute as many banknotes.

However there will be in increase in the cost of goods as more consumers chose to use debit and credit cards. Business pay an average of 50 cents per debit card transaction. They also pay a 3% service charge to credit card companies on the total cost of a credit card transaction. An increase in the use of credit and debit cards will cut into their bottom line and this will be passed on to the consumer eventually as an increase the cost of goods.

Coke for Only $5 Cents May 7

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:53:00 +0000

On May 7, 2011 print out this coupon and bring it to any Mac's, Circle K or Couche-Tard and get a 414ml bottle of Coke for 5 cents. Coke is celebrating 125 years.

*Plus applicable taxes, fees, and levies. One coupon per customer. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to availability, while supplies last. Valid at participating Couche-Tard, Circle K and Mac's Convenience Stores in Canada only on May 7, 2011.

Saving on Babysitting

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 01:58:00 +0000

I was saying "Hello" to a friend's little kid the other day, and the kid replied back in English, with a Chinese accent. Wait a minute! Both of his parents speak English with a Canadian accent. So, how could their kid have a Chinese accent?

Apparently, like most young couples with kids, they wanted to save some money on the cost of babysitting, and the grandparents were watching the kid while they were at work. Since the grandparents spoke with English with a Chinese accent the kid was learning to speak with the same accent.

Funny? Yes, I thought so. Maybe he could be the next Russel Peters.

Receive A Free Power Bar For Toronto Hydro Customers

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:49:00 +0000

Toronto Hydro Customers are eligble to receive a free power bar!

Here are the details:

Visit us at Toronto-area Walmart and Sears stores or select Canadian Tire and Staples stores during the last two weekends in October to receive a free power bar.

•You must be a Toronto Hydro customer on Time-of-Use rates.
•To be eligible, bring your original 2010 August or September Toronto Hydro bill to an event.
•You’ll be required to complete a short survey

•One power bar per electricity bill / household.
•First 500 customers, while supplies last (500 power bars available at each event, each day).

Visit participating retailers on:
•Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 10 a.m.
•Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 11 a.m.
•Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 10 a.m.
•Sunday, October 31, 2010 from 11 a.m.

For all participating retailers please click here.

Canadian Olympic Quarters Worth Collecting?

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:19:00 +0000

The Canadian Mint will has been circulating 14 commemorative Olympic coins, between 2007 and 2010, to celebrate the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia.

Twelve different quarters were release in 2007, 2008, and 2009. There are also two new loonies in circulation by 2010. The mint also being giving away free collector cards to place your quarters in and commercials on TV encouraging Canadians to collect these quarters.

Are these coins really worth collecting? Will they be more valuable in the future?

Always collect what your like. If you like collecting coins and they give you enjoyment looking at them or showing them off then by all means collect them. Try to find the coins that show the least signs of circulation.

If you are collecting for profit. It is definitely not worth hanging on to these olympic quarters or any commemorative coins release by the mint for circulation.

The first set of commemorative quarters released were the 1992 provincial coins. The catalog value for these 18 years later is $0.75 each. On eBay a complete uncirculated set sells for $8.50, or $0.70 per coin. Selling these coins to a dealer would net you 50% of the catalog value assuming that the market does not get flooded with all those collected quarters. $40 million dollars of 1992 were released.

You would have made more money in the bank. $0.25 at 4% compound interest after 18 years would be $0.51.

Alberta - Released 1992-06-04 - Quantity Minted 12,133,000
British Columbia - Released 1992-11-09 - Quantity 14,001,000
Manitoba - Released 1992-04-07 - Quantity Minted 11,349,000
New Brunswick - Released 1992-01-09 - Quantity Minted 12,174,000
Newfoundland and Labrador - Released 1992-03-05 - Quantity Minted 11,405,000
Northwest Territories - Released 1992-02-06 - Quantity Minted 12,580,000
Nova Scotia - Released 1992-09-09 - Quantity Minted 13,600,000
Ontario - Released 1992-08-06 - Quantity Minted 14,263,000
Prince Edward Island - Released 1992-07-07 - Quantity Minted 13,001,000
Quebec - Released 1992-10-01 - Quantity Minted 13,607,000
Saskatchewan - Released 1992-11-05 - Quantity Minted 14,165,000
Yukon - Released 1992-05-07 - Quantity Minted 10,388,000

The market for the olympic quarters would be much worse because $70 million worth of quarters were released.

