PC vs Mac - which computer should you buy?

If you've read my latest book, She Inc., you know too well my rant on the Mac vs. PC debate and my long-term support of the latter.

My "cool" friends jeer at the fact that I still use a PC, constantly sending me those Mac commercials with the out-of-touch, geeky, PC spokesperson. I've never had a reason to switch and quite frankly, the thought of learning an entirely new operating system, the Mac language and more, evokes great buying trepidation.

However, I'm also a fan of the power of 3's - third time's a charm, three strikes, you're out - and pondering the latter, my PC's on it third strike. My six year-old baby, my laptop, has lived far beyond his expected years with three replace hard drives, mucho memory and yet he still can't play a YouTube video without stalling out and having the fans kick into overdrive.

That's strike one. Strike two, he had a virus that rivalled the H1N1 for computers. With two weeks at the repair shop, reinstalling all of his software (which took days for my assistant to fully find - you'd be surprised how much software one accumulates over six years), and much cost, I must admit that the ridicule of my Mac friends has worn on me (Mac apparently doesn't have the virus issues that PCs do). Lastly, I've heard nightmare stories about operating Vista, and with such a change in operating system if one does buy a new PC, I think I might make the Mac leap yet.

Cost is a huge consideration as the Mac laptop I'm considering as a cool $1,000 plus over that of a PC comparison.

Here's a great blog that I found detailing the advantages and disadvantages, cost and otherwise of PCs vs. Mac - http://hubpages.com/hub/LaptopDilemnaMacorPC .

Happy shopping and leave me a post with your thoughts on the PC vs. Mac debate.

The costs of professional teeth whitening

It's all the rage. Every magazine tells us, men and women, that a brighter smile is the quickest way to shed years off your face. But what's the cost?

As an avid coffee drinker and occasional red wine drinker, I've used teeth bleaching for years. Unfortunately, I lost my teeth trays some time ago and thus had to start the search all over again for whitening options. Here's the skinny on glowing teeth without breaking the bank (especially if you don't have a dental plan - although, I'm not sure most would cover whitening):

• Whitening strips. I opted for the professional whitening strips (as opposed to those at the drug store) which cost about $100 for a 30 day package. Personally, I found them messy, annoying to use with minimal results. I stopped half way through with a box full of these strips left. I suppose if you've never used traditional teeth bleach, you might find the effects noticeable, but too lengthy of a process for me.
• In office whitening systems. I found a dental clinic offering ZOOM in-office system for $299, which has come down dramatically from it's $600+ price tag some years ago. I also found some clinics quoting $1,200 plus for in office whitening so be diligent in shopping around. If you opt for this option or similar in-office systems, be prepared to have your teeth cleaned first (I called around and this cost can vary from $200 - a whopping $600). Also be prepared for a great deal of pain (although short-term) if you have sensitive teeth. The dental office I used also sent me home with enough touch up gel for many more applications plus, customized teeth trays.
• Take home options. If the pain and cost of in-office sessions have you questioning a brighter smile, shop around for custom fitted trays and take home gels. I highly recommend this option over the store bought trays as you likely don't want the harmful bleach leaking out into your system and you'll have whiter teeth quicker.
• Bleach doesn't work on stains. Lastly, I learned that whitening systems are not aimed at treating stains. So, your least costly and pain free solution might be to drop in for a quick polish touch-up at your dentist's office.

Smiles!

Winter escapes, travels deals and tips for booking online

Many Canadians are making travel plans for the holiday season and may be trying to escape the cold weather.

It can be hard to know whether to book online, through a travel agent, or how to find the best deals on hotels, flights and more.

If you're thinking about a getaway, what is the first question you should ask yourself?

First, start with what type of experience do you want - adventure or relaxation, kids or no kids, etc. This means many things to many people. Get clear on what you and your family are looking for. It will help narrow down your possible choices.

How do you decide what's worth spending your money on?

That's where your budget comes in and what your family’s likes are.

