Walletpop Canada http://www.walletpop.ca/blog Walletpop Canada http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/media/feedlogo.gif Walletpop Canada http://www.walletpop.ca/blog en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/A Simple Packing Trick to Avoid Airline Baggage Feeshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/01/26/a-simple-packing-trick-to-avoid-airline-baggage-fees/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/01/26/a-simple-packing-trick-to-avoid-airline-baggage-fees/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/01/26/a-simple-packing-trick-to-avoid-airline-baggage-fees/#commentsFiled under: , ,

baggage feesThere's something strangely satisfying and less stressful about flying with only carry-on luggage.

The first snicker of satisfaction comes when you arrive at the airport with your boarding pass already printed off the internet and breeze past the line of people waiting to check in their bags. The second is knowing that you've avoided paying check-in baggage fees (this is not so much an issue on Canadian airlines, but you really need to watch out for them in the U.S. or on budget airlines around the world -- they hurt. Ouch!) Third is knowing that the airline won't lose your luggage (it's a slim chance, but it does happen.) And fourth is being able to walk straight off the plane, past those waiting for the baggage conveyor belt to start up, and straight out of the airport.

Before you say that there's no way you could fit everything you need into your carry-on, read on.

Continue reading A Simple Packing Trick to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees

A Simple Packing Trick to Avoid Airline Baggage Fees originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>airlinesavoid feesAvoidFeesbackpackbaggage feesBaggageFeesboardingbudget airlinesBudgetAirlinescanadacanadian airlinesCanadianAirlinescheapcompression sackCompressionSackflyingholidaysluggagemarch breakMarchBreakoutdoor researchOutdoorResearchpackpackingsave moneysave spaceSaveMoneySaveSpacesimple trickSimpleTrickspacespace bagSpaceBagsuitcasetiptraveltravellingu.s.vacationAlia McMullenThu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 ESTParents Struggling to Afford Hockey Feeshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/28/parents-struggling-to-afford-hockey-fees/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/28/parents-struggling-to-afford-hockey-fees/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/28/parents-struggling-to-afford-hockey-fees/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One third of hockey moms and dads say they need to dig deep into their pockets in order to afford the costs of involving their kids in Canada's most popular sport, according to a survey.

In other words, of the roughly 577,000 kids enrolled in minor hockey, the parents of about 192,350 of them are struggling to meet the costs.

So how much are Canadians paying to send their kids along to the game?

Continue reading Parents Struggling to Afford Hockey Fees

Parents Struggling to Afford Hockey Fees originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>affordablecanadacashchildrencostexpensivefundraisinghockeyice skatesIceSkateskidsmoneyparentsplansavingscotiabanksponsorshipsurveyteamunaffordableAlia McMullenThu, 28 Apr 2011 05:00:00 ESTGoogle Offers Free Websites for Small Businesseshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/10/google-offers-free-websites-for-small-businesses/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/10/google-offers-free-websites-for-small-businesses/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/10/google-offers-free-websites-for-small-businesses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now there is no excuse for not putting your business online. Google, in conjunction with web host firm Yola, has launched its ¨Get You Business Online¨ campaign in Canada, giving small businesses the chance to trial their business on the world wide web for free.

The campaign, which has been running in Australia and the UK, is designed to help all those small businesses who think that creating a website is too hard, time consuming or expensive.

Continue reading Google Offers Free Websites for Small Businesses

Google Offers Free Websites for Small Businesses originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>canadacashcontentcreatecustomersdevelopmentfreefree websiteFreeWebsiteget your business onlineGetYourBusinessOnlinegooglegybo.calistedmoneyonlinesearch engineSearchEnginesmall businessSmallBusinesstoolswebsiteworld wide webWorldWideWebwwwyolaAlia McMullenSun, 10 Apr 2011 17:00:00 ESTHow to Survive a Personal Finance Crisishttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/30/personal-finance-crisis-10-ways-to-survive/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/30/personal-finance-crisis-10-ways-to-survive/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/30/personal-finance-crisis-10-ways-to-survive/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

personal financeNo one ever strives to find themselves strapped for cash, deep in debt or bankrupt, but the unfortunate truth is that it happens. People lose their jobs, become ill, injured or sadly lose a bread winner in the family.

