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Welcome to the Globe and Mail Personal Finance Reader. I’m Rob Carrick, personal finance columnist at The Globe, and twice weekly I compile a list of articles, blog postings, videos and websites that represent the best of what the online world has to offer on money-related subjects.
I hate to mention this as summer draws to an end, but it was just about two years ago that the global financial crisis triggered the worst stock market crash most investors have ever seen. Stocks have bounced a long way back since then, but recent volatility and fears about the economic recovery have kept investors on edge. The Reader is here to help. In this edition, you'll find lots of perspective on the markets and the economy, as well as some ideas for stocks to consider.
There's also a link to Time's list of top websites -- many financial sites to investigate -- plus financial etiquette tips for couples, a look at the success of Groupon, the online bargain hunter's friend, and some ideas to help ensure you'll be paid if you make an insurance claim.
And from The Globe and Mail, advice on how to increase your wealth simply by thinking like rich people do. If only it were that easy!
Found something on the Internet that your fellow investors might enjoy? Talk to me at rcarrick@globeandmail.com.
From The Globe and Mail
Could your middle-class attitude be holding you back from a life of luxury? The Home Cents blog explores how rich people are different, with an excerpt from Steve Siebold's new book, How Rich People Think.
Thinking about taking out a loan for post-secondary education? We look at the myths surrounding student aid in this Let's Talk Investing video.
For students getting their first credit cards, here's some advice on how to use them properly.
The recession has left many companies scrambling, but here are six that are actually thriving.
If you have children, does it make more sense to keep working or stay home?
Do you store all your financial information in your head? If so, here are some tips on how to store it safely online or on your computer.
Must Reads From Around the Web
Investorama
This one's for all the investors who are giving up on the stock market and putting their money in bonds. Stocks have a future, argues Dr. Charles Lieberman, chief investment officer at the U.S. money management firm Advisors Capital Management.
Veteran fund manager Larry Sarbit wrote in The Globe this week that now is a good time to buy U.S. stocks.
If you're persuaded, here's a list of 10 highly rated stocks in the Dow Jones industrial average.
The Motley Fool website says Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, part of Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management, is a dividend giant approaching its prime.
The Chinese economy, gold and a few other potential financial bubbles highlighted by CNNMoney.
Meet the country with the world’s best performing stock market, Australia.
An argument about how and why we will see hyper-inflation, even as many financial experts worry about deflation.
Online Update
Time's 50 Top Websites list contains quite a few under the financial and productivity category that are worth a look.
Also check out StockTwits, which made Time's list under the social media category. StockTwits allows you to track discussions about stocks on Twitter.
Bargain Central
Read about the surging popularity of Groupon, an online coupon website where the deals apply if enough people sign up to participate.
Dating Advice
Money etiquette for couples. For example, how to tell who should pay for a meal when you’re dating, and how to divide up bills when your live-in partner or spouse makes a lot more or less than you.
Ten cars not to drive on a first date.
The New York Times offers advice on how to be frugal and still get asked out on dates.
Making ‘Em Pay
Advice on how to ensure as best you can that your insurer will pay out should you make a claim.
Avoid Debt Disaster
A quiz to see how dire your debt situation is.
Editor's note: If you don't receive Rob Carrick's newsletter twice weekly by e-mail, you can sign up to get it for free at The Globe and Mail. All you need to do is register for the site, or if you've already registered, login and go to your profile at the top of the homepage. Once you're in your profile, look under Newsletters and Alerts and look for the Personal Finance Reader and other newsletters. Other financial newsletters include:
- Business Ticker, a summary of the day's top business stories
- Berman's Market Update, a summary of the markets at the open, noon and close
- Globe Investor Magazine, a biweekly collection of smart investment ideas and portfolio management stories
- Trade by Numbers, a monthly collection of articles exploring an investing trend or theme
Sign up for one of our newsletters and you'll have a chance to win a free Investing for Canadians for Dummies book. The draw for 10 lucky winners will be held at the end of summer.
