Climate change is a daunting subject to cover with anyone, let alone your kids. The complexity of the science, the gravity of the issue, the doomsday-sounding consequences—it’s a lot.
But don’t let that stop you from having open, constructive conversations about global warming with your tweens and teens. They likely have lots of questions and concerns. They may also have climate anxiety, and even anger, around the state of the natural world, where it’s going, and how we got here.
Before you dive into a lengthy family discussion about fuel emissions, carbon footprints, and youth climate activism, it’s a good idea to take stock, identify the key questions to ask, and familiarize yourself with some fundamental global warming details.
What is climate change?
Climate change is a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns over a long period of time. Our planet is getting hotter. The average global temperature has risen more than 1°C since the industrial era, and that warming is causing the world’s weather patterns to change irreversibly.
Ice caps are melting, sea levels and ocean acidity are rising, our hurricanes and forest fires are becoming more intense, and so are our droughts and heat waves. It’s not good. Climate change is already impacting everything from wildlife to farming to city life, and as the world continues to warm, the effects, unfortunately, are projected to get significantly worse if we continue the way we’ve been going.
What causes climate change?
In short, greenhouse gases (GHGs) cause climate change—the biggest culprit being carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 exists naturally in our atmosphere, but since the industrial era, human activities—most notably burning fossil fuels—have released a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Though CO2 is naturally absorbed by trees and other plants (read: forests, which, yes, we keep cutting down), and by aquatic environments, we’re producing so much of it that it isn’t being removed fast enough.
So, the GHGs build up in the atmosphere, trapping heat on Earth that would otherwise be released into space. Other gases contribute to this greenhouse gas effect, too, such as methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases—but CO2 accounts for about two thirds.
Scientists are confident that human activities, such as industrialization, deforestation, and intensive agriculture and farming practices, are responsible for our current climate change.
What can we do about climate change?
The effects of global warming are already in motion, but what we can do is curb the intensity of the inevitable consequences. These changes need to happen on a global scale.
At the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, the world committed to cutting emissions enough to keep global temperatures well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. But then, an in-depth 2018 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), compared the projected severity of the consequences at a 2°C warming versus 1.5°C, revealing that we must lower the goal to 1.5°C by 2030 in order to curb some of the most destructive outcomes.
The responsibility is on countries, and their industries, to aggressively reduce their emissions and cut reliance on fossil fuels. Nations around the world (including Sweden, Costa Rica and Nicaragua) are making the switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, while others (including Argentina, Canada and Chile) are implementing carbon taxes.
Here’s a few things that parents can do about global warming:
Teaching your kids—the next generation—the importance of sustainability
Staying on top of new developments, such as research findings and action items from important scientific gatherings, such as the UN Climate Change Conference.
At what age should kids learn about climate change?
Really, it’s up to you. Some experts recommend speaking to your kids about climate change as soon as possible—as early as two or three years old. Others recommend waiting until they ask, especially if they’re younger than eight.
Young children won’t understand the scientific complexities of climate change, so think about simply exposing them to nature as much as possible. Nurture an appreciation for the Earth and the understanding that things grow, and that we can help to take care of them.
Once your kids have the ability to think more abstractly and handle more complex subjects, you can start to really delve into the concept of climate change.
How to explain climate change to a child
School-age kids will have picked up pieces about climate change in class or from the other students. When the subject is first broached at home, listen to their concerns and ask questions to gauge how much they already understand. You can fill in any gaps and can clear up any climate change myths. You can also assess their climate anxiety, and even anger.
Now, how do you actually explain climate change to a child?
Cover the basics with familiar age-appropriate examples that are easy for them to grasp.
Don’t sugar-coat the issue—give the facts but be sure to focus on how we’re working toward solving the problem and the environmental strides we’ve made so far.
Encourage questions and dive into the answers together, using trusted sources.
In addition, museums, aquariums, nature reserves, and science centres across the country have climate-issue-related exhibits dedicated to teaching all ages.
How do you talk to teenagers about climate change?
Your teen has likely learned about the science of climate change and might be teaching you. They may also be very angry. And stressed. And maybe scared. This means, in some cases, your focus may be on managing those feelings rather than educating. So:
Be sure to listen to them—let them talk to you about their knowledge, and don’t brush aside their anger or anxiety as teenage angst.
Acknowledge that they have a reason to be mad and anxious—after all, they may feel as if they’re taking the brunt of the consequences and the responsibility to turn this thing around.
Try to focus on good news and climate science innovations, from artificial glaciers in the Himalayas to floating wind turbines off the coast of Scotland.
Share news articles from reputable sources for climate news.
Finally, try to support any life changes they may want to make—a switch to vegetarianism or veganism, for example—or participation in student climate strikes and other youth climate activism. And get ready for them to challenge you on some of your day-to-day, not-so-climate-conscious behaviour. Make sure to keep the discussion open and be willing to compromise.
How do families talk about climate change together?
An easy way to spark that healthy climate change dialogue with the fam is for you to practice climate consciousness at home. As you conserve water, recycle, compost, grow your own vegetables, buy used clothes, and more, you’ll have ample opportunities for talking about the environment and the major contributors to a carbon footprint.
If you’re raising kids of different ages and levels of climate knowledge—who have different attitudes around the issue—the most important thing to do is foster an environment of open discussion, education, and patience.
Don’t avoid the subject if you think one of your kids is too young or if you’re afraid to spark a conflict between siblings. Instead, use language and examples that your little one will understand, and guide family conversations to keep them as constructive as possible.
If you’re raising your kids with someone else, make sure you’re on the same page, both about climate change facts and around lifestyle-related climate change solutions. If one of you is adamant about recycling but the other openly thinks it’s a waste of time, you’ll be giving your kids conflicting messages.
What can kids do to stop climate change?
There are a lot of ways to empower your kids with climate change solutions.
Involve your kids in hands-on climate change activities
For starters, be sure to involve them as much as possible in your family’s pursuit to live more sustainably:
Plant trees and grow a vegetable garden together.
Teach them to conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances, putting on a sweater instead of turning up the heat (classic dad move).
Encourage teens to join climate-friendly initiatives
You can also encourage them to get involved in community projects and join climate-action-for-kids initiatives, participate in youth climate activism, or look into pursuing a green career—maybe in environmental science, renewable energy, or ecology.
Using Mydoh’s allowance app, you can reinforce environmentally conscious chores and household tasks such as:
Sorting the recycling
Composting
Hanging laundry to dry
Washing dishes while conserving water
Maximizing laundry loads
Through these day-to-day tasks, you can help your kids to take action based on their learnings around conservation. And, more importantly, you’ll be promoting a steady stream of productive, fight-climate-change conversation.
Download the Mydoh app to help your tweens/teens gain real-world experience and manage their spending.
The freedom and independence that comes when your teen finally gets their driver’s licence (gulp) is a huge milestone. But the purchase of a first car is an even bigger responsibility. It’s important your teen knows what to look for when buying a car and how to focus their search on the best cars for teen drivers. Here are some essential facts and tips on how to buy a car.
What is the cost of owning a car in Canada?
According to Statistics Canada, the second largest expense in households is transportation. If your teen plans to use their car to get to school and/or work, in addition to driving for recreation, the costs could add up really quickly. Here is a breakdown of the cost of owning a car that your teen will need to consider:
1. Purchase price of car (new and used)
The decision about whether your teen should buy a car that is new or used is the first question to explore when deciding on the best first car to buy. There are several pros and cons to think about, which will be discussed in greater detail below, but the first obvious difference is in the price. Used cars will come with a lower starting cost. However, some used cars may be more pricey than a new car of a different brand and model. If you start by doing a simple comparison of the same car brand new vs used, the used car should cost at least $5,000 less.