That being said there are certain error commerative coins which are definitely worth collecting. During the minting of these coins the Royal Canadian Mint made mistakes. These are worth a lot more than face value. This is because unlike the millions of "collectible" quarters that were release the quantity of these errors is estimated in the hundreds or less.

1992 Provinces

1992 New Brunswick - 180 degree rotation - $90-$125
1992 New Brunswick - 90 degree rotation - $50-$125
1992 NWT - 90 degree rotation - $90-$135
1992 Saskatchewan - 180 degree rotation - Very Rare Only One Known
2000 P Caribou - Very Rare Only Two Known
2000 P Community - $10,000-$15,000
2000 Map - No date (mule) - $300-$450
2007 Wheelchair - No logo (mule) - $400-$800 (PetroCanada Collectible Set Only)
2008 Alpine Skiing - No date (mule) - $25-$50 (RCM Collectible Set Only)
2009 Olympic Men's Hockey - Colour with Raised 2 - $8-$12

Canada's Top 10 Stolen Cars 2009

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 12:04:00 +0000

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has once again released its annual list of the most frequently stolen vehicles today.

The Honda Civic held on to the top spot as the most stolen vehicle in Canada. The appearance of high-end models like the Cadillac Escalade on the list reflects the increasing involvement of organized crime in auto theft.

Although many high-end four-wheel drive vehicles like the BMW X6, Toyota RAV4 and Lexus RX350 don’t appear in the top ten, thieves are stealing them in greater numbers than ever before. There is a demand for vehicles like these in Ghana, Nigeria, Dubai, Lebanon, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Organized criminals are shipping the vehicles overseas, and as a result, the recovery rate for stolen vehicles in Canada continues to decline, even though there are fewer thefts in total.

The Top Ten Stolen Vehicles are:

1. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
2. 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door AWD
3. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
4. 2006 Chevrolet/GMC Trailblazer SS 4-door 4WD
5. 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
6. 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-door AWD
7. 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2-door
8. 2000 Audi S4 Quattro 4-door
9. 2006 Hummer H2 4-door AWD
10. 2005 Cadillac Escalade 4-door 4WD

Related Posts
Canada's Top 10 Stolen Cars 2008
Canada's Top 10 Stolen Cars 2007
Canada's Top 10 Stolen Cars 2006
Canada's Top 10 Stolen Cars 2005

Canada Post Price Increases Jan 11, 2009

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:38:00 +0000

Canada Post will be increase the postal rates by 5.4% on January 11, 2009. Time to stock up on those permanent stamps while they still cost 54 cents. Cost Co sells rolls of 100 Permanent stamps for $52.50 The new rates will be:

Canada Post Rate Increases

Postal Class / Service	Weight Break	2009 Rates	Jan 11th 2010 Rates
Domestic Lettermail - Standard	0g - 30g	$0.54	$0.57
Domestic Lettermail - Standard	30g - 50g	$0.98	$1.00
Domestic Lettermail - Other	0g - 100g	$1.18	$1.22
	100g - 200g	$1.96	$2.00
	200g - 300g	n/a	$2.75
	300g - 400g*	n/a	$3.00
	400g - 500g*	n/a	$3.25

Once the price of the permanent stamp increase to 57 cents you should still be able use multiple P stamps at the new rate. For example you can use 5 P Stamps plus 40 cents of regular stamps to send a 400-500g package. Which would be a 4.6% savings.

Craigslist Phone Verification Scam

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:18:00 +0000

Craigslist is a website that allows people to post classified ads for goods or services that they want to buy or sell. Due to a large number of spam ads being posted on the website the company implemented an account verification system for service ads. Craigslist also restricted each account to posting only 3 ads every 48 hours.

To have an active Craigslist account you need an email account, a IP address, and a phone number that has been call back verified. If these three do not match Craigslist will not allow you to create an account.

For spammers the first two are easy to create. They can create Gmail or Hotmail accounts, and by routing through different internet servers have unique IPs associated with each email account. What they have difficulty doing is by passing the phone number call back verification.

When creating a Craigslist account an automated system will call you back to the phone number that you provided. The automated system will says "This is Craigslist calling your pin number is 12345." You have to enter this pin number to activate the Craigslist account online.

