Whether we admit it or not, we all appreciate a little acknowledgement, and when that acknowledgement is monetary it makes it even sweeter. Here are a few notes from my book on demonstrating your appreciation for your significant other. Keep in mind, my husband is a degreed accountant and I have a heartfelt mission to inspire people to have a better relationship with their money; so my suggestions may not be what’s commonly looked at as “fun” but they are “FUND”. Yayyy! So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, you are likely thinking of some ways to make your honey’s heart melt. Here is my cheat sheet…

 #1 Buy A Lottery Ticket

I know, I know, a lottery ticket doesn’t seem like much, but… What if you win?!! You can add some sentiment to this gift by selecting numbers that are sacred to your union. For example, you can use the date you met, wedded, and/or the birth of a child.

#2 Sharing Is Literally Caring

 Yes, buy your mate some stock in their favorite company. If your mate has an affinity for a particular store, why not gift him or her the opportunity to share in that company’s financial growth beyond a habitual purchase?!! Talk about a gift that keeps on giving…

 #3  Don’t Spend, Dine In

 If you or your mate have created the goal of eliminating some of the debt you might have created during the most recent holiday season (I mean December was only 2 months ago).  Resist the urge to go to a fancy restaurant, instead take the amount you were going to spend and opt to dine in. The average cost to partake in some fine dining based on where you live ranges from about $65-185 not including alcohol. You can use the money you save by dining in, to add to your savings or pay down your debt.

 #4 Trade in Your Full Course Meal for a Financial Course

 The average person spends $147 on Valentine’s Day. Consider taking that money and investing in a finance course that teaches basic principles of investing, saving money, real estate investing, and even couponing. If you begin shopping now, you may be able to grab some really cost effective options that can have a lasting, positive impact on your marriage and your money.

 #5 Shop That Savings Plan

 If you see that you have more than $5,000 (the national average of the amount needed for six to nine months for an emergency fund), then it is time to move that money to an account that is bearing more interest. Take a look at some online calculators that can assist you in viewing rates for savings and money market accounts. If you already have those financial vehicles in place then its time you interview at least three financial advisers to assist you with getting more bang for your buck.

To learn more about  how I work with women, men and families to assist them in dealing with the emotions of their finances, building more functional budgets and increasing their credit scores visit http://www.purseempowerment.com.