2. Car insurance
Car insurance is a cost that should be factored into an annual car budget, as it is a legal requirement that protects both the driver and others. Canadians pay a substantial amount for protection, but it varies based on the rates in your province (ranging from $700 to $1,800 per year). While the place you live is not always within your control, there are other factors teens should consider when looking for the best rates.
Compare insurance providers and prices
Go over the specific coverage that you need above what is required by law (e.g. do you need additional collision coverage if your vehicle has low resale value?)
Cars with adequate safety features and less powerful engines have lower insurance rates while commonly stolen vehicles have higher rates
Used cars have lower rates, as it’s not as expensive to replace
3. Gas
There will be no escaping the cost of gas and its toll on your teen’s car allowance. The best way to estimate this cost is to plan out the number of kilometres your teen expects to travel per month. Prices will fluctuate based on timing and where you live, but it is a good idea to err on the side of high when budgeting for this expense. Another factor that will influence the budget for gas is the size and fuel efficiency of the car.
4. Vehicle registration
Registration of your newly purchased car is a multi-step process that requires proof of a safety inspection/certificate and has costs that vary across provinces. The cost ranges from $60 to $200 per year (except in Ontario) plus sales tax. If you have any unpaid fines or parking tickets, they will need to be paid before registration.
5. Car maintenance
Of course, the cost of a car extends beyond gas, insurance, and administrative fees. There are ongoing maintenance fees that include oil changes (which vary in cost depending on the brand of the car), winter tires, cleaning and repairs (as well as any unexpected surprises, such as a tire blowing out on the highway). If the car has a warranty, a budget of $25/month is doable. If the car is beyond warranty, it’s wise to budget at least $100/month.
Once a budget has been established, the next big step is to research the best car for your teen based on cost as well as reliability.Here are some tips for how to find the best cars for teens including whether you should buy a new or used car.
How much should a teenager pay for their first car?
A general guideline for a teen’s first car is to set a limit under $20,000. It’s common to put down a down payment if you are using any kind of auto loan (new or used). Budget approximately 10 to 20 per cent of the cost of the car. If your budget is $20,000 your teen will need to save at least $2,000. If your teen is hoping to spend more, take into consideration how much they have saved and be sure to predict how much they will need to contribute to ongoing costs.
What is the best starter car for a teenager?
While choosing a first car can be a chance to explore personal style and preferences, factors like safety, reliability and cost should take precedence when deciding on the best cars for teenagers. Sports cars are not the best choice for teens since they make it too easy to speed and increase insurance costs. Instead, compact SUVs and commuter cars may be better options. Also, larger cars like minivans, large SUVs and trucks are harder to handle and hold more passengers, which could be distracting to drivers. Additional safety features such as Bluetooth, airbags, collision warning and automatic emergency braking are great to have, too.
Tips on buying a car for a teenager
A first car is likely to be a huge purchase for most teens. Here’s some tips to help your teens save on their first set of wheels:
Shop around
Consider the cost differences and value of a new versus used car. New cars depreciate as soon as your teen drives off the lot, but have the advantage of less repair costs, a warranty, and sometimes better fuel efficiency. However, a used car eliminates dealership fees, usually has a lower initial cost and monthly repayments, coupled with better insurance rates. Because of this, it might be more suited to your teen’s budget.
Look beyond car dealerships
In addition to looking at car dealerships, have your teen consider asking family and friends if they plan to sell a vehicle anytime soon. Expand the search to include online sites that offer your teen the advantage of filtering their search parameters.
Do your homework
Before driving the car of their dreams out of the lot, encourage your teens to do a little homework. That includes reading reviews of the make and model of the vehicle they’re considering, compare the price against industry standards, and getting the car inspected by a licensed mechanic.
Consider ongoing costs
Think about the car itself when it comes to costs. Is it fuel efficient or does it guzzle gas? Does it have safety features that will affect insurance fees? Is it more likely to have repair costs in the near future? What will its resale value be? Keep in mind that some vehicles have better resale potential than others.
How does buying a car as a teen work?
Once your teen has planned their budget, done their research and narrowed down their options, it’s time for the next step.
If your teen is the age of majority
After choosing the car they wish to buy, your teen will need a method of paying for the car, (more on that below!), then gather the documents they’ll need to finalize the transaction.
Documents to bring when buying a car:
A valid driver’s licence
Proof of insurance
Credit report (if you’re applying for a personal loan)
What you’ll need from the seller when purchasing a car:
While a teenager under the age of majority could technically buy a car from a dealer or privately, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to. Generally, your teen will need to be the age of majority to buy a car, whether it’s new or used. That’s because teens under the age of majority can’t be held to honour a signed contract. For this reason, it’s unlikely a dealership (or even a private seller) would risk selling a car to a minor.
In order to legally purchase a car, it’s best if a parent or other legal guardian purchases the vehicle on behalf of their child. That way, the agreement is legal and binding under law. Your teen will still require valid auto insurance to drive a car. This can either be purchased by having parents act as a co-signer or by adding your teen to a family policy.
Car financing for teens
1. Cash
If your teen still needs to save up enough cash for a purchase, they should start setting funds aside from each pay cheque (or allowance and gifts). Keeping it in a savings account will allow your teen to collect interest on any money they deposit and will help remove the temptation to touch the funds. Parents can add one-off tasks and chores in the Mydoh app and choose to assign a dollar amount for each chore completed.
Tip: Teens can use our free savings goal calculator to see how many weeks (or months) it’ll take to save for their first car!
2. Car loan
If your teen decides not to buy a car outright, it’s time to start figuring out a car loan. While you might expect the interest rates for used cars would be lower than they are for new cars because they’re also cheaper to buy, the opposite is true. Auto manufacturers will offer great incentives to attract buyers by offering low-interest rates—sometimes as low as 0% over a set period of time—as well as cash rebates. This can mean a bigger starting price on a new car can wind up being less overall, plus the cost can be split into more manageable payments over time. To qualify for a car loan, your teen will need to be the age of majority, submit to a credit check, and provide proof of income.
3. Co-signing a loan
If your teen decides to go forward with a loan, the most important thing to discuss is the fact that being under the age of majority likely means a lack of credit history. That means they’ll need to have a parent or guardian co-sign the loan. But your teen should understand that this puts the co-signer (i.e. you!) on the hook for any missed or defaulted payments. Co-signers need to make sure they can afford to take on the debt if your teen can’t meet their financial obligations. Finally, it’s a good idea to have a heart-to-heart about how the relationship will fare if your teen fails to make their payments.
How Mydoh can help teens test-drive their first car
Test-driving a car means more than just taking it on the road when it comes to teens. They should also test-drive the financial expectations that come with making a purchase. Have teens earn and save money using the Mydoh app. Kids should also make a car budget before getting behind the wheel at a dealership. This will help them determine if they are ready to take on ownership of a car.
Download Mydoh and help build the foundation of financial literacy for your kids and teenagers.
It’s almost time to throw the windows open to let in the fresh air, scents, and musical sounds of a new season. While that might put a spring in the step of grown-ups, the kids and teens in your family are likely to need some convincing in taking part in a spring clean up.
Here are some cleaning tips and chore ideas to help teach your brood how to declutter and get involved in giving your household a spring clean:
What are the benefits of spring cleaning?
While kids and teens may feel like it’s no big deal for the floor to be buried or the closets to be overflowing in their rooms, they might be surprised to hear about the benefits of organized spaces for decreasing stress. In fact, studies have shown that messy and cluttered spaces lead to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while the physical act of cleaning up can help to boost the feel-good hormones that improve your overall mood. Those feel-good vibes could extend to others in the home, too. A gentle reminder about the effects of messiness on everyone can help create a collaborative mindset. Especially when spring cleaning becomes a family project rather than assigning household chores to kids and teens to manage on their own.
