Canada - Let's Continue To Be Proud of Our Banking System - And Here's Why

If you've tuned out the past reporting of Canada weathering the financial crisis storm and wondered what all the fuss was about (the IMF naming us the strongest banking system in the world during the meltdown), here's an article that might just make you even more proud of our fine country and banking industry.

As quoted near the end of the article, I think this paragraph summarizes the author's argument best:

In my conversations with Canadian bankers, one of the things that struck me was how often they referred to mothers. Nixon [CEO of RBC] mentioned his mother and her good opinion when explaining why he gave back his bonus in 2008; Clark [CEO of TD] uses the mother-in-law test, as in “Would you sell it to your mother-in-law?” to help TD employees figure out if they should be hawking a product to their customers. In an era when Wall Street investment banks issue notes warning their clients they may be short-selling the investments they are marketing, this sounds like a charmingly Canadian attitude. But it is easier to be nice if you don’t need to be nasty just to make a buck.

Read the full article here: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/db2b340a-0a1b-11df-8b23-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1g9BnSeBz

Might I also suggest that you review the definition of securitization here, mortgage-backed securities here, and asset-backed securities here.

Catch Kelley Keehn on Marilyn Denis - The 7 Deadly Money Disorders

Catch part one here: http://www.marilyn.ca/Finance/segments.aspx/Daily/November2011/11_14_2011/MoneyDisorders

Catch part two here: http://www.marilyn.ca/Finance/segments.aspx/Daily/November2011/11_14_2011/MoneyDisorders2

Catch part three here: http://www.marilyn.ca/Finance/segments.aspx/Daily/November2011/11_14_2011/Shopaholic

Full episode here: http://www.marilyn.ca/Video.aspx#clip567666

Your Money & You - Part Two - The Cost of Learning

(This is part two in a five part CBC Radioactive series. Catch part one here and the audio interview from CBC Radioactive here).

Whether you're saving for your kids' education, putting yourself through university going back to school later in life, it all takes a large sum of money!

Let's start with the kids

I often get asked, when is the best time for parents to start saving for their children's education? And of course, the logical answer is as soon as possible. But how realistic is that? Considering what an expensive time it is in one's life to raise kids, now couples have to fret not only about paying down debt, starting an emergency account, topping up RRSPs but now school too?

I think a better question parents should ask is how much are they willing to save for their children's education and in balance with their own goals. That's a personal one up to your individual family needs. The second question should be, what's the best way to go about saving those dollars?

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/2011/11/05/your-money-and-you-part-two-the-cost-of-learning/

Your Money & You - Part One - LOVE

I've been doing a series this week with CBC's RadioActive on your money and you. Welcome to part one of the series - LOVE! Does love and money mix? Listen here to the audio of the piece.

Whether you're single, married, divorcing or co-habitating - it all involves money. Let's start with the biggie - marriage and what's the most important things people need to keep in mind?

Read my full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/2011/11/08/your-money-and-you-part-one-love/

Is Cash Still King When it Comes to Reward Credit Cards?

Welcome to the confusing world of reward credit cards. Some have annual fees, some don't. Some charge ridiculous interest rates for carrying a balance yet others offer enticing benefits. And now, there's a newer cash rewards player on the market. Might this type of card be right for you?

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/11/03/is-cash-still-king-when-it-comes-to-reward-credit-cards/

Secrets to Save More Money Now - Part Two

Catch part one of my article here and the second part of my interview with Marilyn Dennis the other week here.

The second part of the show featured an extreme couponer and an extreme contester. Sure, these can be great ways to shave big dollars off your budget, but they should be ventured at in moderation and with balance (I know an executive making big bucks that drives for 30 minutes to save a few dollars on gas). And with coupons, always make sure that the retailer isn't leading you to spend money on goods and services you wouldn't make if it wasn't for the coupon. We've all had friends in the past that would only dine if they had a deal from their Entertainment book, right?

Read my full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/2011/10/31/secrets-to-save-more-money-now-part-two/

Secrets to Save More Money Now - Part One

I was on the Marilyn Denis show the other week chatting about ways to save money now. Catch the segment here - http://www.marilyn.ca/Finance/segments.aspx/Daily/October2011/10_17_2011/SaveMoney.

The producer asked me where every family can trim excess spending the most without sacrifice. My answer? A category that can balloon up and blow any household budget without a careful eye and a little negotiating.The financial area in question is no doubt that of a household's phone, internet, cable and cell phone bills. Sure, we all need these lifeline's, but are you possibly paying too much?

Read the full article here: http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/10/28/secrets-to-save-more-money-now-part-one/