By KristiLyn Wilkinson, M.S.
USU Extension Empowering Financial Wellness Program Manager

I don’t know about you, but I am not sad about leaving 2020 in the past. If anything, I am more committed to doing what is in my control to make 2021 a better year for me and my family. You might not be a fan of setting new year resolutions. Maybe setting goals in January seems like an arbitrary unimportant date to you and you set goals whenever you feel like it. Maybe you don’t believe in setting goals because they feel restrictive. Maybe you have had your new year resolutions mapped out since last October. No matter where you fall on this spectrum, I would highly suggest that you set some financial goals…at some point in your life…preferably right now. Why? I will tell you, but first, grab a blanket (it’s freezing here in Utah) and settle in. We are about to get touchy-feely. 

 Have you ever felt overwhelmed when the holidays roll around and it’s time to purchase gifts for loved ones? Whether you’re single, newly married, or it’s just you and your partner, gift giving can get out of hand if you don’t set a precedent for future years. Setting spending expectations for gifts can not only protect your monthly budget, but also prevent a major headache! Wondering where to start? Consider what you spent last year and if that works for your budget this year. Here are some ideas to put in place some gift giving guidelines:

Guest Contributor: Emma Parkhurst, MS, CHES
USU Extension Assistant Professor

Did you know that couples who schedule “date nights” into their lives reduce the chance of divorce and increase marital happiness? Research shows that date nights provide an opportunity to communicate which can help strengthen understanding of one another; rekindle that ‘spark’ which can be helpful in sustaining that lovin’ feelin’ in the long run; and provide a way to relieve stress and give an opportunity to extend emotional support to one another. And to think we can reap all these benefits and more simply from date night? Count me in!
 
Another perk about date night? It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to spend some fun quality time together. Even though Monopoly isn’t my favorite way to spend some time together, here are some of my favorite free or cheap date ideas:

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: ELIZABETH DAVIS, USU EXTENSION ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Money affects every facet of our lives, particularly our relationship with our partner. Marriage.com lists financial stress as the No. 2 reason for divorce among couples. If you and your spouse don’t have positive communication around money, it can lead to disagreements, fighting, and significant problems.   
 
In order to prevent financial stress from damaging your relationship, it is important to talk about money with your partner in a positive way. Do not wait until there is a problem (unanticipated bill, unbalanced budget, or overspending). There are numerous courses, apps, and money management tools that can assist us in the managing of our money (Check out the PowerPay Money Mastery Online Course!), but how can we learn about how we (and our spouse) feel about money? 

AMANDA H. CHRISTENSEN, AFC, USU EXTENSION ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UMM EDITOR