A pep talk is a good first step to help to minimize the sighs and eye-rolling when you hand over that spring cleaning checklist. Before the work begins, remind kids and teens that chores are about more than just getting a job done; they are also great skill builders. Tackling larger house projects could help set your kids and teens up for managing their own households in the future. Spending time together and working on a shared goal can also help to fill your tween and teens’ love buckets, says Judy Rickey, owner of Clutter Relief Services in Hamilton, Ont., even if they’re too cool to admit it.
When it comes to spring cleaning, a great place to focus on first are the common areas of the home. There, everyone can pitch in and help to make it less overwhelming to get started.
1. Kitchen
The kitchen is a great place for the whole family to work together and kids can be given smaller, more manageable tasks in this space. Start by clearing out the refrigerator and pantry and checking the expiry dates on the food. Then make lists of anything that needs to be replaced. (Hello, condiments!) Defrost the freezer and deep clean the dishwasher—an environmentally friendly way of doing this is with vinegar and baking soda. Filling up spice containers (and organizing them alphabetically for bonus points) is another great spring cleaning chore that can also be rolled into the task of making a shopping list. Finally, there is always work to be found in the dreaded Tupperware and lunch container drawer, where a game of match-the-lid can keep them busy.
The family room is another busy hub and is often a place where clutter can build up easily. A great hack is to have a basket for each family member’s belongings. Clear out the chaos first, by having them claim anything that belongs in their own spaces. If it gets left behind, it’s fair game for the donation bin—this warning usually gets kids moving quickly. Sort through old video games, board games and books to figure out what can be handed down to another family or donated. Any video games that are still in great condition can usually be exchanged for rewards points towards purchasing a newer version. Don’t forget to untangle all those cords and chargers! For the kid who is always complaining about not being able to find one, add “create an organized charging station” to their chore list.
3. Bedroom
Now that you have those kids warmed up, it’s time to send them to their own spaces. This project can often feel daunting for tweens and teens, so get your supplies set up ahead of time. A garbage bag, recycling bag, and clear bag for donations will help create a visual sorting system. Rickey suggests setting a rule for how much space they are allowed. “If their clothes don’t fit in the designated closet or dresser, because they’ve run out of room, it’s time for them to do an overhaul of what they have.”
Luckily, thrifting for clothes and accessories is really trendy and has helped a lot of teens see the many benefits of recycling clothes. If they are able to fill a bag to give away, they can reward themselves by dropping it off at a thrift shop in exchange for a couple new pieces for the season. For name brand items, consignment stores are great for doing buy-backs. If motivation is lacking, try joining your kid in their space while they organize, have them FaceTime a friend while they clean, or start a contest for the cleanest room among siblings, says Rickey.
4. Laundry room
Remember those family baskets? This is another room in the house where they come in handy. Any abandoned clothing, including coats, hoodies, shoes, boots can be thrown into those baskets and sorted by their owners. Get kids and teens to separate gear that still fits, can be passed down, or tucked away for next year’s winter. And let’s not forget the dreaded mismatched sock pile. This can be a really boring task, so make a huge pile in front of the TV and let them have a go. Once the socks are matched, they can be thrown in each family member’s basket to be returned to their rooms. Winner is the one who makes the most pairs!
5. Outdoor spaces
If you have a busy household, it’s likely there is a lot of clutter taking up space in the garage. Following the same guidelines as the laundry room, take some time to sort through sports and recreational equipment like bikes, scooters, or skateboards they have outgrown. Once again, there is an opportunity to sell unwanted items to save up for something new. A garage sale can provide a really fun activity to organize and is a great way to do a one-day clear out that also benefits neighbours with younger kids.
There are also several organizations that would be grateful for a hand-me-down bike or sports gear. “Researching local charities together and learning how your donations make a difference can be a really great activity to do with your tweens and teens,” says Rickey. Next, get your kids to flex their muscles by doing some outdoor chores and helping with a big spring clean up in the back and front yards. Take garden furniture out of storage and wash it down. While kids have that hose in hand, wash out garbage and recycling bins. If any of your kids are environmentally-keen, get them to help spring clean your garden or set up some bird feeders.
Tips to make spring cleaning fun for kids and teens
Doing big projects together as a family helps to create a sense of teamwork and belonging that tweens and teens crave. “You would be surprised how kids open up when you’re working with them on something,” says Rickey. Going through childhood memories can also help to bring up more feelings of connection. Keep the warm and fuzzy feeling going by acknowledging all the good teamwork. Throw a pizza party, plan a movie night or fun outing. It may be hard work, but it doesn’t have to feel the way when it is a project that brings the family together.
And when it comes to spring cleaning your home, Mydoh can help keep kids and teens on track. Parents can add one-off tasks and chores in the Mydoh app and choose to assign a dollar amount for each chore completed.
Download Mydoh and help build the foundation of financial literacy for your kids and teenagers.
Imagine being a typical teenager with an average teen budget. You spy a coveted item while scrolling social media and click through to the shopping link, only to find it’s out of your price range. But right before closing the tab, you notice a little button that says, “6 interest-free payments of $55.25.” Is this too good to be true?
The recent surge of online Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans may be helping Canadians get goods faster, but it’s helpful to know the full picture before deciding if BNPL is right for your household.
Fortunately, you need to be the age of majority in your province to use a Buy Now Pay Later service, but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to hear “But mooooom!”
In this article, we’ll explain how BNPL typically works, review the pros and cons of using a BNPL service, plus summarize the benefits and risks with each provider.
What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)?
Buy Now, Pay Later is a financing option that lets you purchase something now and pay for it later. It lets them buy the product or service and make monthly payments until it’s paid off.
Is Buy Now, Pay Later the same as layaway?
Similar to the layaway plans of our youth, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans offer the chance to pay for your desired item in installments rather than all at once. But unlike the layaway plan, where the thing you bought was literally “laid away” until you paid in full, you can now receive your purchase immediately and continue to make payments over a set amount of time.
Historically we used installment plans to pay for big-ticket items like travel or furniture directly from the retailer. These new BNPL programs are frequently interest-free, available immediately at the point-of-sale online, and can sometimes be made without a credit card, making them an attractive option for young people shopping for clothing, video games, or beauty items.
How old do you need to be to use Buy Now, Pay Later?
While all BNPL services require you to be of the age of majority, seeing the option on many e-commerce sites means by the time your teen is 18, instead of creating a budget for items they may turn to BNPL.
Tip: Kids and teens can use our free savings goal calculator to save for the items on their wish list!
What age group uses Buy Now, Pay Later in Canada?
In a recent pilot study by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC), the biggest market for online BNPL programs was the 18-34 set (teens were not surveyed) at a 70 per cent adoption rate. Of those surveyed, typical reasons for having used a BNPL included “to help me budget,” “I couldn’t afford the entire purchase right away,” and “to avoid interest and fees.”
Does Buy Now, Pay Later have interest?
Most BNPL service providers promote a 0 per cent interest payment plan. To maintain their easy, breezy credit offering, BNPLs are keen to avoid charging interest, choosing to work with customers to keep payment plans flexible and manageable. However, some BNPLs, like Sezzle, leave the pre-qualification decisions to each retailer, meaning if you don’t currently have a healthy credit score, you might be paying interest. It’s critical to read through all fine print before proceeding with a BNPL purchase so that you know what you’re paying for.
Common BNPL providers in Canada
While PayBright was the first online BNPL provider to hit the Canadian market, there are new companies all the time. Here are the similarities and differences between the most widely used Buy Now Pay Later services in Canada.
AfterPay
With an app that helps you shop more responsibly and some of the most popular retailers on the web as partners, AfterPay is a well-known name in the BNPL space. AfterPay takes an initial credit card payment at the point of purchase and gives you six weeks to pay the remaining three payments. Customers are encouraged to keep an open dialogue in times of financial hardship to work out payment. Missed payments will result in pausing your account for future AfterPay purchases until you’re caught up.