Spammers don't want their phone number linked to the spam Craigslist account. Also posting hundreds of spam ads on Craigslist will require hundreds of phone numbers.

The Do Not Call List Scam

A spammer call you and says:

This Steve Harperson calling from the Canadian National Do Not Call List. We would like to ensure that your phone number is included in the National Do Not Call List. In a few minutes after I hang up a lady will call you and provide you with an activation number. I will then call back and if you provide me with that activation number you will be added to on the Canadian National Do Not Call List.

The spammer then enters your phone number on the Craigslist account activation page. You will get a call from 310-928-7055 which is the Craigslist activation call center. The automated message will give you an activation pin number.

After you hang up the spammer will call back and ask for the pin number. If you give him the number your telephone number is now associated with the spam Craigslist account that he has created.

From talking to people who have been targeted the spammers will be persistent. They will call back even if you hang up or tell them to get lost.

Your best bet is don't agree to have anyone call you back. Tell them that you have their phone number (this number changes as they route through different telephone exchanges) and that you will be filing a report with the police.

How Much is a Craigslist Phone Number Verified Account Worth?

Millions of people use Craigslist every day.

A Craigslist PVA account is worth a lot to a spammer. They can use the account to post fake ads, sell stolen goods or perpetuate fraud, and your phone number is associated with this activity.

Craigslist PVA accounts, in large amounts, sell online for $5.00 to $6.00 each. Good money for 10 minutes of social engineering.

Victims Stories
Suri - 28 Nov 2008
I got a call from this number , prior to this I got a call from 919-674-0114 and they said I will get a call and a 5 digit activation code will be left in your voice mail, and within 5 minutes I will call you back and you please provide the activation number, so that no unsolicited calls will be made to you in future. They said the US Govt's DNC has chosen craig's list to provide this service and I will not be charged a penny for this service

Anonymous - 1 Jul 2009
I got a call around 2.30 PM today. The caller identified him as David Kingston from FCC and informed me that they will send a 5 digit code for stopping marketing calls. In the next minute, I received a call from the number 310-928-7055 (an automated message) that gave a code (Some where in the message, I heard Craigs List). After a minute, the same caller called me to confirm the code (identified himself as David Kingston of FCC again). When I asked him about the relationship between FCC and Craigs List, he started threatening me that he can levy a penalty as I am rejecting a call from FCC. I asked him to stop calling me and hung up. He called me again and asked the reason for disconnecting my call. I was really annoyed and asked him to stop calling me.

How to Stay with Paper Billing from Bell Canada

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:18:00 +0000

Many people are having difficulty accessing Bell Canada's website to stay with paper billing. Here is a step by step how to guide on staying with paper billing from Bell.

The best method should be to call Bell and tell them that you want to remain on paper billing. While doing so complain that they are wasting your time with their negative option ebilling. Bell Canada can be reached at:

In Ontario and Quebec: 310-BELL (2355) (no charge)*
From anywhere else in Canada and the U.S.: 1 800 668-6878 (no charge)

Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The website is bell.ca/staypaper

You can click on the images to make the screen shots larger.

1. Enter http://bell.ca/staypaper in the URL bar.
2. Click the "Register now" button to create an online account. This is assuming that you have never created an online account with Bell.

3. On the next page click on "Register now" again to create an online account.

4. Enter all of the required information to create an online account.
5. Uncheck the box that authorizes Bell to send you junk email.
6. Click "Continue".

Now you should received a confirmation activation email from Bell. If there is a link in this email click on it to activate your account. If there is no confirmation email check your junk mail folder.

Otherwise you can try entering your user name and password.

7. Enter your user name.
8. Enter your password.
9. Click on "Log in".

Your billing profile should now show up with your name and account number.

10. Check the box that says "I want to receive a paper bill"
11. Click on "Continue"

You should receive a confirmation screen.

The process is quite long it will take you 20-30 minutes to complete. If you have any questions or complaints you should call Bell and voice your concerns.

Related Post:
Bell Canada Paperless Billing

Teksavvy and Acanac Internet Alternatives to Rogers and Bell

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Would you pay more money for less service? Well that is what you are doing if your internet service provider is Bell Canada or Rogers Inc. The two largest internet service providers in Canada charge more than other smaller ISPs such as Teksavvy or Acanac for less service.

