Does anyone from Aeroplan get this newsletter? I ask on behalf of a reader who recently got in touch about his problems trying to book a reward flight on Aeroplan. I’ll let him lay out how it all went down, and why he decided to go by train in the end instead of flying.
“Hello Rob,
I very much appreciate all of the practical advice that you offer online. You are a wealth of information. I wish you were there 40 years ago! I’m not sure if you are in a position to answer my question below, but who else is there to ask? So here goes.
My wife and I are planning an interprovincial flight using Aeroplan points. This used to be a simple procedure. Not so any more. When I tried to sign in, the Aeroplan website asked me to change my password. Did that. Then it sent me a six-digit code, which I copied and pasted in as directed. It didn’t accept its own code. Then I dialled the telephone number they provide for Canada/U.S. ‘This call cannot be completed as dialled.’
The next day I tried the whole thing over with the same results. We have decided to use up our points and transition away from Aeroplan. However, it appears that to use points to purchase merchandise, you must do so on their website, which requires signing in.
Are you aware of any option for using Aeroplan points without having to log into their website?
We are now arranging to go by Via Rail. They have never disappointed us.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you may be able to provide.”
Other than collecting points from buying booze at LCBO stores in Ontario, I haven’t had much to do with Aeroplan in recent years. It’s been that way since they voided a block of points I had because of account inactivity. Yes, even personal finance columnists lose track of things.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has thoughts for the reader of this newsletter who can’t access his Aeroplan points. As ever, you can find me at rcarrick@globeandmail.com.
Rob’s personal finance reading list
This chart of S&P 500 returns is a must-see for all investors. There are some very sharp downturns, but returns go up much more often. A clear argument for long-term investing.
Nine myths about air conditioning
Several money-saving ideas here for operating your home’s air conditioning.
An overview of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which is set to start this month. The CDCP will cover the cost of a range of dental services for low- and middle-income people who don’t have private coverage for dental care, starting with seniors. Applying is easy.
What a great idea – a guide to understanding all the deductions on your paycheque – federal and provincial tax, plus premiums for the Canada or Quebec pension plan and employment insurance.
Ask Rob
Q: My 13-year-old son started working a few jobs this year (tutoring, refereeing, delivering papers) and we went through the exercise of filing a tax return. He generated $83 of RRSP room. Is there any discount brokerage that I can set up an account for him that won’t charge trading fees and quarterly account fees for not having a minimum balance?
A: You need to be 18 or 19, depending on the province, to open an investing account. What some parents are doing is opening an account in their own name and letting their kids fund and use it. Parent and child would have to work out something re paying taxes related to the account. As for low costs, Wealthsimple has no trading or account maintenance fees.
Do you have a question for me? Send it my way. Sorry I can't answer every one personally. Questions and answers are edited for length and clarity.
Tools and guides
A handy primer on the first home savings account.
In the social sphere
Social media: The Boomer & Echo blog goes looking for the best mortgage rate.
Watch: A TikTok personal finance voice on how she manages her money.
Money-Free Zone: Alvin Lee’s The Bluest Blues is old-school blues rock in the best way. With an assist from George Harrison on slide guitar.
More Globe and Mail personal finance stories
- Canada’s supermarkets are losing the battle for your grocery bill
- You’re no longer middle-class if you own a cottage or investment property
- This former exec is taking an ‘adult gap year’ before retiring officially
- How long can Larry and Bonnie keep their cottage after retirement?
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Rob Carrick