December Mini Money Makeover: Avoiding Hidden Credit Card Fees - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Kelley Keehn
Dec 30th 2010 at 11:00AM

This is the first in a series of monthly makeovers, in which financial advisor Kelley Keehn looks at a person or a couple's financial issues and prescribes a solution. This month, the culprit is a department store credit card that ends up costing far more than it should.

Ethan is maxed out on his one department store credit card, which is also a MasterCard. He's making the monthly minimum payment requested, and on time. The problem is, he's maxed out and paying dearly for it.

Read the full article here:
http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2010/12/30/december-mini-money-makeover-avoiding-hidden-credit-card-fees/

Globe and Mail's Cash Clash - He wants to sell, she wants to sit tight

(I forgot to post this article back on December 14th when it originally was published.)

John and Erin, 30, Toronto

The market researcher and television producer have been sitting on a gold mine – an income property with tenants which covers the monthly mortgage payment (and then some). But they need bigger digs, and he wants to sell while the market’s hot. She wants to keep the house and continue renting it out. Who’s on the money?

Read the full article and my advice here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/he-wants-to-sell-she-wants-to-sit-tight/article1836635/

Globe and Mail's Cash Clash - She wants to save, he wants to pay down debt

Aaron, 33, and Tanya, 32, Toronto

They’ve been diligently digging their way out of debt, handing over nearly all of their disposable income every month. But the arrival of their bouncing baby boy has them reconsidering. She wants to sock some cash away for education and emergencies, but he’d rather use every spare cent to slay the debt dragon. Which parent knows best?

Read the full article and my advice here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/she-wants-to-save-he-wants-to-pay-down-debt/article1851618/

Globe & Mail's Survival Guide

My husband gifted me a car we can't afford
Kelley Keehn
From Friday's Globe and Mail


THE QUESTION: My husband surprised me with a new car for Christmas, which we can’t possibly afford. But since it decreased in value as soon as he drove it off the lot, what can we do now?

Read the full article and my advice here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/holiday/last-minute-survival-guide/article1848312/

Avoid a Financial Hangover This Year - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Oh the pressures of the holiday season. For many of us, it's a time to share, repent, beg forgiveness, redeem or simply honour a loved one with... gifts!

Yes, it's tough to have a clear mind while shopping with thousands of frantic buyers. The temptation of the perfect gift, the lure of a great bargain and the oft need to express our love with a neatly wrapped token can overwhelm our rational, logical mind. So, here are a few tips to keep the season in check and ensure that your post-holiday hangover is left to alcohol alone (should you choose to partake):

Read my full article here:
http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2010/12/14/avoid-a-financial-hangover-this-year/

Globe & Mail's Cash Clash - He wants to lease a car, she wants to buy

Chris and Jennifer, 40, Aurora, Ont.

When their car got jacked, the couple had to think on their feet – should they buy a new ride, or lease one? He says leasing is the better short-term solution, but she thinks they can score a great deal if they buy. Which idea has wheels?

Read the full article and my advice here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/he-wants-to-lease-a-car-she-wants-to-buy/article1845470/

Protect Your Identity This Holiday Season, Part Two - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Kelley Keehn
Dec 9th 2010

This is the second in a series.

It's the busiest time of the year. How will you ever get all of your shopping done, get the house decorated, the cards in the mail – the litany of chores seems endless. Who has time to pay attention to the minor details that could put your financial life at risk? I'm hoping you will because the would-be-thieves out there are ready to cash in during this hectic time of the year.

Read the full article here:
http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2010/12/09/protect-your-identity-this-holiday-season/

Globe & Mail's Cash Clash - Pay down the mortgage or pad the RRSP?

Jason, 45, and Linda, 42, Mississauga

With a household of four kids aged 11 to 21 and his small auto-parts manufacturing company, this couple is used to being decisive. But when it comes to securing their future, they’re stuck – should they put their extra cash into paying off their mortgage sooner, or pad their RRSP nest egg (and get a juicy tax break)?

Read the full article and my advice here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/pay-down-the-mortgage-or-pad-the-rrsp/article1827885/