Our golden retriever’s name is Ramsey, so it’s probably no big surprise that Eric and I have spent a lot of time listening to Dave Ramsey. One of his many sayings that has stuck with me over the years, roughly translated, is that, on average, people will have at least one major (think around $10,000) financial emergency arise every ten years. “Save for a rainy day. It’s going to rain!” Whether it’s a new roof, medical bills, surprise triplets, or the loss of a job, most of us are not going to get through life without a few disheartening money moments (or seasons). Financial struggles are scary … [Read more...]

My favorite undergraduate class was PSYC 361 (Marriage and Family Psychology). If I could sit in on that class today with the same professor, I would do it! He didn’t use a textbook. He taught from his own curriculum and it was awesome! Each class period was practical and enlightening. Eric and I took the class different semesters before we ever met and he also says it was his favorite undergraduate class (what are the odds?!?). One time, I remember the professor exhorting us: “Fight!” He told us we needed to have a good fight before getting married. That may sound completely … [Read more...]

Are you in a long-distance relationship? Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship? Do you know someone who is currently in a long-distance relationship? There is no doubt that living in a different city, state, or even country than your sweetheart can be an emotional and logistical struggle. If there are time zone differences, it may be hard to schedule time to talk and connect around each other’s schedules. Going long periods of time without hugs, kisses, and breathing the same air can also be taxing. It’s harder to experience life with someone when you are not physically with them, … [Read more...]