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 […]
I love the fact that the holiday season begins with Thanksgiving. It’s so healthy to take some time to remember all that we’re grateful for. One of the best ideas for doing so was introduced to me by a remarkable couple I know. Prioritizing Their Use of Money Bob and Jody provider a great demonstration […]
If ever there was a relationship designed to be built on a foundation of trust it would be the marriage relationship, right? And ideally, that trust would extend into all areas, including money. However, according to a recent Pew Research Center study, just 56% of married people say they trust their spouse a great deal […]
Money is one of the prime sources of conflict in marriage. However, conflict avoidance isn’t the route to a happy marriage. In fact, John Gottman, a psychologist who has devoted over two decades to studying what makes for a healthy marriage, believes that “fighting—when it airs grievances and complaints—can be one of the healthiest things […]
