Valentine's Day Tips – Does Saying "I Love You" Mean Maxing Out Your Credit Cards

The National Retail Federation estimated Americans aged 18 to 24 spent $154 on average for Valentines Day in 2004. According to Jim Trippon CPA, the national average credit card rate of 18.9%, assuming minimum payments, means this years day of love will really cost the average young American Cupid closer to $700.00 when interest and finance charges are included. Trippon, one of America's foremost authorities on the money habits of self made millionaires, offers suggestions for smart and practical ways of how to express your love this year.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 31, 2005 -- With US consumer debt surpassing a staggering $1.7 trillion, America is gearing up for another expensive Valentines Day. Jim Trippon CPA, one of America's foremost authorities on the money habits of self made millionaires, says the "well intentioned gifts of Valentine's Day often produce money arguments the rest of the year." Trippon, who runs the website stayrichforever.com, says many lovers who go overboard on Valentines gifts will end up "drowning in debt". Trippon shows you smart and practical ways of how to express your love this year.

Trippon suggests that you can really demonstrate how much you love someone by doing the things that will help you avoid arguments and disagreements over money and finances. Express your love by not incurring any new debt this year and showing your love in more creative ways.

well intentioned gifts of Valentine's Day often produce money arguments the rest of the year.

Trippon says people stay in love when they get educated and start acting intelligently about money together. "Get real and deal with your budget. Be honest with each other about your habits and come up with a plan for how you will spend your money as a couple." According to Trippon, the best personal finance gifts are:

• Building a future together. Save money off the top by funding your 401ks and investment accounts monthly payroll or bank account automatic withdrawals. Then watch your intimacy, and investments, grow.

• Paying off credit card debt. Surprise her with a zero balance every month from now on.

• Building a cash reserve. Maintain at least three months living expenses in cash so that when an unexpected expense hits you, it can be an opportunity for overcoming the situation as a loving team, and not fighting about where you will get the money to deal with the issue.

Trippon recently completed an extensive three year study of 537 millionaire retirees. He has documented his findings in his new bestselling book, "How Millionaires Stay Rich Forever: Retirement Planning Secrets of Millionaires and How They Can Work for You".

Jim Trippon is available for media interviews. For further information or to schedule an interview with Jim Trippon, contact Amal Zaid at 713-661-3806 or reach Trippon directly at 713-661-1040.

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Publication Data:
How Millionaires Stay Rich Forever: Retirement Planning Secrets of Millionaires and How They Can Work For You – by Jim Trippon, CPA; Published by Bretton Woods Press LLC and distributed by Midpoint Trade Books; 254 pages; 21.95; 6x9 Hard Cover; ISBN: 0-9723389-1-

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