PayBright
Founded in 2009, PayBright paved the way for BNPL in Canada before being acquired by U.S. company, Affirm in January 2021. PayBright’s 8500+ retail partners include Apple, Wayfair and The Bay. Offering two options: “Pay in 4” or “Pay Monthly,” PayBright is one of the few BNPL providers that allows customers to use a Visa Debit or an E.F.T. (void cheque or pre-authorized debit form), as well as traditional Visa and Mastercard. Anyone who has reached the age of majority and has credit history in Canada is eligible to use their service.
It’s essential to read the bottom line with PayBright. While no late fees are charged for missed payments, interest is determined at the retailer level, with some charging 0% (on approved credit) and others up to 29.9 per cent A.P.R. Some PayBright payment plans also charge a small monthly processing fee. However, the consumer sees the total cost of borrowing before proceeding.
Sezzle
Used by over 3000 Canadian retailers, Sezzle offers a standard “four payments over six weeks 0 per cent interest model. There are no fees when you pay on time; however, a missed payment (more than two days late) will result in freezing your Sezzle account and a fee charged to reactivate it—rescheduling your payment more than twice also results in fees.
Sezzle is one of the most flexible BNPL service providers for those who need different modes of payment beyond traditional credit cards. While the first payment must be on credit or debit, Sezzle accepts prepaid cards and bank account E.F.T.s for subsequent installments.
PayPlan (RBC)
PayPlan by RBC is a new pay-over-time solution that helps you make purchases with equal monthly payments. When you check out with PayPlan by RBC at a participating retailer, you are committing to the terms of a short-term installment loan. Like many BNPL providers, a “soft credit check” is done during the pre-qualification/application process, which doesn’t impact your credit score. But PayPlan’s website states that they “may report your monthly and final repayment status to credit reporting agencies, which may show up on your credit report and impact your score.”
Klarna
Founded in Sweden, Klarna Canada has an app, making it easy to find retail partners that work with their service, create wish lists and get notified of sales. Klarna divides payments into four, charging you an installment every two weeks with no interest or charges for late payments. Customers are notified by email before a payment attempt is made. If Klarna cannot receive payment after several attempts, the issue goes to a collection agency.
What are the advantages to BNPL?
There are some advantages to using Buy Now Pay Later services. They include:
Spread out payments
When a major appliance unexpectedly breaks down or someone massively outgrew their winter gear in mid-February, the sudden wish to replace existing items can be tough on your wallet. BNPL allows consumers to purchase items with transparent and flexible repayment plans that help avoid overextending themselves. (Yes, our parents may have tied plastic bags to shoes with holes in them and sent us off, but it’s nice to know we don’t have to build our children’s character that way!)
Cheaper alternative to credit cards
As most BNPLs offer 0 per cent interest, they can provide a cost-saving alternative to credit cards, which typically charge 19.9 per cent interest. Which means if it’s a choice between putting an item on plastic or paying it off over six weeks, you’re more likely to save money buy choosing BNPL.
When paid on time, credit score is not affected
Most BNPLs do not report back to credit bureaus unless you miss payments or have ghosted them. Buy Now Pay Later programs could provide an experiential learning curve with low impact for those just learning how to borrow money responsibly.
What are the disadvantages to BNPL?
When governments start investigating and surveying a new market area, it’s typically because there has been a slew of complaints. Both Canadian and U.S. lawmakers are exploring the impacts of BNPLs to understand how they might be hurting the average shopper.
Impulse buying
You don’t have to be on social media for very long before the urge to buy something new takes hold. Everything from feta cheese to wide-leg jeans can sell out when they go viral on platforms like TikTok.
As e-commerce technology has improved and pandemic restrictions and fears have turned most Canadians into online shoppers, you (and your teens!) can now purchase almost anything with the click of a mouse or tap of your thumb. It may be common for friends to crack jokes about that impulse Instagram buy, but financially overextending yourself is not funny.
BNPL plans may be fine on their own when used responsibly, but for those who are merely masking a habit of buying more than they can afford, purchases can add up quickly. Because most BNPL plans use credit cards for your installment purchases, you might also be paying interest on those cards if you’re not paying off your monthly balance. The “spread it out” formula of BNPL might just be masking a greater spending issue.
Paying more for an item
Even if your BNPL provider offered you a 0 per cent repayment plan, missed payments could mean reactivation fees to use that service again in the future. Or perhaps you are late paying off your credit card with the BNPL purchases on it. Either way, if you’re not able to keep up with your commitment, you’re likely paying more for that deal you couldn’t pass up than had you paid in full with money you already had.
Negatively affecting credit score
Viewing BNPL payment deferral programs as a short-term loan helps to assess whether or not it’s worthwhile for you. When used responsibly, most BNPL programs do not impact your credit history. However, defaulting on payments can eventually lead to collections agencies or reporting back to credit bureaus, depending on the BNPL platform. Make sure to read the fine print before purchasing. And do the uncomfortable work of calling your chosen BNPL customer service if you fall on hard times and need to revisit your payment plan.
While credit bureaus have not been tracking most BNPL programs to date, in December of 2021, the U.S. arm of Equifax announced the creation of new scoring standards in the first quarter of 2022 for point-of-sale financing options. It’s safe to assume that a version of these credit scoring policies will come to Canada at some point.
How Mydoh is a smart alternative to BNPL
Mydoh is a responsible and fun alternative to Buy Now Pay Later, thanks to the Smart Cash Card and Parent Account. When kids want or need something, they can only spend money they already have in their Mydoh account. And if they don’t have the cash at hand, you can assign tasks and chores so tweens and teens can earn some extra coin to pay for those trending leggings or must-have video game.
Mydoh’s goal is to teach kids responsible money management skills. By the time they are old enough for credit cards and BNPL offers, they’ll have the financial smarts they need to make empowering choices when it comes to spending and saving.
Download Mydoh and help build the foundation of financial literacy for your kids and teenagers.
At Mydoh, we understand the importance of teaching kids about money while they’re young, so they can grow up to become financially responsible adults. After all, that’s why we created the Mydoh app: to give kids real world experience in making and managing their own money. In fact, financial literacy for kids is so important that it was recently added to the Ontario curriculum for students starting in Grade 4. But parents don’t have to wait until then to start teaching their kids about money and finances.
Online money games and classic board games are a great way to introduce money concepts, from counting to making change to paying bills. Here are thirteen fun money games for kids to play.
Counting money games for kids
When it comes to teaching kids about money, learning how to count it is a great place to start. It’s a fundamental skill that’s needed for more complex aspects of finances, such as budgeting.
Get kids as young as three- or four-years-old involved by introducing them to counting money using coins. Real coins work best, but you can buy plastic coins, or even print Canadian play money online. In addition to how each coin looks, talk about the value of one coin versus another.
1. Pretend shopping with physical coins
Help younger children make the connection that coins are money we use to buy things we need (like milk) and want (like cookies!). There are also plenty of easy counting games you can play together, from money sorting to setting up a pretend shop, along with a cash register and play money. These games will not only develop their math skills, but also give them a head start on financial literacy.
Kids can practice identifying, counting and saving money with Peter Pig’s Money Counter app.
Teach your kids interesting facts about Canadian currency and let them test out their money skills with budgeting tasks.
Gamify financial literacy by letting your children spend their winnings on virtual accessories for Peter Pig.
Age range: 5 to 8
5 fun online money games for kids
As kids get older, it’s important that they learn money concepts beyond just counting. Some of the best kids money games involve saving, earning, and spending money in a safe and educational manner. Help your children master essential money lessons with these five fun (and free!) online games for kids – These are perfect financial literacy games for elementary students.
In the Shopping Game, kids will get some hands-on experience in how to be a savvy shopper. Read the shopping note, then buy the items required while spending as little money as possible!
