Yes: I am going to discuss financial planning AND the tabloid fodder that is Keeping up with the Kardashians.
Please do not immediately leap to the comments section at the bottom of this article and post remarks like "I would expect this of tacky tabloids", or question my sanity.
This week we had the joy of Valentine's Day and, while Moonpig only delivered one paper card this year, my email inbox was overflowing with financial services companies trying to link romance with the need to manage money.
Narrowly beating Liontrust's press release where "fund managers discuss the long-term relationships they’ve had with companies they invest in and why, even after years together, they still find them attractive" as the one that made me laugh the most was an email from The Share Centre.
If you were going to use the world's most famous reality TV family to illustrate anything to do with financial planning I would suggest this: You never know what the future holds.The Share Centre pointed out Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are arguably the most famous couple on the planet with a combined following on their social media platforms of around 150 million.
In 2017, Mr West – who once sang about 'Diamonds from Sierra Leone' – gifted his wife shares in some of the world’s biggest companies, including Netflix, Disney, Adidas, Amazon and Apple.
The Share Centre pointed out the selection of stocks outperformed the S&P 500 by more than 37 per cent in the first half of 2018.
Andy Parsons, head of investments at The Share Centre, said: "For those of you that are really stuck for ideas on what to buy your loved one for this Valentine’s Day, or want to get an alternative to the annual dressing gown or tie, then a gift of shares could be the answer."
Nothing says "I love you" like the gift of shares, eh?
While I wouldn't suggest you start following Mr West's share tips – even though he can manage to get private meetings with US President Donald Trump – The Share Centre did make me think about how the Kardashians do offer some interesting insights into financial advice for couples.
If you were going to use the world's most famous reality TV family to illustrate anything to do with financial planning I would suggest this: You never know what the future holds.
As you reach retirement age your marriage of several decades could come to an end, the father of your three children could start dating younger women and you could break up with a partner before the baby you are having with them is even born.
Diamond rings have value, but making sure you have a financial plan that allows you to escape a relationship should that romantic union turn sour is truly priceless.
emma.hughes@ft.com