Use "too much" internet and you will be charged "over usage charges" from $1.50-$2.50/GB.

Four years of experience as a Teksavvy customer without any problems. Hours of YouTube, iTunes, Wii Connect, Internet Radio, Windows Service Packs, 24 hour IMs, Emails and all without notifications from Rogers or Bell that you have reached your monthly bandwidth limit. Over usage charges from Bell and Rogers can cost you anywhere from $25 to $30 per month.

The cost of 1GB of bandwidth to Rogers or Bell is $0.025. 60GB of bandwidth costs the ISPs only $1.50. Customers are charged 3300% more.

Click on the chart below to see a price comparison between Rogers, Bell, Teksavvy and Acanac.

Acanac Inc.

$18.95/month for 1st 12 months
$33.95/month regular price
5 MB/800K
Unlimited bandwidth

Teksavvy Solutions

$29.95/month
5 MB/800K
200GB bandwidth
$39.95/month
Unlimited bandwidth

Saving Taxes on Stamps

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:15:00 +0000

There is a way in which you avoid paying the sales tax on stamps. Sales taxes are rounded up or down at 0.5 cents. If the sales tax on an item that you are buying is less than have a cent then you don't pay tax.

In the province of Ontario where sales tax is 13% you will not have to pay tax on items that are 3 cents or less. So if you make individual purchases of 3 cent stamps then you will not end up paying tax because the price of 3.39 cents gets rounded down to 3 cents.

While this might not be practical to do, if you are really interested in saving money 18 of these stamps will allow you to mail a letter within Canada. You will save 7 cents on the mailing cost of a standard postage rate letter. Yes, you can fit 18 stamps on a standard sized envelope. Attach 5 stamps on the top row and 4 x4 grid of stamps below.

Does Electronic Rust Protection Work for Cars?

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:35:00 +0000

Electronic rust protection devices do not work for automobiles. Devices like the Counteract Electronic Rust Protection available for $200 from Canadian Tire are a complete waste of money.

Electronic rust protection devices use a technique called Cathodic protection. The device forces a protective flow of electrons to the metal that needs protection. Cathodic Protection can only work if there is a complete electrical circuit to bring back electrons. Automobiles cannot have a complete circuit because they are not grounded. Automobiles have non-conductive rubber tires. All of the metal to be protected needs to be surrounded by free electrons so simply grounding your car will not work.

Electronic rust protection devices have been used with success to protect against corrosion on many structures and systems including sea going ships, buried pipelines, and even reinforced concrete. All of these structures are grounded or have contact with water which has ions surrounding the metal which completes the circuit.

Modern automobiles have zinc electroplating on the entire chassis of the car to protect against rusting. Most manufactures provide 3 year warranties against rust. Extra rust protection such as oils and sprays provide minimal, if any protection. Rust occurs not where the metal is dry, nor where the metal is wet - but at the interface between the wet and dry metal.

Rust on your automobile is cancerous and more rust will form around old rust.

Preventing Automobile Rusting

Always park your car in your garage to prevent exposure from rain or snow. If you have no garage, cover your car with a car cover if possible.
Clean all dirt, salt and mud so that rust does not form underneath. This is especially important during winter when salt is used on the roads.
Wax your car once every four months.
Drive further behind other vehicles to prevent paint chips from small stones they kick up.
Clean out all of the drain holes so that water does not collect.
Use touch up paint and fix chipped paint to protect any exposed metal.
Remove and fix rust spots immediately to prevent further rusting.

Canadian Mint Melting Coins for Metal Content

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:14:00 +0000

Canadian pennies minted before 1997 used to be made of mostly copper and some tin. The value of copper has increased over the past 10 years to the point where the copper content of the penny was worth more than the face value of the 1 cent coin.

Copper prices have risen from $1.50/lb in Oct 2004 to a high of $4.00/lb in Aug 2008. With the current crash in the market the value of copper has come down to $2.50/lb.

At today's prices the following table shows the value of the copper content.

