Globe and Mail personal finance columnist Rob Carrick brings you the Personal Finance Reader, his twice-weekly picks for the best online reading about money, the markets and more. If you're having trouble reading this newsletter or want to read the archives, click here.
Found something on the Internet that your fellow investors might enjoy? Talk to me at rcarrick@globeandmail.com.
Must reads from The Globe and Mail
Can you hit a perfect credit score? Everyone wants a better credit score, but few know how to achieve it.
Controlling your finances in your 80s and 90s. Strong legal documents can protect vulnerable seniors from scams and abuse.
Take control of your debt. In this earlier discussion, I took questions from Globe readers about strategies for tackling personal debt.
Getting a tax refund just means you've paid too much. Why you're better off reducing taxes paid throughout the year.
Competition watchdog targets Visa, MasterCard over fees. How 'anti-competitive' credit card giants are driving up costs for retailers and consumers alike.
Today's retirees need to get real. When it comes to saving for retirement, it's not just about assets. Consider the income and lifestyle you'll require.
Great hostess gifts for $25 or less. Smart Cookies columnist Angela Self explains how to show your gratitude without blowing your budget.
Must Reads From Around the Web
Old Age Security
We're starting to hear more about the Sandwich Generation, a cohort of people who will be looking after both their parents and their kids. Here are some financial tips from the CFA Institute, a non-profit investment industry group, for getting your parents' finances in shape.
The rising incidence of diseases like Alzheimer's, and the kinds of insurance that can offer financial protection.
Cheap and Cheerful
The Squawkfox blog offers 50 gift suggestions you can buy at the local dollar store.
When Gift Cards Are No Gift
A list of 10 things to consider before buying a pre-paid gift cards or credit cards.
The Postman Always Clicks Twice
The Reader introduced you to Canada Post's online comparison shopping tool back in November. Maclean's says the new website is a big success with shoppers, but some retailers aren't happy.
The ABCs of ETFs
A tidy primer on exchange-traded funds, which are an excellent portfolio-building tool and mutual fund alternative that you should certainly know about.
If you own ETFs (or mutual funds) in a non-registered account, taxable year-end distributions are something to be aware of. Here's a roundup of what to expect from some widely held ETFs.
Operation Broken Trust
A U.S. Department of Justice operation to fight investment fraud has uncovered alleged Ponzi schemes involving 120,000 victims and $10.3 billion (U.S.) in losses.
Editor's note: If you don't receive Rob Carrick's newsletter twice weekly by email, you can sign up to get it for free at The Globe and Mail. All you need to do is register for the site, or if you've already registered, login and go to your profile at the top of the homepage. Once you're in your profile, look under Newsletters and Alerts and look for the Personal Finance Reader and other newsletters. Other financial newsletters include:
Business Ticker, a summary of the day's top business stories
Berman's Market Update, a summary of the markets at the open, noon and close
Trade by Numbers, a monthly collection of articles exploring an investing trend or theme