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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/10 Things You Didn't Know About J.Crewhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/23/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-crew/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/23/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-crew/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/23/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-j-crew/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

10 things you didn't know about J CrewJ.Crew is a fashion label known for making affordable designer-style ruffled tees, pencil skirts and "boyfriend" blouses accessible to the masses. It's created its own look -- a mix of feminine/masculine chic -- and in doing so, created its own devoted following. With constant online sales campaigns, drawing in fashion-conscious buyers who love a deal, plus smart marketing that promotes the brand as a glamorous yet laidback lifestyle, J.Crew fashion has become in demand at a time when many retailers are struggling to find an identity. Here are 10 things you might not have known behind J.Crew's success story:

SLIDESHOW: 10 Things You Didn't Know About J. Crew

1. J. Crew in Canada2. Preppy label was founded in 19833. Bestseller was the J. Crew Bible4. The 90's Grunge era trumped preppy style5. Mickey Drexler engineered a comeback6. The face of J. Crew7. The First Lady's love of the label8. Jenna Lyon gets celebrity divorce treatment



RELATED LINKS:
10 Things You Didn't Know About Indigo
17 Things You Should Always Buy New
15 Things You Should Never Pay For

10 Things You Didn't Know About J.Crew originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 23 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Barack ObamaBarackObamacrewcutsGPSJ.CrewJ.Crew Canadaj.crew clothingj.crew designersj.crew salej.crew storeJ.crewCanadaJ.crewClothingJ.crewDesignersJ.crewSaleJ.crewStorejenna lyonsJenna Lyons divorcejenna lyons j.crewjenna lyons styleJennaLyonsJennaLyonsDivorceJennaLyonsJ.crewJennaLyonsStyleMichelle ObamaMichelle Obama Fashionmichelle obama styleMichelleObamaMichelleObamaFashionMichelleObamaStylemickey drexlerMickeyDrexleronline shoppingOnlineShoppingpresident obamaPresidentObamaMartha WorboyThu, 23 May 2013 10:30:00 EST10 Things You Didn't Know About Indigohttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/15/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-indigo/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/15/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-indigo/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/15/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-indigo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's the largest book retailer in Canada and some even blame the demise of the independent bookstore in our country on the book retailing giant. It's core business is books and - to a degree - music, but the store also has become known for selling lifestyle products, including toys and decorative home accessories. It's become a haven for people who want to take their time browsing magazines and fiction and who might want a Starbucks latte while they're at it. But despite the obvious, there might be a few things you didn't know about Indigo's story and the top people behind it. Have a look at 10 things you didn't know about Indigo:

{C}SLIDESHOW: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Indigo

1. Banning of Mein Kampf2. Sale of Kobo unit3. The Indigo boycott movement4. The Love of Reading Foundation5. The academics' protest6. Bookstores merge to form Indigo7. The controversy over lifestyle products8. Switching political sides

Continue reading 10 Things You Didn't Know About Indigo

10 Things You Didn't Know About Indigo originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>book shopsBookShopsChapters bookstoreChapters IndigoChaptersBookstoreChaptersIndigoGerry SchwartzGerrySchwartzHeather ReismanHeatherReismanIDGindigoIndigo booksindigo books and musicIndigo storyIndigoBooksIndigoBooksAndMusicIndigoStorykobo readerKoboReaderLove of ReadingLoveOfReadingReismansuperstoresMartha WorboyWed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 ESTFive Ways to Get Fit For Free This Summerhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/get-fit-for-free-this-summer/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/get-fit-for-free-this-summer/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/get-fit-for-free-this-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

You're tired of dreading summer because it means more time in shorts and a swimsuit so you've made a commitment to get back into shape. That's great but... How? Unless you're part of the one per cent, personal trainers may be out of the question. Gyms are fine but at $60-$100 a month they add up too. Even purchasing home exercise equipment can mean spending a large sum of money at first. Here are five ways you can re-discover your best bod without having monthly fees or investing big money into a home gym.

