Happy Valentine’s Day, readers of The Joint Account! We’re reporting to you live from the greeting card aisle at our neighborhood CVS, where panicked last-minute shoppers face a difficult choice between crossing out “World’s Greatest Uncle” and spending $15 on a hand-cut card from the Papyrus Artisan Collection.
One year in college, Doug handed me a plastic CVS bag with a stuffed dog, some Lindor truffles, and a four-foot receipt. It was 5pm. He may have asked me for a pen to fill out the card. Everyone, this is not financial advice but a life lesson: do not be young Doug.
But now that we’re on this professional path together, one could say, every day is Valentine’s Day. We live together, eat together, work together, exercise together…and contribute to national news outlets together. We are so excited to bring our thoughts on love and money to CNBC. Last week, we wrote about how money dates are becoming a popular way for couples to discuss their finances—but there’s a time and a place for everything. Valentine’s Day isn’t the moment to show your partner your newest spreadsheet. Take a load off! Discuss what’s working! Share your dreams! We really enjoyed writing this piece; not only as a cautionary message to budget-happy spouses but to outline the basics of what makes for a great money date. Check it out if you haven’t already, and watch this space for more.
But that’s not all!
We met Shannah Game and her husband Jeff years ago, right around the release of our first book. She’s an expert on financial trauma (among other things!), a Certified Financial Planner, and the host of the top financial podcast, ”Everyone’s Talkin’ Money.” Over tacos in the Financial District, I remember us chatting about the work she and Doug were both doing to build their platforms at the time. Now we’re two couples working with our spouses, which makes that memory all the sweeter. I’m also certain we’ll never run out of material to talk about, maybe ever.
Doug and I are thrilled to be guests on today’s Valentine’s Day episode of her podcast. You’ll hear us react to some mind-blowing stats about couples’ finances and share our tips on how to improve your relationship with money and each other. This was a fun one. Tune in here. Thank you, Shannah, for having us!
And thank you, dear readers, for spending a sliver of your day of romance with us. Remember, the greatest gifts are things you cannot buy. But Trader Joe’s flowers would still be nice.
(Douglas, did you get that?)
Should you have any feedback or wish to chat with us for our book or The Joint Account, you can find us here: themergebook@gmail.com.
OUR PICKS
Doug’s:
Do you have a joint account? Here’s what that says about your relationship - CNBC
Last week, I visited Bloomberg TV for a hit on ETF IQ to talk about the new Bitcoin ETF and how financial advisors are viewing it. Check it out here.
And early yesterday morning, I went on CNBC’s World Wide Exchange to discuss the broader markets and economy. You can watch that here.
Heather’s:
Inventing the Perfect College Applicant - New York Magazine
I am so flattered Lindsey Stanberry prepared this deep-dive on me and the contents of my giant purse. Read it here and subscribe to her newsletter!
OUR VALENTINE TO YOU
READER ROLE CALL
Do you have a money question you’d like answered in a future issue of The Joint Account? Don’t be shy!
BOOK UPDATE! We’re speaking with so many real-life couples about love and money, but we need you, too. If you’re interested in having a Zoom double date with us, email: themergebook@gmail.com.
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Find us everywhere: @dougboneparth + @averagejoelle :)
The content shared in The Joint Account does not constitute financial, legal, or any other professional advice. Readers should consult with their respective professionals for specific advice tailored to their situation.