Save for retirement or an RESP? - Globe & Mail's Cash Clash

Steve and Jane, 51, Halifax

With three kids in high school, the eldest graduating this spring, this couple are bracing for the onslaught of university tuition bills. He argues they’ve already got a well-fattened registered education savings plan, and they should start focusing on their retirement. She worries about the rising cost of education, and wants to make sure they’ve saved enough to cover all three offspring. Who’s head of the class?

To read the entire article and my advice, click here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/retirement-rrsps/save-for-retirement-or-an-resp/article1874056/

Are You Intelligently Frugal or Just a Cheapskate? Take This Quiz if You Dare! - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Kelley Keehn
Jan 17th 2011 at 9:00AM



The past couple of years have been tough on many Canadians and for a brief period of time, frugality was the financial buzz word. I'd like to add the adjective "intelligent" preceding frugality (being smart with your money) as a trend I hope will stay.

But then there are those individuals, you know the ones (maybe intimately), that are just plain cheap.

Take this test to find out if you're fantastically frugal, penny-wise and pound-foolish or a killjoy miser.

Question #1: Have you ever been out with friends for dinner and excused yourself just as the bill came to avoid chipping in?

A: Never; I can't stand people that do that
B: I'll be honest – I've thought about it
C: Yes, and I can't count how many times (is that wrong?)

Question #2: The last time the Girl Guides or Boy Scouts came to your door fundraising, you:

A: Bought one of what they were offering
B: Told them you bought at the office
C: Shut the blinds and turned off the lights when you saw them coming

Read my full article here:
http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/01/17/are-you-intelligently-frugal-or-just-a-cheapskate-take-this-qu/

Financial tips for a sound New Year - with CBC's Peter Brown

Looking to start off 2011 on the right financial track? Kelley Keehn stops by with some tips for the new year.

Listen to my interview with Peter Brown here:
http://www.cbc.ca/radioactive/episode/2011/01/13/kelley-keehn---financial-resolutions/

Is Your Credit Card a Major One? If Not, You Might Be Hungry and Thirsty on Your Next Flight - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Kelley Keehn
Jan 10th 2011 at 5:00PM



You have a credit card, right? But, is it a major credit card?

You might ask why you need to care, but if you plan on flying this year (amongst other travel necessities), you may be out of luck - for example, purchasing on board food and drinks.

Sure, you can still get the free basic beverage and salty snack, but since last year, both WestJet and Air Canada will only accept major credit cards on board. Cash apparently, is no longer king!

Read the full article here:
http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/01/10/is-your-credit-card-a-major-one-if-not-you-might-be-hungry-and/

Why Budgets Don't Work - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Kelley Keehn
Jan 5th 2011 at 11:30PM

I hate budgets because they rarely work. I know, not what you'd expect from a financial expert. But think about this: if your family spends say $800 a month on food and dining out, but a "budget" dictates that you only spend $450 a month based on your household income, that's a tough cut and one that's going to sting. Just like a yo-yo diet, a financial cutback has to be realistic to last long-term.

This year, declare that you'll start with awareness and then move to choice. Start with counting your financial calories.

I think health and wealth are closely linked and are two aspects of our lives that deserve the utmost attention.

Read the full article here:

http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/01/05/why-budgets-dont-work/

Globe & Mail's Cash Clash - She wants to save more than he does

Marissa, 23, and Ryan, 24, Kitchener-Waterloo

This ambitious young couple are already homeowners, in an age when many of their peers are boomeranging back into Mom and Dad’s basement. Their dilemma: How much should they save for emergencies? She says a lot, but he says a little (and invest the rest). If disaster strikes, which strategy will keep them afloat?

Read the full article and my advice here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/she-wants-to-save-more-than-he-does/article1857574/

Seven tips for a financially prepared new year -Globe and Mail

Financial expert Kelley Keehn recommends you get a free credit report at least twice a year from Equifax or TransUnion. “Even if you're not concerned about ...

Read the full article here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/seven-tips-for-a-financially-prepared-new-year/article1857085/