Credit Debt Banking News | CDBN

I think I pulled my punches in calling for an end to auto-renewal of energy contracts last week. Today, I’ll go further.

In my view, allowing an army of pushy salespeople to trick people into signing contracts adds no value. It should be outlawed in Ontario.

Companies can continue selling their fixed-price deals, but only online or by phone (as RiteRate does). Doing it face to face just leads to abuses.

The reason I’m so angry is the sheer volume of complaints I get about deception at the door. I also hear from people who can’t seem to contact these companies on their own. They’re frustrated talking to call centre robots, who listen but don’t follow up.

Bell and Rogers, you’ve been outgunned by Direct Energy, ..read more

My column last Wednesday on this subject drew lots of comments. This is one of my favourite hobbyhorses, since I now know (from my experience with Rogers) that you can get deals just by asking.

The Star’s new series, Personal Bailout, is about getting smarter with your money. So, my first contribution talked about whittling down your cellphone bills, which tend to be pure discretionary spending.

I got a few helpful suggestions from readers which I’m posting below. Now I want to hear from you about the best ways you’ve found to reduce those hefty monthly costs.

Have you switched from paying after you talk to paying before you talk? This is a big trend in the U.S. and there are deals to be had here at ..read more