Before you Buy

• Stick to a spending plan to keep your finances in check. Ask yourself if this purchase fits into your budget.
• Research products before you buy – especially big ticket items. Compare prices, service and warranties.
• Read the fine print on a contract before you sign. Ask questions – it is your money.
• Ask for references and check them before you hire a contractor. Your local Better Business Bureau can help.
• Walk away, hang up, delete or shred an offer that sounds too good to be true.
• Negotiate the price of an item with the seller. You may have better luck if you are polite and reasonable.
• Check the return policy. Unless stated in their policy, stores do not have to provide a refund or exchange.
• Avoid using credit. Make sure a credit purchase is something you really need and that you can afford the payments. Debt can pile up quickly.

After you Buy

• Keep receipts, warranties and service contracts. You may need these to make a claim.
• Take responsibility for your debts. If you can’t pay your bills, talk to your creditors or ask a budget counsellor for help.
• Say “No Thank You” to anyone who says they can repair your credit history. Only YOU can do this, by paying bills on time. Get a copy of your credit report every year and check it for mistakes.
• Give the seller a chance to correct any problems before you complain to someone else. If they can’t or won’t help, contact your provincial or territorial consumer affairs office.

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