Forgiveness is often considered one of the hardest things to give, yet it's absolutely crucial to any healthy relationship.  Misunderstandings and hurt feelings are a part of relationships, but how we deal with them determines how the future plays out.

When circumstances arise, we can hold onto resentment, letting it slowly turn to bitterness, or we can let it go. If you find yourself in a situation where you have wounded your spouse, take the first step, apologize and ask for their forgiveness. 

Even if you were the one wounded, willingly consider taking the first step in offering forgiveness before it's even sought. I can say from personal experience, starting with a clean slate provides the best basis for moving forward together. 

Do you and your spouse have a budget?

Every business operates with a budgetary plan. In fact, there’s an aspect of marriage that should operate like a business. It needs to be run with the same principles in mind. The goal is to operate in the black and not in the red as a married couple. Today, one of the leading causes of divorce is financial failure. A budget helps you both work toward financial goals, and live within the means of your financial structure.

There are lots of online tools and programs that can help with budgeting, but having a budget all boils down to the same basics:

• Plan what you spend before you spend it
• Stop spending when you reach the amount allocated in the budget
• Don’t spend more than you make!

No one ever said it was easy, but a budget is critical to allowing you to achieve your financial goals and find economic success. For more on this topic, see the full blog at the link in our profile

When Dan and I got married, I had no idea what a...