In a previous column, I discussed National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner's exciting new research on the "Blue Zones," home to the world's happiest and longest-living people. And while money doesn't always lead to a longer and more satisfying life, it certainly doesn't hurt. For example, in a Gallup-Sharecare study, nearly 90% of people who were managing their finances well said their relationship with their spouse or partner was strong. Yet when finances were cited as a sore point in the household, the number of happy relationships plunged to just 60%. Moreover, it didn't matter whether the couples were affluent or not. Money troubles create relationship troubles. I've seen plenty of couples, for instance, where one was an avid shopper and the other a dedicated saver. That's a bad combo. I knew another where one wanted to tap into retirement savings to get a new boat - or remodel the kitchen - and the other felt strongly otherwise. Things went decidedly south from there. Financial compatibility - or at least peacemaking compromise - seems to be a prerequisite for connubial bliss. Arguing and worrying about money is toxic. It creates stress and conflict. Yet when a household's finances are managed smartly, relationships improve. Studies show there is even an inverse relationship between wealth and obesity. Financial well-being, it turns out, even helps keep you slim. (An important consideration since obesity is highly correlated with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, dementia and some forms of cancer.) Yet in the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey, the longest-running survey of its kind, only 27% of workers said they were very confident they'd have enough for a comfortable retirement. (In fact, only 30% of current retirees are very confident they have enough.) This isn't terribly surprising when you consider that 32% of Americans have no savings - and 58% have less than $1,000 set aside. This is a national tragedy, one that will have serious ramifications down the road when nonsavers petition their elected representatives to redistribute the incomes of those who have saved and invested. |
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