Brett Surbey
Brett Surbey
Freelance writerBrett Surbey is a corporate paralegal with KMSC Law LLP and freelance writer who has written for Yahoo Finance Canada, Success Magazine, Publishers Weekly, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor and multiple academic journals. He and his family live in northern Alberta, Canada.
Brett Surbey is a corporate paralegal with KMSC Law LLP and freelance writer who has written for Yahoo Finance Canada, Success Magazine, Publishers Weekly, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes Advisor and multiple academic journals. He and his family live in northern Alberta, Canada.
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News • Aug 06
Canadian seniors lost $500K to home renovation fraud — how to spot the signs of a persuasive con job
Waterloo police arrested three men connected to a home renovation scam that stole more than $500,000 from Canadians, many of them seniors targeted at their own front door
News • Aug 06
Canadian seniors lost $500K to home renovation fraud — how to spot the signs of a persuasive con job
Waterloo police arrested three men connected to a home renovation scam that stole more than $500,000 from Canadians, many of them seniors targeted at their own front door
News • Aug 05
Ontario couple loses $280K in a Mexico condo scam — how to avoid the same real estate trap
An Ontario couple sent C$280,000 to a Mexico real estate company for a condo-flip deal that never closed — here's what went wrong and how to protect yourself
News • Aug 05
Ontario couple loses $280K in a Mexico condo scam — how to avoid the same real estate trap
An Ontario couple sent C$280,000 to a Mexico real estate company for a condo-flip deal that never closed — here's what went wrong and how to protect yourself
News • Jul 30
This Reddit user nearly lost their savings to a fake Wealthsimple call — here's how Canadians can spot it
A Reddit user's close call with a fake Wealthsimple caller is a warning for every Canadian — here's how these scams work, why AI is making them harder to spot and what to do if you're targeted
News • Jul 30
This Reddit user nearly lost their savings to a fake Wealthsimple call — here's how Canadians can spot it
A Reddit user's close call with a fake Wealthsimple caller is a warning for every Canadian — here's how these scams work, why AI is making them harder to spot and what to do if you're targeted
Insurance • Jul 27
Wawanesa denies Ontario family's car insurance claim — now they owe C$26,000. Why you need to read a policy’s fine print
Think letting a friend drive your vehicle is a simple transaction? This harrowing experience with a denied insurance claim says otherwise — what to watch out for next time you lend your vehicle
Insurance • Jul 27
Wawanesa denies Ontario family's car insurance claim — now they owe C$26,000. Why you need to read a policy’s fine print
Think letting a friend drive your vehicle is a simple transaction? This harrowing experience with a denied insurance claim says otherwise — what to watch out for next time you lend your vehicle
Managing Money • Jul 23
This Canadian has $3,000 left over every month — Here's the smart way to invest the surplus
It’s a common question whenever you find some extra cash: what exactly should you do with it? One Canadian took to Reddit for some advice on this situation — here’s our take
Managing Money • Jul 23
This Canadian has $3,000 left over every month — Here's the smart way to invest the surplus
It’s a common question whenever you find some extra cash: what exactly should you do with it? One Canadian took to Reddit for some advice on this situation — here’s our take
News • 4100 views
Two individuals charged in $126K post-secondary fraud case — what international students need to know
After a year-long CBSA investigation, 2 Ontario men face criminal charges for allegedly defrauding international students of $126,000 using fake enrollment documents
News • 4100 views
Two individuals charged in $126K post-secondary fraud case — what international students need to know
After a year-long CBSA investigation, 2 Ontario men face criminal charges for allegedly defrauding international students of $126,000 using fake enrollment documents
News • Jul 15
Edmonton woman found guilty of defrauding nearly $180K from seniors — why elder abuse is so prevalent in Canada
A former Service Canada employee stole $179,689 in CPP and OAS payments from seniors over 4 years — here's what Canadians need to know to protect themselves from fraud
News • Jul 15
Edmonton woman found guilty of defrauding nearly $180K from seniors — why elder abuse is so prevalent in Canada
A former Service Canada employee stole $179,689 in CPP and OAS payments from seniors over 4 years — here's what Canadians need to know to protect themselves from fraud
News • Jul 10
A Montreal couple paid more for their Air Canada flight despite a 25% discount — this pricing tactic is to blame
A Montreal couple cancelled and rebooked their Air Canada flight to save money, but ended up paying $5.71 more — Here's what Canadians need to know about dynamic pricing on flights
News • Jul 10
A Montreal couple paid more for their Air Canada flight despite a 25% discount — this pricing tactic is to blame
A Montreal couple cancelled and rebooked their Air Canada flight to save money, but ended up paying $5.71 more — Here's what Canadians need to know about dynamic pricing on flights
Auto • Jul 09
Buying an EV in Canada is more attractive thanks to new incentives and soaring gas prices — will you make the switch?
