10 things you can do today to live more like a minimalist (Becoming Minimalist). “Minimalism isn’t about owning less than you need, it’s about owning exactly what you need.” The triple tax break you may be missing: a health savings account (NY Times). A deduction for contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals. What’s not to like? Generous […]
We make lots of financial decisions every day. However, over the course of our lives, there are about 10-15 decisions that really matter. How well we navigate them will make an especially big difference in whether we struggle with money or live with financial freedom and joy. As I describe the decisions, please keep a […]
Weekly roundup of some of the best personal finance articles from around the web. 51% of millennials are keeping a major money secret from their partner: here’s what they’re hiding (CNBC). The ideal? Full financial disclosure before marriage, ongoing financial transparency after marriage. Should I pay off debt, save money, or invest? (Clark Howard). The […]
How in-synch are you and your spouse when it comes to money? On a scale of 1-10, with 1 meaning you’re living on separate financial planets and 10 meaning you complete each other’s financial sentences, where on the scale would you put your marriage? Now do quick reality-check by asking your spouse the same question. […]
God’s vision and intention for marriage is oneness. Unity. Each person making sacrifices, dying to self for the good of the other and the good of the relationship. There are countless factors that get in the way of oneness: Selfishness, in-law issues, the stresses of life, and more. But the one issue that often rises […]
If you want to know the secrets to happiness, you’ll find plenty of suggestions online. But there are quite a few serious studies on the topic as well, and one of the most authoritative is the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Some 80 years ago, the school started tracking and analyzing the lives of 724 […]
Every healthy relationship involves conflict. In fact, psychologist John Gottman, who has spent more than 20 years studying what makes marriages last, believes that “fighting . . . can be one of the healthiest things a couple can do for their relationship.” In his book, Why Marriages Succeed or Fail, which I highly recommend, Gottman […]
As my wife and I approach our 21st anniversary, my mind isn’t just on financial matters, but the occasion did lead me to reflect recently on the best financial advice we received before we got married. It came from the pastor who led us through some pre-marital counseling. What to do with a second income When a […]
Weekly roundup of some of the best personal finance articles from around the web. Life lessons from The Pursuit of Happyness (All About Your Benjamins). This article made me want to see the movie again. Make versus buy — the key to effortless saving (City Frugal). Reminds me of the book, “Brave New World,” in […]
Weekly roundup of some of the best personal finance articles from around the web. 3 strategies for pursuing significance with your finances (Crosswalk). Some great reminders about important aspects of money that can’t be seen on a spreadsheet. How to choose between a traditional and a Roth IRA (Peter Lazaroff). Good advice for making a […]
