About 29 years ago I acquired my greatest economic asset--and he also happens to be handsome, funny and a great dad. Yes, my greatest economic asset isn't my 401(k) or my IRA or my small but growing portfolio of stocks. It isn't my house. It is the man who chose to ask me to be his wife.



I wish I could tell you that he makes tons of money--but he has a very average income, just like I do. It would sound cool on this blog if I told you he engaged in all sorts of side-hustles, but he doesn't. He likes to come home at night and be with the family. I read books about men who handle all the family investments, and do it well--but in case you haven't guessed, that has mainly been my job. Nevertheless, this man is a great economic asset because he has stayed with me and because he shares my goals for the future and we have compatible spending styles.



Smart Couples Finish Rich is a book that encourages couples to see themselves as a financial team and to work together to formulate goals for that team--which isn't just good financial planning but good marital planning.



Using stories about his clients, David Bach encourages couples to not only dream but to share those dreams with their partners so they don't end up on the cusp of retirement with one partner preparing to buy a beach house across the country while another dreams of more time with the nearby grandchildren. Bach also gives advice about how much to save and where most couples can find the money to save--yup, another one who advocates putting latte money in the bank.



Bach also discusses insurance and investment options. He writes in an easy conversational style and takes what can be a complicated subject and makes it easy to understand. Bach makes it clear that family finances aren't his job or her job, but rather that they should be a cooperative effort and that even if one partner handles most of the work, the other should have a good idea of what they have and where it is.



I found Smart Couples Finish Rich to be an interesting read with good financial and marital advice and I think it would make a great wedding gift--it is certainly more practical than some in the back of my closet.

I have not read the first book, but I really enjoyed this version! It had some very interesting & helpful! Money is one of the top reasons for divorce. I like how this book can help you work together with your money.

Smart Financial Planning Puts Values First And Stuff Second


In SMART COUPLES FINISH RICH, author David Bach first explains the purpose of the updated edition. He explains that many things have changed—including tax law, investment options, and technology; he wanted to update that information.

Of course, the book has lots of financial saving/planning tips, but I thought the best part of this book was something else entirely—the question of WHY you are saving money. Bach argues that you need to figure out the things you value the most, then use your money toward that end. He explains: “When you understand your values, you tend to live the life you really want almost automatically.”

For couples who say they can’t really save, the author has a funny idea called, “The Couples’ Latte Factor.” Bach insists that the savings problem is rarely the income; rather, it’s the spending. If you add up the cost of the morning latte, you will likely find that you could be saving money after all.

The author suggests an important exercise called “The Smart Couples’ Seven-Day Financial Challenge.” It’s a pretty basic concept, and not really anything new, but it’s still a good idea: “Get a small pad and track your expenses for the next seven days.” If you don’t know where you money is going, how can you save anything?

The author has an entire chapter devoted to common financial mistakes. For example, start tracking your expenses, and don’t try to time the stock market, He also cites the common blunder of not taking advantage of your company 401(k): “If you do just one thing today after finishing this chapter, please let it be that you contact your benefits department to make sure you are truly maximizing your contributions to your 401( k).”

So all in all, I found SMART COUPLES FINISH RICH to be a well-written, solid book. The author writes very well, and comes across as a wise counselor. It’s true, the financial suggestions are mostly pretty standard, but they’re still good advice.

I thought the most valuable suggestion in the entire book was to first figure out what in life you value as a couple, and then let those values drive your money decisions. Smart idea—I’ve never thought about it that way.

Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.

As a newly married couple, this book was everything I needed to read about our financial goals. It gives you straight forward tools that are easy to apply to any relationship. If you are struggling with money related issues, this is the book you need to read.

David Bach addresses the disconnect most couples have between what their money is doing and how they are planning for the future. Bach says it like it is and he does not cut corners to what is needed to make a couple realize their own values and make their dreams come true. Pay close attention to each step because it really is a work in progress. The Money Date idea is especially helpful as it the way to encourage one partner to start the journey when reluctant.