Deepen Your Connection Through Shared Finances
Financial literacy is more than just a tool for managing daily monetary needs; it can also serve as a foundation for strengthening emotional intimacy in your relationship. As Valentine’s Day approaches, take the time to consider how shared financial planning can help you and your partner grow closer and build a more harmonious partnership. Couples can particularly benefit from creating a financial plan tailored to their unique goals and lifestyles.
Understanding Your Money Mindsets
Each person has a unique perspective on money shaped by their upbringing, personal experiences, and values. To foster understanding, have an open conversation about your financial histories and current priorities with your partner. Discuss your spending habits, saving strategies, and attitudes toward debt and investments. These conversations can allow you to discover differences, address potential conflicts, and better align your financial approaches.
Start planning your future together with these steps:
1. Discuss your long-term goals—where do you see yourselves in 5, 10, or 20 years?
2️. Define how you want to live your future—what lifestyle is most important to you?
3️. Consider key financial milestones, such as buying a home, saving for education, or planning for retirement.
4️. Prioritize your goals and determine the steps needed to achieve them.
Whether you’re just starting or refining your existing plan, we’re here to help. Meet with us to create or enhance a personalized financial plan that aligns with your unique priorities and goals.
Strengthening Teamwork Through Financial Decisions
Financial teamwork is about making decisions together and supporting each other’s goals. Start by setting clear priorities for your joint financial future, whether it’s by creating a budget, selecting investments, or planning major purchases. Regularly review your progress and adjust as needed. This collaborative approach ensures you operate as a unified team, with both partners feeling valued and involved. Sharing the responsibility for financial decisions not only strengthens trust but also deepens your commitment to each other’s success.
Developing Emotional Resilience in Times of Financial Stress
Financial challenges are inevitable but facing them with your partner can strengthen your relationship. Work as a team to prepare for uncertainties by building an emergency fund, reducing debt, and maintaining open communication about financial stressors. Lean on each other during tough times, recognizing that resilience comes from mutual support.
Overcoming financial difficulties together creates a sense of security and strengthens your partnership. In Wealth on Purpose by Bryan Ballentine, he emphasizes the importance of both spouses being actively involved in financial decisions. If something were to happen, it’s vital that the spouse feels confident and knows who to call. By building a relationship with Ballentine Capital Advisors, you ensure that both partners are comfortable and have a trusted resource to navigate financial challenges and plan for a secure future.
Celebrate the Wins Together
Every financial milestone, no matter how small, is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements as a couple. Whether you’ve paid off a loan, reached a savings goal, or successfully stuck to your budget, take the time to acknowledge your progress. Celebrating these moments reinforces your shared commitment and adds joy to your financial journey. Use these successes as motivation to continue building a prosperous future together. Consider celebrating your milestones with unique experiences, like a getaway or a special trip. Check out the weekly tips below for some inspiration!
Golf Tip of the Week
A golf improvement expert’s back-to-basics advice for golfers
Jon Sherman occupies a unique, and useful, space in the golf world.
He’s a high-level amateur golfer himself, a mental coach to PGA Tour player Mackenzie Hughes, and an author of two golf books who, more recently, started his own YouTube channel.
Sherman’s varied background means he comes at golf from an interesting perspective. He’s a golf swing minimalist who instead goes deep on the different strategies that help you play better golf: from practicing, to the mental side, to course management.
So with spring inching closer, I called him up for a little advice ahead of the new golf season. Here’s what he said…
1. No one cares as much as you do
Whether you like to admit it or not, a primary motivator for so many golfers is how we appear to other golfers. It makes sense, after all. Nobody wants to look stupid, which is why golf can be a pretty embarrassing game when you hit bad shots. Worse, that embarrassment can leak into your next shots. It puts you into a downward spiral, Jon says, which can last not just the rest of the round, but future rounds, too.
Luckily, he has some good advice:
“Psychologists called the Spotlight Effect,” Sherman says. “We’re always worried about what other golfers think of our game more than the reality of how much they’re actually paying attention. People are never paying attention to you as much as you think.”
Yes, you will embarrass yourself. But Sherman says to accept that, know you’ll get through it, and remember that much like your fantasy team, nobody cares as much about your game as you think they do.
2. Slower is not better
If you watch Ludvig Aberg hit a golf ball, you’ll see the same thing every time. A man who steps up to the ball, takes a quick look at the target, waggles once, then swings. It’s a pacey pre-shot routine, but it’s still got a nice rhythm to it. Sherman loves it—and says the rest of us can learn a lot from it.