In any of these cases, the pain caused by the event is amplified by the ongoing financial struggle. However, there are some steps you can take to prepare your finances and minimize the stress.

Inspired by an article in the Globe and Mail, here are 10 steps you can take to help get you through a personal finance meltdown:



RELATED LINKS *
Saving On Auto Insurance: A Few Useful Tips
* Frugal Tips to Help You Afford Your Inner Diva
* Want to Save $10,000 in 2011? Ditch Your Car

How to Survive a Personal Finance Crisis originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>personal financePersonalFinanceCrisissurvivalAlia McMullenWed, 30 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTFinancial Complaints Hit Record Highhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/21/financial-complaints-hit-record-high/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/21/financial-complaints-hit-record-high/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/21/financial-complaints-hit-record-high/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

financial complaintsThe number of financial complaints made to Canada's Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI) reached a record high in 2010, despite the fact that the worst of the global financial crisis had passed.

Last year, 1,024 complaints were made to the OBSI, which is an independent financial dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses.

Complaints rose 3.4% in 2010, building on the enormous 48% jump in 2009 at the height of the financial crisis. The new figure marks the first time in the organization's 15 year history that complaints have risen above 1,000.

Continue reading Financial Complaints Hit Record High

Financial Complaints Hit Record High originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bankscanadacomplaintsconsumer complaintsConsumerComplaintsfinancial complaintsfinancial crisisFinancial Services OmbudsNetworkFinancialComplaintsFinancialCrisisFinancialServicesOmbudsnetworkhow to complainHowToComplaininsuranceinsurerinvestmentsmutual fundsMutualFundsobsiombudsmanOmbudsman for Banking Services and InvestmentsOmbudsmanForBankingServicesAndInvestmentsrecord highRecordHighAlia McMullenMon, 21 Mar 2011 16:00:00 ESTRate Hike Fears Ease On Shock Inflation Figureshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/20/rate-hike-fears-ease-on-shock-inflation-figures/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/20/rate-hike-fears-ease-on-shock-inflation-figures/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/20/rate-hike-fears-ease-on-shock-inflation-figures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A record low increase in core consumer prices was the last thing economists expected to see, especially given recent advances in the Canadian economy. However, a record low increase is what we got, taking the pressure off the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates anytime soon.

Core inflation -- a measure of the cost of living -- rose only 0.9% in the 12 months ended February, the lowest reading since records began in 1984. In fact, a reading that low would usually cause the Bank of Canada to lower interest rates to stimulate the economy and price increases.

Continue reading Rate Hike Fears Ease On Shock Inflation Figures

Rate Hike Fears Ease On Shock Inflation Figures originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bank of canadaBankOfCanadacanadacanadian dollarCanadianDollarcentral bankCentralBankconsumer pricesConsumerPricescore inflationCoreInflationcostcost of livingCostOfLivingcpieconomistseconomyenergyfoodgasheadline inflationHeadlineInflationinflationinterest ratesInterestRatesloonierecord lowRecordLowriseunderstanding the numbersUnderstandingTheNumbersAlia McMullenSun, 20 Mar 2011 12:00:00 ESTImproved Housing Affordability Won't Last, Says RBChttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/13/improved-housing-affordability-wont-last-says-rbc/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/13/improved-housing-affordability-wont-last-says-rbc/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/13/improved-housing-affordability-wont-last-says-rbc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The steady decline in mortgage rates combined with slow house price appreciation has made the past few months some of the most affordable in recent years to buy a home in Canada. In fact, a report by the Royal Bank of Canada shows that housing affordability improved for a second straight quarter at the end of 2010.

However, as the Canadian economy continues to improve, the experts say that these attractive buying conditions will not last.

Continue reading Improved Housing Affordability Won't Last, Says RBC

Improved Housing Affordability Won't Last, Says RBC originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>affordabilityatlantic canadaAtlanticCanadabritish columbiaBritishColumbiaCalgarycanadacheapercostEdmontonhouse priceshousehold incomeHouseholdIncomeHousePriceshousinginterest ratesInterestRatesMontrealmortgage ratesMortgageRatesrbcRoyal Bank of CanadaRoyalBankOfCanadaTorontoVancouverAlia McMullenSun, 13 Mar 2011 23:00:00 ESTBMO Named Canada's Best Bank By Consumershttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/12/bmo-named-canadas-best-bank-by-consumers/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/12/bmo-named-canadas-best-bank-by-consumers/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/12/bmo-named-canadas-best-bank-by-consumers/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's important to have a good relationship with your bank; after all, you're entrusting it with your life's savings, investments and debts -- and paying fees to boot. Luckily for Canadians, we've an array of good banks. But which one should you choose?