By giving Larry a hand calculating the prices for lemonade at his popular stand, kids learn how to count money and assess whether they’re overcharging, undercharging or asking customers for the correct amount of money.
Watch passengers get on and off the bus and calculate if they’re paying the correct fare, based on their age. By keeping track of how much each customer pays, kids not only keep the bus driver happy, but advance through the various levels of this game.
Any kid who loves going to the cafe with mom and dad can set up their own coffee shop, give it a name, then decide on what ingredients they need to make and price their coffee. They’ll then get a chance to adjust their decisions based on customer demand and whether they have enough items in stock
Age range: 4 and up
5 money board games to play with kids
Who doesn’t love playing games, especially old school board games? As well as bringing the family together, board games can be a great way to sneak in some real-world education when it comes to decisions about money.
This game is a fun way for kids to learn how to count money and make change. The trick being there may be certain coins they’re not allowed to use to make up the correct amount of change, which is where they’ll start to make connections like two nickels are equal to a dime. The plastic coins and paper money makes counting more tangible for kids to grasp the concept of counting money. Recommended for ages seven and up, but with some parental guidance, younger kids will love this game too.
There’s a reason why this game has been around for so long (since the 1930s!). Sure, you usually need to put an afternoon or evening aside to get through a game, but Monopoly is great for teaching kids about money. Everything from getting practice at counting it out as the “banker” to deciding which properties are worth the cash layout, to real life lessons like paying income tax and interest on a mortgage. Monopoly Junior is a simpler version of this classic game and is great for kids aged five and up.
In this quick fire game, players earn a paycheque, pay outstanding bills, can make deals on property, even land on a windfall. But will they spend money as quickly as they earn it? The game helps children understand the concept of earning money as well as the responsibilities that comes with budgeting to pay the bills and making sure there’s still money at the end of the month.
This classic game is a lesson in, well, life. Whether to go to college, which career path to take, starting a family and dealing with some of the surprises that life throws our way. The object is simple: the player with the most money at the end of the game, wins.
In the Act Your Wage! board game, kids will learn the importance of earning a salary, paying bills, saving and paying down debt. The objective of the game is to be the first one to get out of debt and yell “I’m debt free”! It’s a fun game that teaches kids the importance of saving and minimizing expenses, while also keeping a healthy emergency fund for when things might go wrong.
Number of players: 2-4
Age range: 10 and up
Mydoh makes earning and spending for kids even more fun. The app is designed to give kids some real-world experience with making decisions about their own money. Parents can create tasks for their kids to complete, and set up a weekly allowance to their kids’ Mydoh Smart Cash Card.
According to financial experts, the best financial literacy lessons start early in life.
Here’s how to teach your kids how to be smart with money at an early age so they grow into financially savvy adults.
Start teaching money skills to kids early
Even before our kids are born, parents are encouraged to read to them. As they grow, we point out letters and sing the ABC song. In the same way parents teach their kids the fundamentals of reading and writing, they can also teach another kind of literacy: financial.
Financial literacy—having the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about managing money—is also a crucial life skill. People who can budget, save for retirement, understand credit and debt, and avoid impulse purchases will make better financial decisions than those who haven’t been taught how to handle money.
And those financial lessons can start earlier than you think.
At what age should you start teaching kids about money?
A recent study by the University of Cambridge showed that kids form money habits as early as the age of seven. But that doesn’t mean that parents should wait until second grade to teach money skills to kids. Preschoolers as young as two are watching parents and other adults and absorbing important lessons well before then.
What financial lessons should parents teach at each age?
Here’s an age-by-age guide on how to teach your kids to be smart with money at an early age so they grow into financially savvy adults.
Ages 2 to 4
Learning the names and value of coins
Two- and three-year-olds can begin to learn the names of coins, and to understand that they can be exchanged for things like toys or items in a pretend “store.” You can use real or pretend coins and paper money to set up an imaginary shop or restaurant. That way, kids can get used to the idea, through play, that they have to pay for the things they’d like. You can reinforce the same lessons at the real-life grocery store by pointing out to your toddler when you hand over cash or use a debit or credit card: “Now I’m giving the store money for the food we bought.”
Saving with a piggy bank
To get young kids hooked on saving, start with giving them coins to put into a clear piggy bank or jar so they can see their pile of money grow. As kids get a bit older, you can introduce the concept of an allowance, which could be tied to tasks like putting cutlery on the dinner table or dirty clothes in the laundry hamper. Let them practice counting their coins, and explain to them that they can buy a toy or a treat when they have a certain number of coins. This gets kids used to deferring gratification and saving for a goal, both of which are important money management skills.
By age 5 or 6, kids are capable of more household chores, and can use an allowance to practice higher-level money management skills, like designating a portion of money for saving, another for spending, and another for giving.
Graduating from piggy bank to savings account
If you haven’t already, now’s a great time to set up a savings account for kids and introduce topics like online banking, using a debit card, as well as compound interest (“They’ll pay me money to put my money in the bank? And then they’ll pay me money for that money?”). Opening a savings account is a move that could pay big dividends. One study out of Washington University in St. Louis shows a link between kids having a savings account and post-secondary achievement. Kids in the study with savings accounts were six times more likely to attend college.
No matter how old your kids are, a huge part of teaching kids about finance is simply having frequent, open, and honest conversations about money. In a 2015 global survey of financial literacy among 15-year-olds, Canadian youth ranked second in the world for financial literacy (tied with Belgium). But the teens who talked about money with their parents tended to score higher, and those who talked about money matters at home once or twice a week scored highest of all.
Financial literacy in the classroom
Fortunately, parents across Canada have an ally when it comes to teaching kids financial literacy: schools.
All Canadian provinces now mandate financial literacy education. Ontario, for example, recently overhauled its financial literacy curriculum. Kids in younger grades will learn about currency and ways to represent different amounts of money. Older students will learn about interest rates, taxes, and balancing budgets.
Whether it’s an eight-year-old calculating how much they’ll need to save to buy a Nintendo Switch or a 17-year-old figuring out their first pay stub, kids learn financial skills most effectively by handling their own money. In the same global survey cited above, youth with hands-on money experience had the strongest financial literacy skills, as did Canadian students who had occasional jobs and who regularly saved money.
If you’re worried about starting the money talk “too early,” rest easy. And if you haven’t started yet, there’s no time like the present. Whether they’re three or 13, begin to talk, play, learn, practice, and explore money management with your kids today.
Tip: Kids and teens can use our free savings goal calculator to budget for the things on their wish list and see how many weeks it’ll take to reach their goal!
Money management and financial independence for your children
It’s important for kids to start making purchase decisions for themselves. They gain a better understanding of the true value of money and learn to take responsibility for their own.
Learn more about Mydoh and how it can help your kids learn responsibility and build good money habits early in life.
Even if your child isn’t a natural inventor, many kids possess an entrepreneurial spirit.
What is entrepreneurial spirit? Forbes Magazine describes entrepreneurial spirit as “an attitude and approach to thinking that actively seeks out change, rather than waiting to adapt to change.” It’s that spirit that saw Warren Buffett selling chewing gum door-to-door as a boy and Canadian construction mogul Kelsey Ramsen working as flag girl on the Alaskan highway at 14.
Why encourage your child to be an entrepreneur?
If your career has consisted of a steady 9-to-5 job, the idea of raising an entrepreneur may feel alien to you. However, the reality is the workplace is rapidly evolving. Today, of all employers in Canada, 1.18 million are small businesses, and Canada ranks as one of five countries where women entrepreneurs reported high levels of innovation.
Another perk to becoming an entrepreneur is the potential to earn more than in a traditional job (while changing the world). Hey, just ask Bill Gates or Larry Page. You may not recognize Larry’s name, but you’ll likely recognize the company he helped cofound: Google. These people aren’t just entrepreneurs; they’re also leaders in their industry.