“Ludvig has got the most beautiful trigger I’ve maybe ever seen in golf, and it’s the same every time,” he says. “It just goes to show that slower is not better. The more time you give them before a shot, the more indecisive you’re going to get. I bet most golfers would play just as well if they worked on quickening play as they would if they had taken four practice swings. Yeah, I bet they’d actually play better.”
3. The minimum improvement guidelines
If you want to get better at golf, you need to play more golf. That much is obvious. But we all have lives and jobs and other things that we’re busy balancing. So what’s the minimum you need to play or practice before making some adjustments to your improvement expectations?
“My line in the sand is usually playing once a week,” Sherman says. “If you can play once a week, I think then you’ve got a good chance at getting better. But if it’s less than that, you got to be a bit more patient with yourself, and understand that your improvement is going to come much slower.”
4. Make your practice work harder
Jon is a big proponent of practicing smarter. Using the time to let golf swing mechanics take a back seat, and instead, focusing on how you hit the ball. One method he uses is what he terms the fighting fire-with-fire method. If you’re hitting hooks, try hitting slices. If you’re hitting chunks, try topping the ball.
Simply the act of trying this stuff will help your brain understand where your golf swing’s guardrails are.
“Don’t go searching on YouTube for the swing fix. I think you’re going to make it much harder for yourself,” he says. “I would always defer to the skill-based practice stuff. Tracking impact location, doing the fight fire with fire method. Make that stuff your bread and butter.”
5. A smarter way to make swing changes
As Jon says, the worst way of making swing changes is to float around YouTube, find something that you think sounds good, and try to do that. Yes, there’ll be times you need to work on your swing. When the time comes, Jon says to get specific.
“Say you want to change your swing, the mechanics of it, what are you changing and why?” he says. “You’ve got to be really specific on what the ball flight fault is that you’re seeing, and what you want to see. You should work with a coach who can help you explain very clearly what change you are making and why.”
Travel Tip adapted from golfdigest.com i
Recipe of the Week
Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Ingredients
For the swirl:
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the cake:
Nonstick cooking spray
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3/4 cup sour cream
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
For the glaze:
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Make the swirl: Combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, heavy cream and vanilla in a food processor and puree until smooth; set aside.
- Make the cake: Position a rack in the lower third of the oven; preheat to 350 degrees F. Generously coat a 10- to 15-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk the vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, vinegar and 1/4 cup water in a medium bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
- Spread 3 cups of the batter in the prepared Bundt pan. Pour in the cream cheese swirl mixture, then spoon the remaining cake batter evenly over the top. Bake until the top is cracked and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool 20 minutes in the pan, then carefully invert onto a plate and let cool completely, at least 2 hours.
- Make the glaze: Combine the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, sour cream, vanilla and salt in a food processor and puree until smooth. Pour and spread on the cooled cake.
Travel Tip adapted from foodnetwork.com ii
Travel Tip of the Week
10 Most Romantic American Road Trips for Couples
Spend quality time together discovering the best of what roadside America has to offer.
Nothing brings two people together quite like going on a road trip. Romantic destinations are plentiful in the U.S., where couples will love discovering America’s most beautiful attractions side by side. Luckily, the nation is home to thousands of miles of scenic roadways with numerous national parks, beaches, and mountain vistas to enjoy along the way.
For the ultimate bonding experience, gather your favorite road trip snacks, sync your playlists, and embark on one of these romantic road trips for couples.
New England: Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
Start your journey in Maine at Acadia National Park, where you’ll find 47,000 acres of wilderness, including hiking and biking trails. Then, head to Camden — the so-called “Jewel of the Maine Coast.” Here, you can shop downtown, picnic at the beach, and see marvel at scenic lighthouses. Next up is Portland, where you’ll want to check out the breweries, art galleries, and of course, more lighthouses. Start with the historic Portland Head Light along the shores of Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth.
Afterward, head west to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, where you can spend the night at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. This property is located within Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s largest ski area and a favorite New England retreat for presidents, artists, and celebrities seeking a peaceful mountain getaway. Finally, cruise over to Waterbury, Vermont, where you can tour the Ben & Jerry’s factory and share a pint of ice cream.
Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo, California
Kick off your trip in glamorous Los Angeles and spend the day exploring iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign before taking Highway 101 up to Ventura. Here, try your hand at surfing, or ride the ferry to Santa Cruz Island, one of California’s Channel Islands, to hike and explore. From Ventura, you’ll hug the coastline up to Santa Barbara, where you can check out the Funk Zone neighborhood and its urban wine trail. Spend the night at the historic Hotel Californian and depart the next morning to drive down Route 154, which winds through the mountains and vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Make a detour to the quaint Danish town of Solvang and enjoy authentic European pastries like homemade ebelskivers (fried pancake balls). On your way back to Highway 101, stop at OstrichLand to feed and interact with giant flightless birds. From here, you’ll travel up through Los Alamos and the Santa Maria Valley vineyards, passing through the shoreside city of Pismo Beach. Finally, end your road trip in romantic San Luis Obispo for a variety of outdoor adventures like surfing and kayaking.
Western National Parks
Begin your adventure at Yellowstone National Park, where more than 10,000 hot springs and geysers, including the famous Old Faithful, can be found. Following Yellowstone, stop at Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming, which boasts a majestic mountain landscape, stunning alpine lakes, and vast grassy plains. Spend a night at Lost Creek Ranch & Spa to experience the romanticism of the Old West against the backdrop of Teton views. Here, rustic-luxe log cabin accommodations are coupled with classic ranch activities like horseback riding.
Next up on the itinerary is Utah. On your way from Yellowstone, you can spend a night in Salt Lake City at the centrally located Kimpton Hotel Monaco before continuing to Arches National Park. Here, you can take pleasure in the 36-mile out-and-back scenic drive and over 2,000 distinctively named arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Last on the list is Canyonlands National Park — just a half hour’s drive from Arches — which includes three major areas for all adventure levels: the less accessible, backcountry Needles region; the isolated, off-road Maze section; and easily reachable Island in the Sky, with a paved road featuring views of buttes, fins, and water-carved canyons.
The Kancamagus Highway: New Hampshire
This 34.5-mile scenic drive along Route 112 in northern New Hampshire is best known for its spectacular fall foliage, but it’s an idyllic adventure any time of year, especially when the snow blankets the ground and transforms the mountains into a winter wonderland. On this journey, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking White Mountain National Forest, Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge.
The Kanc, as it’s affectionately known by locals, rises to an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet. Its highest point brings you to Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mount Kancamagus near Lincoln, New Hampshire. Start your road trip in Conway and stop at the Saco Ranger Station just west of town to pick up a map and plan your points of interest. Key attractions include the Albany Covered Bridge, built in 1858, and picturesque Sabbaday Falls. The romantic route will end in Lincoln, where you can stay overnight at The Mountain Club on Loon, which is open year-round and perfect for ski season.
Historic Route 66: Chicago to Los Angeles
Stretching from Chicago to the end of the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, this 2,400-mile route is often called the “Mother Road” — a nickname coined by author John Steinbeck. The ultimate American road trip experience, this drive can be turned into a romantic week-long trip filled with fascinating stops along the way. Start your journey in Chicago, where you can share a deep-dish pizza and admire the masterpieces at the Art Institute of Chicago before heading to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to visit the Blue Dome District, a nine-block area with trendy eateries, pubs, boutiques, and nightlife venues. Another highlight here is the revitalized Blue Dome building, a former 1920s-era Gulf Oil station that occasionally hosts festivals.
Next, stop at the graffiti-covered Cadillac Ranch art installation in Amarillo, Texas (don’t forget your spray paint!), and in New Mexico, soak in Albuquerque’s unique vintage shops, stopping at the historic Route 66 neon sign for a photo op. In Arizona, check out the Petrified Forest National Park, but don’t take any of the rocks or wood — legend says it could be bad luck for your romance. Finally, end your journey in sunny California at the Santa Monica Pier. Now that you’ve made it to the Golden State, reward yourself with a luxurious stay at Santa Monica Proper, which epitomizes the quintessential, laidback Californian lifestyle.
Oregon’s Scenic Coast
While driving up Highway 101 along the Oregon coast, your first stop will be the picturesque Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Here, 12 miles of lush forest meets untouched beaches, massive jagged rocks, and blue water. Visit Arch Rock Picnic Area and Natural Bridges before stopping at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Stay overnight at Hallmark Resort in Newport, where rooms come with oceanfront balconies. The property also has a public path that leads directly to the beach.
