Book of the Month

Couples Money – by Marlow and Chris Felton

Money is a leading cause of divorce, and many couples think they are alone with their financial struggles, or have given up. Marlow and Chris have the stories to prove they are NOT alone! Couples Money discusses the financial dynamic of a partnership from the perspective of a married couple in the financial services industry. After seeing the financial reality of thousands of couples of all walks of life, they felt they must share their insights to what they believe is the cure for “financial cancer”. Marlow and Chris also share their personal story of financial transformation and how they got on the “same page”. Couples Money shares life changing insight with easy to follow action steps any couple can follow. This is a must

read for any couple looking to improve their financial situation and the quality of their relationship.

KOB & Money Matters

What are the two taboo subjects in any relationship? Money and sex, of course! Recently, I had the honor of being selected by KOB TV to do a 9 week series called ”Money Matters”, which focuses on how couples can start to talk to each other and their kids about money.

The show is sponsored by Arby’s and airs February 3rd at 11am, on Good Day New Mexico. If you are in a relationship and need some great tips on how to work through your money issues, set your DVR to tune in during the 9 week series, running through March 30. We will also be offering some follow up classes in March, to help you with your money goals. Contact us for more info!

Love is not just for couples…

….it’s for all of us. Old, young, single, committed, we can all find someone to love this month.  So if you are single, instead of having a pity party, here are some ideas that will have you feeling loved and loving:

 

1. Start a love epidemic in your life by sending cheesy cards and notes to everyone- family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, bosses, your hair stylist, favorite barista, etc. Kindness spreads, so notice how you feel when you are giving away something unexpected and nice.
2. Round up all of your friends, male and females and have a singles V-Day party. Have everyone participate by giving out fun gifts, great food and silly games to let people get to know each other.
3. Indulge-spend the evening with the one you should love the most- yourself. Plan a special dinner (for one), watch a favorite movie, read a book or listen to a playlist. Feel good about being YOU. That’s the best gift of all.

 

Your Kids and Money Matters: Setting Goals | KOB.com

Your Kids and Money Matters: Setting Goals | KOB.com.

V-Day- the Most Stressful Day of the Year

When you are in a committed relationship, Valentine’s Day is the most important day of the entire year. You should show your undying love for each other and celebrate the magnificent connection that you have through spending large amounts of money on flowers, candy and jewelry.  You should be planning the entire day’s event months in advance, and spending a huge amount of time on making sure that each and every detail is taken care of. Be forewarned; if you are not doing everything that you possibly can to make your partner feel incredibly special then you will probably crush their heart.

Are you feeling stressed yet? Does this seem just a bit over the top?

While the above is what the retailers and commercials would have us believe, we know deep down that Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday, not about love and relationships. In its current form, V day is about selling candy, flowers and diamond jewelry. Valentines is a day of stress for many couples, worrying about what gift will send exactly the right message about their love. So, what message do you really want to send to your partner? Here are some great ideas that are easy, inexpensive and truly come from the heart.

 

1. Make a list of why you love your partner, or your favorite things about them. Think about the specific things that make you smile. The list can be hidden in a card, small gift or book of poems.
2. Frame a favorite picture of the two of you as a couple and give as a gift. Pair it with a simple picnic of wine and cheese.
3. Skip the restaurants, and create a romantic dinner at home. Make it easy by picking up prepared foods at Trader Joes or your favorite restaurant, and make it special by setting a nice table with candles, flowers and table cloth. Do a fondue with cheese and bread, or just a dessert fondue. Spending the quiet time at home is far more romantic than fighting the crowds.
4. Make a CD mix-up of the songs that remind you of your partner. Deliver it and sing the songs to them- guaranteed to make a hit.
5. Give simple, inexpensive but luxurious gifts of soaps, oils and bath salts. Many places sell beautiful products that are very affordable. Try doing a couples massage or bath.
6. Create a video about the special times that you have shared, using photos from the past of the two of you. Upload the video on YouTube or Facebook so that your partner can see it (and so can their friends!)

Hopefully, these ideas will generate some creativity of your own, or you can just use these to make your V Day truly memorable. Don’t stress about how you should show your love to your partner- just do it! Remember, Valentine’s Day should be about loving each other, not the commercials.