Find the guide for what's in front of you
Plain-English guides to the documents people find confusing. Each guide says what to look for and where to check the facts.
108 guides in 10 topics. Every guide lists the official sources it was checked against.
Topics
Home and renting
Leases, deposits, repairs and contractor quotes. 29 guides.
Month-to-month vs fixed-term lease: differences and notice rules
A fixed-term lease runs to a set end date and usually locks in the rent. A month-to-month (periodic) lease has no end date and continues until someone gives proper notice. In many places, a fixed term that ends without renewal turns into a month-to-month tenancy.
Pet clauses in a lease: no-pet rules, pet deposits and pet bonds
A pet clause says whether pets are allowed, which ones, and what extra deposit or conditions apply. Rules vary widely: Ontario voids no-pet clauses in most leases, British Columbia caps pet deposits at half a month's rent, and NSW and Victoria bar extra pet bonds.
Who pays for repairs in a rental? How to read the repairs clause
In most places, the landlord must keep a rental safe and in good repair, while the tenant pays for damage they, their guests or pets cause. The lease often splits smaller jobs. Local law can override a clause that shifts major repairs onto you.
How much notice does a landlord need to enter? Examples by place
Most places require advance notice, often written, before a landlord enters, except in emergencies. For example, California presumes 24 hours' written notice is reasonable, Ontario and British Columbia require 24 hours' written notice, and New South Wales requires seven days for routine inspections.
Subletting vs assignment: how to read the clause in your lease
Subletting means someone else lives in your rental for a while, but you stay responsible to the landlord. Assignment means you hand the lease over for good. Most leases require the landlord's written consent for either, and some places limit when a landlord can refuse.
Joint and several liability in a lease, explained for roommates
Joint and several liability means every tenant on the lease can be held responsible for the whole rent and any damage, not just their own share. If a roommate stops paying or leaves, the landlord can usually ask any remaining tenant for the full amount.
Rent increase at lease renewal: how much notice is required?
It depends on where you live and your type of lease. Many places require written notice weeks or months ahead: for example, 90 days in Ontario, three full months in British Columbia and 60 days in New South Wales. Fixed-term leases usually can't go up mid-term unless the lease allows it.
Security deposit limits and interest: what the rules say
Many places cap security deposits, often at one month's rent or less, and some require landlords to pay interest. California, New York, Florida, Ontario and British Columbia each set their own rules, so check the amount in your lease against your local limit.
Rental bonds in Australia: lodgement and claims, state by state
In the states covered here, the landlord or agent must lodge your bond with a government authority, not keep it, and you should get a receipt or confirmation. At the end, either side can claim the bond, and disputes go to that state's tenancy body or tribunal.
How to read an itemized security deposit statement
Check four things on every line: what work was done, why it's your responsibility rather than wear and tear, how the amount was worked out, and what proof is attached. Then confirm the statement arrived on time and the math matches your refund.
How to do a move-in inspection and condition report
Before you unpack, walk through every room, write down each mark, stain and fault on the condition report, take dated photos, and return your signed copy on time. When deposit or bond deductions are disputed later, this record is often the main evidence.
Carpet replacement charges and the useful life rule, explained
A landlord generally can't charge for carpet that simply wore out. If you damaged it, official guidance in California and British Columbia scales the charge to the carpet's age, so you pay for the life it had left, not for brand-new carpet.
Move-out cleaning charges: what a landlord can deduct
In many places a landlord can charge cleaning only to bring the home back to how clean it was when you moved in, not to make it spotless for the next tenant. Your move-in report, photos and any receipts decide whether a cleaning line is fair.
What a home improvement contract should say before you sign
The contract should name the licensed business and set out the work, materials, price, payment schedule, dates, change process, warranties and your right to cancel. Cooling-off periods vary: three business days under the FTC rule, 10 days in Ontario, five business days in NSW.
Red flags in a roofing quote: 10 things to check before you sign
The biggest red flags in a roofing quote are a missing license number, vague materials, no tear-off or decking terms, large up-front payments, an offer to cover your insurance deductible, and pressure to sign today. Check each line against official guidance before you commit.
