One of my co-workers had a flight canceled and was put up at a La Quinta hotel in Atlanta. I asked her if she knew that La Quinta was Spanish for "Next to Denny's." Since she didn't speak Spanish, there was a pause before she realized that I was kidding.
But that got me thinking about how to translate what people may be saying as it relates to financial planning.
When your spouse helpfully informs you that "Our recycling bin is full," he or she might mean that you are spending too much money.
"Wow, the market took a hit today" might translate into "We don't have enough to retire," or if already retired, "We may have to make lifestyle changes."
"It's not about the money" often means it's about the money.
"This is a one-time expense" actually means that you don't feel comfortable adhering to your budget and are figuring out how to trick yourself into spending more.
"I think he needs to keep working" could mean "He'd better get some friends or hobbies, or I am going to be stuck with him and my life is going to change."
"There isn't enough for charity" often can be translated into we want to spend more on ourselves.
