Favorite Sites
Posted by Gail | Filed under This & That
Like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, I find blogs and websites some of my favourite things from the electronic era. I can get lost on the net for hours, following links and expanding my mind. Oh, the thinks I have thought! A while back I asked for you to send me some of your favorite websites so we could all share them. I was actually quite surprised at how few responses I got. Ditto when I asked you what you wanted me to write about next year. Anyhoo, here are some of the sites I like to check out fairly regularly, followed by your contributions.
I’m a big fan of JD Roth’s site, www.getrichslowly.org. The guy’s been blogging forever and covers a wide range of topics, including what he’s growing in his garden. He’s thoughtful and doesn’t mind admitting when something makes him do a think-again. I also love to check in on www.zenhabits.net. Leo isn’t posting as often as he used to, but there is a huge amount of very interesting stuff about finding balance and simplifying your money and your life. Over at www.marcandangel.com, the posts are thoughtful and extremely well written. This guy should get himself a publisher. Chaya Cooperberg does a great job on the Home Cents blog at the Globe & Mail. It’s one of the very few nods to personal finance since almost everything else is about investing. And check out www.hiddenabundance.com for a wide range of interesting blogs.
My blog world is much wider than money. Like Robin, below, I’m a fan of www.postsecret.com. I regularly check in at www.psychologytoday.com for the latest on how to be happier and positive psychology. Gretchen Rubin turned her blog, www.happiness-project.com into a bestselling book, and there’s a good reason why. I’m also a huge fan of Philip DeFranco who video blogs on youtube. The best way to find him is through his Facebook page. (Language warning!)
Robin wrote: Here are a few of my favourite websites and blogs. I think they’re fabulous.
www.orangekids.com – I found this website recently through ING, it’s for teaching children about money (it’s taught me a few things too). I love that it’s simple and fun, plus it has a great parent reference section.
www.motherofadeal.com – deal hunting made easy.
www.1000awesomethings.com – a daily reminder that we really have a lot of simple things to be wickedly thankful for.
www.postsecret.com – new secrets are posted each week, something about them is fascinating.
Melanie wrote: I get about 25 finance blogs a day that come through my reader but I find these two consistently have the most relevant and interesting content (besides yours of course!)
Lori wrote: thanks Gail, your blog is by far my fav and I read it every day! Here are some sites I like to visit often:
If you have blogs or websites that you visit regularly, add ‘em in your comments and share the wealth. I’m always looking for new and interesting sites. And they don’t have to be about money.
September 2, 2010 at 7:07 am
I find that Mint.com also has some good Financial Info.
Have a great day.
September 2, 2010 at 7:08 am
I enjoy your blog very much, Gail.
I’m partial to mine as well, about our life, our family and simple living. http://www.ruralwritings.blogspot.com
I also enjoy Attic24, wonderful colour and crafting…
down—to—earth for simple living
Pioneer Woman for fun…
have a blessed day
Niki
September 2, 2010 at 7:53 am
Thanks Gail, I’ll have to check some of these out.
I check your blog every weekday along with:
http://www.thesimpledollar.com
http://www.5dollardinners.com
September 2, 2010 at 7:55 am
Gail – I read two blogs without fail every morning. Your blog and http://www.greaterfool.ca to keep me balanced and in the right mindset about being careful with my money.
September 2, 2010 at 7:55 am
http://www.ikeahacker.blogspot.com
http://www.krystalatwork.com
http://www.thepioneerwoman.com
http://www.redflagdeals.com
September 2, 2010 at 7:57 am
Also here is a listing of financial blogs that I find are very good.
http://www.wisebread.com/top-100-most-popular-personal-finance-blogs/
September 2, 2010 at 8:48 am
I love reading new blogs and finding new sites too. Sometimes the time flies by while I’m surfing – can be so addicting. This blog is the first one I read every morning – love you Gail! I also like to check out deals on websites and blogs. I’ve gotten lots of deals and coupons with these sites: http://www.simplyfrugal.ca and http://smartcanucks.ca
I also love to bake and enjoy reading these two blogs and getting some cute ideas: http://chiccookiekits.blogspot.com and http://www.bakerella.com/
And one more – for those who love crafting: http://www.skiptomylou.org/
Now I can’t wait to check out all the other sites/blogs listed! Thanks Gail!
