• It speaks to the millions of couples in this country who are on spending sprees and are completely unaware of the consequences of their financial choices.
• It promotes better money communication between marital partners.
• It has action steps that the couple must do before getting the desired reward.

If you ever find nothing to watch some evening, check your local CNBC listings for this inspiring show.

1. Social Security is fading fast.  I just read today that many near-retirees are choosing to take Social Security before full benefit age due to severe unemployment problems.  For the first time in many decades the Social Security Trust Fund paid out more than it took in.  Alarming.  What does this means for those 15+ years from retirement?  We will experience reduced benefits or higher payroll taxes.  You should not rely on this program to fund your retirement.
2. Harness the power of compound interest.  The earlier you start to invest, the more your money will grow.  For example:                                        25 yr old invests $100/month until age 65 = $351,428  (8% return)

                                                                      35 yr old invests $100/month until age 65 = $150,029  (8% return)                                                                                 (You can see the huge difference investing 10 years earlier can mean.)

     3.   Healthcare costs are rising.  Medicare does not pay for all healthcare expenses.  You will need money to fund co-pays and other services not covered.

     4.   Investment returns aren't what they used to be.  We have just went through a decade that has been below average in regards to stock market returns.  While we can't predict the returns of the next decade, it makes little sense to avoid the stock market altogether.  It's safe to say that 6% returns for the next couple years may be acceptable.  Each person has to assess their individual risk tolerance when it comes to stock market investing.

There are my reasons for investing for your future.  Did I leave a reason out?  Please comment on one you would like to add.

1. Do you complete a budget every month?
2. Do you save money every month? For more help on being a saver, click here.
3. Do you have debt under control? 
4. Are you adequately insured?
5. Are you participating in a retirement account?  For more info on your options, click here.
6. Do you have a will?

1) Make a written budget before you spend your first dollar.  You must have a destination for every dollar you spend.  If it's not accounted for it gets wasted.  You can use a spreadsheet, notebook paper, or an online system such as www.mint.com.

2) Assess your net worth every quarter.  You need to know what you own and what you owe.  You need to assess what investments are increasing in value or decreasing in value.  For more details on this practice click here.

3) Balance your checkbook every month.  This practice lets you know where your money is going.  It can also provide you clues where some money problems may be lurking.  Balancing my checkbook revealed to me that I was not recording debit card purchases.  This practice is a must if you want to get a grip on your money's travels. For more tips on how to balance your checkbook click on Dave Ramsey's tips.

4) Save something every paycheck.  This practice is a must.  So few people set aside X dollars a month.  You need savings for emergencies.  Cars break down,  Tires need replacing.  Medical emergencies happen.  You need money to cover the unexpecteds of life.  We all have them. I suggest a minimum of $1000 for your emergency fund.

Do you practice the habits I've listed above?  Do you have a financial habit to add to my list? Please add by commenting.

• Enroll in work sponsored retirement plan.  Many current employers offer a 401K.  This is a tax deferred retirement account that allows you to deposit pre-tax money for retirement.  Some employers offer to match up to a certain percentage of your income.  3% is a common percentage.  While the money you withdraw is taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal, using the tax deferral advantages of a 401K is a great choice.
• Start a Roth IRA.  A Roth IRA is different in that the money deposited is after tax money.  However, upon withdrawal the money is tax free.  A Roth IRA can also be passed to your heirs tax free.  It also allows withdrawals tax free for things such as first time homebuyers and post secondary education.  Another feature is you can withdraw contributions (not earnings) any time without any tax consequences.

For more information on retirement options click here.

1) Treat savings like a bill.  You pay yourself first.  You create a category called "Savings" in your budget.

2) Make it automatic.  Set up a separate account for your savings.  It's practical to link it to your checking account.  You can designate what day of the month to have it direct deposited to the account.  I suggest www.ingdirect.com.

3) Start small.  Setting aside $25 a pay period is all it takes to start.

Additional Suggestions:

• Save your raise.
• Save money from a second job
• Start couponing (save your savings).

Takes time.  Travelling, sitting through practice, packing up and going home. 

Takes energy.  You pack things up.  You drive them there and back. We watch our 4 year old who is all boy to say the least. 

Takes planning.  We use a monthly chart that we post in the house.  It has game times, places, etc.

Takes commitment.  Our child's coach has held many practices on non-game days.

Takes money.  Following are types of expenses involved with little league; league registration fee, gas, food (snack shop), equipment, tournament fees. 

Baseball has been good for our son.  He has learned teamwork, paying attention, and attention to detail.  It also keeps him physically active.  All the costs above have been worth it.

What's your take on the Social Security problem in our country?  Please share your recommendation in a comment.

• State parks
• Ball parks
• Campouts
• Game Night at home
• Sleepovers
• Homemade crafts
• Watch a movie together
• Family Night in the Kitchen (everyone has a role to play)
• Housesit for family who are going out of town (free lodging)
• Go to a park in off season (lower rates)
• Use family connections (e.g.  Uncle Jim's company gives out free/discounted tickets to local attractions)
• Remember children spell love T-I-M-E.

What other inexpensive choices have I left out?  Please comment if you can add one to my list.