July 2022

Whether you are thinking of making a major purchase or if you want a better understanding of your personal finances, creating a budget can help! The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's Budget Planner allows you to create a customized budget using information you provide about your income and expenses.

Use this helpful tool to learn about budgeting tips and guidelines, view comparison charts, and get suggestions for potential next steps.

Did you know that many electricity providers increase their daytime rates during the summer months? This can result in pricier-than-usual electrical bills, but there are ways to save! To try to reduce your monthly cost, examine your statement to see if your energy provider offers reduced rates during specific times of day.

Understanding your electricity bill can help you make a conscious effort to run your appliances, such as laundry machines, dishwashers and air conditioning units, during off-peak hours. For more information on off-peak hours and rates in your region, visit your energy provider's website. You will also find more information on how to make your home more energy-efficient on the Natural Resources Canada website.

In May 2022, Credit Counselling Canada published a report funded by the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations. The study focused in on Canadian consumers' experience with the transition from in-person banking to online banking brought on by pandemic-related closures and restrictions.

The report presents the results of the activities conducted in the first year of the two-year research project. Read the mid-project report (English only) to learn how Canadians' access to digital communication technology and digital financial literacy affected their experience with online banking. The final report will be available in both official languages at the completion of the project and links to the research will be made available on the Office of Consumer Affairs website.