Do Finances Count?

I have 3 children who are all done with school and in the workforce. They graduated from college dept free and are all trying to put some money away each month. We have taught our children to be financially responsible and that their yearly goals should include financial goals. Even in this tight economy people who cut back and save for the future will land on top. This week-end was Valentines day and I saw this clip on CNN about the question: Do Finances Count? I pondered the question for a bit. My husband and I have been married for 31 years and have weathered many a storm (including financial) by setting yearly goals. I am always astounded that women do not financially plan for the future. All three of my kids and our daughter-in-law have IRAs. There have been years that we have had to help them out a little but they have all consistently put money away. Since I teach college I encourage my students to put money away for their future. It is hard to ask the questions about finances during the dating period but I think finances play a huge part in a couples ability to stay married for a long period of time.

Bottle Shock

I have decided during this economic downturn I would continue to support the local businesses in my community. We have a video / DVD store that has survived the arrival and subsequent demise of a Block Buster Video Store. This evening the owner suggested a little movie called Bottle Shock. The movie is directed by Randall Miller and is a story of the early days of California wine making. The movie stars Alan Rickman, Bill Pullman and Chris Pine. So I settled in on this cold rainy California evening with a glass of wine and my big screen TV. What a pleasant surprise. It was uplifting and encouraging for people who want to follow their dreams. Hopefully the huge stimulus package our current government is proposing does not destroy the American Dreams of the small business people.