Here’s news for Paypal earners – they will now have a tax form to fill, and of course, their online incomes are no longer below the radar as in the (golden) years past. Their bane though, is the government’s gain (think $378 billion, which is the tax gap). But it’s not all grim news in this Infographics. Also listed are the tax deductions most commonly overlooked by small businesses and the 5 largest tax credits and the movement to prohibit the IRS from letting loose the goose that would lay them new golden eggs.

But like some people said – paying big taxes – that’s a good problem to have.

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To lose one's self

The movies can break the bank.

It never used to. At least where I was from, movies can be had for, say, less than $5. So we would watch every week, and sometimes, we would watch a movie twice. And so I was surprised to find that it is a luxury (at $12.50!) in Canada, a first world – and that’s even without popcorn! Or maybe I am just a new immigrant and still doing my maths and my conversions in my head.

And so this guest post by Andrea Woroch appealed to me. Hope it gets you your movie fix too, at half the price.

» Read more of "11 Ways to save money at the movies"

Confounded, Confounding

Warning: there is a little bit of math here.  I may confuse you.

Not all insurance are created equal.  While appearing equal, most appear to be bloody sharks, feeding on the murkiness of our ignorance.  And sometimes, this is what they actually are, devouring the unsuspecting.  But an enigma too, because their “numbers” could, at once, become flexible as if by magic.  If you ask nicely.  Okay, forget nicely.  If you ask.  There is something about knocking that opens doors.

Let me tell you a story.

Once upon a time, I received a letter for the renewal of my car insurance from Insurance A.  I looked at the premium, thought something was not right, and good grief, when I checked, it was 7,000 higher than the old premium.  Aren’t cars suppose to be cheaper as they age?  Apparently not, if this quotation is to be believed.

The next day, I got another quote from Insurance B.  Same company, different agent.  The quote was cheaper than A’s, the deductible even less.  It was starting to get interesting.

» Read more of "Not All Insurance Are Created Equal"

Order from Chaos of the Past

Gmail has given me 7 GB of free space. My iPhone has 16 GB. I do not even know how many my laptop has, but it is getting slower so I realize I am getting close – dangerously close – to the limit.

A lot of space gone – because of clutter.

I don’t know about you but I still keep emails from circa 2008 (I have 20,000+ in my Gmail to date) and have tons of unread mail. But I had to take notice when Gmail started flashing me her threat, er, promise that I can have more space – 20 GB – for $5 per annum.

» Read more of "Managing physical and digital clutter: the magic wand"

You are meant to be here

A chance encounter.

I talked to someone today and was surprised to find out she is a lawyer in Germany. But like most professionals in Canada, who face the bar of credential recognition and what it stands for – further studies, time and expense – she thinks she will never get to practice her profession here.

She may be right.

» Read more of "Why stay?"

My daughter: A look at the past

Seeing with the mind’s eye gowns of the most beautiful fabric – and doodling and spinning outrageous stories – were my favorite pastimes when I was a young girl.

I would draw upon pages – reams – of paper, that I was sure I would be a fashion designer when I grew up. But logic kicked in – and panic – so I took up broadcasting and law instead (uhm).

And so my drawing – and fashion – fell at the wayside and I did not take it a notch higher, nor did I apply it to how I actually dressed (I do not think I had the choice). So yes, I was not really a fashionista at that age (I have pictures!). I would dress with the clothes my mom has given me – and well, my practical mom did not have an eye for fashion (I have pictures!).

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Explore the Past and the Future

Guest post from Andrea Woroch.

April is an important month when it comes to spending money.

Soon-to-be grads prep for the “real world” as parents contemplate the rising costs of summer camp for their kids. Homeowners tackle pricey improvement projects during more favorable spring temperatures while others face the looming tax deadline for paying outstanding debt. With all the mounting financial woes Americans face this time of year, no wonder April has been dubbed National Financial Literacy Month in hopes of promoting financial health among consumers.

» Read more of "7 Money Lessons for Financial Literacy Month"

One of many inspirations to write: A cry - our land is sacred

I thought Canada would give me more time to write.

It did.  But not doing anything – and actually being able to write – if prolonged – may be a scary reality for a new immigrant.

Canada affords one many pleasures, like exploration of its many parks and walkways, or the comfort of its libraries where one can read and browse at his own leisure, or the contemplation of an oak tree losing all its leaves in winter, or of the snow, dainty and pristine, falling in all its innocence when the warm winds has failed to turn its specks into rain.

» Read more of "Time to Write"