Yes, I know we’ve discussed this topic ad nauseum here and where the post first went live as a guest post at Consumerism Commentary.

In my defense of bringing this up again, I was contacted by ABCNews to discuss my views on marriage and money as it relates to the book: Smart Girls Marry Money: How Women Have Been Duped Into the Romantic Dream–And How They’re Paying For It.

And, while I think certain phrases are used mainly for shock value to pull the reader in, I generally agree with the premise.  Don’t let sensationalized romanticism be your sole guide in choosing your life partner.

If you meet a guy who has a string of debts from New York to Colorado and has no sincere intention (not wherewithal) to repay them, then run like you stole something!  Seriously, how a man treats his finances — if he is not willing to honor his debts and obligations — is an indicator of how he will treat you in the marriage.  I take this as a character flaw and not one I am willing to put up with in the marriage.  Call me what you want, but I am not that girl.

Still, Im also not saying that you should walk into a marriage thinking that if you bring your looks and he brings his wallet then all is well and done in the land of happily ever after either.  Let’s keep it real here ladies, your looks will fade over time and he will continue to make money.  What will you do when he decides to trade you in for the latest Aston Martin?  Become an asset to your partner and not a liability, coming to the table with only your looks makes for a bad business deal in which you’re just a depreciating asset.

Real Talk.  My goal is to keep it real with you here and not fill your head with gold digging dreams of snagging a guy solely for his money and thinking that you will be nothing more than a trinket in his box of tricks. If you’re going to do this anyway, be smart about it, go to school, get some business acumen and make it a learning experience.

Too many women find themselves penniless and poor after being dumped by a wealthy partner with no real concrete plan around how they would get back on their feet.  Here’s a hint, walk in to your relationship with an education and a plan because prince charming doesn’t exist and a man is not a backup plan.

But while I do advocate making sure you’re partner is financially viable, please don’t go into the relationship only checking this box, make sure he is loving, respectful, shares your values, shares his feelings, is warm and someone who you know you can spend your life with through thick and thin.  Love, not money gets you through hard times.

But let’s get back to the book.

Here are a few excerpts which, frankly tickles me to see this in print…. *snicker*…the authors are BOLD!  LOL

Now, while I disagree with pushing women to use their feminine wiles to snag a man solely for money, I do agree with making sure that you wont be broke and in the poor house because you decided to marry a financially irresponsible partner.

Thoughts?  I know some of you are boiling!  LOL

Whatever you do, whoever you spend today with I hope your hearts are filled with joy and passion.  If you’re not with that special someone, then my wish for you is that you find your special someone who completes you in every way.  Single, married, attached, “it’s complicated”, etc make this your day, no matter the status!

My husband and I are spending a quiet evening at home.  Since we’re both foodies we decided against eating out and cooking up our favorite dishes here at home.

Enjoy your evening!

Hey Ginger!

I totally waited until the last minute to get my boyfriend a gift and I’m out of options. I work late tonight and obviously won’t be able to order anything online. My plan was to get him something out of the ordinary flowers, chocolate or cologne but I’m out of time! Help!

Last minute Lenora in MD

Lenora its okay, you’ll be fine! I’m actually happy that you’re local because this makes it a bit easier for me to make some last minute recommendations. Now, given what little I do know about your significant other Im going to assume that you want to WOW him instead of as you said going with just the standard chocolate and cologne.

Swanky Hotel Restaurant

Make dinner reservations at a swanky upscale hotel restaurant. Try your local Westin or The Madison. You don’t have to spend the night there but this will kick the night up a notch since it may not be your usual dinner round. Make sure to call ahead to the hotel restaurant to make sure that they are expecting you and that your reservations are valid. Since this is a popular night, they might get busy, things get overlooked. Call ahead.

Call your local Pastry Shop

We LOVE Just Cakes in Bethesda, MD and had I thought ahead, my love would have his German Chocolate cake waiting for us tomorrow in our suite (grown folk bizness, back up now!). If you can swing by there and pick up a ready made cake you are good to go! Plan a small desert dinner evening with a little romantic music and you’ll be set!

Personal Attention

My hubby has a bald head and he pays meticulous attention to shaving and grooming. Knowing this I got him a gift card for a one of a kind shave and grooming session at the Grooming Lounge here in DC. It was also a last minute addition to his gifts which also gets me points for being something I know he’ll love!

Hopefully those will get you started! Let us know how it turns out!

There aren’t many days when I take the time to reflect upon the love of my life. Life gets so busy sometimes that it takes going through hard times to really appreciate who you’ve got sitting next in your corner day in and day out. I tell friends that he is as consistent as the as the rising and going down of the sun. He is, and for the first time in a long time I reflected upon that today. I am thankful for him and nothing else comes close to the love we share for each other. He has been my rock, biggest fan and unyielding supporter in all I do, no matter who I wake up and decide to be on any given day. And for that, I am thankful. Thankful that I am madly in love and still have a girly crush on this husband of mine and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

On Valentine’s Day, everyday, I love you, thank you for loving me.