And yet, just 12 percent of married people report using a detailed budget.  I’m not suggesting that a ledger book would be a better gift this Valentine’s Day than a romantic dinner, but I am suggesting that working together on a plan for your money would be a good step for building a great marriage.

The survey also looked at some of the contributing factors behind financial disagreements, with respondents identifying temperament differences as a key issue.

Not surprisingly, couples with children at home are much more likely than those without children to experience financial disagreements.  There is simply a lot more to spend money on when you have kids.  The good news for all married couples is that financial disagreements seem to taper off the longer you’re married.

The article’s author summed up the research this way: “Knowing that friends, neighbors and loved ones don’t peg their appreciation of a gift to its price tag is like having a Get Out of Nordstrom Free card.”

I have to believe there are exceptions to this rule – that a bow-topped car in the driveway will be received a bit differently than a box of chocolates.  However, if you find yourself stuck debating whether to buy your sweetheart the reasonably priced sedan or the high-priced sports car – or, for that matter, Fannie Mae vs. Godiva – you’re probably going to be just fine either way.

Silent night, holy night.

I find the songs soothing as well, a helpful antidote to the Constant Negative News coming across our television and computer screens.

All is calm, all is bright.

Maybe you’re out of work.  Or maybe your retirement plans have been put on hold by the recession.  If so, the sentiments in those lyrics can smack of just so much Pollyanna.  But they were the very sentiments expressed by the prophet Micah seven centuries before Jesus was born, as he described a Savior who would provide his followers with a sense of security and peace that transcends their circumstances.

“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.  And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.  And he will be their peace.” – Micah 5:4-5

Perhaps this year, in the midst of our continued economic uncertainty, political maneuvering, wars, and more, we need to approach Christmas—we need to approach Christ—with the wonder, innocence, and humility of a child.  Perhaps now more than ever we need to rest in the truth that security and peace can be found—in fact, they can only be found—in the One whose birth we celebrate.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,

Behold your King!  Before him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Behold your King.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

And here is my completely unbiased, absolute favorite gift idea: give a copy of “Money, Purpose, Joy” or “Money Strategies for Tough Times.” For a limited time, if you order through NavPress, these are especially frugal ideas.  Use the discount code K82E1D8E6 and you will get a 35 percent discount during December and January.

On the positive side, CBSNews.com recommended using gift cards for your own shopping.  Some stores are offering bonus cards with the purchase of a certain number of cards.  Pair them with other store discounts and you can save big.  Looking for discounted cards?  The CBSNews.com story said to look on Plastic Jungle, GiftCards.com, and eBay.

Of course, you could also just give cash.  Somehow, marketers have convinced us that doing so is tacky.  However, cash is accepted everywhere and comes with no added fees or restrictions.