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/Why Taco Bell and Popeyes Want to Sell You Breakfasthttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/19/why-taco-bell-and-popeyes-want-to-sell-you-breakfast/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/19/why-taco-bell-and-popeyes-want-to-sell-you-breakfast/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/19/why-taco-bell-and-popeyes-want-to-sell-you-breakfast/#commentsFiled under: ,

Waffle Taco
By Matt Brownell
Daily Finance

Even by Taco Bell's (YUM) wacky standards, its latest product is a head-scratcher: The "Mexican-inspired" fast-food chain is currently in the midst of testing a waffle taco.

The waffle taco -- which is exactly what it sounds like -- is part of Taco Bell's recent test of breakfast offerings, which for now is restricted to locations on the West Coast. But Taco Bell is not the only chain trying to challenge McDonald's (MCD) in the fast-food breakfast game. A number of other quick-serve chains have dipped their toes in the water in recent years: Now Subway, Wendy's and even Popeyes are aiming to be your first stop of the day.

Continue reading Why Taco Bell and Popeyes Want to Sell You Breakfast

Why Taco Bell and Popeyes Want to Sell You Breakfast originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sun, 19 May 2013 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>WalletPop EditorSun, 19 May 2013 21:50:00 ESTSpy Finances: What's the Going Rate for Espionage in Russia?http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/spy-finances-whats-the-going-rate-for-espionage-in-russia/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/spy-finances-whats-the-going-rate-for-espionage-in-russia/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/spy-finances-whats-the-going-rate-for-espionage-in-russia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ryan Fogle
By Eamon Murphy
Daily Finance

A $100,000 signing bonus, a $1 million salary, a brand new netbook or tablet, and additional rewards depending on performance: That's the compensation package, if media reports are correct, awaiting a Russian counterterrorism officer specializing in the Caucasus region who's willing to spy for Uncle Sam.


Continue reading Spy Finances: What's the Going Rate for Espionage in Russia?

Spy Finances: What's the Going Rate for Espionage in Russia? originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>WalletPop EditorFri, 17 May 2013 10:34:00 ESTTo Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign: That Is the Questionhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/to-co-sign-or-not-to-co-sign-that-is-the-question/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/to-co-sign-or-not-to-co-sign-that-is-the-question/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/to-co-sign-or-not-to-co-sign-that-is-the-question/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Co-Signing a loan
By Molly McClusky
Daily Finance

For some, having a friend or family member who's willing to co-sign for a loan can mean the difference between continuing to rent or buying a home, or between postponing school or furthering their education. For others, a co-signer can provide the chance to begin reestablishing good credit after a serious financial setback.

"For the person getting a co-signer, it serves a great purpose. It allows them to use someone else's credit standing to mitigate the risk for the [lender, so] they can get the loan, a better interest rate, or better terms," says David Pommerehn, the assistant vice president and senior counsel at Consumer Bankers Association.

For those who co-sign for a loan, however, the risks are plentiful.

Because co-signers will be responsible for the entire amount of the loan if the borrower defaults, Greg McBride, a CFA and senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com, has this blunt advice for people considering acting as co-signer: "Don't co-sign for any loan that you're not prepared to take on the responsibility of paying."

Continue reading To Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign: That Is the Question

To Co-Sign or Not to Co-Sign: That Is the Question originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cosigningfamily financesFamilyFinancesloan defaultsLoanDefaultsloansmoney problemsMoneyProblemsWalletPop EditorFri, 17 May 2013 10:23:00 ESTHow I 'Stole' $14 Million From a Bank: A Security Tester's Talehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/how-i-stole-14-million-from-a-bank-a-security-testers-tale/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/how-i-stole-14-million-from-a-bank-a-security-testers-tale/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/how-i-stole-14-million-from-a-bank-a-security-testers-tale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bank receipt
Daily Finance

In early 2010, Nish Bhalla sat down at his computer with one objective: steal a huge amount of money from a bank.