How can I help my kid start a business?
Today’s eight-year-old is tomorrow’s leader. Here are five ways you can encourage your kids to become a future entrepreneur:
1. Consider what they’re good at
We’re all born with gifts and talents. What we love to do as kids can hold the key to our future career path—even if those talents seem like nothing more than play at the time. Look at what your kids have a natural affinity for and what they love to do. Often it’s the one and the same thing. A talent for baking, drawing, or technology could all be the basis of a future side business.
2. Introduce them to entrepreneurial people
It’s easier for kids to imagine becoming an entrepreneur if it’s modelled for them. Most of us don’t have Richard Branson on speed dial, but it could be as simple as spending time with a friend who turned their passion for jewelry making into a side-hustle online or a graphic designer who creates logos for small businesses in their spare time. Let your kids see examples of others who are pursuing their passion. Create opportunities where your kids can ask them questions and have others share their experiences.
3. Teach them how powerful ideas are
Many businesses began with an idea. eBay started out as a way for a computer programmer to auction off items on his personal website. A trip to Milan spurred an idea to bring the feel of an upscale espresso cafe to North America, and Starbucks was born. Entrepreneurs often come up with solutions to problems by making connections between seemingly unrelated events or asking, “What if?” Teach your children how powerful ideas can be and encourage them to share theirs. Share examples of business leaders who started with an idea. And it’s not all about making money. There are many examples of entrepreneurs who are taking their ideas to solve real-world problems, like Ishita Anand, who founded BitGiving, which raises money for social issues.
4. Teach them to have courage
Courage is the ability to do something in the face of danger. Any entrepreneur will probably tell you that failure is a step towards success. Just ask Thomas Edison. When inventing the light bulb, he said, “I haven’t failed – I’ve just found 10,000 that won’t work.” Courage isn’t only key in being a successful entrepreneur; it’s key in life. Being able to accept and embrace failure and learn from our mistakes develops grit. And according to psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth, grit is a predictor of success. If your child fails – and they will – talk to them about their experience. Encourage them to problem-solve and learn from their failure before picking themselves up, dusting themselves off, and trying again.
5. Encourage their creativity
There are a number of traits entrepreneurs share: perseverance; risk-taking; passion; discipline. Another is creativity. Encourage your kids to engage in activities that foster creativity, whether that’s building with LEGO, drawing, writing stories, building a world in Minecraft, or playing dress-up. As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to create a space for creativity to flourish: provide the raw materials for creativity; allow them the freedom to explore their ideas; expose kids to museums, art galleries, theatre, books, and film; and emphasize the process of creativity, rather than the end product. In short, provide your children with the opportunity to let their imagination run wild (and worry about the mess later!).
Give your teens and kids the experience of earning and spending their own money
Budding entrepreneurs not only need to know how to earn money, but how to spend it wisely too.
Mydoh is a money management app for parents of tweens and teens that provides real-world experience to help them make their own money, and determine how to spend it based on money-conversations that take place at home. Parents can create weekly tasks for their kids to tick off and set up a weekly allowance to their kids’ Mydoh Smart Cash Card.
The bottom line is, you want to encourage your kids to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. While they may not be the next Steve Jobs, to quote Edison again: “If we did the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” So why not start today? A little independence – and entrepreneurship – at an early age goes a long way. Sign up for Mydoh today and give your kids a real-world experience of earning and spending their own money today.
Canadian winter is in full swing, and the season brings with it specific tasks and responsibilities that need to be tackled around the home.
At Mydoh, we’re all about fostering independence and financial responsibility at an early age. And kids learn to be financially savvy by having their own money to play with. Taking on tasks around the home is a great way for kids to earn their own money. This isn’t to say that winter chores can’t be fun. Or that you can’t follow them up with a cup of warm hot chocolate!
7 winter chore ideas for kids
There’s plenty of opportunity for kids to help in and around the home during winter (come on, what’s more fun than playing in the snow?). Here are seven chores and winter jobs for kids to tackle safely this season:
1. Shovelling snow
No snowblower? Snow problem! Task your kids with shovelling snow off the driveway, walkway or entrance when winter hits—provided, of course, the surface isn’t icy underneath. Younger kids should have their own sturdy snow shovel. One that’s not only sturdy, but also easy for them to handle. If your children are novice snow removers, show them how to push snow to the side rather than trying to lift it and hurl snow onto the lawn. And while shovelling the snow feels like a workout (it is!), remind your kids to dress warmly in layers. That way, they can peel off layers as they work up a sweat. Finally, to prevent accidents, we suggest leaving the task of salting icy paths to parents or teens.
2. Clearing off the car
Clearing off the car after a big dump of snow is another relatively easy and quick task to delegate to your kids. Younger children should be able to brush off snow gently (this is important—you don’t want the paint scratched) on the easier to reach places, such as the hood and windows, while older children can also remove snow from the roof of the car. As they say, teamwork makes the dream work. So while you’re digging out the snow from around your car, have your kids help by clearing off the vehicle.
3. Take down the holiday decorations
Most of us have checked this one off of our to-do list. But if not, have your kids take down the holiday decorations and pack baubles, wrap-up delicate items, and put away the lights. That way, everything is prepared for the next holiday season. You could make this chore a 2-for-1 deal where kids are responsible for helping with putting up the decorations next time, and possibly even sweeten the pot a little when adding this task to their Mydoh app. Because who wants to be reminded that the holidays are over for another year?
4. Load and unload the dishwasher
Why not get some help, so that you can free up a little bit of your time everyday? Have your kids take care of the dishwasher, so that you don’t have to! You can show them how some dishes – especially plastic ones – belong on the top rack, while others go on the bottom rack. If your kids are old enough, you might even teach them how to start the dishwasher after they’ve loaded it. Lastly, show them where dishes go, once they are clean and dry.
5. Clear out the kitchen pantry
The winter season is a great time to declutter your kitchen pantry. Get the kids involved by looking for items that have gone stale, like the collection of half-eaten cereal boxes or anything that has expired. Task them with taking everything off the shelf, wiping them down, then returning items neatly. Unopened gifts of food you may have received over the holidays or multiple cans of the same goods can be boxed up and donated to your local food bank.
Ever notice that once the cold weather arrives and everyone is at home for what feels like 24/7, each room of your house quickly resembles a jumble sale? Set up a recurring task in Mydoh, where your kids help for a set period of time one day each week (such as a weekend or after school). It can be as short as 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the age of your child. And jobs could be anything from feeding the family pet, to decluttering the family room, and clearing out closets. Whatever is going to help bring order to your living space.
Doing laundry could be a task for kids of almost any age. If your kids are younger, have them help you sort the laundry by colour, or even match and fold pairs of socks. This is a great way to teach them some responsibility, and learn about shapes and colours along the way. If you have young teens, have them help put sorted laundry into the washer, and show them how to start the wash cycle. Next, have them help with drying and folding – you’ll be amazed at how much time you can get back for yourself.
How to track winter chores for your kids in the Mydoh app
One of the ways Mydoh makes it easy for kids to earn their own money is by completing tasks. You can set up any task you like and decide if it’s a one-off job or weekly chore, such as cleaning their room. By creating tasks for your kids in the app, you won’t have to keep reminding your kids (AKA nagging) of what needs to be done. The incentive for them to stay on task (see what we did there?) is that once a new task is marked as “done” in the app, they’ll be paid on Pay Day.
1. Go to the Earn screen in the app and tap on “Add a Task”
2. Choose a task category or customize your own.
3. Fill in the title (such as: dusting) and any additional details (like “Be careful not to break anything”) then mark it as a one-off or recurring task.
4. Set the completion date for a one-time task, or if it’s a recurring task, set the days of the week the task needs to happen.
5. Enter an amount that you would like to pay your child, and tap Create Task!
Parents deserve a March break too! Take a break from figuring out what to make the family for dinner (or lunch) and enter to win a $300 DoorDash gift card.