SLIDESHOW: Cheap or Free Ways To Get Fit For Summer

Bring a Trainer HomeStart RunningThere's an App for ThatStart ReadingPay Attention to Your Diet Too

Five Ways to Get Fit For Free This Summer originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CTCdiet tipsdieting tipsDietingTipsDietTipsexercise tipsExerciseTipsfitnessfitness tipfitness tipsFitnessTipFitnessTipsGet fit fastget fit for summerget fit on a budgetGetFitFastGetFitForSummerGetFitOnABudgetlose weightlose weight fastlose weight for summerLoseWeightLoseWeightFastLoseWeightForSummernutrition tipsNutritionTipsPVHWMTwork out from homeworking outWorkingOutworkout tipsWorkOutFromHomeWorkoutTipsMartha WorboyTue, 14 May 2013 14:45:00 ESTRoom Renovation On A Budget: What To Splurge And Skimp Onhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/06/budget-room-renovation/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/06/budget-room-renovation/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/06/budget-room-renovation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Room Renovation On a BudgetIf you're craving a freshness in your home that won't be satisfied by simply moving a few things around, maybe it's time for a change. In my case it was a loveseat my two young sons have outgrown (since they started wrestling on it) that sparked our home renovation. It was time to get a new, bigger, plusher couch. Now that we've purchased said couch and it's arriving in six to eight weeks, it's sparked even bigger changes. But I've learned through our renovation there are certain areas where it makes sense to splurge and certain areas where it makes more sense to save.

Here are some tips on affording a room renovation you'll actually finish:

SLIDESHOW: Room Reno on a Budget

1. Spend More On Big-Ticket Items That Will Last.2. Spend Your Money On Something That'll Improve Your Lifestyle.3. Punch Up Your Room With Paint.4. Go Neutral With Drapes, Couches And Rugs.5. Get Creative With Lighting.6. Knick-Knacks Can Be Inexpensive And Add Character.7. Save On Art By DIYing.Recycle By Reupholstering.

Room Renovation On A Budget: What To Splurge And Skimp On originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 06 May 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>budget homewarebudget room renovationcouchcouchesdecorating ideasdecorating tipsdo it yourselfdrapeshome accessorieshome paintinghome renovationhome renovationslightinglighting solutionsmattresspaint jobpaintingrenovation tipsreupholsteringroom designroom renovationshelvesMartha WorboyMon, 06 May 2013 18:01:00 ESTFive Things You Didn't Know About Canada's Big Bankshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/01/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-canadas-big-banks/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/01/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-canadas-big-banks/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/01/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-canadas-big-banks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Greece and Cyprus are a mess and much of Europe is poised to join them. Canada's relative stability has been credited to, among others, the conservative and risk-averse nature of our five big banks -- RBC, TD Bank, CIBC, Scotiabank and BMO. Over the past five years Canadians have gained a new appreciation for our banking system and yet, there are some key things that many of us don't know -- but should -- about our big banks and how we interact with them.

SLIDESHOW: 5 Things You Didn't Know About the Big Five Banks

They're not all the same.Service charges are more important to you than they are to them.They all owe each other.They're all international companies.Some things are negotiable. Some things aren't.


Five Things You Didn't Know About Canada's Big Banks originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 01 May 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bankingbanking tipsBankingTipsbig banksBigBanksBMOBNSCanadian banksCanadianBankschoosing a bankChoosingABankCIBChow to choose a bankHowToChooseABankpersonal bankingpersonal financePersonalBankingPersonalFinanceRYTDMartha WorboyWed, 01 May 2013 14:15:00 ESTFive Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Your Backyard Ready for BBQ Seasonhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/23/five-budget-friendly-ways-to-get-your-backyard-ready-for-summer/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/23/five-budget-friendly-ways-to-get-your-backyard-ready-for-summer/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/23/five-budget-friendly-ways-to-get-your-backyard-ready-for-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

how to beautify your home for lessGood weather is flirting with us. It's tossing its hair and making some serious eye contact. My advice is to enjoy the attention but don't get too attached just yet. Still, you know that sometime soon a long term relationship is coming and that a lot of quality time will be spent in your backyard.

Here are five inexpensive things you can do to prepare your outside space for the coming love affair.


SLIDESHOW: Beautify Your Backyard for Less

Advanced LandscapingFloraPaintFurniture and Decorating




RELATED LINKS:
Do it Yourself: What You Don't Need to Pay for This Spring
Get More Bang for Your Spring Cleaning Buck
Home Improvements that Get Your House Sold

Five Budget-Friendly Ways to Get Your Backyard Ready for BBQ Season originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>barbecuebarbecue seasonbarbecue tipsBarbecueSeasonBarbecueTipsdeck furnituredeck maintenanceDeckFurnitureDeckMaintenanceGardening advicegardening tipsGardeningAdviceGardeningTipsHDhome improvementHomeImprovementLOWspring house maintenancespring yard workSpringHouseMaintenanceSpringYardWorkyard maintenanceyard workYardMaintenanceYardWorkMartha WorboyTue, 23 Apr 2013 13:45:00 ESTThe Cost of Spring Tune-Ups: Your Bike vs.Your Carhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/22/the-cost-of-spring-tune-ups-your-bike-vs-your-car/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/22/the-cost-of-spring-tune-ups-your-bike-vs-your-car/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/22/the-cost-of-spring-tune-ups-your-bike-vs-your-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Now that the roads are clear, Canadians are dusting off helmets and reflective jackets and pulling out their bikes to get to work. It's not just cyclists who want to hit the road during the warmer months. Drivers who love getting out in their car in the great wide open have no doubt started planning where they'll be traveling to. But whether you're a cyclist or a driver or both, what you really need to start thinking about this time of year is making sure your "vehicle" is fit to go where you want to take it. Here's what the experts say you need to do to make sure your bike or car is tuned up for spring:


in the car versus bicycle contest, bicycles win as they are cheaper to buy and maintain


Related Links:
Top 10 Tips for Budget Family Travel
Do it Yourself: What You Don't Need to Pay for This Spring
Spring Cleaning: Seven Steps to Get Your Financial House in Order


The Cost of Spring Tune-Ups: Your Bike vs.Your Car originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>auto tuneupautomobile safetyAutomobileSafetyAutoTuneupbicycle commutingbicycle safetyBicycleCommutingBicycleSafetybike maintenancebike tuneupBikeMaintenancebikesBikeSafetyBikeTuneupbikingbiking to workBikingToWorkcar maintenancecar safetycar tuneupCarMaintenanceCarSafetyCarTuneupchanging tiresChangingTirescycling tipsCyclingTipsspring tuneupSpringTuneupMartha WorboyMon, 22 Apr 2013 17:30:00 ESTFashion Under $40 for Your Spring/Summer Wardrobehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/05/fashion-under-40-dollars-for-your-spring-summer-wardrobe/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/05/fashion-under-40-dollars-for-your-spring-summer-wardrobe/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/05/fashion-under-40-dollars-for-your-spring-summer-wardrobe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I don't know about you but with every new season I feel the urge to update my wardrobe. Spring especially breeds this feeling, perhaps because I know it means pretty soon I won't be hiding my fashion concoctions under a coat.

A new wardrobe can mean big money but if you're simply adding to it with some accent pieces or the odd new staple, staying au courant in this age of fast fashion can be surprisingly cheap. Here are some affordable finds to stay on trend this spring:




SLIDESHOW: Spring Fashion Finds Under $40

spring fashion trends under $40
Pastel PantsEyelet LaceStatement SunglassesLow Heeled Shoes or FlatsSporty DressHatsStripes




RELATED LINKS:
Do it Yourself: What You Don't Need to Pay for This Spring
Get More Bang for Your Spring Cleaning Buck
Spring Cleaning: Seven Steps to Getting Your Financial House in Order

Fashion Under $40 for Your Spring/Summer Wardrobe originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>BRBYfashion trends 2013FashionTrends2013GPSHBNCLShopping dealsshopping tipsShoppingDealsShoppingTipsspring fashion tipsspring fashion trendsspring shoppingSpring shopping 2013spring shopping trendsSpringFashionTipsSpringFashionTrendsSpringShoppingSpringShopping2013SpringShoppingTrendssummer fashion tipssummer fashion trendsSummerFashionTipsSummerFashionTrendsMartha WorboyFri, 05 Apr 2013 11:00:00 ESTDo It Yourself: What You Don't Need to Pay For This Springhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/25/do-it-yourself-what-you-dont-need-to-pay-for-this-spring/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/25/do-it-yourself-what-you-dont-need-to-pay-for-this-spring/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/25/do-it-yourself-what-you-dont-need-to-pay-for-this-spring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm not cheap but I'm not a sucker either. I understand that most of the services we end up paying for we do so because of the convenience. But now that spring has arrived and the wear and tear of winter is showing up everywhere, I'm realizing there's a lot of manual work to be done and it could be so much more satisfying if I do it myself. This spring, if I know how to do something I'm keeping my wallet in my pocket and rolling up my sleeves. Here are a few things you could be doing yourself that will save you money:

Painting
I've got steady hands, an iron will and a step-ladder so if I need a couple of rooms painted in my house, I'm going to do it. Hiring pros costs thousands of dollars and for basic painting jobs involving drywall and right-angles, that's an unnecessary expense. Yes, it will take up your weekend and yes your skin will not appreciate the turpentine bath but you'll feel satisfied and richer by Monday.

Continue reading Do It Yourself: What You Don't Need to Pay For This Spring

Do It Yourself: What You Don't Need to Pay For This Spring originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>budget tipsBudgetTipscleaning windowsCleaningWindowsdo it yourselfDo it yourself and savedo it yourself helpDoItYourselfDoItYourselfAndSaveDoItYourselfHelpgardeninghome repairHomeRepairsaving moneySavingMoneyspring cleaningspring cleaning advicespring gardeningSpringCleaningSpringCleaningAdviceSpringGardeningMartha WorboyMon, 25 Mar 2013 12:45:00 ESTMarch Madness: Tips on Making Money the Old Fashioned Wayhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/14/march-madness-tips-on-making-money-the-old-fashioned-way/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/14/march-madness-tips-on-making-money-the-old-fashioned-way/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/14/march-madness-tips-on-making-money-the-old-fashioned-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

March Madness, the Big Dance, Bettor's Paradise. Whatever you call it, the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, which starts March 19th, is a blast. If you know what you're doing it's also a money-making opportunity. Now, I am not endorsing gambling but if you like a flutter now and then, this is a good time as any to get in some action. March Madness gambling usually takes place within the confines of "brackets" where a participant joins with friends or online, lays down some cash and essentially tries to divine the outcomes of games all the way to the final. There are 64 teams in the tournament so guesswork plays a big role. Here are five tips to maximize your opportunity of coming out ahead this year.

Trust Nobody
If you're only a casual basketball fan and you don't follow college hoops regularly, don't trust your friend who spends his Saturdays analyzing screen plays and picks and rolls. If he's in your pool he's going to lead you astray. Think about it, would you counsel your colleagues at work on how to get a promotion that you want too? Same principle applies here.

Continue reading March Madness: Tips on Making Money the Old Fashioned Way

March Madness: Tips on Making Money the Old Fashioned Way originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bettingbetting on basketballBettingOnBasketballcollege basketballCollegeBasketballgamblinghow to bet on basketballHowToBetOnBasketballmarch madnessmarch madness 2013MarchMadnessMarchMadness2013tips on bettingTipsOnBettingMartha WorboyThu, 14 Mar 2013 20:30:00 ESTNeed Emergency Daycare? Five Tips to Guide Youhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/04/need-emergency-daycare-five-tips-to-guide-you/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/04/need-emergency-daycare-five-tips-to-guide-you/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/04/need-emergency-daycare-five-tips-to-guide-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As a mom, I've used just about every type of daycare there is: homecare, nannies, babysitters, nursery school, a parent co-op. I've also taken advantage of rare but generous offerings by extended family members for the odd date night. Hiring any kind of care for your child can be a stressful process, and that stress can be heightened if you have a constraint on time. Here are some tips on finding the right care for you, whether you need immediate help so you can get to work or you urgently need a break.

1. Go through an agency.
If your full-time nanny of several years has suddenly left you, you need to get to work and time is not on your side, you may need to spend extra money and hire an agency. There are services out there that provide immediate care at a higher price, like the In a Pinch agency in Toronto and Ottawa, which provides "professional backup childcare and babysitting" at a cost (rates begin at $18 an hour). One of the benefits of hiring such a service is that all of the background checks you would otherwise spend time doing are done and the sitter you're provided with will have been screened for CPR and first aid training. So, not only are you paying for immediacy but for peace of mind. And while you make use of the high-cost "backup" service, you can use the extra time to look for more permanent daycare at a lower cost.

Continue reading Need Emergency Daycare? Five Tips to Guide You

Need Emergency Daycare? Five Tips to Guide You originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Babysitter ServicebabysittersBabysitterServicechildcaredaycaredaycare providersDaycareProvidersemergency childcareemergency daycareEmergencyChildcareEmergencyDaycarefinding a babysitterFindingABabysitterhow to find a nannyHow to find a nanny onlineHow to find a part-time nannyHowToFindANannyHowToFindANannyOnlineHowToFindAPart-timeNannynanniesnursery schoolNurserySchooltips on finding a babysitterTipsOnFindingABabysitterMartha WorboyMon, 04 Mar 2013 12:15:00 ESTFeel Like Hibernating? Seven Scientifically Proven Ways to Get Motivatedhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/04/feel-like-hibernating-seven-scientifically-proven-ways-to-get-m/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/04/feel-like-hibernating-seven-scientifically-proven-ways-to-get-m/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/04/feel-like-hibernating-seven-scientifically-proven-ways-to-get-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

So, how many of your New Year's resolutions have you accomplished so far? Maybe you're on the road to achieving a few but often it seems like we start the new year with the best of intentions and as we get deeper and darker into the snowy, slushy months, our greatest urge - instead of getting up for our great goals - is to hunker down and hibernate. To help combat that feeling, here are some scientifically proven tips on how to get motivated, whether you're looking to get fit or focus more on productivity at work.

1. Use peer pressure as a motivational tool.
Research has shown that exercising with a group, or even a workout partner, is motivational and people tend to stick with fitness programs longer when they do it with others as compared to when they do it alone. Try applying this technique in other areas of your life too. Have a motivational buddy who you email with a specific goal each week, and then email her when you've accomplished it so you'll feel more committed.

Continue reading Feel Like Hibernating? Seven Scientifically Proven Ways to Get Motivated

Feel Like Hibernating? Seven Scientifically Proven Ways to Get Motivated originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>achieving fitness goalsachieving goalsAchievingFitnessGoalsAchievingGoalscareer advicecareer goalsCareerAdviceCareerGoalscommitting to goalsCommittingToGoalsCompletingGoalsfitness tipsFitnessTipsmotivationmotivationalmotivational techniquesmotivational tipsMotivationalTechniquesMotivationalTipsnew years resolutionsNewYearsResolutionswork tipsWorkTipsMartha WorboyMon, 04 Mar 2013 11:00:00 ESTTo Close a Credit Card or Not? The Risks of Closing a Cardhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/25/to-close-a-credit-card-or-not-the-risks-of-closing-a-card/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/25/to-close-a-credit-card-or-not-the-risks-of-closing-a-card/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/25/to-close-a-credit-card-or-not-the-risks-of-closing-a-card/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're feeling tied down by credit card debt you're not alone. A recent Harris/Decima survey reports that nearly half of Canadians "always or often" carry balances on their cards, and one-in-20 aren't sure they will ever be able to pay off their credit card debt. Wouldn't it be liberating to just cut up those cards and call it a day? But the truth is, canceling a card might actually give you less financial freedom than you'd think, mainly because it could lower your credit rating. If you are thinking of closing down an account, here are some risks to consider, according to the founder of WEALTHdesigns.ca, financial planner Jason Abbott:

1. Closing a card can effect your credit score.
A lot of people don't understand if you close a credit card it can effect your credit score at the credit bureau, says Abbott. In fact, Abbott says he usually advises against closing down a card if you've only got two or three. "I advise having two to three credit cards -- two for emergencies and one for putting things on and then paying down."
Tip: Think of the credit card as a tool to improve your credit score -- so long as you put purchases on it and pay the balance down monthly, or at the very least make your minimum payment on time -- it shows you can use credit responsibly.

Continue reading To Close a Credit Card or Not? The Risks of Closing a Card

To Close a Credit Card or Not? The Risks of Closing a Card originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>closing credit cardsClosingCreditCardscredit card advicecredit card debtcredit card debt advicecredit card tipscredit cardscredit historyCredit ratingcredit rating mistakescredit scorecredit score improveCreditCardAdviceCreditCardDebtCreditCardDebtAdviceCreditCardsCreditCardTipsCreditHistoryCreditRatingCreditRatingMistakesCreditScoreCreditScoreImproveMartha WorboyMon, 25 Feb 2013 11:15:00 ESTWhat to Consider Before Taking From Your RRSPhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/25/what-to-consider-before-taking-from-your-rrsp/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/25/what-to-consider-before-taking-from-your-rrsp/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/25/what-to-consider-before-taking-from-your-rrsp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We all have desires: a vacation in the sun, a bigger house or simply some wine for the weekend. No matter what it is you want, it may take more money than your income can provide. According to a new poll by Scotiabank, more and more Canadians are taking from their retirement savings accounts to pay for their living expenses. In 2012, the poll shows, the average amount Canadians withdrew from their retirement accounts was $24, 531 while in 2005 the average amount withdrawn was $10,716. Forty per cent of respondents used their money to buy a home, while 14 per cent used it to pay for daily living expenses. But, just because everyone's doing it doesn't mean it's the wise thing to do. Here's what you need to consider, according to the experts, before dipping into your RRSP:

1. What are the pros and cons to taking from your RRSP?
Determining whether or not to take from a retirement savings account is an individual decision that requires an analysis of where you're at financially, especially when it comes to your income level. You have to consider the pros and cons of taking from an RRSP, says Hatice Pakdil, a vice president and investment advisor at TD Waterhouse. You have to weigh cost benefit, says Pakdil, since you will be taxed at your tax bracket and if you're in a high bracket you will still owe taxes on that money.

Continue reading What to Consider Before Taking From Your RRSP

What to Consider Before Taking From Your RRSP originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>paying down debtPayingDownDebtretirement savingsretirement savings accountsRetirementSavingsRetirementSavingsAccountsRRSP accountsRRSP tipsRRSP withdrawalRrspAccountsRRSPsRrspTipsRrspWithdrawalRSPsTax Free Savings AccountsTaxFreeSavingsAccountsMartha WorboyMon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 ESTPost-Holiday Credit Card Hangover? How to Pay Off Your Debthttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/06/post-holiday-credit-card-hangover-how-to-pay-off-your-debt/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/06/post-holiday-credit-card-hangover-how-to-pay-off-your-debt/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/06/post-holiday-credit-card-hangover-how-to-pay-off-your-debt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I don't know about you but I went all out last Christmas. Not only did I spend on friends and family but I even bought a few gifts for myself and took part in all of the gift exchanges I was expected to. Now, like many other Canadians, after the joy and merriment of the holiday season I've got higher-than-usual credit card statements as proof of my generosity and the headache of needing to pay down debt before interests rates add up. I know I'm not alone. On average, Canadians' personal debt levels increased by about six per cent at the end of 2012, according to a new report by credit monitoring firm TransUnion. Holiday spending is partially to blame for the rise in consumer debt during the final quarter of the year, says Thomas Higgins, TransUnion's vice president of analytics and decision services. But enough about accumulating debt -- how do we pay it off while keeping up with life expenses? For some advice, I spoke with Pat White, executive director of Credit Counselling Canada. Here are her tips:

1. Take Stock, Make a Plan
First, you have to sit down and look at what you owe. Then you can consider how to pay back your debt as soon as possible, coming up with a realistic game plan to do so. This might mean reviewing your expenses. There are some you can't change like rent, but discretionary costs like eating out, clothing and vacations, you can hold off on until your debt is paid down. It's important to keep in mind if you drag out paying down debt, interest rates will cost you more in the long run.

Continue reading Post-Holiday Credit Card Hangover? How to Pay Off Your Debt

Post-Holiday Credit Card Hangover? How to Pay Off Your Debt originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>credit card advicecredit card chargescredit card debtcredit card feescredit card ratescredit card tipscredit cardsCreditCardAdviceCreditCardChargesCreditCardDebtCreditCardFeesCreditCardRatesCreditCardsCreditCardTipsdebtdebt tipsdebt-adviceDebtAdviceDebtTipsholiday debtHolidayDebtMApaying down credit cardspaying down debtPayingDownCreditCardsPayingDownDebtVMartha WorboyWed, 06 Feb 2013 09:15:00 ESTValentine's Day Gifts for Himhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/05/valentines-day-gifts-for-him/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/05/valentines-day-gifts-for-him/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/05/valentines-day-gifts-for-him/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

He's killed all the spiders in the bathroom, patched up the hole in the wall he made and fixed the kitchen faucet numerous times even though it still drips. Now you want to show him you appreciate his efforts (if not his skill). But what to get him for Valentine's Day? Here are a few suggestions you'll both appreciate -- him for your thoughtfulness and you for the money you'll save.

SLIDESHOW: Valentine's Day Gifts for Guys



Valentine's Day Gifts for Him originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gifts for himGiftsForHimGPSHBCIDGNPSNYRCITVTWXvalentines dayvalentines day 2013valentines day gift suggestionsvalentines day giftsvalentines day gifts for guysvalentines day gifts for himvalentines day gifts for menvalentines gift guidevalentines shoppingValentinesDayValentinesDay2013ValentinesDayGiftsValentinesDayGiftsForGuysValentinesDayGiftsForHimValentinesDayGiftsForMenValentinesDayGiftSuggestionsValentinesGiftGuideValentinesShoppingMartha WorboyTue, 05 Feb 2013 09:45:00 ESTFun, Flirty and Frugal: Valentine's Gifts for Herhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/31/fun-flirty-and-frugal-valentines-gifts-for-her/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/31/fun-flirty-and-frugal-valentines-gifts-for-her/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/31/fun-flirty-and-frugal-valentines-gifts-for-her/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flowers are nice but let's face it, in a few days they'll wilt and within a week they'll die and if that's a symbol of your relationship this Valentine's Day you may not be in a great place. Here are a few suggestions that will last a bit longer (as hopefully your relationship will too), won't break the bank and will still provide a burst of beauty or at the very least some amorous feelings between you and your lady this Valentine's Day.

SLIDESHOW: Fun & Flirty Valentine's Day Gifts

1. A little Hanky Panky.2. Anything cashmere.3. Rollerball beauty.4. Something that sparkles.5. A SpaFinder gift card.7. A bit of bubbly.6. A chocolate sampling.

