Every year Americans spend over $1 billion on Valentine's gifts seeking to spice up their love life. According to the International Mass Marketing Association Americans are expected to spend about $100.00 per household this year on Valentine's gifts. Unfortunately the gifts don't produce the desired effect.

Every year Americans spend over $1 billion on Valentine's gifts seeking to spice up their love life. According to the International Mass Marketing Association Americans are expected to spend about $100.00 per household this year on Valentine's gifts. Unfortunately the gifts don't produce the desired effect.

"They'd have been better off reading a book on personal financial planning together in front of the fireplace", says Jim Trippon, author of "How Millionaires Stay Rich Forever. "Millionaires are wealthy because they saved their money and focused instead on giving gifts from the heart. "Time, thoughtfulness and real effort are appreciated way more than expensive gifts".

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.

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 says, "By removing money as a source of disagreements and arguments you will have a more intimate and loving relationship - not just on Valentine's Day but all year long."

How Millionaires Stay Rich Forever: Retirement Planning Secrets Of Millionaires ($21.95 in hardcover, Bretton Woods Press, ISBN 0-9723389-1-8) is available in bookstores nationwide and online at http://www.stayrichforever.com or call 1-800-952-1099.
         
Photos, interviews, review copies available by calling 800-952-1099.

Available for in studio interviews. Call Jim Trippon on 800-952-1099 EXT 105