1942 - 1977 Cent Copper value 1.87 cents
1978 - 1979 Cent Copper value 1.86 cents
1980 - 1981 Cent Copper value 1.61 cents
1982 - 1996 Cent Copper value 1.43 cents
1997 - 1999 Cent Copper value 0.04 cents

The Canadian Mint stopped manufacturing 1 cent coins made out of copper in 1997. From 1979 to 1996 the Canadian Mint had been reducing the copper content to reduce the manufacturing cost of the 1 cent coin. In 1997 the Canadian Mint stopped using copper to manufacture 1 cent coins. Pennies minted after 1996 are made out of steel and copper plated. They are worth less than 0.05 cents in metal content.

For US pennies 1909-1982 have a value of 1.76 cents each.

Under Canadian law it is illegal to melt Canadian coins for their metal content.

At the same time since 1999 the Canadian mint has been removing all coins made before 1999 out of circulation. The Royal Bank of Canada has been the official distributor of coins from the Royal Canadian Mint. The Royal Bank of Canada is the largest bank in Canada. RBC since 1999 has been collecting 1 cent, 5 cent and 25 cent coins and returning them to the mint. The RCM has been melting these coins for their metal content and replacing them with cheaper steel coins.

While it remains illegal for the average Canadian to melt coins for their metal content, pre-1996 pennies can be sold on Ebay for more than their face value for their copper bullion content. Also as the RCM melts more coins the number of coins minted in years prior to 1999 also decreases. This also increases the value of these coins for coin collectors.

Check www.coinflation.com for the current metal value of Canadian coinage.

Optimum Points on Prescriptions at Shoppers Drug Mart

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Optimum points can be collected on prescription purchases at Shoppers Drug Mart in all provinces except Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland. Points are awarded on the full price of the patient's prescriptions. In the province of P.E.I optimum points are where points are awarded on the portion of the prescription paid for by the patient.

A Shoppers Optimum Member may only accumulate points for prescription drug purchases filled in his or her own name, with the exception of any of the member's children under the age of 16.

There is a way in which your can collect Optimum points on prescription purchases in Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland. Buy a Shoppers Drug Mart gift card and then uses this card to pay for your prescriptions. Shoppers Drug Mart gift cards are the only electronic gift cards for which Optimum points are awarded.

If your benefits plan pays the pharmacy directly then you will only get Optimum points on your co-pay portion.

This method is exactly the same as doubling your Optimum points by buying Shoppers Drug Mart gift cards with your rewards credit card and then using the Shoppers Drug Mart gift card to pay for your purchases. You double your Optimum points and get your credit card rewards as well.

Toronto Hydro Ebilling Hacked

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:37:00 +0000

A while back I wrote an article about Bell Canada's ebilling. Bell Canada arbitrarily switched all of their pre authorized billing customers over to ebilling or paperless billing as they called it. Your account infomation and your monthly bill would be placed online. If you wanted to receive your regular paper bill you would have to call them or go online and sign back up.

On July 29 Toronto Hydro revealed that 179,000 customers who had signed up for ebilling had their online account information stolen. They are sending out letters to all of their customers warning them of potential fraud using their Toronto Hydro account information.

Another example of when it comes to protecting your personal infomation and privacy, as Mulder would say "Trust No One."

Related Post: Bell Canada Paperless Billing

Toronto Hydro's E-Billing System Hacked
Wednesday July 29, 2009
CityNews.ca Staff

Police are investigating after a hacker broke into the accounts of as many as 179,000 Toronto Hydro customers.

The company noticed unusual activity in its e-billing system last week and found someone had accessed files containing customers' names, addresses and account numbers.

The fear now is that the offender may contact those customers in an attempt to obtain further personal or credit card information.

Toronto Hydro stresses it would never contact customers by phone of door-to-door to confirm the accuracy of information.

If customers receive a suspicious phone call or letter, they should contact the company at 416-542-8000 or contactus@torontohydro.com.

New Eco Fee Charges at Costco

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:49:00 +0000

As legislated by the Government of Ontario all retailers are now charging new environmental fees. The fee can either be hidden in the cost of the product, or charged at the register.

The sticker price of electronics as Costco are now displaying this new Eco Fee. The fees range from $0.32 for a Wireless N Router to $12.03 for a LCD monitor. The larger 42" LCD TV has an Eco Fee of $10.03. This is a bit surprising since you would think that there is more electronic waste in a TV than a monitor.

