Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 25/02) - Money may or may not make the world go 'round, but one thing's for certain, it's always a hot topic in terms of choices and planning.

Money has the power to destroy even the most passionate and harmonious of unions.

Sexual attraction, shared interests and dreams of the future can all fall by the wayside when there is trouble in the pocketbook.

Some couples, though, have the good fortune to escape the stress of bad finances. Such is the case with Iqaluit residents Jane Cooper and Steve Birrell. Together since 1995, the couple knew from the start they were a financial match made in heaven.

"We're both adverse to taking loans and being in debt," says Steve.

"We're pretty similar. When we first met, we talked about our future goals and where we want to be when we retire," adds Jane.

As it turns out, they've agreed to retire part-time in Iqaluit in eight years. They put extra money on their mortgage when they can, buy RRSPs faithfully and avoid fancy dinners at expensive restaurants. Their goal is to spend the other half of their retirement years showing their daughter, now 2, the world.

"Our dreams are more for her than us," says Steve. "We want to show her Egypt, Greece, Europe."

A secure pension through her job with the government also means the couple's retirement years won't be spent in poverty, as is the case with many senior residents in Nunavut.

They're also careful to pay off their credit card at the end of each month, a system that saves them thousands of dollars in interest while earning Airmiles at the same time.

"We try and pay for everything by Visa. That way, we have just one bill at the end of the month. When that comes in, it's angst time," says Steve. "Like everyone else, it's difficult meeting the expenses."

Jane says because they're older, they're less inclined to spend money recklessly.

Because four children between the ages of two and 22 call them mom and dad, Jane says their dollars go towards diapers, university and babysitters instead of new stereo systems and furniture.

At the end of the day, as they look at each other across the kitchen table, it's easy to see how the absence of money troubles keeps a couple together.

"One big part of conflict in a relationship is money. If you don't have those problems, you have a better chance of success as a couple," says Steve.