How to check a contractor's license and insurance before you hire
Look up the contractor on the official register for your state, province or territory, using the name and license number on the quote. Check the status, license class and disciplinary record. Then ask for insurance certificates and confirm them with the insurer or official checker.
Contractor payment schedules and holdbacks, explained
A sound payment schedule ties each payment to finished, checkable work, not to dates. Keep the final payment until the job is complete. In several Canadian provinces the law also requires a 10% holdback from each payment to protect against subcontractor liens.
Allowances in a renovation quote: what they mean and how to check
An allowance is a placeholder budget in a quote for items not yet chosen, such as tile or light fixtures. If your choice costs more, you usually pay the difference. Check that each allowance is realistic, says what it covers, and explains how overruns and markup are charged.
Change orders explained: how a renovation price changes mid-job
A change order is a written, signed amendment to your contract that changes the scope, price or schedule after work starts. Agree to it before the extra work begins, and check that it shows the cost, the new total and any added time.
Estimate vs quote vs bid: what a contractor's price commits you to
An estimate is an educated guess that can change. A quote is a fixed price for defined work, and accepting it usually forms a contract. A bid is a price offered in competition. The label matters less than the wording, so check what the document says about price changes.
Breaking a lease early: what your lease usually says
Breaking a lease early usually means following its early-termination clause: a notice period, a fee, rent until the unit is re-rented, or a mix. Local tenancy law can limit what you owe, and many places expect landlords to try to re-rent, so read your lease and check your local tenancy body.
Apartment lease fees explained: what each fee means and what to ask
Apartment leases often add application, admin, amenity, pet, parking, late and "convenience" fees on top of rent. Some are capped or banned in certain states, provinces and territories, so ask for an itemized fee list in writing and check your local tenancy rules.
What to look for in a lease before signing: 10 clauses to check
Before signing, read the clauses on rent and increases, term and renewal, fees, deposit, repairs, landlord entry, subletting, early termination, utilities and pets. Note every cost and deadline, ask the landlord about anything unclear in writing, and check your local tenancy rules.
How to dispute a security deposit deduction, step by step
Ask for a written itemized list, compare each charge with your move-in report and photos, and reply in writing saying what you accept and what you dispute. If you still cannot agree, use the official route where you live, such as a bond authority, tenancy board, tribunal or small claims court.
Security deposit return deadlines: where to find your local rule
There is no single deadline. Each US state, Canadian province and Australian state sets its own rule, often covering the return deadline, an itemized list of deductions and sometimes interest. California allows 21 days and New York 14. Rules change, so confirm on the official page.
Normal wear and tear vs damage: how to tell the difference
Normal wear and tear is the gradual decline from ordinary living: faded paint, light scuffs, worn carpet. Damage goes beyond that: holes, stains, burns or unapproved changes. Many places bar deposit deductions for wear and tear, and move-in and move-out evidence usually settles which is which.
How much deposit should a contractor ask for? Rules and red flags
It depends on where you live. Some places cap deposits by law (California limits home improvement down payments to $1,000 or 10%, whichever is less); others only give guidance. In general, keep the deposit small and pay the rest in stages as work is completed.
What a contractor quote should include: a 13-point checklist
A contractor quote should state the scope, materials, allowances, permits, disposal, timeline, price and payment schedule, how changes are handled, warranty, license and insurance details, cleanup and exclusions. If an item is vague or missing, ask in writing before you sign.
How to compare contractor quotes without being misled by the total
Make the quotes cover the same job first: list the scope, mark what each quote includes, excludes or leaves as an allowance, then adjust the totals. Check the payment schedule and ask every contractor the same questions in writing.
Documents and files
Scans, PDFs, accessibility and translation-ready files. 17 guides.
Certified translations: what the US, Canada and Australia ask for
A certified translation is a full translation plus the translator's signed statement or stamp. USCIS wants a certification of accuracy and competence, IRCC a certified translator or an affidavit, and Home Affairs a NAATI number for translations done in Australia. Check the receiving agency's rules.
How to keep the layout when translating a document
Translated text is often longer than the original, especially in short labels and headings, so layouts break where text is boxed in. Use styles, real tables with rows that can grow and few text boxes before translation, then check every page in the target language before you publish.