Here’s a few scenario’s with costs for contemplation:

• Going to the mountains (here in Alberta for example). Factor in gas, your car, hotels starting at $200 plus a night for a couple, ski lift tickets and so on. For a 4 day long weekend, that will likely run you $600 - $1,500 or more with food and beverage. That’s not factoring all the extras or taking the kids along.
• Going to say Vancouver for a week at the Pan Pacific (I used the dates of mid January on Expedia.ca for this example) will run you about $1,500 for two including flights (leaving from Edmonton). I’ll get to online bookings in a moment.
• What about taking advantage of the low cost options down south? San Diego for a week in mid Jan at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina will run you about $1,300 for two with flights and accommodation, again, on Expeida.ca.
• Looking for some sun? Lastly, a week at the Mayan Riviera in Cancun will run you around $2,000 for two, but it’s all inclusive. You have to know yourself as a couple and how much food and drink you’ll usually consume. You don’t have to worry about this at an all inclusive. This one was a 3 star…if you’d like to bump that up, the Grand Cozumel for example…4 and ½ stars will run you around $3,400.

Can airlines make a different to the kind of trip I'm taking?

Absolutely! Keep in mind that almost every US carrier has some baggage fee and a few are simply outrageous (up to $50 for your second bag). Also, as a Canadian, I'm used to the back of the seat TV's on all Air Canada and WestJet flights. Not so with most US carriers. So be prepared to bring a great book, a plethora of magazines and games for the kids if you opt for this option.

Booking online? What should you keep in mind?

I recently came back from a trip to San Diego, and for the very first time, but with great trepidation, booked my trip online. Generally my trips are booked for me by the company that hires me and many companies still choose to use a travel agent. Why? Well, lots of things can go wrong and flying in the winter is particularly sketchy at times. Thus, a human being anticipating problems is a must. Plus, the cost is a write-off.

But if you're booking a trip for personal use or wouldn't mind saving a few bucks, going online is the way to go.

I booked with Expedia. ca and was highly impressed. I was waiting to be dinged for extra fees at the hotel or airline check-in, but everything was billed as promised (other than baggage fees - but I was warned about that). Plus, the hotel I stayed at was fantastic, a huge suite and I was able to get a club floor upgrade - all for less than $100 Canadian a night - including taxes, which is pretty much unheard of. Being skeptical, I did call the hotel in advance myself to see what type of deal I could muster on my own. Even with my corporate rate, the fact that I'm a preferred Starwood guest, I couldn't get a price under $220 USD, so, Expedia really did deliver.

Here's some other sites to check out:

http://www.travelocity.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/

http://www.travelzoo.ca/

http://www.redtag.ca/

http://www.hotels.ca/

http://www.expedia.ca/

Happy travels!

Business travel - how to save money, your sanity and your health

I just returned from a week in Toronto on business. Although I was reimbursed for my travel and hotel costs by the company that hired me to conduct a corporate training piece for them, there were still a number of out of pocket costs that I incurred, along with the challenge of staying healthy and sane on the road.

Sounds simple, but with the H1N1 scare and a hectic schedule, it's not always an easy task.

Business travel is rarely glamorous, filled with deadlines and when flying in the winter, presents even greater stress. Couple the fact that I'm a solo female road warrior, safety is certainly a concern (for men too - I just think a little more for women.)

So, here's some of my simple tips on surviving a business trip for the novice to seasoned business traveller:

• Always bring snacks on the plane. Purchase snacks at the grocery store in advance of boarding a plane. First, it's good common sense that will save you money. Second, I can't tell you how many flights I've either had to sit on the tarmac for an hour or two before we took off, barely made a connection or arrived at 2am to the hotel only to find out that room service closed at 10pm (or there was none at all.)


• Buy a bottle of water or two right after you go through security. It's a sad fact that we still can't take liquids through past security, but don't skimp on the high priced airport water. Again, you might be sitting in the plane for a while before beverage service starts (especially if you're at the back of the plane) and with the dry air, you'll want to remain hydrated for many obvious reasons.