In terms of general customer satisfaction, credit union customers are Canada's happiest bankers, according to a Financial Post article based on a poll of more than 2,000 adults compiled by Forum Research in March. The poll shows that 74% of credit union members are "very satisfied" with their institution.

Among the big banks, Bank of Montreal has the highest percentage of happy customers, with 72% saying they are "very satisfied" with the service they receive. But not all banks perform so well.

Continue reading BMO Named Canada's Best Bank By Consumers

BMO Named Canada's Best Bank By Consumers originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adviceatmbank of montrealBankOfMontrealbanksbest bankBestBankbmocanadacanadian imperial bank of commerceCanadianImperialBankOfCommercecibccredit unionsCreditUnionscustomer serviceCustomerServicefinancialfinancial postFinancialPostforum researchForumResearchhappyhsbcpollrbcroyal bank of canadaRoyalBankOfCanadascotiabankservicetdAlia McMullenSat, 12 Mar 2011 17:00:00 ESTWhy Canadian Stocks Are a Good Buy in 2011http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/04/why-canadian-stocks-are-a-good-buy-in-2011/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/04/why-canadian-stocks-are-a-good-buy-in-2011/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/04/why-canadian-stocks-are-a-good-buy-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Canadian investors are in luck: our home stock market is predicted to chalk up some of the best returns in the world this year amid continued economic struggles in Europe and the United States and political turmoil in the Middle East.

"Relative to the U.S. or east Asia, Canada's equity market carries more insurance against a worsening geopolitical climate in the Middle East, in the form of a larger basket of energy stocks and safe havens like gold shares," Avery Shenfeld, the chief economist at CIBC, says in an economic report.

He says that while a diversified investment portfolio is always wise, this year it looks like Canadian stocks will offer you some of the best growth opportunities.

Continue reading Why Canadian Stocks Are a Good Buy in 2011

Why Canadian Stocks Are a Good Buy in 2011 originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>avery shenfeldAveryShenfeldbanksbondscibcearningseuropegoldgrowthinflationinterest ratesInterestRatesinvestinginvestmentmaterialsmiddle eastMiddleEastoilportfolioprofitsshare marketShareMarketsharesstabilitystock marketsStockMarketstoronto stock exchangeTorontoStockExchangetreasuriestsxunited statesUnitedStatesAlia McMullenFri, 04 Mar 2011 16:30:00 ESTInterest Rates May Rise Sooner Than Previously Thoughthttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/03/interest-rates-may-rise-sooner-than-previously-thought/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/03/interest-rates-may-rise-sooner-than-previously-thought/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/03/03/interest-rates-may-rise-sooner-than-previously-thought/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It turns out that Canada's economy is in much better shape than previously thought, causing economists to bring forward their predictions of an interest rate hike.

"The recovery in Canada is proceeding slightly faster than expected, and there is more evidence of the anticipated rebalancing of demand," Canada's central bank governor Mark Carney said in a statement Tuesday.

Continue reading Interest Rates May Rise Sooner Than Previously Thought

Interest Rates May Rise Sooner Than Previously Thought originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>aprilavery shenfeldbank of canadaBankOfCanadacanadian dollarcentral bankCentralBankcibcconsumer pricescpieconomic growthEconomicGrowtheconomygdpinflationinterest ratesInterestRatesmark carneyMarkCarneymonetary policyMonetaryPolicyAlia McMullenThu, 03 Mar 2011 11:00:00 ESTFreeze Minimum Wages, Business Group Sayshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/27/freeze-minimum-wages-business-group-says/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/27/freeze-minimum-wages-business-group-says/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/27/freeze-minimum-wages-business-group-says/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Increases to the minimum wage in Canada hurt the very people they are supposed to help, according to a new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), an association for small to medium-sized businesses.

