Caring about those little things . . . (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Caring about those little things . . .

Yes it's Valentine's Day this Saturday, and as expected, my office has been inundated with stories on the latest surveys, research and financial incentives available to lovers.

And quite frankly, it's been sickening.

Certain insurance companies have even attempted to claim that we may not have insured our loved ones for as much as we should have.

I've had emails about insuring engagement rings, insuring your Valentine's weekend break, and setting up a trust fund for your first born should Saturday's coupling turn out to be productive.

Anyway, one of my favourites was sent in by the HSBC Bank, entitled 'What's Yours Is Mine And What's Mine Is Mine.'

Touchingly, it reminds us that half of all marriages end in divorce and that money is the number one cause of arguments.

So HSBC has put together some top tips to help you survive the rising price of love:

1. Love & marriage The first step is to get a few things out in the open: what you earn, what you've saved etc

2.Yours, mine and ours... discuss how many bank accounts you want.

3. Diamonds are a girl's best friend Discuss your expectations about how money should be spent. (If you think you don't any have expectations, just wait until your partner pays a bill late, or spends £300 on shoes.)

4. Working 9 to 5... If one of you contributes significantly more to the financial running of the household and starts to feel some resentment, sit down and discuss a solution.

5. I'm a pink tooth brush It's rare for couples to be earning identical salaries, but does that mean that he or she should be paying more? Work out a system.

6. Material Girl One area where every decision should first be discussed, is when it comes to major purchases. You should set a limit over and above which there needs to be a joint purchase decision.

7. Money don't matter tonight Make sure you pre-agree a monthly limit, which you can each spend with no questions asked.

8. Money can't buy me love ... Then be open and honest about your finances with each other .

9. We're in the money If you still have different opinions on how your cash should be spent after following this guide, sit down and write out a skeleton monthly budget report.

10. Our D.I.V.O.R.C.E...If the worst happens and your relationship ends in separation it's always advised that you speak with your bank, mortgage lender, and any other financial institutions where you hold a joint account, to inform them of your decision.

Gee, isn't it nice to know that even huge financial corporations can care about the little things.