September 2, 2010 at 8:55 am
I’m sorry Gail. You are the only blog I read.
I simply don’t understand how people can spend that much time on line…
September 2, 2010 at 9:17 am
I’m a huge fan of Punch Debt in the Face. It’s hilarious and the accompanying Paint pictures are awesome – http://www.punchdebtintheface.com/
September 2, 2010 at 9:28 am
I read Gails everyday and:
http://www.canadiancapitalist.com
http://www.canadiansavings.wordpress.com
http://www.canadiancouchpotato.com
http://www.thesimpledollar.com
I too also am a fan of PostSecret too!
and since I went back to school ratemyprofessors.com is good feedback from other students
September 2, 2010 at 9:38 am
This is the only blog I read and I try to get to it each day although sometimes I miss. I don’t like to spend too much time at the computer as there’s usually lots of things that need doing.
September 2, 2010 at 9:44 am
I have to agree with So Says – Punch Debt in the Face is hilarious! And has some good info with a younger twist on personal finance. i recently wrote a guest post for him while he was honeymooning with his new bride!
Gail, I have just discovered POst Secret in the past few months and look forward to the new posts every Sunday.
Another site that has nothing to do with personal finance, but I read just to laugh every once in a while is Stuff White People Like – http://www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com
Other Blogs I enjoy: http://www.budgetsaresexy.com
http://www.unclutterer.com – it features ways to unclutter your life. They also have a “unitasker Wednesday” which features the most ridiculous of products that simply take up space in your home and life. Very creatively written!
September 2, 2010 at 9:58 am
Here’s a great blog on early literacy for parents and professionals working with children from birth to six. Great ideas! http://www.earlyliteracyconnection.blogspot.com
September 2, 2010 at 10:03 am
Gail I am a huge fan of your blog and shows. Yours is one blog I get in my reader. One of my other favorite Canadian Blogs is http://www.wheredoesallmymoneygo. I love Preet and his writing, the fact that he let me guest post well was exciting. By the way enjoyed your back to school tips on Global last night.
September 2, 2010 at 10:31 am
Every day I read this blog, with many others that have already been posted in others’ comments. One other that I find wonderfully refreshing to read is:
http://www.thefrugalgirl.com/
September 2, 2010 at 10:38 am
I read many of the ones Gail already mentioned, especially Get Rich Slowly and The Simple Dollar.
In no particular order, here are a few of my favourites:
http://www.5dollardinners.com
http://www.canadian-dream-free-at-45.com
http://www.budgetsaresexy.com
http://www.canadianfinanceblog.com
http://www.deliverawaydebt.com (initially tracked extra income from a PT pizza delivery job which he used to pay down debt. Recently had to quit job because primary job hours have increased. Still lots of good info and discussion though.)
http://www.earlyretirementextreme.com (unconventional philosophy and lifestyle, but insteresting. Retired in his 30s and living with his wife in an RV in California)
September 2, 2010 at 11:07 am
I have to check out National Geographic’s photo of the day every morning. There are some pretty interesting pictures in the world. They also update on the weekends, not just during the work week, so that’s fun.
http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/
September 2, 2010 at 11:11 am
I agree, http://www.punchdebtintheface.com is hilarious!
I also love to read http://www.mrsjanuary.com and http://www.bargainmoose.ca, both blogs are about Canadian deals, bargains and freebies.
September 2, 2010 at 11:13 am
Thanks for the mention Gail, honoured to be in the list.
