gta 't DOLLARS AND SENSE BILL GLEESON is a man after my own heart — he believes spending money on a romantic getaway is one of the better investments. As regular readers know, I often Stress the need to balance the “save and invest” in your life with some “spend and enjoy” —- which in itself is an excellent, risk-free investment yielding a tax-free. return. “People musi be willing to invest something in their romantic selves,” Gleeson contends. “All too often couples are consumed by career and perhaps child-rearing. They don’t set aside the time and money necessary to nurture the relationship which was what caused them to come together in the first place.” Gleeson, 42, works full-time as a hospital marketing director. He has also just written Weekends For Two in the Pacific Northwest: 50 Romantic Getaways (Chronicle/Raincoast, $19.95). His wife Yvonne, 41, is a teacher but is currently spending time at home with Kari, 14, and Jeff, 11. “I first got interested in romantic getaways because my wife and I didn’t get away very often because of career pressures, then parenting responsibilities,” Gleeson explained. “So whenever we did get away, we did everything possible to make it a success.” One experience the Gleesons had illustrates that you need to make your spending plans as carefully as your investment plans. “We had used a reservation agency which booked a place * described as ‘a very romantic colo- nial bed and breakfast inn’ - just what we wanted.” he recalled. “But when we got there, the place tumed Out to be a tract house with a couple of Georgian columns propped under the front porch —- I guess that was the colonial influence. “The owners were simply renting out their childrens’ rooms. The clos- et in our room was full of the fami- ly's flotsam, And the whole house reeked of a very obnoxious smelling meal which was being cooked. We went out for dinner, decided it wouldn't be a good experience despite the $135 we'd paid, got our stuff, tiptoed out of the place and drove the two hours home.” Gleeson said some couples share the same fantasies about what's romantic: “With others, the man might consider sexy lingerie roman- tic while the woman thinks more about a luxurious bubble bath or a walk on the beach. Differing views aren't bad as long as there is a mutu- al respect for cach other's expecta- tions.” How much you spend on your romantic escape depends on your personal as well as financial situa- tion. “Analyze your lifestyle,” said Gleeson. “If you are pulled in dif- ferent directions during the day and have nighttime commitments that don’t allow you to express love for each other often, then an indulgence of a few hundred dollars for a mem- orable weekend is well worth it. “Perhaps you are a newly mar- ried or retired couple with few luxu- ries at home. Again, I think spending perhaps $200 is absolutely justifiable for an experience you'll remember for months and years to come. “Even some people who really can’t afford to spend that kind of money for a night at a special place will decide they can occasionally splurge. “On the other hand, if you work together, have no children at home and can Spend romantic times together, then it might not be neces- PE Rots: NEWS photo Mike Wakefield NEWS COLUMNIST Russell Moidowan recently addressed a group of seniors on the topic of Canadian and B.C. Savings Bonds at the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Cenire. RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING IN THE ‘90s FACES THE CHALLENGES OF: * Continuing lew interest rates ° Volatile equity and bond markets ® increasing taxation directed at retirees * instability of financial institutions Our information-packed two hour seminar will help you plan for your financial security NORTH VANCOUVER Delbrook Community Centre 600 W. 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Privacy is important. “Try to avoid places with shared bathrooms, thin walls, innkeepers who are underfoot and children because they don’t exactly con- tribute to a passionate getaway,” Gleeson said. Mike Grenby is a North Shore- based columnist and independent financial adviser who works with individuals; he will answer your questions in this column as space allows — write to Mike clo 2444 Haywood Ave., West Vancouver, V7V IYI. Free Initial Consultation Douglas W. Lahay CLARK, WILSON BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 800-885 West Georgia Street, Van. 687-5700 H 24 HOUR MESSAGE 643-3161 @ ICRC's policies are not law. I wiil get you a fair settlement or trial award. 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