Rich Girl, Broke Girl by Kelley Keehn

Kelley Keehn

Kelley Keehn – For decades, there has been this rather long accepted – yet highly unfair – pre-conception that women never knew how to handle money, let alone earn it.

When that stereotype comes to mind, I immediately think of a typical episode of the classic 50s TV sitcom “I Love Lucy”, whenever Lucy Ricardo would buy a new hat or dress, and then her husband Ricky would literally go ballistic over Lucy’s purchase, not to mention the high price tag that went along with it.

Kelley Keehn, author and longtime personal finance educator, who is also seen regularly on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show as its financial educator, agrees that this age old stereotype is unfair.

Kelley Keehn
Rich Girl, Broke Girl by Kelley Keehn (Simon & Schuster, $22.99)

“You can’t paint that image with broad strokes. Woman are now in the workforce more than ever, which is a newer evolution for them,” she said during a recent phone interview. In fact, women now hold up to 40% of the wealth in the world … yet 50% of women still defer to their spouses when it comes to financial matters, and over 70% of them wish they could have more power when it comes to their financial future.

“Also, it’s quite unfair to stereotype women as people who can’t and don’t handle their finances,” she added. “It’s like a reminder about their grandmothers, who were around during a time when they couldn’t own property without their husbands at their sides. Although the men worked for and earned their money, women were the better money managers because they were able to pay the bills every month.”

So in order to help break that stereotype of women as poor money managers, and show that they can be the masters of their own financial futures, Ms. Keehn has recently published a new book that tackles these issues, which is called Rich Girl, Broke Girl.  

The idea for the book was a collaborative effort between Ms. Keehn and her editor who worked   on her previous book Talk Money to Me, who was well aware of the unique financial issues that women faced. So over a glass of wine at the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Toronto, the two sketched out the idea for what would become Rich Girl, Broke Girl.

Throughout the book, Ms. Keehn offers a wide variety of helpful tips on how women can gain the confidence to become more effective money managers. They include how to determine realistic and attainable goals, how to enjoy the occasional splurge AND save money at the same time, and how to better understand financial risks and make good investments.

“Just because there are women today who are regarded as ‘rich’, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they got tons of money in the bank and are out of debt,” she said. “In my book, I have two main messages that I want to convey to readers: 1) you can do it and 2) money is the oxygen supply and the essence of our lives, whether you’re the breadwinner or not.”

Another plus for the book is how Ms. Keehn uses case studies involving a number of composite women characters to give a more realistic approach to the financial lessons that she wants to impart upon the reader, instead of a whole jumble of complex and complicated financial theories and principles. “I have been teaching finance for a long time, and at times it can be boring. That is why I used female-specific stories for the book, so that I can bring all this financial information to life,” she said. “That way, they can see themselves in the characters that are portrayed in the case studies, and the solutions that are presented are real case scenarios that really worked out for the better.”

When Ms. Keehn found out that the Indigo bookstore chain wanted Rich Girl, Broke Girl on the shelves of its stores earlier than the original early 2022 release date, she found it to be a welcoming surprise. “I think it was great that Indigo wanted the book to be in the hands of readers much sooner than anticipated,” she said. “With COVID, things changed financially and it’s important that when it comes to money and gaining financial freedom for women, that mind set should be established as soon as possible, so that women don’t have to bury their heads in the sand, and can build up their confidence to take charge of their finances.”

Stuart Nulman
By: Stuart Nulman – [email protected]

Other articles from mtltimes.catotimes.caotttimes.ca

La Nuit Shanghai

New Cabaret La Nuit Shanghai is a must try!

separation anxiety

Latest data sees rise in separation anxiety as Canadian pet owners start to return to office

SHAN Collection from Montreal

Hottest and latest bikini styles

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
safest cities

Why Montreal is one of the safest cities to visit in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, Montreal has been ranked the sixth safest cities to travel to in 2025, according to a recent report by insurance company Berkshire Hathaway. When you break it down, Montreal’s safety is a combination of aspects that makes this city a favourite destination among safety-conscious travelers. Here’s a look

dermal fillers

The ultimate guide to dermal fillers: Are they worth it?

For decades now, dermal fillers have remained the go-to treatment for fighting the signs of aging, such as lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Apart from these, they are also extensively used to elevate some facial features by adding contour and volume to areas like lips, cheeks, and chin. Although the average cost of a dermal filler

Winnipeg’s Bold Commerce announces new PayPal integrations

Winnipeg’s Bold Commerce announces new PayPal integrations

Bold Commerce has built on its existing long-standing relationship with financial services platform PayPal. The firm has announced that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada currently using its OpenCart and Gravity Forms solutions will benefit from the integration of PayPal’s full payments suite. This includes digital wallets, Venmo, Fastlane, as well as its Buy

Montreal Bungee

Montreal Bungee jumping in the Old Port of Montreal

Get ready, Montreal! The team behind MTL Zipline is taking adrenaline to new heights with Montreal Bungee, a bold new attraction launching in Spring 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Old Port, this is not just another thrill ride—it’s an experience that redefines adventure. Perched at the Convoyeur Tower, the tallest urban jump in Canada

Interpol notices

Understanding Interpol notices and their impact on legal cases

Interpol is the largest international organization facilitating cooperation among law enforcement agencies in over 190 countries. Its notices serve as tools for tracking suspects, locating missing persons, and pursuing international criminals. However, for ordinary citizens, encountering the Interpol system can be challenging and stressful, especially if the notice comes as a surprise. Such situations often

Mtltimes Subscription

The latest on what’s moving Montreal and the world – delivered straight to your inbox