The group argues that provincially regulated increases to minimum wages cause small businesses to either cut jobs, reduce staff hours or postpone new hires. Using their own estimates, they say a 10% increase in minimum wages against all provinces would cost the Canadian economy up to 321,300 jobs.

"At a time when the economy is in slow recovery, the last thing governments should be considering are policies that further hinder job creation," said Marilyn Braun-Pollon, CFIB's Vice President for Saskatchewan and co-author of the report.

Continue reading Freeze Minimum Wages, Business Group Says

Freeze Minimum Wages, Business Group Says originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>b.c.businesscanadacanadian federation of independent businessCanadianFederationOfIndependentBusinesscfibcost of livingCostOfLivingentrepreneurfreezelow paidLowPaidminimum wageMinimumWagepayprovincialreportsalarysmall businessSmallBusinesstaxtax reliefTaxRelieftrainingwagesAlia McMullenSun, 27 Feb 2011 11:00:00 ESTCanadians Driven To Drink As Wine Sales Surgehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/26/canadians-driven-to-drink-as-wine-sales-surge/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/26/canadians-driven-to-drink-as-wine-sales-surge/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/26/canadians-driven-to-drink-as-wine-sales-surge/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wine sales in Canada are rising six times faster than in the rest of the world, putting Canada on track to become the world's third largest wine importer behind China and the U.S. in the coming years, a global market research report has found.

But increasing imports are not the country's only source of vino, with local production and sales surging. Sales of spirits are also growing steadily.

The report, conducted by research firm IWSR for the wine and spirits industry group VINEXPO, does not track beer sales, although it appears an interesting dynamic is occurring: While the value of beer sales has continued to inch up in Canada, figures show that per capita consumption has been on the decline since the mid 1970s. In effect, Canadians are developing a more "cultured" palate.

Continue reading Canadians Driven To Drink As Wine Sales Surge

Canadians Driven To Drink As Wine Sales Surge originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>alcoholbeercanadachangeconsumptiondomesticfrancegrowinggrowthimportitalymarketmarketingred wineRedWinereportrosesalesspiritsvaluevinexpowhite wineWhiteWinewinewinesAlia McMullenSat, 26 Feb 2011 23:00:00 ESTCanadian Business Leaders Eye Free Trade With Europe, Chinahttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/22/canadian-business-leaders-eye-free-trade-with-europe-china/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/22/canadian-business-leaders-eye-free-trade-with-europe-china/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/22/canadian-business-leaders-eye-free-trade-with-europe-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,

free tradeCanadian business leaders have come out in overwhelming support of the free trade negotiations with the European Union and say a deal with China would also be beneficial to Canada's economy.

More than 90 per cent of Canadian business executives believe Canada has benefited from existing free trade agreements (FTA), a survey of 200 senior executives by national business law firm Miller Thomson LLP showed. Canada has FTAs with the U.S. and Mexico (NAFTA), Panama, Jordan, Peru, Chile and Israel.

About 60 per cent of Canadian business leaders said free trade with the European Union should be a government priority and 37 per cent said the government needs to urgently examine Canada's trade relationship with China.

Continue reading Canadian Business Leaders Eye Free Trade With Europe, China

Canadian Business Leaders Eye Free Trade With Europe, China originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>agreementbusinesscanadacheesechinadairydiversifyeconomyEUeuropeeuropean unionEuropeanUnionforeign marketsForeignMarketsfree tradeFreeTradeftagovernmentnegotiationsopportunityottawarecessiontalksunited statesUnitedStatesAlia McMullenTue, 22 Feb 2011 15:00:00 ESTTop 10 Sexiest Hotels in the Worldhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/17/top-10-sexiest-hotels-in-the-world/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/17/top-10-sexiest-hotels-in-the-world/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/17/top-10-sexiest-hotels-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

So you want to surprise your special someone with a romantic getaway but you're struggling to come up with something new. You've already done the fancy hotel with rose petals, champagne and chocolates and you've been to a tropical beach. Thankfully, there is an alternative: the sexy hotel.

Now before you get the wrong idea, these hotels are anything but trashy. They are elegant, fun-filled theme rooms that are sure to create the romantic atmosphere you're seeking without dredging up the same old tricks (not that there's anything wrong with flowers, chocolates and champagne ... it's just that they can be predictable.)