• Have an emergency kit in your carry-on! Factor that you may be stuck in an airport or plane for several to many, many hours with your luggage already checked. Always have an emergency pack in your carry-on with some items such as: your cell/pda charger, comfortable shoes, a travel blanket and pillow, cold/flu medication, tissues, energy bars, prescription medicine and contact lens solution/glasses if you wear them. I once got an almost instant cold and flu of sorts 30 minutes before boarding a very long flight. The airport convenience store didn't have an decongestants, limited products and no tissues (and the plane was out of tissue as well). Needless to say, by the time we descended, with a stuffed and plugged nose, a miserable flight, the excruciating pain of not having a decongestant is a lesson I'll not soon forget!


• Go to the restroom before you pick up your baggage. Sounds simple, but the first time I travelled on my own, I rushed to get my luggage, had a full cart and then headed to the ladies room only to realize that of course, my cart wouldn't fit in the stall.


• Never take a shuttle at night. Might I add, at all. Especially if you're a female traveller, are in a new city or are carrying lots of luggage. Even if your company is only footing the bill for a shuttle, buck up and take a cab. It's well worth your safety for the extra dollars spent.


• Eat warm food. This one took me years to realize it. I would always make what I thought were sensible food choices such as eating a large chicken caesar salad or Subway sandwich for dinner. And every time, I'd come home ill with a cold or flu. I can't prove that eating warm food on the road will stave off a virus, but it's worked for me thus far. I'll often order mash potatoes and two sides of grilled vegetables. It's relatively expensive and yummy comfort food.


• Take your vitamins. I'm not espousing any medical advice, but in my own experience, I have been taking echinacea and goldenseal (both immune supports) along with extra vitamin C, and colloidal silver and oil of oregano (the latter two just when needed - the first three daily) and I can report that I haven't had a cold or flu in over two years.

• Take advantage of points. Whether it's on your credit card, an airline or hotel. And consider staying with the same hotel chain as often as possible. As you build up points, you'll be treated to lots of perks and goodies, such as club floor access where you'll find continental breakfast included, coffee, tea and water all day along with snacks during cocktail hour.

Happy travelling!

Tough Questions Part III - Advantages and disadvantages of prepaying your funeral & other options

From my CBC Radioactive column with Peter Brown - October 15, 2009:

For the last few weeks, as Radioactive's personal finance columnist, we've been talking about the tough conversations you NEED to have with your loved ones and some of the tough financial decisions you have to make.

Last week we looked at the cost of funerals. Today, we're looking at the "how" you pay for a funeral and what your options exist.

Let's say you're relying on CPP to pay for a funeral. How much will it cover?

What we need to keep in mind is that if a person didn't pay into CPP (the Canada Pension Plan) their entire working career, the might receive less than the $2,500 maximum death benefit. From last week, we know that a funeral can average around $4,000 - 10,000, so even with the max benefit, there's a possible shortage.

Can you talk to the funeral home about a payment plan?

With many, yes, you can talk to the funeral home about a payment plan. They don't advertise it, but most will wait to receive the $2,500 after all the final tax returns and probate's been done if it is a matter of just not having liquid funds (i.e. there's a house left but it takes time to get the money from assets).

A lot of people look at pre-paid and pre-arranged funerals. First of all, what are the important differences between pre-paid and pre-arranged?

Prearranged is just that - you've met with a home and documented what you'd like but not necessarily paid for it. Pre-paid is where you've made the arrangements and pre-paid via life insurance, other payment forms, etc.

What are the advantages of a Prepaid Funeral?

1. Growth isn't taxable - As long as the expenses incurred are for eligible funeral expenses as defined by section 148.1 of the Canada Tax Act, the growth is non-taxable.

2. It's obviously much easier to think rationally when not grieving. It's difficult to think clearly while making so many decisions within days of losing someone. Being frugal is often the furthest thing on someones mind in the aftermath of death. It's simply easier to make those difficult decisions while not under so much stress.

3. Your wishes are honoured.

4. It's easy to get. Buying life insurance for someone in their 80s for example with major health issues is a challenge. Prepaid funerals, either as an insurance vehicle or as a trust fund don't require a health screening or age limit to qualify.

What are the drawbacks of a Prepaid Funeral?

1. They aren't a good investment. The interest they generate is minimal. The plan contributor has little control over where or how the money is invested.

