Graham, like millions of other Canadians, has and uses credit cards. He often carries a balance from month to month and is concerned about making the monthly payments if he becomes disabled or gets seriously ill. Graham doesn't want to stick his family with the balance if he dies before paying it off.

The credit card company offered him Credit Balance Insurance (CBI) that would take care of these concerns. After looking over the offer, he wondered if it was such a good deal.

Clarke owned a small business that employed three other people besides him. He had sole signing authority on his business bank account, and personally had a joint mortgage on his home with his wife, Lois. His car was registered in his name only. Clarke was generous with gifts on special occasions and holidays for his children and his wife, and supported several charities on a regular basis.

Tragically, Clarke was involved as a passenger in a serious car wreck and suffered a brain injury. He was not able to look after his own financial affairs for almost a year. His business had to be taken care of, his mortgage term had to be renewed, his vehicle registration and insurance needed renewing, birthdays and holidays came and went, and charities relied on his support.