Good Finance Can Lead to Great Romance
This Valentine’s Day you may want to get to know your partner intimately--financially, that is.
Go ahead and have that romantic dinner, but maybe, just maybe, you could also share some stuff about your finances, says Associated Press financial writer Dave Carpenter.
“As a couple, should you risk wrecking the mood by talking about spending and money, on or just before a day dedicated to lovers?” Carpenter asks. “Short answer: Yes!”
Carpenter offers some tips for couples that include:
-- Putting your financial priorities in writing and agree on target spending and saving amounts.
-- Not letting money disagreements with your partner fester.
-- Committing as a couple to building an emergency fund.
These are some good tips. And speaking of having a conversations with your honey, today (Feb. 9) at 7 p.m., AARP will be hosting a “Couples and Social Security” Webinar. Experts will answer questions such as how your Social Security benefit differs if you claim spousal benefits at 62 versus at full retirement age and what you have to do to claim benefits based on an ex-spouse’s record.
The event is free and you don’t have to be an AARP member to participate. Click the link to register.
Free Love
Is your money tight this Valentine’s Day?
Well, Ehow.com has a list of free things can do to celebrate the holiday without spending a lot or any money. (The site directed the list to men, but we women need to participate in the gifting, too):
-- Leave some love notes. Place several notes for your honey in various places such as on her or his pillow, on the bathroom sink, or car steering wheel.
-- Call her/his favorite radio station and request a romantic song during the person’s drive time to work.
-- Show up at the person’s job with a homemade lunch, along with one a love note.
-- Change the welcome message on your answering machine to an expression of love.
I know many men (and women) may think if they don’t spend money on Valentine’s Day they will look like a miser. But some of the best gifts I’ve gotten from my husband didn’t come from a store or florist, such as the time he wrote me a multi-page letter about all the things he loved about me. I still have that letter.
Obama’s New Housing Refinance Plans
Last week for the Color of Money Question I asked: “What do you think of President Obama’s new plan to help homeowners?”
Obama unveiled a series of proposals to help struggling borrowers reduce their monthly payments and to stem the continuing slide in real estate prices. Administrative officials estimated that the proposal, which requires congressional approval, would cost taxpayers $5 billion to $10 billion. Obama said the cost could be offset by a new tax on the profits of financial firms.
“I really wish the president would discontinue this obvious political pandering,” said David Meier of Dallas. “This is fiscal insanity.”
“Another failed plan idea,” wrote Clelie Arroyo of Reno, Nev.
But Kenneth Ouellette of Randolph, Mass., likes Obama’s plan.
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