2. There are scams out there. You will need to:

- Ensure the funds are held either in an income trust or as a part of an insurance policy at a recognized Canadian Financial Institution covered under the CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation).
- Ensure the funeral home is a licensed funeral provider and is licensed under the Prearranged Funeral Act. In Alberta, check out www.afsrb.ab.ca/PrearrangingaFuneral.htm
- Confirm with the funeral home that you can transfer your prepaid arrangement anywhere in Canada.
- Keep track of the policy and let your family know where it is.

Overall, is prepaying a good idea?

I don't think so. If you're looking for tax free growth and think you have a few years, the money would best be put in a TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account). At least that way, you still have the control over how the money is invested and it's there when needed. You can still prearrange your funeral so that your wishes are carried out how you'd like.

Before we leave the difficult, but important subject of funerals.. anything else we should bear in mind?

Lastly, if you have a loved one in assisted living of any type, you need to let that facility know your wishes well in advance. You must be aware that these facilities do NOT have a morgue, so if you were out of town or unreachable during a death, obviously the costs would go up for transportation to a storage facility.

Next week, we'll tackle the dollars and cents of long-term care, the financial issues of when a spouse has to move out, OAS, AB seniors benefit and more.

Tough Questions Part II - Funeral planning and end of life costs

From my CBC Radioactive column with Peter Brown - October 8, 2009:

Continuing from last week, this month, as Radioactive's personal finance columnist, we're helping listeners look at some of the hard financial questions you need to ask your spouse or parents about funeral planning.

How tough is this discussion for most families?

Obviously, it's extremely emotional. Most individuals will only go through it once or very few times in their life and that's what the industry is counting on. There are some great folks out there in the biz, but the industry is counting on you not knowing what you're doing, feeling guilty to over spend and since it's such a quick process - usually just a few days after death - and so stressful, people don't always make the best decisions.

That's why we wanted to cover it in this week's tough questions. Remember too, funeral directors are not clergy, even though some people trust them implicitly. They're in the business to make money. You do not have to buy the whole bundle of services.

What does the average funeral cost?

I went to three different places in town for pricing and info. I was told that the average is $4,000 - $6,000 - but that number can vary widely. It all depends on the service, open casket or not (which costs much more), cremation, burial and more. According to AARP, funeral and burial costs can easily reach as much as $10,000. The average cost of a traditional adult funeral in 1999 was $5,020 without any extras. Flowers, obituary notices, burial liners or vaults, limousines, acknowledgement cards -- they all add up to a major expenditure.
and if you choose burial, the costs continue to rise.

What's the cost difference for burial?

A wood casket for example might run $250 and the Cadillac as high as $35,000. The average is around $3,500-$5,500. You can also rent one as well for cremation or viewing. The price for the actual plot and all that's required there will also add to the bill -- from about $1,700 at a city cemetery and upwards. That's not factoring in the head stone of course.

A funeral provider may not refuse or charge a fee to handle a casket you bought elsewhere.
And with burial comes embalming, something that is encouraged, but actually not a necessity in all cases.

Embalming is rarely required when the person will be buried within 24 to 48 hours.
Another thing to know is sealed caskets cannot preserve a body. Sealed caskets cost hundreds of dollars more than unsealed caskets It actually costs the casket manufacturers only about $12.00."

What kind of cost comes with cremation?

It's quite a bit less and if there's no viewing, even less. Cremation with pick-up and no service will run about $1,500 - $2,000. But you may still have costs like an obituary which averages $300 - $500 per day in Edmonton for example.

What are the questions we should be asking now?

First, that you can negotiate. And with a little advance thinking about it, hopefully we make better and less emotional decisions. After all, it can be an extremely costly event. Funeral services are one of the largest purchases consumers will make, right up there with a car and a house.

Second, if a parent for example is in long-term care at a non hospital facility, you need to make plans ahead. I know it's terribly morbid, but if the family is on vacation for example, these places don't have a morgue and need to address deaths quickly. If they have to make the decision, it might cost you hundreds of extra dollars.

Tune in next week and we'll discuss the "how" to be pay for a funeral, pre-planning and more.

