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Canada Day LinkStuff And New Canadian Blog Spotlight

Happy Canada Day everyone – today’s roundup includes some blog highlights and a whole pile of links – all Canadian of course.

New Canadian Blog Spotlight

There have been a number of new blogs on the Canadian scene over the last little while so I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of them and perhaps give them a tiny bit more exposure.

Money Energy

Money Energy is written by Clare, who is a grad student currently living in the US. She is a self-taught DIY investor with a focus on dividend growth. Here is why she started the blog:

I started MoneyEnergy to funnel some of my enthusiasm and passion for learning about the economy and investment world – but had no idea it would become such a great learning adventure in itself. It’s been great to connect with others as equally passionate about their finances and investments.

Check out these top posts:

Studenomics

Studenomics is written by a Ryerson University final year business student. He has invested in real estate, loves to travel to warm countries in the winter, and always looking to improve savings/income.

I think it is important to get the most out of life now while still saving for the future.

About the blog: Studenomics offers common sense personal finance and career growth advice that will still allow you go enjoy your life. Cover topics any where from online college courses to pre drinking. Basically advice for college students/new graduates on how to get through college without going broke and how to live life on an entry level salary while still saving.

Some top posts:

Are experiences worth the price.
Nickel and Dime tips for young people.
Beware of short sighted financial decisions in your twenties. Bad money decisions in my twenties? Bah – I’m almost old enough to have forgotten about those.

Financial Highway

This blog is written by Ray and here’s what he had to say:

I have always been very interested in the financial markets and financial planning, my other passion has psychology and human behaviour and I’ve always enjoyed helping people. A few years ago I realized that I can do both as a Financial Advisor, so worked as an advisor for a while selling mutual funds, insurance products stocks etc…to clients and helped them with their financial goals. Eventually realized that the what’s in the client’s best interest is not always in my best financial interest, felt that there was too much conflict of interest and decided that there maybe better ways to help people. When I realized the conflict of interest I turned to blogging where I can provide information for free with no conflicts of interest. The purpose of the blog is to provide relevant and up to date financial information to readers, most topics are around financial planning (insurance planning, budgeting etc) however I also cover other personal finance topics I think maybe relevant to readers such as understanding credit scores and savings tips etc.

Some of his posts:

Financial Planning Guide series.
The Importance of money. Is money the end to a means or means to an end?
How to find a good Advisor. Questions to ask an potential Financial Advisor before hiring them.

Canadian Tax Resource

This blog is written by a professional accountant and as the name suggests – covers a lot of tax topics. Don’t make the same mistake I did and avoid this blog because you think it’s entirely tax material – a lot of the posts are the normal personal financial topics you find on most pf blogs so there is something for everyone.

Here’s what the author has to say:

My goal with Canadian Tax Resource is to simply capture and present answers to the tax and financial planning questions I receive on an ongoing basis. I don’t give advice but rather provide information to hopefully enlighten and inform.

Some top posts:

Eligible Tax Deductions For Home Renovations – An ongoing discussion of the Home Renovation Tax Credit
Exchange Rates, Investment Income and Income Tax.
What Are The Canadian Income Splitting Rules?

Some other Canadian links

Canadian Personal Financial Blog wonders if he would blow million (if he had it). His answer is pretty good – it’s hard to know unless you are actually in that situation.

Michael James talks about the dramatic effect of a 5 cent tax on grocery bags. I agree with him although I also think that a lot of people do want to help the environment and grocery bags are an easy way to start.

Congrats to Krystal (of Gimme Back My Five Bucks) who broke through the ,000 net worth mark recently.

Nancy Zimmerman just received a random act of kindness.

Triaging My Way to Financial Success answers a question about board lots and ETF investment strategies.

The Money Gardener says dividend hikes are alive and well – and has 72 dividend hikes to prove it.

Jonathan Chevreau had an interesting post outlining financial tips for pro athletes.

Thicken My Wallet explains how to invest in bank stocks.

Canadian Dream says that some people have pension envy.

Preet has announced a winner to the big draw – a free auto racing lesson. Congrats to “sam” who left a comment on this blog for the winner.

Financial Blogger talks about life after an MBA. My suggestion? Slow down and enjoy life a little.

The Strump has a way to make money from a car lease.

The Dividend Guy says that chopping some stocks can lessen your risk.

Larry MacDonald wonders if the BCE dividend is safe. He’s got me worried since I own some BCE. Larry doesn’t give his opinion but the article seems to suggest that BCE is in good shape.

Canadian Capitalist explores the question – why do ETF investors do worse than index mutual fund investors?

Million Dollar Journey asks another thought-provoking question – assuming no other income, how long would your savings last?

Squawkfox had a great post on how to do square foot gardening. In her case it looks more like 100 square foot gardening.

ABCs of Investing warns that not all index funds and ETFs are diversified.