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business Tuesday 8 February 2022
The most romantic money moves you can make

By KIMBERLY PALMER of you're making me anxious."
NerdWallet A similar approach can
For some people, talking work when tackling difficult
about money is as pleasur- subjects such as paying off
able a way to spend time debt or making cuts in your
together as going for a budget.
long walk on the beach. "You see how hard you
"I am a money nerd, so to work for every dollar, but
me, talking about money is you don't see how your
super fun, and I've paired partner does. Try to extend
up with someone who is them the same empathy
the same," says Kate Fries, that you give yourself, even
a certified financial plan- if how they handle feeling
ner and financial advi- sad or happy doesn't make
sor at The Family Firm in sense to you," says Gaby
Bethesda, Maryland. "For Dunn, author and host
us, talking about money is of the podcast "Bad with
the same thing as talking Money."
about dreams. Where do FOCUS ON GOALS, THEN
we want to go, what do THE LOGISTICS
we want to build? It's a fun Fries suggests using your
conversation." money dates to share your
But not everyone looks for- goals, making the conver-
ward to money discussions. In this June 27, 2018, file photo a couple is silhouetted against moonlight reflecting off the Missouri sation fun. "'Oh, you want
Finances can be a signifi- River as they watch the full moon rise beyond downtown buildings in Kansas City, Mo. to go to Paris? How can we
cant source of stress in a Associated Press make that happen in the
relationship. As Valentine's next two years?' Now that's
Day approaches, here are yourself first," George says. their differences, she says it tension, says Ed Coambs, a an exciting conversation,"
some ways to make talk- SCHEDULE RECURRING was easier to move forward CFP and couples therapist she says.
ing about money with your 'MONEY DATES' and find shared goals, too. in Charlotte, North Caroli- It's also important to get a
partner more enjoyable or George suggests starting Fries suggests having a na. "One way to avoid that clear idea of your current
at least less painful — and the money conversation money date with your part- is to acknowledge it. Say, financial situation, includ-
possibly even romantic. with your partner by asking ner at least quarterly to 'Honey, money conversa- ing an overview of your
FIRST, CONSIDER YOUR about their values, which check in and review recent tions have been difficult for net worth, with how much
OWN MONEY VALUES allows you to find com- spending patterns and us.'" Then, try to listen and you have in each account
Before initiating a conversa- mon ground even if those goals. "Make sure every- open up the conversation and how much you owe
tion about money with your values aren't identical. "If one's tanks are full. You've with statements and ques- on any outstanding loans,
partner, Eugenie George, your values aren't lining up, slept and eaten, so you are tions that help you better Fries says. Then you can
a financial wellness expert it doesn't mean it's a bad coming with your best re- understand where your give yourself smaller tasks
based in Philadelphia , sug- thing. You could be com- sources available. Maybe partner is coming from. to complete before the
gests taking time to reflect plementing each other," a cup of tea or a glass of For example, if you are next money date, such as
on your own money values. she says. In George's case, wine and a candle, so you concerned about your making a budget or re-
In other words, what do her partner prefers spend- are associating positive partner's spending pat- viewing your retirement
you want to prioritize when ing on family experiences, things" with the ritual, Fries terns, you could start by savings. Whether or not you
it comes to spending and like a good meal, while says. saying, "I am feeling anx- commingle your finances,
saving? Answers could in- she likes spending more PRACTICE EMPATHY ious and want to talk about your actions still can affect
clude community, adven- on larger group activities, As those conversations our spending," Coambs the other person's money if
ture and fun, she says. such as parties. Once they progress, it's common to un- says, instead of, "You're you're sharing a home and
"You need to figure out understood and accepted cover conflicts or sources of spending too much and other assets or debts. q

Biden task force releases report to

strengthen labor unions

By JOSH BOAK Secretary Marty Walsh as to a union in 2021, down
Associated Press vice chair, through an ex- from 20.1% in 1983.
A Biden administration task ecutive order last April. But the report also has
force on organized labor The report argues that a stirred a backlash from
on Monday issued a set decadeslong drop in union many business groups that
of recommendations that membership has coincided say union strikes and work
could make it easier for with a rising share of in- stoppages could worsen
federal workers and con- come going to the top 10% economic challenges
tractors to unionize. of earners. such as the supply chain
The report submitted to It further says that most squeeze and high inflation. President Joe Biden walks on the South Lawn of the White
President Joe Biden includ- Americans have a favor- "Today's report from the House after stepping off Marine One, Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, in
ed 70 distinct policy propos- able impression of unions White House task force is Washington. Associated Press
als, according to a release and would join one if given nothing more than pro-
by the White House. Biden the option in a vote. Yet union propaganda and ex- Swearingen, chair of the business groups including
created the task force the Labor Department re- emplifies how entrenched Coalition for a Democratic the U.S. Chamber of Com-
chaired by Vice President ported last month that only pro-union allies are in this Workplace, which is com- merce and the American
Kamala Harris, with Labor 10.3% of workers belonged administration," said Kristen posed of more than 500 Trucking Association.q