Avoiding identity theft

From my CBC radio national column, September 24, 2009:

The story earlier this week about a BC couple on the hook for $20,000 in loans after their identity was stolen should have all consumers on high alert. And that’s not just because of the money that Mark Gorst and Shannon Werry say was stolen from them. As they try to dig themselves out of their mess, they’ve lost their credit rating along with peace of mind.

Let's talk about identify theft. How do you define it?

This is where someone applies for credit in your name, and starts racking up charges without your knowledge. Sometimes this goes on for months or even years before you learn of the situation.

When it comes down to it, identity theft is a form of fraud…with someone pretending to be you for personal gain.

According to a piece I saw this week on CBC.ca, more than 12,000 people fell victim to identity theft in 2008, with losses close to $10 million. Now nationwide that does represent a huge amount of money, but if it happens to you, your life can be turned upside down.

What if anything can I do to protect myself?

First of all you need to take small precautions, like checking your credit card and bank statements regularly. You can do this either on-line or making sure you pay attention to when your credit card statements are expected to show up in the mail. If they’re late, you should call your bank or department store to check on their status.

You want to make sure somebody hasn't redirected the bills to another address, which they can use as a base to start the process of stealing money - or assuming your identity.

Plus, if you don’t have one, invest in a shredder and use it for everything from phone bills to credit card statements. Basically, if a document has your name, address, an account number or more on it, it should be shredded not tossed.

Keep your passwords private and your phone calls about your finances behind closed doors. Your bank tells you this – to NEVER share your PIN or secret passwords with even a spouse – but I know, it’s hard to do when you live with someone.

Also, don’t make calls to your bank or credit card company from your office or in front of anyone in your home such as a room mate or a spouse. If someone you know intimately, such as a co-worker, ex-spouse or roommate, they might easily be able to access your SIN, date of birth and if they know your secret password, they have the ingredients for identity theft.

So those are some small steps.

But I recommend taking another critical one, and that's regularly checking your own credit report.

How would I go about doing that?

You can do that at Equifax.ca or Transunion.ca. It will cost you about $24 each time for the instant online report, but it’s well worth it for the peace of mind. That way, if someone applied for credit in your name for example, your credit report would show that new account or it would show that some institution pulled your report therefore tipping you off that someone was seeking new credit.

If you check your report regularly, at least there would be minimal damage done.

Lastly, if you’re a known or highly potential identify theft candidate, alert both Equifax and Transunion in writing to document your potential situation to set up something called a fraud alert.

I've heard about credit monitoring services. What are they exactly?

These services - such as with Equifax and Transunion Canada--will alert you via email if there's suspicious activity on your account. Because these two services are also offered by the agencies that collect, report and keep track of your credit, are the best ones in my opinion, will alert you if credit is being opened in your name, offers some insurance if you are a victim of fraud and also offer access to your credit report and real people to talk to if you have a problem. They'll set you back $12 - $20 bucks a month.

Now I haven't signed up for a credit monitoring service. I'm quite happy to check in on my own credit rating. It's cheaper, and once every 3 to 6 months is more than frequently enough for me. But if you know you wouldn't keep up with checking your own as often, the monthly services might make sense for you.

What's to prevent someone from impersonating me to check out my credit score?

That’s a great question, but I’m not sure how much of an issue that is. If a would-be thief has all the info you’d need to access your account, why would they want to check your credit – they’d just go ahead and apply for some type of credit.

Just so you know, when you sign up for the first time with Equifax or Transunion, they’ll ask you for all your personal info such as your SIN, date of birth, address and then they’ll ask you for past credit info that only you should know…such as an old 10 year loan and payment and such to try and securely identify you. Once you’ve done this, you don’t have to do it again.

So if I do learn of suspicious activity in my accounts, what do I do next?

Call your financial institution and the police if you think it's warranted. Part of the problem with the B.C. couple is that by the time they had noticed the money was missing it was too late to proceed with charges. According to a local police officer, if more than a year had passed since the initial crime, it becomes harder to get charges approved by the Crown. So the sooner you know about the problem the better.