Next, drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop and admire Haystack Rock, an impressive 235-foot sea stack formation on Cannon Beach. Then, visit Ecola State Park before holding a romantic bonfire at Cannon Beach. End your journey in the resort city of Seaside and enjoy its historic arcade, old-fashioned carousel, bumper cars, and indoor miniature golf. The loser has to buy the winner some signature Seaside saltwater taffy.
The Overseas Highway: Miami to the Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West offers a drive like no other. Suspended over water nearly the entire time, this 113-mile roadway crosses 42 bridges from Miami to the southernmost point of the U.S. (You’ll be closer to Cuba than you are to Miami by the end of this road trip.) Romantic duos will first hit Key Largo, home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can enjoy a view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour or get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling at this underwater playground.
Next up is Marathon, where you can meet rescued and rehabilitated marine mammals at the Dolphin Research Center and explore the 1,000-acre Curry Hammock State Park. Then, you’ll drive over the Seven Mile Bridge — the longest bridge in Florida — before arriving at Big Pine Key. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the elusive Key deer and spend the night at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, just off Little Torch Key. Now, you’re only around 45 minutes north of Key West, but you’ll want to stop at Mangrove Mama’s, a landmark restaurant on Sugarloaf Key serving fresh local seafood. End in Key West at Mallory Square, just in time for the romantic Sunset Celebration, a nightly event with live music, street performers, and local vendors.
Montana’s Glacier Country
Mountain biking, hiking, and some of the world’s best skiing are just a few of the offerings in Big Sky Country. Begin your romantic road trip in Missoula, Montana’s cultural hub and home to the University of Montana. Relax in the nearby natural hot springs or float down the river while sampling local craft beer with River City Brews Rafting Tours.
After that, drive up to Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with over 200 square miles of water for sailing, fly-fishing, and waterskiing. For remarkable views of Flathead Lake, spend the night at Mountain Lake Lodge in Bigfork. Continue another 40 miles north to Whitefish, which offers prime hiking and skiing opportunities. You can also enjoy a coffee roasting tour at Montana Coffee Traders. Cap things off with a hike surrounded by majestic mountains and lakeside scenery in Glacier National Park.
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
Scenic Byway 12 in Utah presents 120-plus miles of designated “All-American Road.” At its summit of 9,000 feet, you can appreciate sweeping vistas of the Henry Mountains, Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, and the shimmering red rocks of Capitol Reef National Park. Begin your drive in Panguitch and explore the scenery of Red Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park.
Next, take in the views at Kodachrome Basin State Park before spending a night at glamping destination Escalante Yurts. The stars in the light-pollution-free Utah sky are undeniably romantic. Make a point to visit the Escalante Petrified Forest State Park and grab an espresso and pastry at Kiva Koffeehouse. Before concluding your journey, spend an afternoon exploring Capitol Reef National Park.
Pacific Coast Highway: San Luis Obispo to San Francisco
Nothing says California dreamin’ like seaside scenery combined with the tranquil atmosphere of Big Sur. Start in San Luis Obispo, heading up Highway 1 through the seaside town of Morro Bay. Watch sea otters at Morro Rock and stop for vegan and vegetarian fare at Shine Cafe or a latte at the dog-friendly Top Dog Coffee Bar.
Farther up the coast is Ragged Point, where you can catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Big Sur coastline. Spend the night at Ragged Point Inn and Resort and hike down Ragged Point Trail for unparalleled views of the sea and a hidden waterfall. Enjoy the atmosphere of this laidback, two-lane highway and make stops at McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach, where the sand sometimes turns purple after the rain. Leaving Big Sur, you’ll hit Monterey County, where you can walk along Cannery Row in Monterey and check out Carmel’s historic antique shops. Then, embark on the scenic 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach for more incredible coastal views. Bonus points if you can hit Santa Cruz and its sturdy redwood forests and Half Moon Bay’s tide pools before reaching the final destination on your road trip. Romantic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the adjacent Marin Headlands await in San Francisco.
Travel Tip adapted from travelandleisure.com iii
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This material is prepared by Ballentine Capital Advisors for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation or any particular security, strategy, or investment product.
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ihttps://www.golfdigest.com/story/jon-sherman-golf-digest-tips-advice-2025-season
iihttps://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/red-velvet-cream-cheese-bundt-cake-3364667
iiihttps://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/romantic-american-road-trips-for-couples
