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Chris Olsen on store return policies
The holiday shopping season is fast approaching. Most of us assume we can return any purchases we don't like but that belief can cost you money. Chris Olsen is on your side showing you how not to get burned.
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Chris Olsen on stolen cheques
After his stolen cheques were cashed at Money Mart one man struggled to be reimbursed.
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Stephen Smart on HST concession
The B.C. government made its first move Thursday to soften the blow of the HST by offering improved rebates to some new home buyers.
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Chris Olsen on battery recharging
Rechargeable batteries are supposed to be more economical. But are they? Here are some tips to keep you charged longer.
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Chris Olsen on top children's books
It can take you to other worlds, and introduce you to characters heroic and hilarious. A book is a timeless gift for any child. Here are some of this season's top picks.
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Chris Olsen on Christmas toys
The Canadian Toy Testing Council has unveiled the toys judged the best by some very tough critics -kids just like yours.
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Chris Olsen on car repair costs
With money tight, you may be ignoring that strange noise under your hood. Chris Olsen explains why ignoring it could be a big mistake and turn your car repair into a real horror story.
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Chris Olsen on fiber and cereals
A healthy breakfast of high-fiber cereal may not sound like the tastiest way to start your day. But take heart -- Consumer reporter Chris Olsen is on your to see if flavor and fiber can go together.
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Chris Olsen on playing it safe on wet roads
In British Columbia's Lower Mainland, most of us think we're experts at driving in the rain. But we don't have the same opinion of the other drivers.
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Olsen on the best wine corkscrews
With grey skies and a troubled economy, it might feel like we don't have much to toast these days. But Canadian wine consumption is up, and you have more ways than ever to crack a bottle.
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Chris Olsen on how to dispose of your leaves
The colours are memorable. But most of us moan about the work of raking fall leaves. It might help to know all the good those leaves can do once they're collected.
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Chris Olsen on business green award
Small Potatoes Urban Delivery (SPUD) in Vancouver was recently awarded the Better Business Bureau's Green Award.
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Chris Olsen on allegations against couple
A former B.C. couple whose business schemes disappointed dozens of investors is now wanted on a Canada wide warrant for alleged fraud.
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Chris Olsen on coffee makers
Many of today's coffeemakers tout fancy features and high price tags to match. But what you really have to pay to get the best home brew?
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Chris Olsen on BPA cans concerns
Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, has been banned from use in baby bottles in Canada. At least one consumer group is calling for a ban on BPA use in all food packaging.
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Chris Olsen on Olympic rentals
Looking to rent your home during the Olympics? Meet a couple who bought an ad to rent their house and feel they have nothing to show for it. So what went wrong?
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Chris Olsen on furnace replacements
It's that time of year when furnaces get a lot of use. If you need a new one act now or it will cost you more in the New Year.
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Chris Olsen on Ford reliability
Ford is now giving Toyota and Honda a run for their money when it comes to reliability. That's one of the key findings in a just-released annual assessment of car reliability.
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Chris Olsen on fireworks safety
Fireworks are popular at this time of year, but any firefighter will tell you they are one of Halloween's darkest traditions.
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Chris Olsen on vacuum cleaners
Some vacuums can weigh more than 25 pounds! There are lots of lightweight vacuums in stores but not all do a great job.
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Chris Olsen on bagged lunches
If the thought of packing your lunch conjures up images of soggy sandwiches and wilted salad - hold on! Consumer reporter Chris Olsen is on your side with ways to add zest to lunches so you can add up the savings.
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Chris Olsen on hybrid car comparison
The Toyota Prius dominates the market for hybrid cars -- but there's a promising new competitor moving up in the rear view mirror. Consumer reporter Chris Olsen is on your side with a head to head comparison.
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Chris Olsen on Power Smart month
Colder nights likely have you turning up the thermostat. But keeping warm doesn't have to mean burning more energy.
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Chris Olsen on sickening sweetener
Sugar-free gum may save your teeth -- but it could be harmful for your dog. Consumer Reporter Chris Olsen has a warning about Xylitol, an artificial sweeter found in gum and other common products.
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Chris Olsen on chore helpers
Products that promise to save time and effort can be big sellers. Some deliver on those promises. But some don't.
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Chris Olsen on early Christmas shopping
It might seem like far too soon to think about Christmas. But studies show you'll spend less and enjoy the holidays more if you start now
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Chris Olsen on online user reviews
Eighty per cent of online shoppers check user reviews, which seem to be posted by shoppers just like you. But it turns out you can't believe everything you read.
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Chris Olsen on credit card interest rates
In a recent survey more than half of all credit card holders say they have been hit with higher interest rates, or new fees and penalties. But there are ways to fight back.
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Chris Olsen on General Motors
General Motor's 60 day satisfaction guarantee -- what are the rules new car buyers need to know about? Consumer reporter Chris Olsen is on your side to find out what that really means.
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Chris Olsen on iPhone GPS apps
The iPhone now boasts GPS applications -- but can you trust them to get you where you're going?
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Chris Olsen on how to deal with rebates
Rebates seem like they're everywhere these days -- and so are the complaints. The Competition Bureau has published new enforcement guidelines.
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Chris Olsen on online seals of approval
Many websites sport seals of approval to convey legitimacy or as a way to let consumers know that their data is secure. However, experts say you can't always rely on them.
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Chris Olsen on carbon-monoxide alarms
Consumer Reports tested 10 carbon-monoxide alarms to see how quickly they respond to low-level and high-level leaks.
Some took almost twice as long as others to sound.
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Chris Olsen on no-name brands
A recent survey found 40 per cent of grocery shoppers have switched to store brands. You'll save money -- but will you lose on flavour too?
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Chris Olsen on cash for gold
You've seen the ads: sell your old gold for cash. It's very tempting when gold is selling at record prices. But how do you know you're getting your money's worth?
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Chris Olsen on consumer protection agency
A consumer watchdog can't do as much good if no one remembers its name. The newly minted Consumer Protection BC can help with many consumer problems.
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