Wireless N Router - Eco Fee $0.32

HP Printer - Eco Fee $5.05

LCD Monitor - Eco Fee $12.03

42" LCD TV - Eco Fee $10.07

Bell Satellite TV Discount

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Bell Canada offers existing customers discounts to keep you as a customer. The basic satellite package cost $39/month.

Even if you are on a contract, call Bell. Explain to them that the current recession has impacted your financial situation and you were looking to cut back on some expenses. The Bell CSR is authorized to offer you incentives to keep you as a customer, without locking you into a longer contact. The discounts offered are 10%-20% off programming (works out to $16 per month) depending on the package you have. You could also get a Bell 9242 HD PVR for $299 (after credits applied to bill).

Unboxing the Antra AT-MB04 UHF 4 Bay Outdoor Antenna

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:27:00 +0000

The Antra AT-MB04 UHF 4 bay outdoor antenna at $20 is the cheapest available outdoor antenna. It is a clone of the Channel Master CM4221 which sells for over $50.

The manufacturer states that the antenna has the following features:

High gain across UHF CH20-69
Up to 45 miles reception range (typical range)
Easy to install (all elements are preinstalled)
Strong ALL SOLID aluminums design, very light (less than 3lb)
Transformer pre-installed with 75 Ohm output
Dimensions: 34" x 21" x 3"
Weight: 4lb

At $20 the Antra AT-MB04 antenna is almost as cheap as building your own antenna.

The antenna comes with an instruction booklet and a warning flyer. The warning flyer states:

Warning. Antenna is folded in the box!! Please fully unfold the elements before an assembly work is proceeded. Please read instructions included for safety and installation guide.

Though the warning flyer states that the antenna is folded in the box. It is not. When removed from the box the antenna is fully assembled.

The instruction booklet is 14 pages. The first 7 has instructions in English and the last 7 has instructions in French. It also has decent black and white pictures on the assembly of the antenna. Since the antenna was made in China, expect the usually spelling and grammatical errors. Some have been corrected here.

The first thing that you will notice when you remove the antenna from the box is that it is light weight. Weighing a little over 4 lbs it looks sturdy enough to be mounted outside. There was a small rattling sound coming from the main bar of the frame. This was probably from a piece of metal that went inside the main bar when the elements were screwed in. Manufacturers to reduce cost don't pre-drill mounting holes. The 4 bays and the 4 reflectors on the antenna are not adjustable. So if you want to point the entire antenna has to point in the same direction.

The transformer is located in the middle of the antenna. The antenna does not come with any cables. In the plastic bag with the instructions there is a weather boot to protect the terminal end to the transformer when you would connect the cable. Slip the weather boot over the cable, screw the cable on to the transformer end and then move the weather boot to cover the connection.

The instructions has an extensive section on how to assemble the mounting clamp. However you will be pleasantly surprised to find the clamp has been pre-assembled. The mounting clamp can be used to attach the antenna to either a satellite dish arm or an antenna mast. The clamp is adjustable and will fit both.

The antenna has a 90 day manufacturer's warranty. The warranty does not cover removal and shipping to the dealer or manufacturer. It also does not cover weather related damage.

Installation Instructions for AT-MB04

DANGER!
Watch for wires!
Never Install an Antenna too close to Electric Power Lines.

SAFETY WARNING!!
Installation of this antenna near power lines is EXTREMELY dangerous.
Make sure the installation spot has a SAFE DISTANCE from the Electric Power Line.
For your safety, please follow the installation instructions.

Safety Instructions:

1. Antenna Assembly should be complete on Ground.
2. Check for power lines around the building.
Always maintain a safe distance to power lines!! Safe distance >=2 * (height of mast assembly + height of antenna)
3. Never use a metal ladder.
4. Do no install this antenna during an icy or windy day.
5. Never touch the electric power in any way!!
6. Have a friend as a spotter when you're on the roof. They can see things you can't.
7. Mast, lead-in and metal guy wires are excellent conductors of electrical current - keep them away from power lines too.
8. Be sure your family and friends understand the danger of touching an overhead power line. Tell them never to try to remove any objects in contact with a power line - CB, TV antenna or anything else.
9. Ground the mast and antenna before the installation is finished.

