How do we shop like a connoisseur this Christmas and avoid overspending and taking on unnecessary debt?

• Tip 1: Make your list, check it twice and stick to it. Don’t let yourself get distracted by sales, even if the discounts seem enticing. You can score big while being kind to your wallet if you focus on what purchases really matter!
• Tip 2: Set a budget. Even the buyers for high end couture houses have a budget. You’re less likely to make bad purchases, or get caught up in the holiday spending frenzy, if you’ve set clear limits for yourself. You’ll thank yourself in January when your bills come in!
• Tip 3: Do your research. Know the brand, style, average prices, use and value of the items you want to buy. A connoisseur is well researched and that’s what gives them confidence when they are buying.
• Tip 4: Tackle Black Friday or other sales like a pro by having a plan, knowing store policies, getting gift receipts and bringing along any ads/coupons.
• Tip 5: Only buy the doorbusters that actually meet your needs. Sales seem to save you so much money, but were you really planning on buying another TV for your brother? No matter how discounted an item is, if you don’t need it, you’re not saving money by buying it.

Here are some no-cost DIY tips to help reduce your heating costs:

• Turn down the heat! Try setting your thermostat to 20 C during the day, and set it to 17 C at night or when you’re away.
• Clean or change your furnace filter regularly.
• Keep air vents and baseboards dust-free and unobstructed by carpets or furniture.
• Keep your fireplace damper closed to prevent heat from escaping through the chimney.
• During cold weather, keep curtains open during the day to allow the sun’s heat in. Close them during the night to insulate against heat loss.

Click here to learn more and participate in Enbridge's energy efficiency incentive programs.

GO Transit can take you places to create memorable memories with online Weekend Passes from just $10! Take GO to Barrie for skiing, cottage trips, and brewery tours, or Hamilton for hikes and dining. Let GO also take you to Toronto for sports events, concerts, museums, skating, shopping, and more!

 
For top 10 things to know before you ride with GO, click here.

When it comes to security, you have to remember that it’s a question of WHEN you will be hacked and not IF you will be hacked. There are several factors to consider to ensure that your systems and data are safe and secured. Digital security means combining different levels of defence, making your company more resistant to hackers. These levels include:

• Physical or perimetral security
• Application security
• Data security
• Infrastructure security

Keep in mind that digital security is an iterative process. Hackers are always evolving, so whenever you think you've completed your defences, start reviewing them again and analyze your potential vulnerabilities based on the most recent attacks received by you or other companies. This is a very specialized field so don’t try to do it yourself. Rely on experts to help you. Talk to one of LOVIS’ experts on business operation software and security today.

Are you an event planner searching for a host city that will blow attendees minds and have them raving for years? Are you looking for top winter experiences to wow your guests, family or friends? Discover the wonders of Québec City, which include the Québec Winter Carnival and the streets of Petit Champlain and Place-Royale. Québec City will dazzle and delight your delegates.

UPS has offered these great tips to help you plan for the coming holiday season:

• Buy early and ship early to take advantage of the fact that major retailers start promotions earlier in the season.
• Make sure that promotional calendars line up with earlier purchases and product arrival/availability.
• Staff your store and logistics operations using 2020 as a baseline, as opposed to 2019 (pre-pandemic).
• Ask your customers “When do you need this?” during checkout and optimize between delivery date and fulfillment operations.
• Whether you are a consumer or business, ensure that you know your carrier’s holiday schedule. The UPS Canada 2021 Year-End Holiday Schedule can be found on ups.com.
• If you’d prefer to not have your holiday items delivered to your front door, ship to an alternate delivery location like a UPS Access Point®. There are locations like these across Canada. You can choose to ship to one near your work, ensuring that your package is safe and that you can keep your holiday surprise from the people you live with.