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
Asking for a raise or negotiating for more money can be tricky. But as Globe columnist Angela Self explains, with information, confidence and a game plan, it's not impossible.
Don't let Halloween bleed you dry. Here's a budget that won't leave you spooked.
Having a large pile of cash hidden behind a painting in your living room is no guarantee you'll go through life with a smile on your face.
Globe columnist Tim Cestnick explains how your loss can be your spouse's gain.
The more frequently women take time away from work to have children, the harder it is to close the wage gap, according to a new TD report. What to expect after returning to work after an extended maternity leave.
Must Reads From Around the Web
Bonds Versus Bond Funds
A reader sent me this article in favour of bond funds after checking out my column earlier this week on what's ahead for bonds.
In my column on bonds, I quoted a portfolio manager who said he prefers bonds because they return your investment to you at maturity, whereas bond funds ride up and down according to the interest rate cycle.
Services Rendered
The new website Fiverr describes itself as "the place for people to share things they're willing to do for $5." Check it out if you've got a spare fiver and need someone to, oh, I don't know, call a friend on the phone pretending to be Arnold Schwarzenegger or write a Shakespeare sonnet on a topic of your choosing.
Riffing on Retirement
Ten things you need to know about registered retirement income funds.
First-Aid For Fido
Consumer Reports takes a look at pet insurance, a topic we've been thinking about at our house after some costly doggie dental work was required. Based on this, we'll take a pass.
Buffett Speaks
Forget gold and buy stocks, Warren Buffett says in an interview with Fortune columnist Ben Stein.
Stock Market Disconnect
Give this New York Times article a read if you're trying to reconcile the stock market rally with the grim state of the U.S. economy.
Micro Managing
Microwave ovens use a lot less power than conventional ovens, but they're not actually that good for cooking stuff. Or are they?
No Snow Jobs Here
Top 10 choices for best snowtires.
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