The Brighter Life weekly roundup of recommended reads about money, health, family, working life and retirement:

Ready to spring forward to daylight saving time?
There may still be snow on the ground where you live, but that rite of spring, daylight saving time, starts in Canada this Sunday morning. And while the shift to daylight time means longer daylight hours and (eventually) warmer weather, it also means losing an hour of sleep.

To distract us from that unpleasant reality, the Toronto Star presents a long list of everything you ever wanted to know about sleep. Do you sleep more than a giraffe (hint: probably)? What are the most common dreams? And what does your sleep position say about you?
Daylight saving time: Sleep facts to make you rest easy about springing forward

The case for not giving your kids an allowance
If you think not giving your kids an allowance will make them hate you, consider this thought-provoking post from Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses. Growing up, the author had to earn all her spending money herself, but her parents couldn’t give her a hard time about what she spent it on, since it had never been their money.
Why family and money should not mix

What’s co-working and why is it a good idea?
Are you a freelancer or entrepreneur? Don’t Do It Yourself suggests you check out working (at least some of the time) out of a co-working centre — a facility for lone professionals looking for a slicker or more functional working space than their spare bedrooms. Fringe benefits include opportunities to network, brainstorm and even barter with your co-working neighbours.
Five benefits of co-working

The truth about planning your retirement
Just because “everyone” says retirees don’t need life insurance, or that they shouldn’t invest in equities, doesn’t mean it’s true, says Boomer and Echo. In fact, life insurance can pay for tax liabilities or help protect your estate. Another common misconception: Your government pension will be enough to live on.
Five misconceptions about retirement planning

Post of the week

Want to save $1,000 on your income tax? If you have a safety deposit box, that could earn you a tax credit on your 2012 filing. Tax expert Evelyn Jacks explains.

Tweet of the week

#MarchBreak is coming up! 11 ways to save money on #vacation, via @theMomiverse and @mommytravels: bit.ly/YpmYzf—
BrighterLife.ca (@BrighterLifeCA) March 04, 2013

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