Choose Best Site to Install Your Antenna

1. Make sure to keep enough safe distance from the site to Power lines. Minimum 2*(Height of mast assembly+height of antenna). The larger the safe distance the safer. If you are unable to maintain this safe distance, stop! Get professional help.
2. Try to keep antenna as far as possible from high trees or other obstructions to get better performance without compromising the safety distance. The far the antenna from obstructions the better it performs.
3. The antenna should be 5-10 feet higher than the rooftop to get its top performance. The higher the antenna the better it can receive signals.

Note: This Antenna Elements is folded in the box. Make sure the antenna is on its fully unfolded position before any further assembly steps.

Installation The Antenna

Assembly the antenna in accordance with the instructions included on Page 6 and Page 7. Be sure do this job on the ground for your safety. If no rotor is used for the antenna. Do not tighten the mast until the antenna has the best direction and reception.

Roof Mounting

Tripod Mounting
Tripod mount must be anchored to the roof securely. Guy wires are required if the master is 10 feet or more.

Guy Wire Mounting
One clamp brackets should be anchored to the roof securely, the mast should be surrounded by 3-4 buy wires, equally spaced and securely anchored on the roof.

Side Wall Mounting
Use two brackets 2-3 feet spaced vertically, anchored to the wall securely. Put the mast between the two brackets.

Signal Tuning Procedures
For all the above mounting type with a rotor, skip to step 4
For all the above mounting type without a rotor

1. Connect the transmission line to signal meter or a test TV (on a known local over the air channel)
2. Turn the mast and fine tune the antenna while monitoring signal changes.
3. Tighten the mast when the best antenna position is found
4. Tighten all screws to make sure the antenna mast is tightened.

Assembly Instructions

Technical Data
Frequency 470-862 Mhz
Channel 21-69
Imped 75 Ohm
No. of elements 16
Gain 10-13dB
Front-back ratio 22dB
Beam width Honz/vertical 60" / 32"
Length 840mm

Antenna Structure

Note: I: Reflector II: V Type Elements III: Clamp IV: Transformer Box V:Antenna Carrier
Operation Instructions

V type Elements should be pulled all the way from Reflector as shown in the picture

A "click" sound will occur when the elements is on its fully unfolded position.

Clamp Parts

1. Wing Nuts
2. Clamp Part A
3. U Type Bolt
4. Bolts and Washers
5. Clamp Part B
6. Clamp Part C

Clamp Installation

Step 1: Pull the Elements from reflector as Operation Instructions shows. Put 6 between IV and V (Antenna Structure See Page 6)

Step 2: Insert 3 into 5

Step 3: Place Assembly 3&5 on Antenna Carrier V make sure holes on 5 and 6 are aligned properly.

Step 4: Attach 5 and 6 with bolts washers should be applied on top of 5.

Step 5: Assembly 2 to U Type Bolts 3.

Step 6: Apply Wing Nuts 1 onto U Type Bolts 3.

Step 7: Secure Antenna Mast with Antenna by tightening U Type Bolts 3.

This Antenna can be tilted up to 30 Degrees for flexibility.

F Type Weather Boot Installation

F Type weather boot
Assembly onto the cable
Connect Cable to the F connect on the transformer box.

Cost for Marriage Licence Varies by City

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Are you planning on getting married? The cost of the same provincial marriage licence is different for each town and city.

A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario for three months after its issue date. So for example you can buy a licence in Pickering for $100 and use it to get married in Toronto. This would save you $30. So before you buy your marriage licence call around to this cities that are close to you. You might save yourself a few dollars.

If you plan to marry outside of the province or the country, be sure to verify the requirements for the appropriate jurisdiction.

Ontario

Toronto - $130
Richmond Hill - $125
Pickering - $100
Barrie - $140.60
Vaughan - $125
Markham - $129.50
Mississauga - $135
Guelph - $125

How Much is a Pop Can Worth?

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:36:00 +0000

Aluminum cans are the most expensive item in your blue box. One pound of aluminum makes approximately 29.51 cans. At June 2009 prices that works out to $0.023 per can.

Ontario has no return/refund program for aluminum cans and the cost of collecting your aluminum cans and taking it to the scrap metal recycler might not be worth it. However every aluminum can should be recycled.

It takes 95% less energy to make a new aluminum can from a recycled aluminum can. Throwing away a single aluminum can is like pouring out 0.03 liters of gasoline.

