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.
This edition of the Reader is dedicated toyour computer, your toilet, your savings account and other minutiae of daily life that present opportunities to spend less, save more and otherwise improve your financial position. We've got tips on reducing the hit to your water bill from flushing the toilet endless times every year, for reducing the amount of power your computer uses and for pumping up your savings.
There's also the usual complement of investing and real estate-related nuggets (cottage owners, there's one here for you), plus a look at good and bad movie snacks.
Found something on the Internet that your fellow investors might enjoy? Talk to me at rcarrick@globeandmail.com.
Note: If you're having trouble reading this e-mail, try viewing the Reader online.
From The Globe and Mail
The best Canadian money blogs, as decided by Globe readers.
Selling the family cottage? Tax writer Tim Cestnick offers this advice.
Inheriting or bequeathing the cottage instead? Check out our readers' Q&A with estate-planner Elaine Blades.
And here are a few tips on avoiding the pitfalls of cottage succession.
Are you an emotional shopper? Angela Self has some advice on how to control your impulses.
Must Reads From Around the Web
Savings Central I find more and more people are asking about Ally, the online bank with the 2-per-cent interest rate on its savings accounts. The Canadian Capitalist blog has tried Ally and likes it.
Rules for not wasting money on clothes from Sally Bjornsen, who organized the Great American Apparel Diet, in which she and dozens of women from around the world decided to take a year-long break from buying clothing.
How not to flush money down the toilet.
Ten ways to make your computer more energy efficient (yes, they do consume a significant amount of electricity).
Investorama The self-styled financial philosopher Ken Norquay strongly urges you decrease the risk level in your financial holdings.
Worth noting if you fear a double-dip recession: Demand for U.S. sports cars priced at $100,000 (U.S.) or more is expected to jump 42 per cent this year.
The Dividend Guy blog makes a point that investors sometimes ignore - high yields on dividend stocks are warning signals, not invitations to buy.
A reader of the Balance Junkie blog wrote in recently asking for suggestions on how to invest a large sum of money received by her husband through an insurance settlement. Here's the advice that was offered.
Real Estate Roundup Dave the mortgage planner takes you through the mortgage fine print you need to know about.
Financial adviser and blogger David Christianson explains the intricacies of passing a cottage down to a family member.
Best and Worst Movie Snacks Good to see that Kit-Kat, a personal fave, is on the best list.
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Rob Carrick