It wasn't a typical heist. Bhalla is the chief executive of Security Compass, a company that tests security systems at banks, retailers, energy companies and other organizations with sensitive data. His clients -- including the bank branch in the United States that he targeted in his 2010 attack -- pay him to break into their systems.

It can be easier than most people think. The alleged thieves who made headlines last week for their $45 million bank heist used a similar type of attack that "created" money out of nowhere.

Bhalla talked CNNMoney through his caper. Here, in four easy steps, is how he made himself into a millionaire.

Continue reading How I 'Stole' $14 Million From a Bank: A Security Tester's Tale

How I 'Stole' $14 Million From a Bank: A Security Tester's Tale originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bank securityBankSecurityhackeridentity theftIdentityTheftWalletPop EditorFri, 17 May 2013 08:08:00 ESTHow to Profit From Echo Boomers' Expensive Tasteshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/profit-from-echo-boomers-expensive-tastes/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/profit-from-echo-boomers-expensive-tastes/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/17/profit-from-echo-boomers-expensive-tastes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Echo Boomers
By Adam Widerman
Motley Fool

Although the economic potential of echo boomers may not be as promising as some are expecting, there are several ways investors can actually profit from their behavior.

Echo boomers are the demographic group comprised of baby boomers' progeny. They're slightly larger as a group than their parents (80 million compared to just 77 million baby boomers) and better educated. But this is a generation that's saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in debt -- something that will likely stunt their economic growth as they age.

However, while echo boomers work their way through these challenges, savvy investors stand to make hefty sums by investing in their consumer behaviors.

Continue reading How to Profit From Echo Boomers' Expensive Tastes

How to Profit From Echo Boomers' Expensive Tastes originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Fri, 17 May 2013 05:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>echo boomersEchoBoomersmillennialsWalletPop EditorFri, 17 May 2013 05:55:00 ESTThe Angelina Jolie Connection: The Debate Over Patenting Human Genehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/angelina-jolie-connection-the-debate-over-patenting-human-genes/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/angelina-jolie-connection-the-debate-over-patenting-human-genes/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/angelina-jolie-connection-the-debate-over-patenting-human-genes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Minyanville

This week, Angelina Jolie published an op-ed in the New York Time entitled "My Medical Choice," in which she explained her decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy, having her breasts removed and replaced with implants over the course of three months of medical procedures. Jolie's mother had died of breast cancer at the age of 56, and she knew she had inherited the same risk: an 87% chance of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer. Her procedure reduced the risk of breast cancer to under 5%.

How did she know she was at risk? Jolie had been tested for the "faulty" gene BRCA1 and the test came back positive. By whom was she tested? The molecular diagnostic company Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN). How do I know this? Because Myriad owns a patent for the BRCA1 gene (as well as the BRCA2 gene), and therefore, has exclusive rights to test for it (though the patents expire in about two years). Because of the patent and its protection of exclusivity, the company charges over $3,000 for the test.

Not surprisingly, Myriad's stock price saw a 4% increase yesterday. Jolie was drawing attention to breast cancer prevention and to this new and powerful tool that only one company holds the rights to. But in her op-ed, she writes, "It has got to be a priority to ensure that more woman can access gene testing and lifesaving, preventative treatment, whatever their means and background, wherever they live." If more companies are able to offer the test, then of course the price will go down, but only an invalidation of the patent law will allow other companies to offer the test. So continues the debate over whether companies should be able to patent human genes.

The following is a story I wrote in March about this debate: The Case of Myriad Genetics: Should Companies Own Patents on Human Genes?

For 30 years, companies have been patenting human genes. Yes, the very genetic material of our bodies, of our DNA, albeit in isolated forms. For longer than that, debates have been incessant -- in the scientific community, between businesses, and in the courts -- over whether or not this practice is legal, let alone ethical. Earlier this month, an Australian court heard yet another case about the legality of gene patenting, ultimately defending the practice. This spring, media attention over the controversy will shift back to the US as a similar case (originally heard in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York) will be heard by the Supreme Court.