Contest begins Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 5 p.m. EST and ends Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 11.59 p.m. EST.
The winner will be drawn on March 18, 2022 at 12 p.m. EST.
To enter, simply follow @Mydohapp on Instagram, like our Instagram giveaway post, and comment with your fav meal and tag a friend!
OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES
CONTEST PERIOD:
The Mydoh March Break Contest Contest (the “Contest”) begins on March 9, 2022 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time and ends on March 17, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (the “Contest Period”).
AGREEMENT TO BE LEGALLY BOUND BY THESE RULES:
By participating in this Contest, you are signifying your agreement that you have read and agree to be legally bound by these Official Contest Rules (the “Rules”).
ELIGIBILITY:
The Contest is only open to residents of Canada excluding Quebec who have reached the legal age of majority in their province/territory of residence at the time of entry, except employees, representatives or agents (and those with whom such persons are living, whether related or not) of Royal Bank of Canada (the “Sponsor”), its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, prize suppliers, advertising/promotion agencies and any other individual or entity involved in the development, production, administration, or fulfillment of the Contest (collectively, the “Contest Parties”).
SOCIAL PLATFORM NOT INVOLVED:
The Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram (the “Social Platform”). The Social Platform is hereby completely released of all liability by each entrant in this Contest. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Contest must be directed to the Sponsor and not to the Social Platform. You may only use one (1) Social Platform account (each, an “Account” and collectively, the “Accounts”) to participate in this Contest. You are solely responsible for ensuring your Account settings are set to be able to receive notification messages, monitoring your Account for such notification messages and following all instructions contained in such notification messages that may be received from the Sponsor regarding your participation in the Contest.
HOW TO ENTER:
No purchase necessary. You may earn an entry in the Contest (each, an “Entry” and collectively, the “Entries”) as follows:
Instagram:
To enter via Instagram, you must log-in to your Instagram Account and visit the Sponsor’s Instagram Account at @Mydohapp (the “Sponsor’s Account”). Next, locate the Contest post (the “Contest Post”) that has been posted on the Sponsor’s Account by or on behalf of the Sponsor. After locating the Contest Post, provide a comment on the Contest Post that: (i) describes Their favourite meal; and (ii) tags @Mydohapp. In addition, you must become a “follower” of the official @Mydohapp account on Instagram (note: you can un-follow at any time after the Contest ends without impacting your chances of winning). When all required steps of the entry process are complete, you will automatically be eligible to earn twenty (20) Entries in the Contest.
To be eligible, all content and materials associated with your Entry (collectively, the “Entry Materials”) must: (i) be submitted and received in accordance with these Rules during the Contest Period; (ii) include all required components and materials noted above; (iii) be in accordance with these Rules, including, but not limited to, the specific Participation Requirements listed below; and (iv) be in accordance with the terms, rules, policies and guidelines of the Social Platform (the “Social Platform Rules”) (all as determined by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion). Standard data rates apply to participants who choose to participate in the Contest via a mobile device. To be eligible, your Entry must be submitted and received in accordance with these Rules during the Contest Period.
ENTRY LIMIT:
If it is discovered by the Sponsor (using any evidence or other information made available to or otherwise discovered by the Sponsor) that any person has attempted to: (i) exceed any of the limits stated in these Rules; and/or (ii) use multiple Accounts, names, identities, email addresses and/or any automated, macro, script, robotic or other system(s) or program(s) to enter or otherwise participate in or to disrupt this Contest; then he/she may be disqualified from the Contest in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor. An Entry may be rejected if (in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor): (i) the Entry (including, but not limited to, any associated Entry Materials) is not submitted and received in accordance with these Rules during the Contest Period; and/or (ii) the Entry Materials accompanying the Entry are not in compliance with these Rules (including, but not limited to, the specific Participation Requirements listed below) and/or the Social Platform Rules (all as determined by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion). The Released Parties (defined below) are not responsible for late, lost, misdirected, delayed, incomplete or incompatible Entries or any other Contest-related information (all of which are void).
VERIFICATION:
All Entries, Entry Materials and entrants are subject to verification at any time and for any reason. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to require proof of identity and/or eligibility (in a form acceptable to the Sponsor – including, without limitation, government issued photo identification): (i) for the purposes of verifying an individual’s eligibility to participate in this Contest; (ii) for the purposes of verifying the eligibility and/or legitimacy of any Entry, Entry Materials or any other information submitted (or purportedly submitted) for the purposes of this Contest; and/or (iii) for any other reason the Sponsor deems necessary, in its sole and absolute discretion, for the purposes of administering this Contest in accordance with these Rules. Failure to provide such proof to the complete satisfaction of the Sponsor within the timeline specified by the Sponsor may result in disqualification in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor. The sole determinant of the time for the purposes of this Contest will be the Contest server machine(s).
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS:
BY SUBMITTING AN ENTRY, YOU AGREE THAT THE ENTRY (AND EACH INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT THEREOF – INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE ENTRY MATERIALS) COMPLIES WITH ALL CONDITIONS STATED IN THESE RULES. THE RELEASED PARTIES (DEFINED BELOW) WILL BEAR NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER REGARDING: (I) THE USE OF YOUR ENTRY (OR ANY COMPONENT THEREOF – INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE ENTRY MATERIALS); (II) PARTICIPATION IN ANY CONTEST-RELATED ACTIVITIES; (III) ANY USE, COLLECTION, STORAGE AND DISCLOSURE OF ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION; AND/OR (IV) IF DECLARED A/THE WINNER, A/THE PRIZE (INCLUDING ANY USE OR MISUSE OF A/THE PRIZE). THE RELEASED PARTIES (DEFINED BELOW) SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS BY YOU IN THE EVENT IT IS DISCOVERED THAT YOU HAVE DEPARTED FROM OR NOT OTHERWISE FULLY COMPLIED WITH ANY OF THESE RULES AND/OR THE SOCIAL PLATFORM RULES. THIS RELEASE AND INDEMNITY SHALL CONTINUE IN FORCE FOLLOWING THE TERMINATION OF THE CONTEST AND/OR AWARDING OF ANY/THE PRIZE.
By participating in the Contest, you hereby warrant and represent that any Entry Materials you submit:
is/are original to you and that you have obtained all necessary rights in and to the Entry Materials for the purposes of entering such Entry Materials in the Contest;
do not violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulation;
do not contain any reference to or likeness of any identifiable third parties, unless consent has been obtained from all such individuals and their parent/legal guardian if they are under the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence;
will not give rise to any claims whatsoever, including, without limitation, claims of infringement, invasion of privacy or publicity, or infringe on any rights and/or interests of any third party; and
is/are not defamatory, trade libelous, pornographic or obscene, and further that it will not contain, depict, include, discuss or involve, without limitation, any of the following: nudity; alcohol/drug consumption or smoking; explicit or graphic sexual activity, or sexual innuendo; crude, vulgar or offensive language and/or symbols; derogatory characterizations of any ethnic, racial, sexual, religious or other groups (including, without limitation, any competitors of Sponsor); that endorses, condones and/or discusses any illegal, inappropriate or risky behaviour or conduct; personal information of individuals, including, without limitation, names, telephone numbers and addresses (physical or electronic); commercial messages, comparisons or solicitations for products or services other than products of Sponsor; any identifiable third party products, trade-marks, brands and/or logos, other than those of Sponsor; conduct or other activities in violation of these Rules; and/or any other materials that are or could be considered inappropriate, unsuitable or offensive, all as determined by the Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion.
