While it’s true that an abysmal economy makes for better divorces, that doesn’t mean you HAVE to break up over money issues. Sadly, many couple do. In fact much research points out that money is the number one reason couple fight and break up. Avoid this by using the following tactics.

Know what’s what before hand: Before leaping into a relationship make sure you discuss money. I know it’s not romantic or always fun, but knowing your couple money mindset before you become a twosome can save you some trouble in the long run.
Split your stash: If you have your own …read more

If you’re getting married this summer – or next even, you can save some cash by making some small adjustments to what goes on in traditional weddings.

Adjust your ring: You don’t really need both engagement rings AND wedding rings. That’s a little bit of overkill. You can also save money by greening your wedding ring, which cuts out things like pricey (and earth-hateful) diamonds and gold.
Adjust the invites: Go paperless which saves on stamps and paper costs – not to mention all those trees. Digital invites are so not lame anymore either. There are some totally amazing digital wedding invitations …read more

Many studies note that financial incompatibility is the number one reason that couple split up. That sucks, because if you know how to deal with money issues, and if you make it a priority in your relationship to discuss money issues, you can avoid this potential problem from the get-go. How can you and your partner happy together, even when money issues pop up?

First of all you should read, Financially Compatible Spouses & Partners – this post covers what you and your partner should discuss money-wise before taking the long-term relationship leap.
Next follow these tips:
Recognize that you and your partner …read more

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on dates for them to be fun.  Fortunately, there are some entertainment options that don’t have to break your budget.
1)  Bowling - You don’t have to be a good bowler to go bowling.  Being silly and laughing at yourself are part of the fun.
2)  Parks -  It’s ok to swing on the swings and slide when there’s no kids around.  Plus, it’s dark and you don’t have to worry about looking foolish.
3)  Natural attractions - Just a few weeks ago our family visited my parents.  My husband and I always know we’ll get a date night there.  We went …read more

 With the cold temperatures we’ve been having, I know it’s hard to imagine that spring and summer are just around the corner.  I’m sure some are thinking about or are already making plans for their special wedding day.  I thought this would be a good time to share some ways to save money.
 1.  Plan ahead.  I confess that I planned my wedding in just a few weeks.  (Yes, I was a nervous wreck.) Perhaps the short amount to plan helped me to prioritize really quickly.  Planning ahead gives you opportunities to think things through, to decide what you really want, and …read more

Who says romance has to cost a fortune?  Sarah Pierce from Hitched Magazine has ideas for 20 dates for under $20.  Here are some of my favorites:

Beat the heat with an ice cream.  Take two scoops to the park, or take a walk downtown and go people watching.
Hit the dollar movie theater. Lots of cities have discount movie theaters showing second-run features.   Pick a rainy day and have a movie marathon.
Be a kid again.  Go play miniature golf, ride go-carts or play laser tag.
Take a scenic drive.  Pull over to have coffee and dessert at a nice cafe.

Check out the …read more

Cory and Kerri Aldrich have been with B5 Media for a while, but a few months ago they started a blog about marriage.  Cory and Kerri write about the good, the bad, and the funny.  Stop by Marriage Actually for some information about marriage, their personal experiences, confessions, and some laughter.  I’m sure you’ll find something that you can relate to.

I recently had a close friend tell me that she wasn’t sure if a bad situation had been resolved or not.  She thought it had on her end but the other person hasn’t called back like they said they would.  I have long since subscribed to the whole idea that it takes too much of my energy and time to stay mad at someone so I just get over it really quickly.  Probably a little too quick in some cases but oh well.
However, I have lived by this definition of forgiveness for years and I have never been failed by …read more

It is undetermined if this article is real, but it certainly is funny. Thought you wives and moms could use a little something funny today.  It is supposed to be from a 1950’s home economics textbook intended for high school girls, teaching them how to prepare for married life.
Click the link below if you are having problems reading the small print.  Enjoy! 

Going to work, doing the checkbook, paying the bills, grocery shopping, taking the kids to soccer practice, church activities, cleaning the house . . . these are all things that keep us busy.  These activities that we fill our lives with can cause us to put our connection with our spouse on the back burner.
Well-known authors, Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, have found that time (or the lack of it) is the number one issue in a lot of marriages.  Their book, Your Time-Starved Marriage, helps couples identify how they each relate to time and learn how to maximize their …read more