Continue reading The Angelina Jolie Connection: The Debate Over Patenting Human Gene

The Angelina Jolie Connection: The Debate Over Patenting Human Gene originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>angelina jolieAngelinaJolieBRCA1 geneBrca1Genebreast cancer geneBreastCancerGenemastectomyWalletPop EditorThu, 16 May 2013 09:19:00 ESTWalmart Blames Taxes, Weather for Poor Saleshttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/walmart-blames-taxes-weather-for-poor-sales/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/walmart-blames-taxes-weather-for-poor-sales/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/walmart-blames-taxes-weather-for-poor-sales/#commentsFiled under: ,

walmart store shoppers in Paramount, Calif.By Matt Brownell
Daily Finance

Walmart reported weaker-than-expected sales figures Thursday morning, sending shares falling in early trading.

Total revenue in the first quarter came in at $114.2 billion, up just 1% over last year and short of analyst expectations. And the all-important comparable stores metric likewise holds bad news: Same-store sales actually fell 1.4% versus the same period last year.

The poor sales don't come as a complete shock. Last quarter's sales likewise came in a bit lower than expected, and same-store sales rose just 1%. Walmart predicted at the time that sales would remain flat through the remainder of the quarter, blaming the expiration of the payroll-tax holiday and delays in tax refunds for softening customer spending. This morning's report echoed that line, noting that "Comp sales performance was impacted by a delay in income tax refund checks, challenging weather conditions, less grocery inflation than expected and the payroll tax increase."

SLIDESHOW: Walmart Facts That'll Blow Your Mind

Continue reading Walmart Blames Taxes, Weather for Poor Sales

Walmart Blames Taxes, Weather for Poor Sales originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>WalmartWalletPop EditorThu, 16 May 2013 08:56:00 ESTFive Ways to Make Your Old Computer Run Like Newhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/five-ways-to-make-your-old-computer-run-like-new/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/five-ways-to-make-your-old-computer-run-like-new/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/16/five-ways-to-make-your-old-computer-run-like-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,

how to make an old computer run like newYour old computer isn't running like it used to but you don't have the money for a new one. Not to worry, there are several easy things you can do to give it a new lease on life and most of them won't cost you a cent.

Here are five ways to make your old computer run like new.

Continue reading Five Ways to Make Your Old Computer Run Like New

Five Ways to Make Your Old Computer Run Like New originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 16 May 2013 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>Control PanelDropboxICloudMicrosoft WindowsMobileMeSciTechWindows UpdateMarlene AlexanderThu, 16 May 2013 00:25:00 ESTIn a Bidding War? 5 Ways to Win the Home You Wanthttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/15/in-a-bidding-war-5-ways-to-win-the-home-you-want/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/15/in-a-bidding-war-5-ways-to-win-the-home-you-want/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/15/in-a-bidding-war-5-ways-to-win-the-home-you-want/#commentsFiled under:

Canadian homebuyers are used to bidding wars. For the last decade, trying to buy a house in a strong market has proven both frustrating and often defeating when one's bid loses out to others', time and time again.

So what does it take to claim victory over your competitors if you find yourself in a bidding war? Here are some helpful tips:

Continue reading In a Bidding War? 5 Ways to Win the Home You Want

In a Bidding War? 5 Ways to Win the Home You Want originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>bidding warsBiddingWarshome sellingHomeSellingWalletPop EditorWed, 15 May 2013 12:19:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>book shopsBookShopsChapters bookstoreChapters IndigoChaptersBookstoreChaptersIndigoGerry SchwartzGerrySchwartzHeather ReismanHeatherReismanIDGindigoIndigo booksindigo books and musicIndigo storyIndigoBooksIndigoBooksAndMusicIndigoStorykobo readerKoboReaderLove of ReadingLoveOfReadingReismansuperstoresMartha WorboyWed, 15 May 2013 11:30:00 ESTThe Truth Behind the Prepaid Credit Cards Celebrities Promotehttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/the-truth-behind-the-prepaid-credit-cards-celebrities-promote/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/the-truth-behind-the-prepaid-credit-cards-celebrities-promote/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/the-truth-behind-the-prepaid-credit-cards-celebrities-promote/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

