The people have spoken! To kick off the first annual Best of Finance Awards, we asked Canadians: Who’s on top when it comes to personal finance resources? And answer you did, filling us in on your picks for the best blogs, books, news and more.
Presenting your picks for the RATESDOTCA Best of Finance Consumers' Choice:
Best Blogs
Looking for some money-saving inspiration? How about some creative ways to cut corners - or perhaps a personal account of investing for the first time? Personal finance has exploded within the blogosphere and for good reason - Canadians are looking to gain insight to successful money management habits.
Personal finance blogs take finance education out of the institution and offer a whole new personal and easily accessible approach. Here are your picks for favourite personal finance bloggers (yours truly excluded, of course).
Best Blogger: Frugal Living: Young & Thrifty
Best Blogger: Investing: Canadian Finance Blog
Best Personal Finance Social Media
Like and learn - personal finance enthusiasts need turn as far as their favourite Facebook or Twitter profile to get their fix. We rounded up the most dynamic and engaged social media personas - here are your faves.
Best Social Media: Facebook: Mint.com
Best Social Media: Twitter: @rcarrick (Rob Carrick, Finance Journalist, Globe and Mail)
Best Budgeting Apps
These days balancing your budget can be done with the touch of a button and on the go. A whole slew of apps are available allowing one to track their spending in store, pay bills on the fly - even keep a close eye on a stock market portfolio. Here are the most popular picks for both iPhone and Android smartphones.
Best Budgeting App: iPhone: iWallet
Best Budgeting App: Android: Mint.com
Personal Finance Books
Looking to brush up on investing strategies, or start your tyke early on the value of money? The nearest bookstore is chock full of personal finance resources penned by top economists and experts. Pick from one of these tried and tested tomes the next time you’re looking for an enlightening read.
Personal Finance Books: Kids: Money Smart Kids by Gail Vaz Oxlade
Personal Finance Books: New Earners: The Wealthy Barber: David Chilton
Personal Finance Books: Investing: The Lazy Investor by Derek William Foster
Mortgage Moments: The Biggest Mortgage Headlines
2012 can only be described as a tempestuous year for the Canadian mortgage market, as buyers saw their affordability slashed, sales headed south and threats of rising interest rates. It was this summer’s CMHC rule changes, however, that most grabbed the attention of readers.
The Most Popular Mortgage Feature
When it comes to buying a home, what do Canadians care about most: a low rate, great prepayment options, a long rate hold, or big bank availability? Turns out, money talks - the lowest rate won out by a whopping 53.3% of poll takers.
Best Credit Card Feature
When it comes to credit cards, are rewards really worth it? Turns out they are - 67% of poll-takers said points, miles and cashback provided more incentive than low interest or low balance transfer offerings.
Best Rewards Credit Card Feature
How would you like to be rewarded today? According to Canadians, cash is king, with 61.5% preferring a cash back rewards system over travel or specialty options.