As gas prices climb past $160.5/L and government rebates return, more Canadians are switching to EVs — here's what you need to know before you buy
Auto • Jul 09
Buying an EV in Canada is more attractive thanks to new incentives and soaring gas prices — will you make the switch?
As gas prices climb past $160.5/L and government rebates return, more Canadians are switching to EVs — here's what you need to know before you buy
News • Jul 03
Ontario man left owing $147K after travel insurance claim was denied — the hidden policy clause Canadians need to know
Travel insurance is touted as a necessity, but what if it doesn’t cover you when you need it the most? Here’s what Canadians need to know about medical coverage overseas
News • Jul 03
Ontario man left owing $147K after travel insurance claim was denied — the hidden policy clause Canadians need to know
Travel insurance is touted as a necessity, but what if it doesn’t cover you when you need it the most? Here’s what Canadians need to know about medical coverage overseas
Managing Money • Jul 01
More Canadians are choosing smaller weddings to afford other competing financial goals, hitting young people the hardest
As inflation and a tough job market squeeze young Canadians, weddings are getting smaller — here's how to save for one without sacrificing your TFSA, RRSP or first home
Managing Money • Jul 01
More Canadians are choosing smaller weddings to afford other competing financial goals, hitting young people the hardest
As inflation and a tough job market squeeze young Canadians, weddings are getting smaller — here's how to save for one without sacrificing your TFSA, RRSP or first home
News • Jun 25
Canadians are more susceptible to digital fraud than any other nation — here’s why and how to protect yourself
New TransUnion data shows Canada's digital fraud rate surged 63% in a year — here's why Canadians are prime targets and how to recognize a romance scam before it's too late
News • Jun 25
Canadians are more susceptible to digital fraud than any other nation — here’s why and how to protect yourself
New TransUnion data shows Canada's digital fraud rate surged 63% in a year — here's why Canadians are prime targets and how to recognize a romance scam before it's too late
News • Jun 23
An Ontario dad lost $6,000 to a fake 'son' call — how Canadians can spot AI emergency scams before it's too late
Emergency scams powered by AI voice cloning are becoming harder to detect — and more expensive for Canadians who fall for them. Here's how to stay one step ahead
News • Jun 23
An Ontario dad lost $6,000 to a fake 'son' call — how Canadians can spot AI emergency scams before it's too late
Emergency scams powered by AI voice cloning are becoming harder to detect — and more expensive for Canadians who fall for them. Here's how to stay one step ahead
Managing Money • Jun 19
Your home equity isn't a guaranteed retirement — here's what Canadians should build instead
Canadians edging closer to retirement are some of the wealthiest ever, but they could be relying too much on their home as a retirement plan — here’s what to do instead
Managing Money • Jun 19
Your home equity isn't a guaranteed retirement — here's what Canadians should build instead
Canadians edging closer to retirement are some of the wealthiest ever, but they could be relying too much on their home as a retirement plan — here’s what to do instead
News • Jun 17
AI shopping agents may be steering Canadians toward higher prices — here's how to protect yourself and your wallet
A new study found most AI models recommend expensive sponsored products over better deals — and Canadian shoppers are paying the price without knowing it
News • Jun 17
AI shopping agents may be steering Canadians toward higher prices — here's how to protect yourself and your wallet
A new study found most AI models recommend expensive sponsored products over better deals — and Canadian shoppers are paying the price without knowing it
News • Jun 16
A contractor took Ontario woman’s $3,000 and vanished — how to spot a door-to-door scam before it costs you
Warmer weather means more foot traffic to your doorstep, and not everyone is looking to make money honestly. Here’s how you can protect yourself from door-to-door scams this summer
News • Jun 16
A contractor took Ontario woman’s $3,000 and vanished — how to spot a door-to-door scam before it costs you
Warmer weather means more foot traffic to your doorstep, and not everyone is looking to make money honestly. Here’s how you can protect yourself from door-to-door scams this summer
News • Jun 11
Jet fuel prices may be stabilizing — but Canadian summer travelers aren't out of the woods yet
Conflict in the Middle East has caused a flurry of panic over jet fuel shortages. With summer travel season approaching, airlines have assuaged these concerns but price volatility is still looming