These days, it seems talent isn't enough. Celebrities have to get their name and image out there as well, hawking so many products with their faces on them that it can be utterly nauseating. Toys, clothes, fragrances, jewelry, food, drinks, accessories and more: the list goes on ad infinitum.

But some things celebrities lend their name and image to are downright dangerous, particularly when they get in bed with the credit and debit card companies largely responsible for so much debt around the world.

More and more the public is able to apply for credit and debit cards with their favourite celebrities face on them, but the fees and interest charges are often so high that only the rich and famous who endorse these cards can afford them.

​Ahead, we'll show you whose promoting what cards and pull back the curtain on what the card companies are charging you to have them.

Continue reading The Truth Behind the Prepaid Credit Cards Celebrities Promote

The Truth Behind the Prepaid Credit Cards Celebrities Promote originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>BillMyParentsDef Jam RecordingsJustin BieberJustinBieberKeeping up With the KardashiansKim KardashianKimKardashianLil WayneLilWayneLL Cool JMasterCardOccupy Wall StreetRushCardRussell SimmonsRussellSimmonsthe kardashiansTheKardashiansUsherVisa Inc.Young MoneyYoungMoneyAaron BrovermanTue, 14 May 2013 23:32:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>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 ESTHow the Wisdom of Confucius Can Lead You to Financial Successhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/how-the-wisdom-of-confucius-can-lead-you-to-financial-success/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/how-the-wisdom-of-confucius-can-lead-you-to-financial-success/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/how-the-wisdom-of-confucius-can-lead-you-to-financial-success/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Yukong Zhao
A 2012 Pew Research Center Report, "The Rise of Asian Americans," identified Asian Americans as "the highest-income, best-educated and fastest-growing racial group in the United States." In addition, according to the report, Asian Americans are more satisfied than the general public with their lives, finances, and the direction of the country, and they place more value than other Americans do on marriage, parenthood, hard work and career success.

YuKong Zhao (pictured), an expert in China business and strategic development at Siemens, believes the secret to the success of Asian Americans can be found in the enduring messages of Confucius.

Zhao, who grew up in a Confucianism-influenced family in China, moved to the U.S. in 1992. His bicultural experience and deep understanding of Confucianism has led him to conclude that Americans can learn from Confucian values to improve their lives in a variety of ways.

Most noteworthy in the differences between Asians and non-Asian Americans is their outlook on life. "Americans have a short-term view of life and Asians have a long-term view," says Zhao. "This impacts everything about their lives, but is particularly important when it comes to money management."

Continue reading How the Wisdom of Confucius Can Lead You to Financial Success

How the Wisdom of Confucius Can Lead You to Financial Success originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 06:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>confuciussave moneySaveMoneyWalletPop EditorTue, 14 May 2013 06:48:00 ESTHow Often Should You Check Your Stocks?http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/how-often-should-you-check-your-stocks/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/how-often-should-you-check-your-stocks/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/14/how-often-should-you-check-your-stocks/#commentsFiled under:

ipad checking stocks
By Dan Caplinger
Daily Finance

It's easier than ever to keep track of your investments 24/7, with increasingly powerful tablets and smartphones bringing you instant access to your portfolio's minute-by-minute value. But do you really need to follow your portfolio all day, every day?

For most people, the answer is a resounding no.

Don't Be a Glutton for Punishment

As investing and personal finance expert Larry Swedroe has pointed out, checking your portfolio on a daily basis greatly increases the chances that you'll inflict painful bad news on yourself.

