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.

After his stolen cheques were cashed at Money Mart one man struggled to be reimbursed.

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.

Rechargeable batteries are supposed to be more economical. But are they? Here are some tips to keep you charged longer.

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.

The Canadian Toy Testing Council has unveiled the toys judged the best by some very tough critics -kids just like yours.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Small Potatoes Urban Delivery (SPUD) in Vancouver was recently awarded the Better Business Bureau's Green Award.

A former B.C. couple whose business schemes disappointed dozens of investors is now wanted on a Canada wide warrant for alleged fraud.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

Fireworks are popular at this time of year, but any firefighter will tell you they are one of Halloween's darkest traditions.

Some vacuums can weigh more than 25 pounds! There are lots of lightweight vacuums in stores but not all do a great job.

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.

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.

Colder nights likely have you turning up the thermostat. But keeping warm doesn't have to mean burning more energy.

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.

Products that promise to save time and effort can be big sellers. Some deliver on those promises. But some don't.

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

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.

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.

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.

The iPhone now boasts GPS applications -- but can you trust them to get you where you're going?

Rebates seem like they're everywhere these days -- and so are the complaints. The Competition Bureau has published new enforcement guidelines.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.