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40 years ago, there were nearly twice as many households with an employed husband and a non-working wife as there were dual-income households. And, of course, women contributed much more time to managing the home and caregiving than men did. Right or wrong, that was at least rational.  Now there are more than twice as many dual-income households as households consisting of an employed husband and a non-working wife.  Yet, on average, women continue to spend significantly more

At least 1 in 4 married couples are losing out on free money from their employer's matching contributions because they are failing to coordinate their retirement contributions. The study authors who reported these findings estimate that the average foregone match is nearly $700 annually. I know you know this, but, as a reminder, the company will only contribute to your retirement if you contribute to your retirement, that is an employer match. For a thirty-year old married c

When “Having It All” Became “Doing It All” Every so often, a book lands on your desk that makes you stop and say, “I wish I’d read this twenty years ago.” For me, that book was Having It All: What Data Tells Us About Women’s Lives and Getting the Most Out of Yours  by Dr. Corinne Low. Low is an economist at the Wharton School, brilliant, data-driven, and refreshingly candid about her own messy journey. In the opening scene, she’s pumping milk in an Amtrak bathroom, crying bec

When used wisely, introductory APR offers can be a powerful tool for managing debt or making strategic purchases. But if misunderstood or misused, they can backfire—leaving you buried under interest charges. As a national financial education expert and Accredited Financial Counselor®, I’ve seen how easy it is for everyday people to fall into this trap. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead. What Is an Introductory APR? An introductory APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is a pr

The most significant finding from Harvard's long-running study  on adult development is that good relationships are the strongest predictor of a happy and healthy life. I attended The Ohio State University and Penn State University football game with dear friends in early November. We may live in different areas of the country now, but we always find ways to stay connected in person. The time we spend isn't just joyful in the moment, but the memories of it pay dividends for a

Location: Zoom and YouTube Live Duration: 60 minutes Time and Location: December 5th from noon-1:00 pm ET Registration: Click here to register Panelists Dr. David Smith , Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, author of Good Guys and Athena Rising Dr. Corinne Low , Wharton School, author of Having It All Paul Sullivan , Founder of The Company of Dads and former New York Times columnist About the Event Research shows that when men step up as true partners at home and at work, c

The Secure Dad realizes the profound impact and cost of a home burglary. The company I founded works to help parents understand the everyday needs to live a safer, happier life. If families don’t feel safe at home, then they can’t really be happy. Together we’ll look at the financial and emotional toll associated with burglaries, plus tips to help mitigate this risk for your family. The Financial Loss of a Burglary According to the FBI, the average burglary cost people an av

Every year, headlines remind us that women earn less than men. In 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that full-time working women earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men , which reflects a reversal of progress to a now widening gap. That number is technically correct, but it tells only part of the story. The way we measure the gender pay gap has not evolved with how couples live and work today. The statistic compares the median weekly pay of full-time workin

As someone in a busy, dual-career marriage, I know firsthand how chaotic our schedules can get. Between juggling meetings and deadlines and carving out time for each other, food waste isn’t always at the top of our minds. But when I started noticing how much perfectly good food was ending up in our trash can—and how much money we were essentially throwing away. I knew we had to make a change. Food waste isn’t just about the guilt of tossing out wilted lettuce or that forgotte

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, date nights feel a little more magical and a lot more affordable. Fall is the perfect time to get creative, slow down, and reconnect without breaking the bank. Whether you’re newlyweds or 20 years in, these budget-friendly ideas will help you make memories that cost little but mean a lot. 1. Go for a Scenic Drive Pack a thermos of coffee, put on a cozy playlist, and hit the road to admire fall foliage. Avoid toll roads

When Americans get sick, they shouldn’t have to fear financial ruin. But under recent Trump administration actions, the safety nets that once protected families from medical debt and skyrocketing insurance costs are being dismantled, placing millions of working- and middle-class Americans at risk. A One-Two Punch: Rising Premiums and Vanishing Subsidies In 2026, the cost of Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace insurance plans is set to surge by 26% on average , according to

Maintaining an active lifestyle is a cornerstone of overall health and longevity. But how much exercise is truly necessary for a long and fulfilling life? As you read on, you will explore the topic of the ideal amount of exercise one should aim for, based on academic research. The goal is to optimize your well-being and increase your chances of living longer. The Power of Moderation There is strong evidence that moderate exercise has profound health benefits. According to res