Continue reading How Often Should You Check Your Stocks?

How Often Should You Check Your Stocks? originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Tue, 14 May 2013 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>checking stocksCheckingStocksinvestingstock fluctuationsstock marketStockFluctuationsStockMarketWalletPop EditorTue, 14 May 2013 06:43:00 ESTGet Help, Get Organized for Good!http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/get-help-get-organized/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/get-help-get-organized/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/get-help-get-organized/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The frost has finally had it for the season, which means it's time to open some windows and doors, and Clear Out The Clutter. The sentiment is pretty widely shared: spring cleaning (whether we do it, or just think that we should do it) is a culturally engrained thing.

As with most culturally engrained events though, there's a whole industry that exists in response, trying like mad to get you to part with some of your hard-earned dollars as part of the festivities. (Think storage tote sales.)

In and among the multitude of links to sell me something when I searched the phrase, "get organized," I found one article, thankfully, that had this very salient piece of advice:

"Hold off on container shopping... getting organized does not start out with a shopping trip."

WebMD, 10 Ways to Cut Clutter in Your Home. Retrieved May 7, 2013.


Even just getting started, though, can sometimes require professional help. Do you sometimes wonder where to start? You're not alone. Enter, the professional organizer.

Continue reading Get Help, Get Organized for Good!

Get Help, Get Organized for Good! originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>clutterClutterFreeorganizationprofessional organizerProfessionalOrganizerWebMDKate McCafferyMon, 13 May 2013 12:14:00 ESTThe Deep Downside of Home Ownershiphttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-deep-downside-of-home-ownership/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-deep-downside-of-home-ownership/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-deep-downside-of-home-ownership/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


By Morgan Housel
Motley Fool

Mostly by accident, I have never owned a home, and consider it one of the best financial moves I've ever made.

Not because suffering through one of the worst real estate downturns in history would have slammed my finances, although that's likely true. But because in the last four years, my wife and I have lived in four different locations in three different states on each side of the country. Each move was driven by work and school opportunities that would have been out of reach had we been tied down to one home.

Our story is hardly unique. In one of the most telling studies looking at the benefits of home ownership, economists Andrew Oswald and David Blanchflower ask, "does high home-ownership impair the labor market?"

Their answer is "yes."

Continue reading The Deep Downside of Home Ownership

The Deep Downside of Home Ownership originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 02:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>cost of home ownershipCostOfHomeOwnershiphome ownershipHomeOwnershipinvestingowning a homeOwningAHomereal estateRealEstateWalletPop EditorMon, 13 May 2013 02:12:00 ESTThe Consequences of Dying Without a Willhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-consequences-of-dying-without-a-will/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-consequences-of-dying-without-a-will/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-consequences-of-dying-without-a-will/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amy Winehouse
By Dan Caplinger
Daily Finance

Real-estate developer Roman Blum wasn't famous during his lifetime. But when the 97-year-old died in 2012, he quickly became famous for something he didn't to do during his lifetime: write a will. Or, if he did write one, he neglected to leave it where someone could find it.

Blum, a Holocaust survivor with no living family members, passed away with an estate worth nearly $40 million. It is the largest unclaimed estate in the history of the state of New York, and unless the court-overseen administrator of his assets finds relatives through a genealogist search, every penny could end up going to the state government.

Legacies Left in Limbo

Millions of people don't have wills, never considering the consequences of their actions on the family members and friends who survive them.

Fortunately, getting a will in place doesn't have to be complicated; even a simple will is enough to express your intent for who should receive your assets after your death. Moreover, if you have minor children, wills allow you to name a guardian for them that will avoid any uncertainty about who you want to care for them if something happens to you. At the same time you get your will done, you should also consider some other valuable estate-planning documents. Living wills and health-care proxies can give doctors and family members more guidance on how you want your medical care handled if you're incapacitated, while a durable power of attorney allows a trusted person to handle your finances when you can't. Here's a rundown of the 10 important documents you should have.

