Sunday Round-Up for December 12, 2010

With all the holiday spirit going around, it’s easy to forget that most breakups and divorces occur around this time of year.  So, while we’re watching our wallets, I figured I might mention a few tips on how to watch our hearts, as well.  Here are the posts I found to be inspirational in both regards:

First, Wealth Pilgrim’s post, "Marriage and Credit," reminded me that these two concepts often come with many strings attached.  There are a lot of fish in the sea, so what do you do if Mr.Right comes with sharks attached?  Is it time to cut bait or is it safe to set the anchor?

Aloysa wrote a very nice post, asking us to consider if we should use "Store Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping."  Many of us have an awful habit of shopping to get away and blow off steam.  So, if a store credit card begins to look hotter than your partner, check out this post.

Just as the holidays are prime-times for breakups, likewise, finances always seem to feel the heat during the season.  Check out Invest it Wisely’s post, "Avoid Bankruptcy the Smartest Way," to gain some tips on how to avoid throwing in the towel.  (Of course, while most of the tips can easily translate into the relationship sphere, I suggest letting #4 stay strictly with finances.)

When the going gets tough, remember the good times.  Let a good memory bring a smile to your face, and see how quickly the negative seems to melt away.  For inspiration, check out Money Reasons’ post, "Things That Make Us Happy."

If you’re still not sure which road to take, never be ashamed to ask someone who’s been there.  They’ll probably be more than happy to offer some proven advice, and they’ll be touched by the fact you value their opinion.  Don’t forget to transfer this advice into your financial life, either.  As a prime example, check out Balance Junkie’s post "Stock Selection Advice from a Veteran DIY Investor."

One of the most common tips you’ll get from other relationship veterans is to compromise.  In the same light, don’t forget that negotiating isn’t always a bad route to take either, as Fabulously Broke points out in "Negotiating: Why You Can Only Win When You Ask for Money."

Don’t forget to celebrate your differences.  Let your inner entrepreneur come out and play to find a different way to look at things.  Check out "How to Make Money by Being Different" by Money Cactus to get inspired to rise to the challenge, then cash in on being different.

Now, were those differences really worth arguing about?  Being different means being able to look at things from more than one angle—that’s a good thing!  If you can come to terms with that, maybe you can also take a moment to discuss Money Cone’s post, “Were the Bailouts Necessary?”  That’s always a good conversation starter. 

Then, once you get the differences aired and settled, rebalance.  Take stock of your assets (emotional and financial), get your bearings straight, and head into 2011 on the right foot.  That’s just what Retirebyforty did in his post, “2010 Asset Allocation—It’s Time to Rebalance.”

Finally, always remember that a couple involves two people.  Canadian Finance wrote an excellent post about "Staying Away from the Herds."  I’m sure I don’t need to explain why sometimes that advice can be so vital to our relationships, as well. 

Okay, I'm off my relationship soapbox.  So, once you finish with those articles, don’t forget to go back and read any posts you may have missed from us this last week:

• Net Worth
• CD Overview
• Emergency Funds: The 411 about Your 911 Account
• Stop Standing in Your Own Way
• Dividends and Dividend Yields

Blog Carnivals we participated in:

• Wealth Builder Carnival #18
• Black Coffee: Celebrating Two Years of Len Penzo

Photo Source