By JOHN EWOLDT, Minneapolis Star Tribune

In money, as in love, opposites attract.

More than 65 percent of Americans marry someone who is their "financial opposite." He likes to spend; she likes to save. She likes taking risks with investments; he's risk-averse. She knows how much is in the joint checking account down to the penny; he has no idea.

The sweater vest is back.

OK, it never really went away. But it took Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum to remind us that the comfy sleeveless sweater has always had a place in our closets.

Since Santorum won the Iowa caucus, the former senator from Pennsylvania has been wearing a sweater vest at his meet-and-greets, not for a fashion statement but for good luck.

If you've been to a grocery store lately, you know that meat, dairy products, cereal, coffee and soda have all had double-digit price increases in the past 12 to 18 months. Even worse, there are more hikes predicted.

Let's admit it. Shoppers haven't just quit fighting the appearance of Christmas in September -- they've embraced it.

Those who claim to be upset by early-bird retailers just aren't convincing anymore. Take Jolene Madden of Bloomington, Minn., for example.

When Steve Hepokoski used his first Groupon coupon at W.A. Frost in St. Paul, Minn., he surreptitiously slid it under his plate.

"It felt awkward using a coupon at a restaurant with linen tablecloths and an extensive wine list," said Hepokoski, 52, an optometrist from Maple Grove.

In snow and freezing rain, wiper blades in poor condition become apparent quickly. If the rubber is rigid or chipped, it's time for new wipers. Streaking, smearing and chattering (noisy blades) are also an indication to replace.

When I was 10, a carnival barker tried to get me to spend money in her shooting gallery by tempting me with a "gen-u-ine imitation leather" prize. Even as a preteen, I laughed at her honesty.

Today's dream-crushing moment is brought to you by Ty, the maker of Beanie Babies. Those collectibles you purchased in the '90s as a way to pay for your child's college education are now worth 40 cents apiece -- if they're in pristine condition with the Ty tags still attached.

It's like adding insult to injury. Hail, tornado or fire damages your home, and you're left to deal with the mess and hiring contractors to finish the job ASAP. After expenses mount, you shouldn't have to also spend time fighting an insurance company that refuses to pay, pays a pittance or delays payment, sometimes for years, until you give up in frustration.

Some consumers today are too young to remember layaway, but some stores still offer it or are reviving the old practice as many try to break the buying-on-credit habit.