© Andy White (andy@coudycoffee.com)

Too many couples argue about money. ("But what else is important enough to argue over?" I hear you say!) Well, I've been in more than a few of those arguments myself over years, and I’m not particularly proud of fact. Especially as I'm an avid science-fiction buff, and my childhood hero-author Robert A. Heinlein penned a four word solution to this issue well before I got out of grade school:

BUDGET THE LUXURIES FIRST!

Strictly speaking, his advice was preceded by another maxim as well. "Sovereign ingredient for a happy marriage: Pay cash or do without. Interest charges not only eat up a household budget; awareness of debt eats up domestic felicity." Today, that advice gets abused eight ways to Sunday, as average household is currently carrying credit card debt to tune of over $10,000. Assuming an interest rate of 18%, this works out to about 150 bucks a month going to credit card company. That’s money NOT available for things like fresh flowers on your desk... new skis... upgrading to gourmet coffees and wines for daily consumption, or dinner out (including tips and babysitter).

Luxury item #1: Get out of consumer debt

Being debt-free is an incredible luxury! There are a ton of books and articles out there already on how to budget and avoid debt, so I won't hold forth on how to do it. The important issue is WHY to do it. And answer is simple. Peace of mind is ultimate luxury!

Luxury item #2: Make some time to make a wish list!

While putting wheels in motion on reducing debt, there's a happier issue to think through as well: What is it you really want out of life? Peace of mind (and of household) starts with asking these Really Big Questions!

Giving Up Cable Television By Alyice Edrich

My children cried when they realized they could no longer watch their favorite television shows, but soon learned that wholesome videos can cure their withdrawals in a moment’s notice. But more importantly, they’ve gotten off their butts and started enjoying more physical and bonding activities. And best part is that I no longer hear, “Just a minute mom. I’ll be there on commercial. Huh, what did you say? Oh, I forgot because I got hooked on this show. And, do I have to? I was right in middle of good part!”

It all began on February 9, 2004 when my friend and I attended an all-day Women’s Bible Study. At one of workshops, speaker discussed ways we could simplify our lives and in return grow stronger bonds with our children and other loved ones. One of her suggestions was to nix television. She read a study that stated television consumption wastes approximately 4 hours of our day and 13 years of our lives. She went on to ask, “If you knew you could gain just 6 of those years back by cutting your television watching down to just 2 hours a day, what would you do with all that time?”