News • Jun 11
Jet fuel prices may be stabilizing — but Canadian summer travelers aren't out of the woods yet
Conflict in the Middle East has caused a flurry of panic over jet fuel shortages. With summer travel season approaching, airlines have assuaged these concerns but price volatility is still looming
News • Jun 08
20 incidents, 4 suspects, $4.5M stolen: Inside the real estate fraud targeting vulnerable homeowners
A sophisticated scheme left homeowners across Quebec without their properties — and it's not an isolated case. Here's what real estate fraud looks like and how to stop it from happening to you
News • Jun 08
20 incidents, 4 suspects, $4.5M stolen: Inside the real estate fraud targeting vulnerable homeowners
A sophisticated scheme left homeowners across Quebec without their properties — and it's not an isolated case. Here's what real estate fraud looks like and how to stop it from happening to you
News • Jun 04
He paid $200 a month for 5 years — and still owes nearly the full amount on his $4,500 loan
An Ontario resident’s horror story with a predatory loan is highlighting the need for consumers to watch out for the fine print
News • Jun 04
He paid $200 a month for 5 years — and still owes nearly the full amount on his $4,500 loan
An Ontario resident’s horror story with a predatory loan is highlighting the need for consumers to watch out for the fine print
Insurance • Jun 03
Amazon damaged their lawn and offered $1,200. The bill was $3,900. Here's what Canadians can do
An Amazon delivery gone wrong brings to light how consumers can deal with property damage issues — and the road to compensation is not an easy one
Insurance • Jun 03
Amazon damaged their lawn and offered $1,200. The bill was $3,900. Here's what Canadians can do
An Amazon delivery gone wrong brings to light how consumers can deal with property damage issues — and the road to compensation is not an easy one
Mortgages • May 28
Is buying a cottage your best path into Canada's housing market in 2026? Young people seem to think so — here’s why
With the average Canadian home topping $695,000, younger buyers are turning to recreational properties as an entry point — but the full cost picture goes well beyond the purchase price
Mortgages • May 28
Is buying a cottage your best path into Canada's housing market in 2026? Young people seem to think so — here’s why
With the average Canadian home topping $695,000, younger buyers are turning to recreational properties as an entry point — but the full cost picture goes well beyond the purchase price
Investing • May 22
Finfluencers are filling a gap for Canadians, but 76% of their content could put your money at risk
A new study shows 76% of finfluencer videos are misleading or harmful — here's what Canadians need to know before taking financial advice from someone online
Investing • May 22
Finfluencers are filling a gap for Canadians, but 76% of their content could put your money at risk
A new study shows 76% of finfluencer videos are misleading or harmful — here's what Canadians need to know before taking financial advice from someone online
Managing Money • May 20
Insolvency filings hit a 15-year high — what every Canadian carrying debt needs to know right now
Consumer insolvency filings have reached a 15-year high as Canadians struggle with rising shelter costs, groceries up 30% and looming mortgage renewals
Managing Money • May 20
Insolvency filings hit a 15-year high — what every Canadian carrying debt needs to know right now
Consumer insolvency filings have reached a 15-year high as Canadians struggle with rising shelter costs, groceries up 30% and looming mortgage renewals
News • May 15
Nova Scotia tenants living with pests, rodents and no repairs — what Canadians can do under the law
Halifax renters living with cockroaches and rodents say landlords are ignoring their repair requests — here's what Canadian tenants can do under the Residential Tenancies Act
News • May 15
Nova Scotia tenants living with pests, rodents and no repairs — what Canadians can do under the law
Halifax renters living with cockroaches and rodents say landlords are ignoring their repair requests — here's what Canadian tenants can do under the Residential Tenancies Act
News • May 13
Fraudsters drained a couple's Scotiabank accounts — and the bank won't commit to paying them back
A harrowing case of fraud for an Ontario family reveals a hard truth: consumers are likely to be on the hook in complex fraud cases, not banks
News • May 13
Fraudsters drained a couple's Scotiabank accounts — and the bank won't commit to paying them back
A harrowing case of fraud for an Ontario family reveals a hard truth: consumers are likely to be on the hook in complex fraud cases, not banks
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