September 2, 2010 at 11:15 am
Some of my favourite blogs (the day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to your blog and these):
http://notesfromthefrugaltrenches.com/
http://greatday.com
http://thedailycoyote.com
http://theoneyearofintentionallivingproject.blogspot.com/
September 2, 2010 at 11:17 am
i read gail’s blog faithfully. every day, sometimes multiple times a day (stocks, bonds, etc) if i don’t grasp it the first time through. or if i find the message super hyper stellar, i copy and paste to my own “gail” folder, for later review, reference, and refresh. it’s the only blog i never miss!
i too have difficulty understanding how some people can spend so very much time blogging away. that being said, i would imagine like everything else in the world, there’s an audience for most any subject. and a blogger for most any topic. to each his/her own.
thanks gail, for a blog which truly enriches my life. in more ways than i can count or every say a gracious enough “thank you” for…you are the rock of my little financial world!
September 2, 2010 at 11:47 am
Besides Gail’s blog, I have two favourite websites, neither are blogs though:
http://www.canadianmomscommunity.com/ – A great group of Canadian moms who have helped me keep my sanity.
http://www.wikihow.com – the how to manual that you can edit – Has articles about everything imaginable, including a couple hundred articles about Managing Your Money.
September 2, 2010 at 12:13 pm
For personal interest, I read Gail’s blog every day and one other blog that feeds my passion – cooking, http://www.thenoshery.com. Then there’s all those blogs I read for work, but I won’t bore you with those.
September 2, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Our website, groceryalerts.ca is starting to attract more and more shoppers.
We feature grocery deals and highlight printable coupons and coupon codes to save Canadians money.
The last 6 months we have also had product giveaways where we giveaway everything from new cookbooks to healthy cookware to new cooking supplies!
Cheers.
September 2, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I start my day with a cup of cafe and a read of gail’s blog and this website. I have two young children and found flylady.net to be a tremendous help in organising my day, life etc. all sans guilt – you gotta love that! Even if you’re skeptical it’s worth a try because it really does work and in my situation the fact that it’s free is incredible.
al
September 2, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Absolutely without a doubt flylady.net should be on this list!
Invaluable if your life is a mess and you need someones kind words to reign things in. Daily email reminders and her positive words of encouragement are great. You can even check out TheFlyLady on Facebook.
September 2, 2010 at 1:47 pm
My “Favourites” is now BRIMMIN’ with new sites to check out! Thanks everyone! I’m thoroughly enjoying “Punch in the Face”, but Gail’s blog is TOP NOTCH in my book!
September 2, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I check out two blogs – Gail’s and SaverQueen’s. Love to read them and I learn so much. I enjoy the little communities that have formed.
I am also part of two closed Yahoo groups. One is my girlfriends since 1967 – we post messages there. The other is a group of friends I made online that started out as a book club in 1998. We post messages there too.
Now, ask me how many books I have in my hands in a week – that is what I love! The feel of them…even the smell…. I think besides one other lady – we keep our library going full tilt.
I’m not into being on the computer very much – but do my banking ‘online’. Love, love, love to write and receive snail mail (yes, I have a fountain pen). So cozy to sit with a cuppa and read an actual letter you hold – it’s like a visit with that friend.
I send off messages on the computer too – things that are more an issue of time.
September 2, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Wow – thank you for the shout out, Gail! Mother of a Deal is thrilled to make your favourites list. We think you are great too and are big fans. -Heather
September 2, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Thanks for the love. You’re not too bad yourself.
September 2, 2010 at 4:00 pm
GAIL I saw you last night on the news!! WAY TO GO loved the segment I live in Alberta and have a girlfriend in TO so I do tune in sometimes to check out whats happening around there! and you look FAB!!!!
Can’t wait to see your new series and will be anxiously awaiting your return to a new season of till debt!!! when are those to air?
thanks for being you,
what an inspiration you are to many of us me included!!
September 2, 2010 at 7:13 pm
I have a few websites that I take a quick glance at every morning, but this is the only blog I read. I am way too busy to read more. Maybe some day…
September 2, 2010 at 8:23 pm
I think that posting great blog websites will be dangerous to me… I suspect that I will have to look at them all now; bad timing, as I’ve just started back at work, and less time to spend at the computer…
I LOVE this blog, though. Gail, your advice, your humour, your attitude, your general philosophy — you say it all so well; I wish I had the abilities you do, but I’m striving to get there.
