Should Couples Have Financial Secrets? Part 1

Should couples have financial secrets or should the commitment of marriage tear down the walls of covertness in a relationship? While independence is important in any relationship, is it more important than trust and open dialogue?

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/29/should-couples-have-financial-secrets-part-1/#comments

Found Money? Not so Fast; Think Before You Pre-Spend that Tax Refund - AOL's WalletPop Canada

The only good thing about tax season depends on whether you're one of the lucky Canadians expecting a tax refund. But before you and your family start making a list of ways to blow it before you even receive it, take a deep breath and stop before you pre-send it.

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/2011/04/27/found-money-not-so-fast-think-before-you-pre-spend-that-tax-re/

Fixed Vs. Variable Rates: Pay Yourself Instead of The Bank - AOL's WalletPop Canada

The number one question I get from home owners is the never ending, "fixed vs. variable" rate debate. And although it depends on a number of factors (your personal preference along with the accuracy of your crystal ball to predict where interest rates are headed), real estate expert Don Campbell, and president of the Real Estate Investment Network has a unique twist on the old argument.

Campbell touts opting for a variable rate mortgage, but being disciplined enough to make the payment that a five year fixed would offer thus paying more on your principle and paying off your mortgage sooner and less interest over time.

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/25/pay-yourself-instead-of-the-bank/

Credit card debt or student loans – what should we pay off first? Globe & Mail's Cash Clash

Laura, 38, and Jim, 30, Calgary

As the John Lennon lyric goes, life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans – and for this couple, life racked up $70,000 in consumer debt. She says they should pay off the credit card, but he thinks the student loans are the priority. Debt deliverance or dire straits?

Catch my advice and the full article here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/credit-card-debt-or-student-loans-what-should-we-pay-off-first/article1992375/

Time to Invest in Canadian Real Estate? Find Out What's Hot and What's Not - AOL's WalletPop Canada

Kelley Keehn Apr 14th 2011 at 3:00PM

Predicting Canada's real estate hot spots over the next 12 months requires some luck and a crystal ball. But real estate expert, Don Campbell, president of the Real Estate Investment Network has a systematic process for determining what markets will likely increase in 18 months to even as long as 10 years down the road.

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/14/time-to-invest-in-canadian-real-estate-find-out-whats-hot-and/

Should this U.S.-based couple ditch their condo? Globe & Mail's Cash Clash

Jane, 51, and Ron, 54, Chicago

This south-of-the-border couple took a hit on the sale of their condo when the U.S. housing bubble burst. Now they’re looking for advice: She wants to trade in their urban rental lease for a mortgage, but he dreams of a life in milder climes. With rising taxes and elderly parents in the picture, it’s not so simple. Green acres or mondo condo?

Read the full story and my advice here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/should-this-us-based-couple-ditch-their-condo/article1981492/

The Money Book for Everyone Else - Globe & Mail book excerpt - Credit is the new reality, cash is no longer king

Credit is the new reality, cash is no longer king Check out a sneak peek of my newest book, The Money Book for Everyone Else: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/investor-education/book-excerpts/credit-is-the-new-reality-cash-is-no-longer-king/article1969850/