The Luxury Travel Bible has just released its Top 10 Sexiest hotels, all guaranteed to please. If only for a night, get your credit card ready to live a lifestyle fit for James Bond, Hugh Hefner or Austin Powers.

Top 10 Sexiest Hotels in the World originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>007andaz hotelAndazHotelaustin powersAustinPowerscanadacrazy bear hotelCrazyBearHotelflemming houseFlemmingHousefrancehotel amorehotel sezzHotelAmorehotelsHotelSezzitalyjames bondJamesBondmilannew yorkNewYorknight new yorkNightNewYorkparisromantic getawaysRomanticGetawayssan diegoSanDiegosexsexiestsexythe library hotelthe luxury travel biblethe sevven hotelTheLibraryHotelTheLuxuryTravelBibleTheSevvenHotelUKusaAlia McMullenThu, 17 Feb 2011 19:00:00 ESTHometown Weddings on the Decline in Canadahttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/17/hometown-weddings-on-the-decline-in-canada/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/17/hometown-weddings-on-the-decline-in-canada/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/17/hometown-weddings-on-the-decline-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In a sign of the times, it appears that good old traditional hometown weddings are on the wane with a growing number of Canadians preferring to say "I do" at their dream destination.

Fifty per cent of Canadians said they would prefer a destination wedding opposed to a traditional wedding, according to a survey of 2,353 adults conducted by Ipsos Descarie for travel companies Nolitours and Transat Holidays. The destination wedding is even more popular among the 35-54 age group, with 60% of those surveyed preferring the dream getaway option compared to only 17% wanting a traditional wedding close to home.

But funny enough, a quick survey between me and my six closest friends shows similar results. Three of us recently had destination weddings, three got married relatively close to home, and one has yet to tie the knot.

Continue reading Hometown Weddings on the Decline in Canada

Hometown Weddings on the Decline in Canada originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>affordableasiabeachbridecanadacruisedestinationeuropeexpensivehomehometownmarriagenolitourssurveytraditionaltransatweddingsAlia McMullenThu, 17 Feb 2011 07:00:00 ESTToronto Revels in Record Tourist Seasonhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/07/toronto-revels-in-record-tourist-season/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/07/toronto-revels-in-record-tourist-season/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/07/toronto-revels-in-record-tourist-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

touristToronto attracted a record number of tourists and made strides in a number of key tourist markets in 2010, triumphing over significant headwinds from the high Canadian dollar and weak U.S. economy.

Canada's largest city welcomed more than 10 million overnight visitors during the year with the number of hotel rooms sold reaching over 8.93 million, the highest level ever, according to Tourism Toronto. These tourist spent a combined $4.5 billion, providing a significant source of income for local businesses.

The success has been a boon for Toronto, which outshone Vancouver despite that city playing host to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Continue reading Toronto Revels in Record Tourist Season

Toronto Revels in Record Tourist Season originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2010bookingsbrazilcanadacanadian dollarCanadianDollarconferencesconventionsdelegateshotelsindiajapanoccupancy ratesOccupancyRatesovernight staysOvernightStaysrecordsmith travel researchSmithTravelResearchtorontotourismtouristunited statesUnitedStatesvancouvervisitorsAlia McMullenMon, 07 Feb 2011 15:00:00 ESTCanadians Stop Borrowing, But Record Debt Persistshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/02/canadians-stop-borrowing-but-record-debt-persists/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/02/canadians-stop-borrowing-but-record-debt-persists/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/02/canadians-stop-borrowing-but-record-debt-persists/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Canadians have begun to react to fears about record debt levels with household debt rising at its lowest rate in 15 years in November. But while growth has slowed significantly, it is yet to reverse the rising trend, meaning the record-breaking run of mounting debt continues.

The good news is that Canadians are starting to take better care of their finances. Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist at CIBC, said household credit, once adjusted for inflation, rose by only 0.27 per cent in November. Meanwhile, data for the third quarter of last year showed that household credit rose at its slowest pace since 2001. The number of unpaid credit card bills has also stabilized at below one per cent.

Despite the improvement, Mr. Tal says there are still some concerning developments in Canada's debt situation.

