CBC Radioactive - the continuing financial saga of Joshica - in their 30s

Now we venture into the worlds of personal finance, melodrama, and heartbreak, as KELLEY KEEHN brings us the continuing saga of our fictional couple JOSH AND JESSICA. We’re following the lives of Josh and Jessica, decade by decade, and looking at the financial questions they should ask themselves at the various stages of their lives.

Listen here: http://www.cbc.ca/radioactive/columnists/2011/07/26/kelley-keehn---personal-finances/

Does a Fitter Brain Equal a Fatter Wallet?

According to Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a fitter brain might equate to a more robust bank account and even reaching retirement sooner. He states, "Brain health is about a proactive approach to developing a more efficient information processing system. Problem solving, judgment, creativity, and insight are products of a healthy brain and the ingredients to sound financial planning."Dr. Nussbaum is a clinical neuropsychologist and national leader in brain health and co-founder of Fit Brains, alongside founder and CEO, Michael Cole.

Read my full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/07/27/does-a-fitter-brain-equal-a-fatter-wallet/

Traveling This Summer? Don't Leave Home Without Considering a PrePaid Credit Card!

The new kids on the "plastic" block - let me introduce you to the world of prepaid credit cards, travel and gift cards.

All these cards can create confusion as to their use, value and costs. But search no further - I have the answers for you! Well, most of them, anyway.

Read my full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/07/19/traveling-this-summer-dont-leave-home-without-considering-a-p/

CBC Radioactive's Financial Literacy Soap Opera with Kelley Keehn - Part One

Last year on radio active, Kelley Keehn joined me to talk about financial literacy and we accidentally launched a soap opera. Today, we are launching our new soap opera, with a new couple created by YOU. They are facing very different situations and financial challenges, and our Kelley Keehn is here to help us get underway.

Catch the interview here: http://www.cbc.ca/radioactive/columnists/2011/07/19/kelley-keehn---financial-literacy/

HELP US INVENT A NEW FICTIONAL COUPLE FOR OUR PERSONAL FINANCE COLUMN! AND WIN A PRIZE!

Last year on Radio Active.. our personal finance columnist Kelley Keehn told us about a fictional couple Larry and Lisa. We followed their lives from their twenties through their seventies. Every week we talked about a different decade of their lives, and the financial decisions and challenges they faced. We followed their careers and personal lives — through buying a home, inheritances, career changes, and of course the arrival of Larry’s bad-boy brother, Ricky. It was a great way to talk about financial decisions.. so we thought we’d do it again.

That’s where you come in.. we’re looking for your suggestions for a NEW couple we can follow. We don’t need you to chart out their whole lives, just give us the following:

• names

• age

• occupations

• what are they like: spenders or savers?

• life goals

• maybe some bumps in the road: ruining your credit, becoming a landlord, getting a new job, getting fired, not liking your financial planner, etc. etc.

• give them any hobbies or foibles or passions you want..

  Send your suggestions to radioactive@cbc.ca. Again.. if we use your suggestion as a starting point for our new couple.. we’ll give you FOUR passes to theatre six pack

For more information, check out http://www.cbc.ca/radioactive/columnists/2011/07/12/help-us-invent-a-new-fictional-couple-for-our-personal-finance-column-and-win-a-prize/

Gourmet Coffee Machines: Genius Time Savers or Colossal Money Wasters?

I have a love-hate relationship with my morning coffee. I'd like to literally roll out of bed with a cup in hand and loathe each second it takes for my much needed brew. In an attempt to lessen the time it took for my coffee-in-hand morning preparation, I decided to buck up for the latest in instant (nearly) brewers. However, as a financial geek, I somehow forgot to also crunch the numbers - ouch!

Read my full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/2011/07/06/gourmet-coffee-machines-genius-time-savers-or-colossal-money-wa/

Teach Children Positive Financial Habits Early

For many parents summer can be extremely draining on the finances. With expenses and wants increasing as fast as oil prices, what's a parent to do? And at what age should spending and savings guidelines be initiated and implemented?

Read my full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/07/01/kids-and-money-start-early-teach-positive-financial-habits/