You may not be as rich or famous as the celebrities below, but their lives -- and deaths -- offer a cautionary tale for what can happen when you die intestate. Making a will might seem like a chore, but getting it done will go a long way toward avoiding family feuds after your death and having your memory overshadowed by discord among your loved ones.
%Gallery-188098%

The Consequences of Dying Without a Will originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 01:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>amy winehouseAmyWinehousebarry whiteBarryWhitedead celebsDeadCelebsjimi hendrixJimiHendrixLast Will and TestamentLastWillAndTestamentsonny bonoSonnyBonostieg larssonStiegLarssonWalletPop EditorMon, 13 May 2013 01:22:00 ESTThe Great Gatsby Portfolio: Building a West Egg Nest Egghttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-great-gatsby-portfolio-building-a-west-egg-nest-egg/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-great-gatsby-portfolio-building-a-west-egg-nest-egg/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/13/the-great-gatsby-portfolio-building-a-west-egg-nest-egg/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

By Justin Sharon
Minyanville.com

Wall Street hits dizzying heights as conspicuous consumption runs amok. New technologies utterly transform America. A country loosens its collective collar, in the mood to indulge again after emerging from a dire decade during which war was everywhere. And mixed in with the rampant materialism, much hand-wringing and anxiety over a loss of moorings and meaning amid all the empty excess. 1922? Yes, but arguably an equally apt description of 2013. Thus, with due respect to The Great Gatsby's unforgettable last line, there is actually no need to be "borne back ceaselessly into the past," for many themes of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel remain fresh as a Daisy, Buchanan or otherwise.

Continue reading The Great Gatsby Portfolio: Building a West Egg Nest Egg

The Great Gatsby Portfolio: Building a West Egg Nest Egg originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Mon, 13 May 2013 00:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>F Scott FitzheraldFScottFitzheraldGolden AgeGoldenAgeLeo diCaprioLeoDicaprioThe Great GatsbyTheGreatGatsbyWalletPop EditorMon, 13 May 2013 00:46:00 EST17 Things You Should Always Buy Newhttp://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/11/17-things-you-should-always-buy-new/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/11/17-things-you-should-always-buy-new/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/11/17-things-you-should-always-buy-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Two shoppers try out the beds in the showroom at the Ikea store in Brooklyn, NY, Wednesday, September 26, 2012. Photograph: Victor J. Blue
By Megan Durisin

In the day and age of online swap meets and the ubiquity of reseller sites like Craigslist, eBay, and Etsy, there's hardly anything you can't get secondhand anymore. But should you?

For some items, saving a few bucks by buying them secondhand isn't worth the potential safety or health risks involved.

We've put together a list of 17 products that you should always buy new.

SLIDESHOW: Things You Should Always Buy New

HatsBike helmetsBlendersCamera lensesDigital camerasChild car seatsLaptopsComputer software

17 Things You Should Always Buy New originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>buying a mattressBuyingAMattressnew merchandiseNewMerchandiseshopping tipsShoppingTipsWalletPop EditorSat, 11 May 2013 16:08:00 ESTDon't Fall for It, Mom, It's a Scam!http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/09/dont-fall-for-it-mom-its-a-scam/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/09/dont-fall-for-it-mom-its-a-scam/http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2013/05/09/dont-fall-for-it-mom-its-a-scam/#commentsFiled under: ,

AMAJYJ Woman Outraged by Scam Mail
Moms will go to any lengths to ensure their family's well-being. Unfortunately, scammers know that too. So under the guise of helping, they'll go to equally great lengths to part moms from their cash. This Mother's Day -- and every day -- be on the lookout for these common scams that often target mothers and other caregivers.

Continue reading Don't Fall for It, Mom, It's a Scam!

Don't Fall for It, Mom, It's a Scam! originally appeared on Walletpop Canada on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]>fraudscamsWalletPop EditorThu, 09 May 2013 15:16:00 EST