The Sponsor and/or its promotional agency or designated content moderator (the “Reviewer”) reserves the right to screen all Entry Materials. Any Entry Materials that the Reviewer deems, in its sole and absolute discretion, to violate the terms and conditions set forth in these Rules are subject to disqualification. The Reviewer reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion at any time and for any reason, to remove any Entry Materials (or any part thereof) and/or to request an entrant to modify, edit and/or re-submit his or her Entry Materials (or any part thereof) in order to ensure that the Entry Materials comply with these Rules, or for any other reason. If such an action is necessary at any point during or after the Contest, then the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to take whatever action it deems necessary based on the circumstances – including, without limitation, disqualifying the Entry Materials (and therefore the corresponding Entry and/or the associated entrant) – to help ensure that the Contest is being conducted in accordance with the letter and spirit of these Rules.
LICENSE:
By entering the Contest and submitting an Entry, you (and, if you are a Minor, your parent or legal guardian): (i) without limiting the Social Platform Rules, grant to the Sponsor, in perpetuity, a non-exclusive, worldwide license to publish, display, reproduce, modify, edit, make available, communicate to the public by telecommunication and otherwise use your Entry Materials (and each component thereof), in whole or in part, for advertising or promoting the Contest or for any other reason in any type of media; (ii) waive all moral rights in and to your Entry Materials (and each component thereof) in favour of the Sponsor (and anyone authorized by the Sponsor to use such Entry Materials); and (iii) agree to release and hold harmless the Released Parties (defined below) from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from use of his/her Entry Materials (or any component thereof), including, without limitation, any claim based on publicity rights, defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, trade-mark infringement or any other intellectual property related or other cause of action whatsoever.
PRIZES:
PRIZE DESCRIPTION
There will be 1 prize (the “Prize”). The Prize consists of:
$300.00CAD in DoorDash gift cards. Each gift card is subject to the terms and conditions of the issuer. Each gift card must be accepted as awarded and is not transferable, assignable or convertible to cash (except as may be specifically permitted by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion). No substitutions except at Sponsor’s option. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to substitute any gift card or a component thereof with a prize of equal or greater retail value, including, without limitation, but at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion, a cash award.
There is a limit of one (1) Prize per person.
PRIZE WINNER SELECTION PROCESS:
On March 18, 2022 (the “Selection Date”) in Toronto, ON at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, two (2) eligible entrants will be selected by random draw from among all eligible Entries submitted and received in accordance with these Rules during the Contest Period and each of the first one First Prize winner, and the following one selected entrants will be deemed a Second Prize winner.
The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible Entries submitted and received in accordance with these Rules during the Contest Period.
WINNER NOTIFICATION PROCESS:
The Sponsor or its designated representative will make a minimum of 2 attempts to contact each potential Prize winner (using the information provided at the time of entry) within 1 business days of the Selection Date. If a potential Prize winner cannot be contacted within 1 business days of the Selection Date, or if there is a return of any notification as undeliverable; then he/she may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor, be disqualified (and, if disqualified, will forfeit all rights to the Prize) and the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion and time permitting, to select an alternate potential Prize winner following the same winner selection procedure described above (with the necessary amendments), in which case the foregoing provisions of this section shall apply to such new potential Prize winner.
WINNER CONFIRMATION PROCESS:
BEFORE BEING DECLARED A CONFIRMED PRIZE WINNER, each potential Prize winner will be required to: (a) correctly answer a mathematical skill-testing question without mechanical or other aid (which may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor, be administered online, by email or other electronic means, by telephone, or in the Sponsor’s form of declaration and release); and (b) sign and return within three (3) business days of notification the Sponsor’s declaration and release form, which (among other things): (i) confirms compliance with these Rules; (ii) acknowledges acceptance of the Prize (as awarded); (iii) releases the Contest Parties, Instagram and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability in connection with this Contest, his/her participation therein and/or the awarding and use/misuse of the Prize or any portion thereof; and (iv) agrees to the publication, reproduction and/or other use of his/her name, address, voice, statements about the Contest and/or photograph or other likeness without further notice or compensation, in any publicity or advertisement carried out by or on behalf of the Sponsor in any manner or medium whatsoever, including print, broadcast or the internet. If the potential Prize winner: (a) fails to return the properly executed Contest documents within the specified time; (b) cannot accept (or is unwilling to accept) the Prize (as awarded) for any reason; (c) fails to correctly answer the skill-testing question; and/or (d) is determined to be in violation of these Rules (all as determined by the Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion); then he/she may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the Sponsor, be disqualified (and, if disqualified, will forfeit all rights to the Prize) and the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion and time permitting, to select an alternate potential Prize winner following the same winner selection procedure described above (with the necessary amendments), in which case the foregoing provisions of this section shall apply to such new potential Prize winner. The Sponsor will have final discretion in selecting the winner in the event of a tie or for any other reason.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
All Entries become the property of the Sponsor. This Contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws. The decisions of the Sponsor with respect to all aspects of this Contest are final and binding on all entrants without right of appeal, including, without limitation, any decisions regarding the eligibility/disqualification of Entries and/or entrants. ANYONE DEEMED BY THE SPONSOR TO BE IN VIOLATION OF THESE RULES FOR ANY REASON IS SUBJECT TO DISQUALIFICATION IN THE SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION OF THE SPONSOR AT ANY TIME.
The Released Parties will not be liable for: (i) any failure of any website during the Contest; (ii) any technical malfunction or other problems of any nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, those relating to the telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers, access providers, computer equipment or software; (iii) the failure of any Entry or other information to be received, captured or recorded for any reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to, technical problems or traffic congestion on the internet or at any website; (iv) any injury or damage to an entrant’s or any other person’s computer or other device related to or resulting from participating in the Contest; and/or (v) any combination of the above.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, by participating in the Contest, each entrant releases the Released Parties from any and all liability in connection with this Contest and his/her participation therein.
In the event of a dispute regarding who submitted an Entry, the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to require any individual who purports to be the entrant that submitted the Entry in question to provide proof to the complete satisfaction of the Sponsor (as determined by the Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion) of being the entrant that submitted such Entry. Failure to provide such proof to the complete satisfaction of the Sponsor within the timeline specified by the Sponsor may result in disqualification (as determined by the Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion).
The Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion to withdraw, amend or suspend this Contest (or to amend these Rules) in any way, in the event of any cause beyond the reasonable control of the Sponsor that interferes with the proper conduct of this Contest as contemplated by these Rules, including, without limitation, any error, technical problem, computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud or technical failure. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this Contest in any way (as determined by Sponsor in its sole and absolute discretion) is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor, at its sole and absolute discretion reserves the right to cancel, amend or suspend this Contest, or to amend these Rules, in any way without prior notice or obligation, in the event of any accident, printing, administrative, or other error of any kind, or for any other reason whatsoever. Without limiting the generality of the forgoing, the Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to administer an alternate test of skill as it deems appropriate based on the circumstances and/or to comply with applicable law.
By entering this Contest, each entrant expressly consents to the Sponsor, its agents and/or representatives, storing, sharing and using the personal information submitted with his/her Entry only for the purpose of administering the Contest and in accordance with Sponsor’s privacy policy (available at: http://www.rbc.com/privacysecurity/ca/our-privacy-policy.html ).
This section does not limit any other consent(s) that an individual may provide the Sponsor or others in relation to the collection, use and/or disclosure of their personal information.
The Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion to adjust any of the dates, timeframes and/or other Contest mechanics stipulated in these Rules, to the extent necessary, for purposes of verifying compliance by any entrant or Entry with these Rules, or as a result of any technical or other problems, or in light of any other circumstances which, in the opinion of the Sponsor, in its sole and absolute discretion, affect the proper administration of the Contest as contemplated in these Rules, or for any other reason.
In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of these Rules and disclosures or other statements contained in any Contest-related materials or website(s), including, but not limited to: and entry form, and/or point of sale, television, print or online advertising; the terms and conditions of these Rules shall prevail, govern and control to the fullest extent permitted by law.
