As a financial adviser, it’s a balance between convincing you to save for the future and not being such a total nag that you don’t enjoy your life. That said, the estimated $20 billion expected to be spent on Valentine’s Day gifts does give me pause.
Here are the Hallmark Cards I wish were available this time of year.
Outside: For My Spouse (picture the words surrounded by a big red heart).
Inside message: Instead of spending $95 on gifts you don’t need, I opened a Roth IRA for you and am auto-depositing $95/month into it. At 6% growth for 20 years, it will be worth $43,000!
Outside: For my Son/Daughter (insert picture of Snoopy or your favorite Marvel Comic character).
Inside message: For this and every Valentine’s Day I will show my love by adding $100 to a 529 account for your college. If you show potential, I may increase that to a monthly contribution.
Outside: For My Mother (visualize a lovely flower drawing).
Inside Message: Because you are my mother and moms are the best, let’s go to a nice dinner together. My treat.
Yep, this is why financial advisers are not asked to create greeting cards.