Continue reading Canadians Stop Borrowing, But Record Debt Persists

Canadians Stop Borrowing, But Record Debt Persists originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>benjamin talBenjaminTalborrowingcanadacanadianscibccontrolcredit cardsCreditCardsdebtdebt-to-income ratioDebt-to-incomeRatiodeclineemploymentincomejobsmortgagespositivereal estateRealEstaterecord debtRecordDebtriseslowspendingAlia McMullenWed, 02 Feb 2011 20:00:00 ESTWords to Avoid When Marketing Ideas or Productshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/02/words-to-avoid-when-marketing-ideas-or-products/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/02/words-to-avoid-when-marketing-ideas-or-products/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/02/words-to-avoid-when-marketing-ideas-or-products/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Buzzwords are commonplace in the marketing world, so common in fact that using them may actually work against you.

Marketing and advertising professionals say overused phrases and industry jargon generally fail to capture the full attention of your audience. It's probable that your audience may actually find these buzzwords annoying.

WHAT NOT TO SAY:

A survey of 250 advertising and marketing professionals by The Creative Group has uncovered the 15 most annoying and overused buzzwords in the industry. So next time you have some ideas to pitch, try to find some alternative ways to say:

Continue reading Words to Avoid When Marketing Ideas or Products

Words to Avoid When Marketing Ideas or Products originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>adadvertisingadviceaudiencebuzzwordsclichesentrepreneurjargonmarketingsmall businessSmallBusinesssuccessthe creative groupTheCreativeGroupwordsAlia McMullenWed, 02 Feb 2011 18:00:00 ESTTips for Buying Your First Home in Canadahttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/01/tips-for-buying-your-first-home-in-canada/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/01/tips-for-buying-your-first-home-in-canada/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/02/01/tips-for-buying-your-first-home-in-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

first homeOwning a place to call your own is understandably a top priority for many Canadians. Buying that first or only home is also likely to be the biggest financial decision many of us will ever make.

Like any decision that involves large amounts of money, there are good choices and bad choices that can be made that will have huge impacts on your finances decades down the track, possibly resulting in differences of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Navigating the maze of choices can be exhausting, but spending that time to do your research will pay off.

Here are some tips and resources for those setting foot in the market for the very first time:

Continue reading Tips for Buying Your First Home in Canada

Tips for Buying Your First Home in Canada originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>advicebrokercanadachmccondocostdepositfeesfirst homefirst home buyerFirstHomeFirstHomeBuyerhome loanHomeLoanhouseinterestmortgagepropertyreal estateRealEstateremaxsavesavingstaxtipsAlia McMullenTue, 01 Feb 2011 11:30:00 ESTHow to Optimize Your RRSP Investment Portfolio for 2011http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/01/27/how-to-optimize-your-rrsp-investment-portfolio-for-2011/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/01/27/how-to-optimize-your-rrsp-investment-portfolio-for-2011/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/01/27/how-to-optimize-your-rrsp-investment-portfolio-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Best RRSP investment opportunitiesAfter a shocking start to the year, Canadian pension plans recovered most of their losses toward the end of 2010, helped by stock market gains and a slight rebound in long-term government bond yields.

Investment fund managers expect this gradual improvement to continue in 2011 as stock markets rise and long-term bond yields inch marginally higher on the back of interest rate increases, according to a survey by Mercer Investment Consulting.

Pension plans suffered throughout the first three quarters of 2010 due to declining long-term government bond yields, a factor that offset decent stock market returns. However, Mercer says a 20 basis point increase in yields in the last three months of the year helped the typical balanced portfolio to a return of 9.2 per cent over the year. Mercer data show that 'Canadian equities' was the best performing asset class in 2010 with a return of 17.6 per cent. On the other hand, the strengthening Canadian dollar had a negative affect on foreign equity returns throughout the year.

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How to Optimize Your RRSP Investment Portfolio for 2011 originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>20102011adviceassetsbondscanadacanadian dollarCanadianDollaremerging marketsEmergingMarketsequitiesinvestinvestmentMerceroiloverweightpension plansPensionPlansprofitsregistered retirement savings planRegisteredRetirementSavingsPlanreturnsRRSPsharesstock marketStockMarketstockstipstsxAlia McMullenThu, 27 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST