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/Best Father's Day Gifts For Digital Dadshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/06/07/best-fathers-day-gifts-for-the-digital-dad/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/06/07/best-fathers-day-gifts-for-the-digital-dad/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/06/07/best-fathers-day-gifts-for-the-digital-dad/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Father's Day
It's June. This means we are heading into the hot and hazy days of summer. It's the time for BBQs and countless laid-back celebrations, and, of course, the most important celebration of them all -- Father's Day.

This year ditch the customary tie and socks and instead, get Dad what he really wants.

Well, what he really wants if he's a tech enthusiast.


Best Father's Day Gifts for the Techie Dad

GolfSenseLensbaby Spark DSLRPenclic Mini KeyboardZensorium TinkeSamsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0ASUS VivoBook X202

Best Father's Day Gifts For Digital Dads originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Fathers Day 2013Fathers Day giftsFathersDay2013FathersDayGiftstechnology giftsTechnologyGiftsSandra WilliamsFri, 07 Jun 2013 15:36:00 EST10 Ways to Shrink Your Water Bill (and Save Money Too)http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/31/10-ways-to-shrink-your-water-bill/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/31/10-ways-to-shrink-your-water-bill/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/31/10-ways-to-shrink-your-water-bill/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With summers getting hotter and drier, homeowners should think about how they can conserve more water - in their homes and in the garden. It's easy to put these practices to work and that will pay off big time when it comes to your water bills. This is especially true now that many municipalities are moving to a consumption based model, where homes are metered and charged accordingly.

In Toronto for example, a typical water bill for a single family home runs about 600 dollars. The city has had a long-term plan to increase water rates by 9 per cent each year, so home owners are looking for savings anywhere they can find them. So heed our advice, and start saving with these easy-to-implement fixes.

SLIDESHOW: 10 EASY WAYS TO CUT YOUR WATER BILL


10 ways to shrink your water bill

10 Ways to Shrink Your Water Bill1. Bathroom makeover2. Pass on the bath3. Cool down water and defrost foods wisely4. Conserve in the garden: Mulch, mulch, mulch!5. Get the most out of your appliances6. Apply the leak test7. Conserve while you wash



Related Stories:
How to Conserve Water and Save Money
Money Down the Drain: Why Bottled Water is Bad

10 Ways to Shrink Your Water Bill (and Save Money Too) originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 31 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cut billscut water billCutBillsCutWaterBillsave moneySaveMoneywater conservationWaterConservationSandra WilliamsFri, 31 May 2013 11:00:00 ESTTop 10 Great Canadian Inventionshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/28/great-canadian-inventions-gallery/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/28/great-canadian-inventions-gallery/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/28/great-canadian-inventions-gallery/#commentsFiled under: ,

They say necessity is the mother of invention. And we, laid-back Canadians have been behind some of the greatest inventions in the world. However, studies show that two thirds of Canadians are unaware of the homegrown inventors and inventions that helped to change our world. Let's change that and continue to innovate.

SLIDESHOW: Invented in Canada

Think Edison invented the lightbulb? Thank again. It was a Canadian who invented that indispensable object, along with many other surprising things.

1. Light bulb2. Steam engine travel3. Insulin4. Basketball5. Actar 9116. Washing machine7. IMAX8. Instant potato flakes




Top 10 Great Canadian Inventions originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 28 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>canadian inventorsMadeInCanadaSandra WilliamsTue, 28 May 2013 07:00:00 ESTFamily Caregiver Tax Credit: Tax Tips for the Sandwich Generationhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/28/family-caregiver-tax-credit-tax-tips-for-the-sandwich-generatio/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/28/family-caregiver-tax-credit-tax-tips-for-the-sandwich-generatio/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/04/28/family-caregiver-tax-credit-tax-tips-for-the-sandwich-generatio/#commentsFiled under: ,

As the population ages and Generation Y struggles to achieve a lucrative work-life balance, it is the so-called "sandwich generation" that is left to pick up both the emotional and financial tab.

According to the Pew Research Centre, nearly half (47%) of all adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent over the age of 64 and are simultaneously raising either a young child or adult child while caring for their aging parents.

Additionally, Statistics Canada's findings strengthen the case for creating a resolution to the growing financial burdens of the sandwich generation. Recently, they tabulated that 2.7 million Canadians provided unpaid care to people aged 65 and over. And, among these individuals, many of them had some sort of long-term illness.

If this scenario seems all too familiar you may feel comforted by the fact that the government feels your pain. This year the Canada Revenue Agency has introduced a new tax credit -- the family caregiver tax credit -- to help ease the financial burden.

Here's what you need to know so that you can maximize your tax savings this year.

Continue reading Family Caregiver Tax Credit: Tax Tips for the Sandwich Generation

Family Caregiver Tax Credit: Tax Tips for the Sandwich Generation originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>disabilityfamily caregiver tax creditincome taxsandwich generationSandra WilliamsSun, 28 Apr 2013 12:40:00 EST8 Weird Tax Write-Offs, Some Successful, Some Nothttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/28/8-weird-tax-write-offs/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/28/8-weird-tax-write-offs/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/03/28/8-weird-tax-write-offs/#commentsFiled under: ,

taxApril 30th is just around the corner, and if you haven't filed yet because you are looking for creative ways to reduce your tax liability, take comfort and learn from the fortunes and misfortunes of other taxpayers.

The key to maximizing your tax return is to plan ahead, so you won't miss some of the little deductions that could make a big difference to your tax return.

Beyond the usual deductions, there are more that people have successfully argued are valid deductions. Have a look and see what has worked - and what hasn't - in the murky world of tax write-offs.


CLICK PHOTO FOR A GALLERY OF ODD TAX WRITE-OFFS


8 tax write-offs
1. Claim pet food2. Gambling losses3. Cosmetic surgery4. Paying for your daughter's wedding5. Doomsday Preparations6. Beer7. Supervision for your child8. Claim both legal and illegal sources of income

8 Weird Tax Write-Offs, Some Successful, Some Not originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>tax write-offstaxesTaxWrite-offsSandra WilliamsThu, 28 Mar 2013 06:00:00 ESTRRSP Tune Up: New Canadians and New Retirement Realitieshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/28/rrsp-tune-up-new-canadians-and-new-retirement-realities/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/28/rrsp-tune-up-new-canadians-and-new-retirement-realities/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/28/rrsp-tune-up-new-canadians-and-new-retirement-realities/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been a busy year for accountant Selva Perera, 45, who lives and works in Brampton, Ontario. His wife, Vasudha, 43, has had a pretty eventful year too. (We've changed their names to protect their privacy.) Six years after arriving to Canada from Sri Lanka -- via a brief stint in Abu Dhabi -- they became Canadian citizens last winter. "When we received the chance to come to Canada, we didn't hesitate," says Vasudha. This long awaited opportunity did not come without a few sacrifices.

Since immigrating to Canada, Vasudha, a trained lawyer, has had difficulties finding steady full-time work in the legal profession. This has meant that her family has endured some financial hardships on their way to achieving their Canadian dream. "It's been demoralizing as well as financially challenging," she adds.

With two children aged 11 and 16, like many parents, both Selva and Vasudha want to provide them with a secure future. In 2012, after many years of searching and praying, Vashuda finally landed a full-time job as a legal assistant at a downtown law firm.

Over the years the Pereras have toiled away and saved enough money to purchase a townhouse for their family of four. The Pereras were laser-focused on their quest of buying their first home, so much so, that they cashed in the entire value of the RESPs they had set aside for their children's post secondary education. Now that Selva and Vasudha both have reliable full-time jobs, Canadian citizenship and a home that they can call their own, they are at a loss as to what their financial priorities should be. Should they be more aggressive with saving for their children's education or should they focus more on their retirement savings?

Continue reading RRSP Tune Up: New Canadians and New Retirement Realities

RRSP Tune Up: New Canadians and New Retirement Realities originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>home ownershipmortgagesnew canadiansRESPRRSPSandra WilliamsThu, 28 Feb 2013 07:00:00 ESTValentine's Day By The Numbershttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/13/valentines-day-by-the-numbers/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/13/valentines-day-by-the-numbers/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/13/valentines-day-by-the-numbers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Valentine's Day by the numbersLove it or hate it, Valentine's Day is undeniably a significant day. Celebrated by millions of men, women, and children all around the world, the grand love-in never ceases to keep cash registers ringing or curb the occupancy rates of hospital nurseries.

Here are some facts and figures about this beloved (and bemoaned) global celebration of affection and love.


SLIDESHOW: Valentine's Day By the Numbers

Valentine's Day by the numbers

Only 4% Get Married in FebruaryCanadians Spent $2.8 Billion on Jewelry in 200911% Get These for Valentine's Day12.8 Million Roses Are Sold Each Year$10 Million Worth of Lingerie is Sold in Run-Up to V DayV-Day Chocolate Sales Are $11 Billion WorldwideRoses Rise in Price to $80 a Dozen at V DayWho Should Pay the Bill? Votes Split Three Ways

Valentine's Day By The Numbers originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>budget valentines dayBudgetValentinesDaychocolateexpensive valentines dayExpensiveValentinesDaylingerievalentines daySandra WilliamsWed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:00 ESTRRSP Tune Up: Can Lucy the Principal Take a Time Out to Roam the World?http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/13/rrsp-check-up-is-a-career-break-possible/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/13/rrsp-check-up-is-a-career-break-possible/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/13/rrsp-check-up-is-a-career-break-possible/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Last summer, while knee deep in her backyard vegetable garden, Lucy Nichols found herself at a crossroads. At the age of 39 she was established in her career as a high school principal and was living quite comfortably in her three-bedroom home, which she had purchased by herself four years earlier. But she felt something was missing. (We've changed her name to protect her privacy.) She began to feel her life was becoming mundane. She craved adventure yet she still felt compelled to help people.

As a single and childless woman she thought she was in a good position to take a sabbatical. Trouble is how much of a beating would a one or two-year sabbatical take on her finances? "I've been quite fortunate in life and I don't necessarily want to wait till I'm in my sixties and seventies to travel, volunteer and write that book that been on my bucket list for years," she says with a grin.

Continue reading RRSP Tune Up: Can Lucy the Principal Take a Time Out to Roam the World?

RRSP Tune Up: Can Lucy the Principal Take a Time Out to Roam the World? originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>mortgagesretirementRRSPstaxSandra WilliamsWed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:00 ESTThe 10 Things You Should Know About RRSPshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/06/the-10-things-you-should-know-about-rrsps/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/06/the-10-things-you-should-know-about-rrsps/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/02/06/the-10-things-you-should-know-about-rrsps/#commentsFiled under:

RRSPsIf you've been bombarded with RRSP ads, you'll know that Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSPs) season is in full swing. It's important to save for retirement and RRSPs are but one strategy to employ. So before you run off to your nearest financial institution or to your financial advisor to get one, we thought it might make sense to break down the basics of this vehicle that dates all the way back to the 50's.



SLIDESHOW: 10 Things to Know About RRSPs

1. Automate it.2. You can't touch this.3. Yes we can.4. It's never too late to start.5. Get the balance right.6. Visualization.7. Go Dutch.8. Winning by borrowing to get ahead.

Continue reading The 10 Things You Should Know About RRSPs

The 10 Things You Should Know About RRSPs originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>RRSP rulesRrspRulesRRSPsSandra WilliamsWed, 06 Feb 2013 08:00:00 ESTHow to Party Like it's the End of the Worldhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/21/how-to-party-like-it-s-the-end-of-the-world/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/21/how-to-party-like-it-s-the-end-of-the-world/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/21/how-to-party-like-it-s-the-end-of-the-world/#commentsFiled under:



The end is nigh, or is it?

Ask a Mayan about Friday, December 21, 2012 being the end of the world and they'll most likely laugh it off. They may even tell you that it's an example of marketing at its very best.

Still, that hasn't stopped visitors from flocking to Mexico to witness doomsday in person. Mexico expects to receive 52 million tourists as result, and estimates to take
in $19.5 million in profits.

It's not just hotels and tourism boards that are cashing in from the doomsday paranoia. Businesses that supply survival essentials are enjoying the financial benefits, too. It's hard not to want to service the needs of customers who are willing to spend between $130,000 to over $500,000 on ensuring their survival in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.

In any event, who doesn't love an excuse to party? Here are some inexpensive ways to party like it's the end of the world, as we know it.

1. Cuddle Party
According to the organizers a cuddle party isn't just an ordinary party - it's a movement! Hey, no funny business is aloud here. There are some strict rules to abide by, for instance you have to receive a verbal yes to cuddle someone. So far the Canadian headquarters for the cuddle party is in Calgary and admission is $25 for singles and $40 for couples.

2. Go to a concert
It just may be your last chance to cut a rug so you might as well go celebrate Mayan style. If you're headed to Mexico chances are you'll check out one of the two government-sponsored concerts located in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. If not, maybe you're local bar will host an "End of the World" concert.

3. Head to church
This is what the Mayans will be doing as they will be praying and holding traditional ceremonies at home. You may want to reserve your space at the chapel as many churches are anticipating full houses, as people will have to pray more than usual.

Continue reading How to Party Like it's the End of the World

How to Party Like it's the End of the World originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>doomsdayend of the worldmayan calendarSandra WilliamsFri, 21 Dec 2012 06:30:00 ESTHow Much Does it Cost to Be a Beauty Queenhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/21/how-much-does-it-cost-to-be-a-beauty-queen/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/21/how-much-does-it-cost-to-be-a-beauty-queen/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/21/how-much-does-it-cost-to-be-a-beauty-queen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo receives her crown.When 20 year-old Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012, she made it all look easy. She confidently flashed her pearly white mega-watt smile, blew a few kisses here and there, and threw in a sprinkle of waves just for good measure.

The reality is becoming a top beauty queen isn't cheap. According to the Pageant News Bureau, pageantry is big business. How big? It's a $5 billion-a-year industry that draws an estimated 250,000 entrants per year in the U.S. alone.

The younger you start the more expensive the journey towards the crown will be.
You can hardly blame a parent for being giddy with pride after seeing his or her daughter, or son, win the top prize at a child pageant. However, when you take a look past the glamour, the price tag of competition can make your eyes burn.

Continue reading How Much Does it Cost to Be a Beauty Queen

How Much Does it Cost to Be a Beauty Queen originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 02:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>family financesfraudmiss universe 2012toddlers and tiarasSandra WilliamsFri, 21 Dec 2012 02:01:00 ESTField Agent: An App that Pays You One Mission at a Timehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/15/field-agent-an-app-that-pays-you-one-mission-at-a-time/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/15/field-agent-an-app-that-pays-you-one-mission-at-a-time/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/15/field-agent-an-app-that-pays-you-one-mission-at-a-time/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Field Agent AppThere are apps to help us to do our banking; apps that help us sort out our receipts, and apps that help us to manage our day-to-day finances. But isn't it time someone created an app that would help us earn real money? Oh, yeah, someone has made an app for that.

It's called Field Agent, and it's timing couldn't be better. Maybe you're one of many people who are still recovering from a Black Friday or Cyber Monday hangover. Or, maybe you're looking for a chance to redeem yourself after a major shopping spree.

Continue reading Field Agent: An App that Pays You One Mission at a Time

Field Agent: An App that Pays You One Mission at a Time originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Field Agentholidaysmarket researchmission impossiblepart time jobsSandra WilliamsSat, 15 Dec 2012 08:10:00 ESTBest New Products of 2012http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/14/best-new-products-of-2012/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/14/best-new-products-of-2012/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/14/best-new-products-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As 2012 draws to a close it's time to take stock and recognize the top 10 products that made our hearts sing. With the vast amount of new products entering the marketplace on an annual basis, this task was no easy feat. There were recipes we risked our lives to taste, tablets to tinker with and cosmetics we surrendered our epidermis to science for. In the end, we found 10 products that were worthy of a honourable mention across the consumer technology, food, house & home and beauty categories.

So without further ado, let's meet the winners.

SLIDESHOW: BEST NEW PRODUCTS OF 2012

corkcicle keeps white wine cold for an hour while serving

2. 4th Generation iPad3. Pinterest4. Betty Crocker Gluten Free Cake Mix5. No-Spill Ice Cube Tray6. Corkcicle Color7. Aspect Honeycomb Tiles, by ACP8. MP3 DJ Doorbell

Best New Products of 2012 originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>best of 2012lorealMicrosoftnew productsSandra WilliamsFri, 14 Dec 2012 10:57:00 EST10 Pain-Free Ways to Save Cashhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/06/10-pain-free-ways-to-save-cash/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/06/10-pain-free-ways-to-save-cash/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/06/10-pain-free-ways-to-save-cash/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do you want to look back on your New Year's resolution list and shudder in shame? We thought not. While it's hard to cut back on your spending, don't worry. You're certainly not alone. The year has just begun and there's plenty of time to break bad spending habits and make good on your resolutions to save more. To keep you motivated we've scoured our archives and have come up with 10 pain-free ways to help you keep your financial resolutions for the next 12 months.


SLIDESHOW: 10 Easy Ways to Save Money

1. Save on minutes2. Cut the phone cord3. Get rid of your TV bill4. Doubling your deductible5. Go on a staycation6. Save money on groceries7. Save money on clothes8. Save money on entertainment

10 Pain-Free Ways to Save Cash originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cut spendingsaving money on groceriesSandra WilliamsThu, 06 Dec 2012 03:00:00 ESTThe Best Jobs for Women Who Want to 'Have it All'http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/03/the-best-jobs-for-women-who-want-to-have-it-all/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/03/the-best-jobs-for-women-who-want-to-have-it-all/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/12/03/the-best-jobs-for-women-who-want-to-have-it-all/#commentsFiled under: , ,

best jobs for women who want to stay at homeRecently, I came across a cartoon that illustrated a man proposing to his girlfriend.
In the cartoon he tried to sweeten the deal by saying she could have children and blow her career opportunities.

Seriously? Is this still such a dire choice for women to have to make? According to the Vanier Institute of the Family, there are 3.9 million mothers in Canada with children under the age of 18 living with them. On average, women without children earn 12% more, and the more children a woman has the wider this gap becomes.

SLIDESHOW: Best Jobs for Moms Who Want Kids + Career

1. Virtual Assistant2. Online Community Manager3. Financial Planner4. Information Technology (IT) Consultant5. Credit Analyst6. Information Technology (IT) Business Analyst7. Software Developer

Continue reading The Best Jobs for Women Who Want to 'Have it All'

The Best Jobs for Women Who Want to 'Have it All' originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>careerfinancemanagementmothersparentingtechnologywork from home jobsWorkFromHomeJobsSandra WilliamsMon, 03 Dec 2012 09:02:00 EST9 Ways to Winterize Your Homehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/30/9-ways-to-winterize-your-home-gallery/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/30/9-ways-to-winterize-your-home-gallery/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/30/9-ways-to-winterize-your-home-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Brace yourself: Winter is on its way.

When the first snowstorm of the season comes plowing through it never fails to catch many of us by surprise. Still, extreme weather conditions can wreak havoc on your home if you haven't taken the time to make weather appropriate adjustments. This year be a know-it-all and get ready for winter in the fall.

To learn about the 9 ways to winterize your home, click on the link (or the picture) below.

SLIDESHOW: 9 Ways to Winterize Your Home




%Gallery-140947%

9 Ways to Winterize Your Home originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>carbon monoxidewinterwinterizing tipsSandra WilliamsFri, 30 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST20 Cheap and Cheerful Holiday Ideashttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/30/20-cheap-and-cheerful-holiday-ideas/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/30/20-cheap-and-cheerful-holiday-ideas/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/30/20-cheap-and-cheerful-holiday-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

giftsYou've waited in anticipation for months, and now the wait for the holidays is finally over. It's also traditionally the time of year when most of us will burn a hole in our credit cards.

However, according to a recent Harris/Decima poll conducted for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) most Canadians plan on spending less this holiday season, especially those living in Atlantic Canada.

Regardless of where you live being cheap and cheerful is in. The holidays are about being with loved ones. They're about the experiences you create, not how much money you spend to create those experiences. So whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or ringing in the New Year here is a list of 20 cheap and cheerful ideas to keep the season fun even on the smallest of budgets.

RELATED LINKS:
Best Gifts for Preschoolers Under $30
Best Gifts for Kids Under $30
Holiday Gift Ideas for Tweens
10 Tech Gifts Everyone Wants for Christmas
Best Gifts for Women, From $5 to $100

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Continue reading 20 Cheap and Cheerful Holiday Ideas

20 Cheap and Cheerful Holiday Ideas originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Christmasholiday ideasHolidayGiftsSandra WilliamsFri, 30 Nov 2012 13:45:00 ESTPoliticians Ruined by Financial Scandalshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/26/politicians-ruined-by-financial-scandals/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/26/politicians-ruined-by-financial-scandals/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/26/politicians-ruined-by-financial-scandals/#commentsFiled under:

politicians forced to resign because of financial scandal

With great power comes great responsibility, said Voltaire, FDR, or Peter Parker's Uncle Ben, depending on who you believe. And, as rules-to-live-by go, it's a dandy. But few of our political leaders have taken it to heart, if the latest batch of scandals is anything to go by.

In Quebec the Charbonneau Commission investigating corruption is making headlines on a daily basis. And Toronto's mayor Rob Ford was forced to resign over allegations he misused his office to solicit charitable donations, a ruling he is currently appealing.

To see who we've put in our evolving Hall of Shame, check out our gallery of politicians whose careers have been ruined by financial scandals. And submit your ideas for politicians you'd like us to add to the list. We have no doubt there are many.

SLIDESHOW: POLITICIANS SUNK BY SCANDAL


1. Rob Ford2. Gilles Vaillancourt3. Gerard Tremblay4. Silvio Berlusconi5. Bill and Hillary Clinton

Politicians Ruined by Financial Scandals originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bill ClintoncorruptionGerard TremblayGilles VaillancourtGillesVaillancourtMayoral scandalsRob FordSandra WilliamsMon, 26 Nov 2012 15:08:00 EST9 Ways to Make Holiday Shipping a Breezehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/22/nine-ways-to-make-holiday-shipping-a-breeze/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/22/nine-ways-to-make-holiday-shipping-a-breeze/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/22/nine-ways-to-make-holiday-shipping-a-breeze/#commentsFiled under: , ,

holiday shipping tipsHurray! You've found the perfect gifts for your loved ones. The next step is making sure those gifts arrive on time and in one perfect piece. Whether you are shipping locally or internationally here are some money saving holiday shipping tips you need to know.

1. Research the destination. Some countries have restrictions imposed upon incoming products for political, economic or health and food safety reasons. Avoid any misunderstandings by researching what can be legally shipped from Canada to the country in question before you start shopping. Using tools like UPS' TradeAbility International Tools online can be very helpful.

2. Know the shipping deadlines. Peak season for all international shippers runs from December 17th to 24th. In 2011, the busiest day of the year globally was December 22nd, where about 26 million packages were delivered, which equated to 300 every second. Don't get caught up in the misery of a last minute scramble and ship your gifts ahead of time. Use shipping websites that will allow you to calculate the time and cost for each delivery.

3. Buying online from the States? Beware of hidden fees
At first the online deals south of the border appear to be a huge savings ... until you get smacked with duties and additional taxes. Shoppers should review how the company processed their order and check the website of that company for its brokerage rate list. For example, all UPS brokerage fees are listed and fully disclosed on their website. Brokerage rates are based on the value of the goods being shipped.

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9 Ways to Make Holiday Shipping a Breeze originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>feesholiday shoppingonline shoppingshippingupsSandra WilliamsThu, 22 Nov 2012 06:00:00 ESTBlack Friday Goes Online in Canadahttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/19/black-friday-canada-2012/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/19/black-friday-canada-2012/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2012/11/19/black-friday-canada-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Black Friday Canada 2012Despite the increased duty-free limits, most Canadian shoppers won't be making a run for the border this Black Friday.

According to a new survey released by UPS Canada, only 12 per cent of Canadians will brave the long lineups at stores and the U.S. - Canada border on the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend. While price-sensitive Canadians know that the Black Friday deals are exponentially greater south of the border they won't be heading out in droves stateside.

Instead, they'll be favouring online shopping carts over physical shopping carts. More than half of shoppers expect to save 10 to 49 per cent off the retail sticker price this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As such, Canadian retailers are pulling out all the stops in the battle for the non-expanding consumer pie.

BLACK FRIDAY CANADA 2012:
5 Things You Shouldn't Buy on Black Friday
Black Friday Sales: The Big Guide to Deals, Stores and Opening Times
Where to Find the Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
Survival Tips for Black Friday 2012
Black Friday Shopping Strategies
Walmart Black Friday Starts at 8 pm Thursday


"Canadian retailers have obviously picked-up their game in an attempt to keep a larger share of the consumer wallet, particularly with the ecommerce offering that should attract a lot of traffic this season," said Gordon Reed, director at UPS Canada. They've done this by catching consumer attention much earlier than usual. And they had to. Shoppers are researching their purchases earlier and flocking to comparison sites to ensure that they are indeed getting the best deal possible. "What we're seeing globally is that holiday shoppers are tending to put away their wallets in December and sales are not driving the same level of interest that they once did," said Rafe Petkovic, head of Industry at Google Canada. This is expected to continue in spite of the good deals advertised closer to Christmas.

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Continue reading Black Friday Goes Online in Canada

Black Friday Goes Online in Canada originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>amazonBlack Fridayblack friday canadablack friday canada 2012BlackFridayCanadaBlackFridayCanada2012cross-border shoppingcyber mondayonline shoppingwalmartSandra WilliamsMon, 19 Nov 2012 11:53:00 EST