Sheila Salehian
Senior Deputy Treasurer, State of Nevada
February 2, 2015
Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you ever wondered about the history of this holiday? Valentines Day is said to have started with an ancient Roman fertility ceremony called Lupercalia, held in mid-February, dating as far back as 496 AD. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius made it a Christian holiday, and moved the date back one day, to the 14th of February. There was more than one saint named “Valentine” and as the holiday grew in popularity, it become associated with love and romance in the 1300’s. By the 1840’s it was celebrated in the U.S. with cards to loved ones.
As I reflect back on the years, one of my fondest memories of Valentines Day was when my mother would surprise me at work and take the time to drop off a card and a small vase of flowers. In that card she told me how proud she was of me, as I worked in my first ‘real job’ for a Financial Services firm, fresh out of college. Years later, raising my own children, I find myself thinking about the wisdom, love and life lessons my mom bestowed upon my three siblings and I, growing up in the Midwest. Although we did not have a lot of money, we were always reminded of what we did have, namely our health and our ability to learn and drive our own destiny in life. We were always encouraged to get good grades, and told that with education, anything was possible.
So, as I get ready to celebrate Valentines Day this year, I will remember to include my kids, to let them know how special they are, and to encourage them to do their part in prioritizing their homework assignments and practicing good study habits. I will also take time to evaluate my own financial spending habits, to make sure that I am doing my part as a responsible parent to help finance their plans to pursue a college education. The Prepaid Tuition program I chose to invest in has given me peace of mind in knowing they will have a large portion of their college expenses paid for.
How will you celebrate Valentines Day this year? Whether you send or receive one of the 35 million heart shaped boxes filled with decadent chocolate delights or you celebrate by sending flowers to your special valentine, remember to stop and smell the roses. Kids grow up so fast. Take time to finance their dreams, one (Holi)day at a time. Happy Valentine’s Day!
About the Author:
Sheila Salehian is a Senior Deputy Treasurer for the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office and has oversight of the Nevada Prepaid Tuition Program. The program has assets under management of over $200 million. The State of Nevada Treasurer’s Office also offers four other 529 savings plan choices for families. Sheila Salehian currently serves as Secretary to the College Savings Board of Nevada.