A pair of female feet standing on a bathroom scale
The best of the Web on money, markets and all things financial, as chosen daily by Globe and Mail personal finance columnist Rob Carrick.
Save Money, Gain Weight
Read here about how scientists have determined that the brain has a limited reservoir of willpower. So people who cut back on spending may not have the mental energy in the short term to keep weight under control.
The Shrinking Mortgage Discount
The Canadian Mortgage Trends blog explains how lenders are cutting way back on the discounts available on variable-rate mortgages. If you're in the market for a home and want to go variable, lock in a good rate now.
The Dumbest Trend Ever
Apparently, a growing number of Americans are buying and leasing cars without first taking them for a test drive. Don't do this. Cars are expensive – make sure you've got the right one before buying by spending some time behind the wheel. And don't let the sales person send you out with the gas gauge on empty. Ask for more fuel so you can give the vehicle a proper run through that ideally includes the highway and parking in a crowded lot.
Here's a semi-serious look at five vehicles that are worth their high pricetag.
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Rob Carrick