The support network on this blog too; I can’t imagine that there are other blogs out there that show such connections as what is demonstrated time and time again here.
I truly thank you Gail, for providing this forum for people to share, educate themselves, and support and reach out to others. This is a blog that truly demonstrates community.
September 2, 2010 at 11:23 pm
I like many of the ones listed already, but will add http://www.squawkfox.com to the list. Lots of great tips there!
September 3, 2010 at 12:55 am
Dear Gail,
One of my favourite blogs is http://www.davidfleming.ca/
He is a real estate agent in Toronto and his speciality is condominiums.
He writes about this with great authority and intelligence. However, he also writes about
personal experiences in his field, his ideas on general topics of interest and he is a funny as well as excellent writer. He works for Bosley Real Estate and you can find his blog through their site as well. Give his blog a whirl, you won’t be disappointed.
Solange
September 3, 2010 at 8:32 am
@ Catherine, I, too love snail mail!! Luckily my dearest friend in England does, as well and we each seek out the prettiest note cards to send along to brighten someone’s day. (I haven’t mastered the fountain pen, tho’)
September 3, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Wow that are some fabulous blogs listed, and many of my favorites are already captured!!
September 3, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Also check: http://www.manvsdebt.com (love the title and the content!)
September 3, 2010 at 7:06 pm
I’m a huge fan of:
http://blog.canadian-dream-free-at-45.com/
and
http://badmoneyadvice.com/
and
http://michaeljamesmoney.blogspot.com/
and lastly
http://www.moneysmartsblog.com/ (I’m sorry to see Mr. Cheap leave the blog however the sole remaining author, Mike, is an excellent writer)
Oh, and I made my last payment on my line of credit last week! only my mortgage and car loan left
September 4, 2010 at 7:17 am
There are so many wonderful and interesting blogs out there!! I especially love the National Geographic photo of the day for its real beauty and simplicity. The best benefit of reading all of these blogs is that the more time I spend reading them, the less time I spend “spending money.” I hope everyone is having a safe and peaceful long weekend.
September 4, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Yours is always the first blog site I read!!
Next is just a fun site with great ideas if you love cupcakes.
http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/
Have a great long weekend everyone.
September 4, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Gail, your site is definitely one of my faves to read on a consistent basis. Another one of my favorites is a site written by Chris Guillebeau called ‘The Art of NonConformity’. (www.chrisguillebeau.com/3×5).
September 6, 2010 at 1:49 pm
HI there,
Just catching up after being away for a long while!
I like http://www.topleftpixel.com. It is a ‘daily dose of imagery’ from a photographer in Toronto. Always awesome and artful pics.
I also check out http://www.globeandmail.com and cbc.ca each day.
Of course I read your blog as often as possible too!
I am also a big fan of checking out http://www.reddit.com. It is very addictive and is a source of all the cool stuff on the web each day. You can choose which topics interest you the most.
I am subscribed to zen habits and also simple dollar but find I don’t always have time to read them with my huge and ongoing battle with the email inbox.
Oh, I almost forgot. My absolute favourite website to check out periodically is http://www.smittenkitchen.com. She is a new mom in Manhattan who loves to bake and cook. She takes amazing pics and posts her recipes. I recommend the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies (to die for!) and there are some other amazing recipes on there that my friends have tried (peanut butter cream cheese cake with ganache icing)…yes, there is a theme here.
Outside of blogs and websites, I am also a big subscriber of free podcasts. I enjoy CBC podcasts which include Definitely Not The Opera, Tapestry, As it Happens, and Canada Live among others. It is hard to find time to keep up on all of this information though! I like to listen to the podcasts when I am busy cooking or doing other things around the house.
Looking forward to your new season of shows!
S.
September 6, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Business Finance
February 28, 2011 at 1:40 pm
We want to be on your list of favourite sites, come check us out!
February 28, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Try http://www.canadasamples.com/. I did, because I love getting free stuff!