Just the three of us: Me, my Honey, and my Money.

Yes, I know I am single. (No need to comment on the bottom of the post. I get it. And if I didn’t get it? Valentine’s Day always makes sure to remind us single people out there.)

In honor of the holiday I want to shed some light on a topic that has become near and dear to my heart. The psychology of couples and their money. Here is why: I have a ton of friends getting married (and many that are not accountants). The divorce rate is over 50% and rising. The majority of marriage end due to money related reasons. How many friends could I help if I simply encouraged them to talk the money talk before the wedding/baby talk? People simply have different views on money. (I honestly think that this may be finally what I decided I may want to do with my life – so feedback is much appreciated)

Happy Valentines Day – Feel free to take my mini-test with your honey. Ideally I would be curious to have each person take the quiz separately and then compare answers and discuss (although, maybe you should take it on the 15^th?)

1. How do you feel about joint checking accounts vs. separate checking accounts?
2. Do you share credit cards?
3.  If your honey spends $100 for a new pair of shoes, do you get the spend $100 for a new pair of shoes?
4.  If your honey spends $1000 in car repairs, do you get the spend $1000?
5. At what dollar value do you need to run your purchase through your spouse? $10? $100? $1000? $10,000?
6.  How do you plan to save for retirement? Kids? A house?
7. Do you think its important to pay for your kid’s college? Do you want them to go to private school?
8.  Do you believe in investing conservatively with lower pay out? Or would you rather take a risk and invest with a chance of a higher payout?
9. If you can’t have everything: Would you rather have an expensive house, clothes, car, or vacation?
10. How do you manage and maintain a “fun fund” – is it fair for one person to go on vacation without the other? Do you keep track? How do you make sure the other person doesn’t hold a grudge?

Food for thought. And really? This food for thought has way less calories than that chocolate you intend to eat tonight.

(Oh yea, and please feel free to email me with comments/questions/ideas – or to let me know how the conversation went with the test. malloryspigel@gmail.com. I can also put out a fire if this post caused one- OR LEAVE A COMMENT - If you are brave)

Of Mice and Men

I'll let John Steinbeck tell the story Of Mice and Men. I'll tell the story of Mice and woMen.

I have a friend (Danielle) who lives downstairs in my apartment complex. We were going to get frozen yogurt (typical). I meet her downstairs and did my signature knock (typical). She answered the door (typical).

Danielle: Come inside, I have something I want to show you. (not typical.. and this is where the trouble begins)

Mallory: Do I want to see this?

D: Just come inside.

M: Is it a dead bug?

D: It's not a bug...

M: Is it dead?

D: Yes, well some of them, sorta. Just come look.

NO! Turns out Danielle has mice in her apartment. MICE meaning more than one (I am sure you already knew that, but I added it for emphasis) She had a dead one that she wanted me to see. I NEVER want to see a dead mouse, ESPECIALLY not in the same apartment complex that I live in. I told her that I will be the kind of friend who listens to her work woes or boy troubles, but never one that looks at dead mice.

That being said, what do you do when you have mice in your apartment?

1. Call the apartment complex. If you live in a house? set up your own sticky traps and snap traps.

2. Look for holes that lead outside (this is so obvious sounding... but they have to get in right?) Close your windows or put screens on them.

3. Make sure your garbage can has a tight lid. (this will also keep your apartment/house from smelling bad)

4. Don't leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher- this somehow attracts mice and rats. Don't ask me how they get into there, but I am not asking questions when it comes to rodents.

5. Let your cat/dog/pet snake attack the mice. (ew, but then you have a pet snake.. you might have bigger issues)

6. Try to keep food in the kitchen only. That way there is less of a chance of the mice going anywhere else. And on that note, I'm going to bed for the night. (I really hope I can sleep after this)

I honestly don't think I want to do any more thought or research on this subject. If you want more details? Look online. And if you find anything interesting? please be sure to tell my friend Danielle. I don't want any of her pets making a friendly visit upstairs.