Fun, Flirty and Frugal: Valentine's Gifts for Her originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>gift guideGiftGuidegifts for herGiftsForHerIDGvalentines dayvalentines day 2013valentines gift guidevalentines giftsValentines gifts for hervalentines gifts for womenValentinesDayValentinesDay2013ValentinesGiftGuideValentinesGiftsValentinesGiftsForHerValentinesGiftsForWomenMartha WorboyThu, 31 Jan 2013 09:30:00 ESTSuper Bowl 2013: Top Reasons Why NFL Players Go Brokehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/30/top-reasons-why-nfl-players-go-broke/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/30/top-reasons-why-nfl-players-go-broke/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/30/top-reasons-why-nfl-players-go-broke/#commentsFiled under: ,

NFLers who went broke after playing in the league and investing badlyThe Super Bowl is approaching and the glitz and glamour of the game and surrounding festivities are stark reminders of the money washing around the game. Players earn tens of millions of dollars but, recently, a number of stories have come to light of ex-players experiencing financial difficulty and even bankruptcy only a few years out of the game. As many as 78 per cent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress after only two years out of the game, according to Sports Illustrated. It's not just the bling that's hurting these guys. Here are some reasons why multi-million dollar football players often find themselves destitute after retirement.

No Financial Literacy
Most players come out of college where they have lived on scholarships, which don't make them rich but pay most of their bills. By the time they make NFL they've never had to think about a budget, or at the very least they haven't had to think about the bottom line for a good many years, and some players have no clue how to take care of their finances. As a consequence, many athletes trust their money to the wrong people. Former wide receiver Terrell Owens, known for his flamboyant ways on and off the field, reportedly blamed his "advisors" for his bankruptcy, after he burned through about $80 million in a short amount of time after a 15-year career.
Source: NBC

Continue reading Super Bowl 2013: Top Reasons Why NFL Players Go Broke

Super Bowl 2013: Top Reasons Why NFL Players Go Broke originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bankruptcybroke NFL playersBrokeNflPlayersfootball player careersFootballPlayerCareersFrank MIddletonFrankMiddletonmark brunellMarkBrunellNFLnfl playersNflPlayersretired NFL playersRetiredNflPlayersSuperBowlsuperbowl 2013superbowl playersSuperbowl2013SuperbowlPlayersTerrell OwensTerrellOwensTravis HenryTravisHenryvince youngVinceYoungMartha WorboyWed, 30 Jan 2013 22:15:00 ESTSuccessful Post-Football Careers of NFL Champshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/30/successful-post-football-careers-of-nfl-champs/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/30/successful-post-football-careers-of-nfl-champs/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/30/successful-post-football-careers-of-nfl-champs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sports events of the year and for players, the pinnacle of their NFL careers. Win or lose, the thrill of playing under the flood lights in front of millions of adoring fans may never be duplicated and there are many stories of ex-players struggling after their retirements. For a few though, the highs of a career in pro football merely whet their appetites for more success later in life. Here are some players who have thrived after their playing days were done.

SLIDESHOW: Former NFLers with Successful Second Careers



Michael StrahanSteve LargentEugene ProfitWayne ChrebetRoger StaubachJerry Richardson

Successful Post-Football Careers of NFL Champs originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Eugene profitEugeneProfitfootball player careersfootball playersFootballPlayerCareersFootballPlayersjerry richardsonJerryRichardsonMichael StrahanMichaelStrahanNFLnfl playersNflPlayersroger staubachRogerStaubachSteve LargentSteveLargentsuper bowlSuperBowlSuperBowl2013Wayne ChrebetWayneChrebetMartha WorboyWed, 30 Jan 2013 11:00:00 ESTFive Places it Doesn't Pay to Be Richhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/17/five-places-it-doesnt-pay-to-be-rich/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/17/five-places-it-doesnt-pay-to-be-rich/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/01/17/five-places-it-doesnt-pay-to-be-rich/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Maybe middle class ain't so bad. A number of jurisdictions facing deficits and debt are targeting their high earners (some call them wealth creators, others call them cash hoarders) as a way to top up coffers. 2013 could see governments around the world tinker with their marginal tax rates in an attempt to boost revenues, pay for essential services and address ballooning debt. Here are five jurisdictions where being rich this year may not be all that it's cracked up to be.

5 Places It Doesn't Pay to be Rich

ArubaIndiaQuebecThe United StatesFrance





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Five Places it Doesn't Pay to Be Rich originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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