Why scanned PDFs cost more to translate, and how to pay less
A scan is a picture of text, so before translation someone has to recognize the text, check it against the image and rebuild tables and columns, then refit the translation. That extra work is why scans often cost more. An editable file avoids most of it.
How to prepare a Word document for translation: a checklist
Send the final version with tracked changes accepted, no line breaks inside sentences, headings and lists set with styles, real tables instead of tabs, and text kept out of images and text boxes. Clean files split into whole sentences, so you get fewer errors and layout fixes.
How to fix reading order and headings in a PDF
Fix the source first: use Word's built-in heading styles in order, avoid floating text boxes, and export with document structure tags. For a PDF you cannot re-export, use Acrobat Pro's Tags panel to drag tags into the right order and the Reading Order tool to change wrong heading levels.
Accessible PDFs in Canada and Australia: the rules in brief
In Canada, the Accessible Canada Act covers federally regulated organizations, guided by the standard CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024, and provinces such as Ontario have their own laws. In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 applies, with WCAG as the usual technical reference.
ADA and Section 508: what they mean for PDFs and documents
Section 508 requires federal agencies to make electronic documents meet WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA. The ADA Title II rule requires state and local governments to meet WCAG 2.1 AA, with dates now set for April 26, 2027 or April 26, 2028 depending on size. Businesses have no detailed DOJ web standard.
How to check if a PDF is accessible in Acrobat and Word
Run Word's Accessibility Checker before you export, save with document structure tags turned on, then run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat Pro. Finish with manual checks: reading order with a screen reader, alt text, headings and contrast, because no automatic checker can judge those alone.
What makes a PDF accessible? Tags, reading order and alt text
An accessible PDF has real text, a tag structure that marks headings, lists and tables, a logical reading order, alt text for meaningful images, and a set title and language. Without these, a screen reader may read the page out of order or skip what matters.
How to convert handwritten notes to text, and where it fails
For notes on paper, point Google Lens or iPhone Live Text at the page and copy the text. For notes written with a stylus, use OneNote's Ink to Text or Scribble on iPad. Neat print converts well; cursive, tight margins and diagrams usually need retyping.
How to make a scanned PDF searchable, then check it worked
Run text recognition (OCR) on the scan. In Adobe Acrobat, choose All tools → Scan & OCR → Recognize Text; for free, scan with the Google Drive app, which saves searchable PDFs. Then test it: search for a word you can see on the page.
OCR on receipts and invoices: how to get the numbers right
Capture receipts flat, sharp, evenly lit and head-on, as soon as you get them. After text recognition, check every total, date, tax line and invoice number against the original, because one misread digit or decimal point changes the amount.
How to fill in a PDF form you received, even a flat one
First check whether the form has fillable fields: click a blank and see if you can type. If you can, fill it in Acrobat Reader or macOS Preview and save. If not, it is a flat form; add text boxes with Acrobat Reader's Fill & Sign tools or Preview's Text Box tool.
How to get a table out of a PDF and into Excel or Word
If the PDF has real text, use Excel's Data → Get Data → From File → From PDF and pick the table it finds. If it is a scan or photo, try Excel's Data from Picture, then check every number against the original before you rely on it.
How to turn a photo of a document into Word text
Take a sharp, flat, straight photo that fills the frame, run it through OCR such as iPhone Live Text, Google Lens, Google Docs or OneNote, then paste the text into Word. Proofread numbers, names, dates and headings against the photo.
Why PDF to Word conversions mess up formatting, and how to fix it
A PDF records where things sit on the page, not what they are, so Word has to guess at columns, tables, headers and fonts. Fix the result in Word by clearing manual formatting, reapplying heading styles, converting text back to tables and moving headers into place.
How to turn a scanned PDF into an editable Word document
Open a text-based PDF directly in Word, or run a scan through Google Docs OCR in Google Drive and download it as .docx. Free routes handle simple pages well but often lose tables, columns, handwriting and stamps, so check the result against the original.
Tech and errors
Error messages, crash reports and logs, read line by line. 11 guides.
"Your connection is not private": certificate errors explained
The browser could not verify the site's security certificate, so it stopped before loading the page. Check the code underneath: a date error often means your device clock is wrong, while an authority error often points to public Wi-Fi sign-in, antivirus scanning or a work proxy.
npm and pip install errors: what the messages mean
Scroll up to the first error line and its code. EACCES means a permissions problem, ENOSPC means no disk space, and a conflict message means two packages need incompatible versions. In pip, an externally managed environment error means you should install into a virtual environment.
How to read Nginx and Apache error logs (with examples)
Find the error log path in your configuration, note when the problem happened, and read the first error line at that time: the level in brackets, then the message, then the client, request and upstream. Match it to the access log by time and request to see the status code visitors got.
Android app crash and ANR logs: how to read them
A crash is an Android app closing on an unhandled error; an ANR is the app freezing because its main thread is blocked, for example for 5 seconds after a tap. In a crash log, read the FATAL EXCEPTION line, the exception type and the first line from the app's own code.
How to read a Mac crash report: the lines that matter
Open Console, choose Crash Reports and read the top of the report: Process and Version say which app crashed, OS Version says on which macOS, and Exception Type and Termination Reason say why. Then find the thread marked "Crashed" and read its first few lines.
Windows blue screen stop codes: how to read and what to try
The stop code at the bottom of a Windows blue screen names the kind of failure, and the "What failed" line, when shown, names the driver involved. Microsoft says most crashes trace back to third-party drivers, so start with recent hardware, driver updates and Windows Update.
Connection refused vs timed out: what each error means
"Connection refused" means your request reached the machine but nothing accepted it, usually because the service is off, on another port or blocked. "Timed out" means no answer came back at all, which points to a wrong address, a silent firewall, a network problem or an overloaded server.
HTTP status codes explained: what 4xx and 5xx errors mean
A 4xx code means the server thinks your request is the problem: a wrong address, a missing sign-in or too many requests. A 5xx code means the server or something behind it failed. 502, 503 and 504 point to a broken, busy or slow server, not your device.
How to share logs safely: remove secrets before you paste
Before sharing a log, work on a copy, keep only the relevant lines, and replace keys, tokens, passwords, session IDs, emails, IP addresses and user names in paths with consistent placeholders. If a secret was already shared, revoke and replace it.
How to read Windows Event Viewer logs without the guesswork
Open Event Viewer, choose the System or Application log, filter by level and the time your problem happened, then read each event's source, event ID and description together. Errors are common on healthy PCs, so focus on events that match your problem.
How to read a stack trace (Python, JavaScript and Java)
Find the exception type and message first, then the chained cause, then the first frame in your own code. Python lists the most recent call last, so read it from the bottom; JavaScript and Java list it first, so read them from the top.
Health and insurance
Medical bills, EOBs, claim denials and appeals. 10 guides.
Medicare gap explained: out-of-pocket costs as a private patient
As a private patient in hospital, Medicare pays 75% of the MBS fee and your insurer pays the other 25% if your policy covers it. Anything your doctor charges above the MBS fee is the gap. Ask each doctor for item numbers and a written estimate before treatment.
Medical debt on your credit report: what the rules are now
Medical debt can still appear on US credit reports: a federal rule to remove most of it was vacated in July 2025. But the three credit bureaus say they don't report paid medical collections, those under $500, or unpaid medical debt less than a year old. Dispute any that appear.
Prior authorization denied? What to do next, step by step
First find out whether the plan reviewed and denied a request, or whether no request was filed. Then ask your doctor's office to send missing records or request a review, and file an internal appeal if the plan stands by its decision. Ask for an expedited appeal if waiting could harm your health.
How to appeal a health insurance claim denial, step by step
Read the denial letter for the reason and the deadline, then file an internal appeal, generally within 180 days, with your claim details and supporting records. If the insurer still says no, you can ask for an independent external review within 4 months; the insurer must accept that decision.
Good faith estimates: what uninsured patients can get and dispute
If you're uninsured or not using insurance, providers generally must give you a written good faith estimate for care scheduled at least three business days ahead, or on request. If the bill is at least $400 over the estimate, you may be able to dispute it within 120 days of the bill.
Surprise out-of-network medical bill? How the No Surprises Act works
If you have private coverage, the No Surprises Act generally limits what you pay to in-network cost sharing for emergency care, care at in-network hospitals and surgery centers, and air ambulance. Check whether your bill fits, then call the provider and, if needed, the No Surprises Help Desk.
Medical billing codes explained: CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 and denial codes
Medical bills use different codes for different questions. CPT and HCPCS codes say what was done, ICD-10-CM codes say why, and claim adjustment codes such as CO-45 or PR-1 explain why the insurer paid less. Knowing which is which tells you what to ask.
How to ask for an itemized hospital bill, and what to check in it
Ask the hospital's billing office, by phone or in writing, for a fully itemized bill listing each charge's date, code, quantity and price. Federal law gives Medicare patients a right to one within 30 days of a written request. Then check it for duplicates, wrong dates and services you didn't get.
Medical bill doesn't match your EOB? What to check and who to call
Your medical bill should not be higher than the patient balance on your explanation of benefits (EOB). If it is, the bill may predate the insurer's payment, belong to a different claim, or miss an adjustment. Match the dates and claim numbers, then ask the billing office for a corrected bill.
How to read an explanation of benefits (EOB), line by line
An explanation of benefits (EOB) is your insurer's summary of a claim, not a bill. Read it left to right: what the provider charged, what the plan allowed, what it paid and what you may owe. Then check that the provider's bill isn't higher than the EOB's patient balance.
Taxes and government
IRS, CRA and ATO letters, and how to tell if they are real. 10 guides.
Is that ATO message real? How to check and report scams
If you're unsure a message from the ATO is genuine, don't reply or click anything. Call the ATO on 1800 008 540 using the number you found yourself, or check your myGov Inbox directly. The ATO says it never sends an unsolicited SMS with a link and never asks for payment in gift cards.
ATO notice of assessment explained: what each part means
An ATO notice of assessment explains how your tax was calculated: tax on your taxable income, credit for tax already paid, and whether you get a refund or owe a bill. If you owe, it includes payment advice and a due date. If it's wrong, you can amend your return or object.
Is that CRA letter or call real? How to check before you act
To check a CRA letter, sign in to your CRA account directly and look for it in your mail. The CRA says it never demands immediate payment by e-transfer, cryptocurrency, prepaid credit cards or gift cards, and never threatens arrest. If unsure, call 1-800-959-8281 yourself.
CRA review letter: what it means and how to send documents
A CRA review letter means the CRA wants proof for something you claimed, such as receipts for a deduction or credit. It isn't an audit. Reply within the time frame in the letter, include the reference number from its upper right corner, and send documents online, by fax or by mail.
CRA notice of assessment explained, section by section
A CRA notice of assessment is the summary of how the CRA calculated your income tax and benefit return. It shows your refund, balance owing or nil balance, explains any changes the CRA made, and lists your RRSP deduction limit. If you disagree, you can change your return or file an objection.
IRS notice deadlines: how long you have to respond, and how
Most IRS notices print their own response or payment date, and that date is the deadline. A few have set periods: a CP2000 gives 30 days from the notice date, or 60 days if you live abroad. Reply by the date shown to protect your appeal rights.
IRS Letter 5071C: how to verify your identity and your return
Letter 5071C means a federal return was filed with your Social Security number or ITIN and the IRS wants to confirm it was you. Verify online through the IRS identity and tax return verification service, or follow the letter's phone instructions, with the letter and your return ready.
Is this IRS letter real? How to check before you respond
To check an IRS letter, find the notice number in the top right corner, search it on IRS.gov, and look for the letter in your IRS Online Account. If you still can't confirm it, call the IRS at a number from IRS.gov, not one printed on the letter.
IRS CP14 notice: what a balance due letter means and what to do
A CP14 means the IRS says you owe unpaid tax. It shows the amount and a due date. Pay in full by that date and you avoid further interest; if you can't, set up a payment plan before the due date, and if you think the amount is wrong, call the number on the notice.
IRS CP2000 notice explained: what it means and how to respond
A CP2000 is not a bill. It is an IRS proposal to change your return because income or payments reported by employers, banks or others don't match what you filed. You can agree, disagree with documents, or agree in part, and you generally have 30 days from the notice date to reply.
Cars
Buyer's orders, add-ons, car loans and leases. 10 guides.
Can you return a car after buying it? Cooling-off rules explained
Usually not. The FTC's three-day Cooling-Off Rule does not cover cars bought at a dealer's lot, and Ontario has no cooling-off period for car contracts. NSW gives one business day when the dealer arranges finance. Read the contract first: changing your mind afterward is rarely possible.
Extended warranty vs service contract: what the wording means
A warranty comes with the car at no extra cost. An "extended warranty" sold by a dealer is usually a service contract, an optional product you pay for separately. Before buying one, check who backs it, what it excludes, the deductible, where repairs can be done and how to cancel.
The used car Buyers Guide explained: what "as is" really means
The Buyers Guide is the FTC window sticker on every used car at a US dealer. It shows whether the car comes with a dealer warranty or is sold "as is," meaning the dealer pays for no repairs after the sale. Its warranty terms override the sales contract, so read it before you sign.
Negative equity on a trade-in: how to find it in your contract
Negative equity means you owe more on your car than it is worth. If you trade it in, the shortfall often gets added to your new loan, so you pay interest on it. Check the trade-in allowance, the payoff amount and the amount financed to see where it went.
Dealer doc fees explained: what they are and what's allowed
A doc fee is what a dealer charges for preparing sale paperwork such as title and registration documents. It is a dealer charge, not a government fee. Some states cap it and others do not, so the amount varies widely. Ask for it in writing and include it in your total price.
Car lease terms explained: cap cost, residual and money factor
A lease payment is built from three numbers: the adjusted capitalized cost (the agreed value of the car after your down payment), the residual value (its expected value at lease end) and the rent charge. You pay the difference between the first two, plus the rent charge, spread over the term.
How to read a car loan contract: the numbers to check first
Start with the federal disclosure box: APR, finance charge, amount financed and total of payments. Then check that the price, down payment, trade-in and add-ons match what you agreed, that no line is blank, and that the payment schedule matches your quote.
How to work out the out-the-door price of a car
Add the agreed vehicle price, freight if separate, dealer fees, chosen add-ons, sales tax and government fees, then subtract rebates. That is the out-the-door price. Compare loans separately using APR and the total of payments, not the monthly payment.
Dealer add-ons: what they are and how to spot them in the contract
In the US, regulators say dealer add-ons such as GAP, service contracts, paint protection and VIN etching are generally optional, and you can ask for the price without them. Canada and Australia have their own rules. Look for add-ons on the buyer's order and in the amount financed.
A car buyer's order, line by line: what each charge means
A buyer's order lists the vehicle price, dealer fees, add-ons, taxes, government fees, trade-in and amount financed. Check each line against your written quote, ask which items are optional, and confirm the amount financed matches the finance contract before you sign.
Travel
Delays, cancellations, lost bags and refunds. 9 guides.
How to file an airline complaint with DOT, the CTA or in Australia
Complain to the airline in writing first and keep proof. Then, in the US, file with the Department of Transportation. In Canada, wait 30 days for the airline, then use the CTA's form. In Australia, ask for internal review, then go to the Airline Customer Advocate or a state consumer agency.
Airline refund or travel credit? What to check before accepting
If the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, you can usually choose money over a credit. US rules require at least five years' validity on credits offered instead of refunds. Canada requires vouchers to be worth more, never expire and be accepted in writing.
Bumped from an oversold flight? Compensation in the US and Canada
If you're involuntarily bumped from an oversold US flight, you're owed 200% of your one-way fare, up to $1,075, or 400%, up to $2,150, depending on how late you arrive. In Canada, bumping within the airline's control pays $900 to $2,400.
Delayed or lost checked bag? Claim deadlines and limits
Report a delayed or lost bag before you leave the airport. On international trips, the Montreal Convention gives you 7 days to claim for damage and 21 days for a delay, with liability up to 1,519 SDR. US domestic limits must be at least $4,700.
How to read an airline delay or cancellation email
Check five things in any airline delay or cancellation email: the original and new times, the stated cause, the options offered, any default choice, and what's missing. Those details decide whether you can ask for a refund, care or compensation in the US, Canada and Australia.
Flight delayed or cancelled in Australia? What you can claim
Australia has no fixed cash compensation for flight delays. Under the Australian Consumer Law, flights must be provided within a reasonable time. If they aren't, you may be entitled to a replacement flight or a refund, and an airline's own compensation policy adds to those rights.
Canada flight delay compensation: APPR amounts and rules
Under Canada's Air Passenger Protection Regulations, a large airline owes $400, $700 or $1,000 for arriving 3, 6 or 9+ hours late, and a small airline $125, $250 or $500. The delay must be within its control, not needed for safety, and you have 1 year to claim.
What US airlines owe you when a delay is their fault
US law sets no cash compensation for delays. If the cause is within the airline's control, such as crew or maintenance problems, the large US airlines have published commitments, often meal vouchers, hotels and free rebooking, and DOT expects them to keep those promises.
Flight cancelled or changed? US refund rules, explained
Under US DOT rules, if an airline cancels your flight or changes it significantly and you turn down the new option, it must refund your fare, taxes and paid extras, even on a nonrefundable ticket. Card refunds are due within 7 business days.
Education and student aid
Aid offers, FAFSA, student loans and HECS-HELP. 8 guides.
HECS-HELP debt explained: your CAN, ATO balance and indexation
Your Commonwealth Assistance Notice lists the units and HELP loan amounts for each study period. Your ATO account shows the running balance, including indexation, repayments and the 20% reduction. Check each CAN against your ATO balance and ask your provider in writing within 14 days to fix errors.
Canada student aid Notice of Assessment: how to read it (OSAP and more)
Your Notice of Assessment comes from your provincial or territorial student aid office and says how much grant and loan funding you qualify for. Check the study dates, costs and contributions it used, how much is grant versus loan, and what you must do before funds are released.
How to appeal a financial aid award: professional judgment explained
Contact the school's financial aid office and ask for a professional judgment review. Explain what changed, such as a job loss or medical bills, and send documents. The aid administrator decides case by case, and that decision can't be appealed to the Department of Education.
FAFSA Submission Summary explained: what each tab means
The FAFSA Submission Summary is the Department of Education's record of your processed FAFSA form. It shows your Student Aid Index, estimated federal aid, your answers, your schools' data and next steps. It is not an aid offer; each school sends that later.
How to compare two college financial aid offers, side by side
Put both offers on the same footing: use each school's full cost of attendance, subtract only grants and scholarships to get the net price, then list loans and work-study separately. Check which grants renew, and compare the four-year cost, not just year one.
Grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, work-study: the difference
Grants and scholarships don't have to be repaid. Work-study is pay for a part-time job. Subsidized loans don't charge interest while you're in school; unsubsidized loans charge interest from the day they're paid out. Parent PLUS loans are borrowed by parents.
Cost of attendance vs net price: what you'll actually pay
Cost of attendance is a school's estimate of a full year's expenses, including costs it doesn't bill you for. Net price is that cost minus grants and scholarships. Loans and work-study don't lower net price; they're ways to pay it.
How to read a college financial aid offer, line by line
Start with the cost of attendance, then sort every line into money you keep (grants and scholarships), money you earn (work-study) and money you repay (loans). Subtract only grants and scholarships from the cost to see the real price of the school.
Money and bills
Phone, internet and utility bills, charge by charge. 2 guides.
How to dispute a phone or internet bill in the US, Canada and Australia
Find the exact charge, contact the provider with your account number, ask for a credit or correction and get a reference number. If that fails, escalate to the FCC in the US, the CCTS in Canada or the TIO in Australia. All three expect you to try the provider first.
How to read a utility bill: kWh, rates and fixed charges explained
An electricity bill multiplies the kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used by a rate, then adds fixed charges, delivery charges and taxes, minus any credits. Check whether the meter reading is actual or estimated, compare daily use, and match the rates with your plan.
Letters and forms
Official notices and what they ask you to do. 2 guides.
Got a jury summons? What the letter means and how to check it
A jury summons means a federal, state or local court has selected you for possible jury service. Follow its instructions, which often include a questionnaire with a deadline. To check it's real, contact the court named on the letter using details from the court's official website.
Vehicle registration renewal notice: what to check before paying
A registration renewal notice tells you when your vehicle's registration expires, what it costs to renew and what else is needed, such as a smog check or proof of insurance. Renew through your state DMV's official website or office. Rules, fees and grace periods vary by state.