In Toronto the Knox United Church collects aluminum cans and sells it to a scrap metal recycler. The proceeds are given to habitat for humanity. This might be a better cause than helping your local municipality make money from your

As for 2L pop bottles each bottle is make of 0.114640 pounds of PET plastic. The amount of plastic in a 2L pop bottle is $0.039.

Prices for Recyclables

What recyclable commodities sell for:

-Aluminum Cans

High $2,209 a tonne in July;

Low $1,089 in January.

-Plastic bottles

High $434 a tonne in March; Low of $53 a tonne in November ($66 in January).

-Newspapers

High $169 a tonne in August; Low $38 a tonne in January.

-Boxboard

High $77 a tonne in March; Low $3 a tonne in January.

-Steel Cans

High $416 a tonne in July; Low $31 a tonne in November ($44 in January).

-Plastic Tubs and Lids

High $295 a tonne in September; Low $6 a tonne in January.

Source: CSR Composite Index, Ontario Spot Market Price Trends for January 2009

Ontario's Eco Fee Charge

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Look carefully at a retail receipt and you might notice a ECOFFE charge. This is a new environmental charge in Ontario that went into effect on July 1, 2008. Retailers have been legislated by the government of Ontario to charge this fee on behalf on the Stewardship Ontario. Which is an organization which has been established to implement environmental recycling programs, such as the blue bin program.

The organization expects to collect at least $28 million per year from consumers under the eco fee program.

The 2008 annual report states that Stewardship Ontario collected the following amounts from a combination of retail eco fees and municipal taxes in the years 2004-2008.

2004 $40,923,863
2005 $63,504,052
2006 $65,147,760
2007 $61,564,749
2008 $70,695,695

Stewardship Ontario spent $2.8 million in administrative costs in 2008.

Retailers can either charge the fee to consumers as a separate charge, which is what Canadian Tire does with its eco fee, or can hide the charge in the price of the item.

Under Ontario's current retail sales tax law if the fee is hidden you will be charged PST on the fee. If the fee is separate then you will be not be charged PST on the fee because according to the government of Ontario "RST does not apply to the fee payable to Stewardship Ontario as the organization is not providing taxable goods or taxable services. "

If you were charged PST on your eco fee you should ask for you money back. Check the government of Ontario's website on the RST law.

Stewardship Ontario has applied for a GST ruling and is waiting for the government of Canada is decide if GST applies to the eco fee fee. Until a ruling is made GST will be charged on the eco fee fee.

If the government of Canada decides that the GST does not apply to the eco fee then it raises the question, how are you going to get your GST money back?

The fee is now being charged on Phase 1 products. The eco fee will be charged on paints and coatings and their containers, solvents such as thinners for paint, lacquer and contact cement, paint strippers and degreasers, used oil filters, oil containers of 30 litres or less, single-use batteries, antifreeze, propane tanks, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides.

The second phase will include aerosol containers, fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, switches that contain mercury, thermostats, thermometers, barometers, pharmaceuticals and syringes.

A final phase will include items like contact cement, corrosive cleaners such as ammonia, and pool and photo chemicals.

The fee schedule for the period July 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009. The fee is revised every year. The 2008 annual report stated that since the price of recyclables has reduced and with the introduction of new harder to recycle plastics there will be an increase of 18% in the July 2009 to December 2010 fee schedule.

Related Posts
Toronto 5 Cent Plastic Shopping Bag Tax
Electronics Recycling Fees

Stupid Rogers Savings Tip

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Fri, 15 May 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Although I am hesitant to call any money saving tip stupid, I got an email from Rogers that made me exclaim, what!?! This is your corporation's idea of adding savings and value to the service that you provide.

Saving Tip

Save the weekday minutes in your voice plan by waiting until your evening calling period starts to make calls!

Try a FREE small Tim Hortons Iced Coffee!

noreply@blogger.com ( ) — Thu, 14 May 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Drop by your local participating Tim Hortons store on May 21, 2009, and enjoy a new small Iced Coffee for FREE!*

It's a creamy, sweet blend of Tim Hortons coffee on ice. It's a refreshing way to enjoy your Tim Hortons coffee!

May 21, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
*No purchase necessary. Limit one small Iced Coffee per customer. Offer valid in Canada only, excluding British Columbia and Manitoba.