Tips on Money & Marriage

We are destined 2 be financially sound and successful! I try to do my best at keeping in touch with most of my friends and now that I am married I have been very blessed to have a lot of friends whom have entered that journey at the same time. There is one thing that has been apparent across the board "money changes things". Going into marriage a lot of stories were out in the media about how big of an affect money has on marriages and I can be a witness to that. Even though Tae and I had lived together and paid bills together we always had our financial independence, but after marriage that changes. We joined accounts and now consult with one another for all purchases which I think was an adjustment for both of us. The difference in backgrounds can positively and negatively affect your marriage and you have to be strong and open to new ideas and possiblities within your marriage. So I found this article at http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/09/15/7-tips-for-money-and-marriage/ which highlight 7 tips to being successful in money and marriage when each person has different money management philosophies. I have included an exert from the article with the tips: If your partner doesn’t share your financial philosophy, don’t give up hope. Bernard shares seven ways couples can work together to increase their financial compatibility. These suggestions are based on conversations with “the successfully married and from experts on psychology, divorce and finance”:

• Talk and share goals. Communication is key. Kris and will take a brief vacation next month. Besides unwinding, we plan to discuss our goals for the future. It’s important for both partners to work together for the same purpose.
  


• Run a home like a business. In the forthcoming How to Be the Family CFO, Kim Snider writes that there are many similarities between managing a successful business and managing your personal finances. Your goal should be to run a profitable firm!



• Be supportive of careers. Help your partner pursue her dreams. When Kris quit teaching to become a scientist, I was ready to do whatever she needed to help her succeed. And when I decided to quit my job to blog full-time, Kris was my biggest supporter.



• Enjoy, but within reason. It’s okay to spend money to enjoy life (that’s what it’s for!), but don’t get caught up in the rat-race, and be sure to save for the future.
  


• Use a mediator. When you and your partner can’t agree on a financial decision, bring in third-party help. If you disagree about how to invest, for example, then see a financial planner.



• Maintain some independence. “Pooling resources is important,” writes Bernard, “but so is maintaining a degree of financial independence.” Many couples with joint finances also maintain separate allowances for each partner.



• Invest in your marriage. Spend time and money on your relationship. Bernard says to consider this “dollar-cost averaging your marriage”, which is a clever. When Kris and I get grumpy with each other, it’s almost always because we haven’t been doing things together as a couple.
  

My favorite tip is MAINTAIN A DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE, This has been the best tip for The Herron's because it keeps us both on track with our family goals and we do great with it!

Hope you enjoy.

<3 Audj

Fight the Power

We are destined 2 keep fighting the good fight. Being amongst other young couples and families, you begin to make a lot of speculations and comparisons about your family (future family)... at least I do. Recently, I tried to teach a young cousin how to give dap. I told his father I tried, but it didn't work out. At which point the father said, "well when's he ever going to use it?" I said I don't know, maybe on a trip into the hood (they live in the burbs), while visiting family, who knows?! He responded by saying well, "I don't think that's going to happen too often, not a skill he'll need to become president of a company."


The more I thought about this, the more it bothered me. Does this mean your [black] son won't ever be in a predominately black group, or that he shouldn't identify with black culture in order to "make it to the top"? I told Mr. D about this, to which he replied, "Guess our kids will be the ghetto cousins". Glad we're on the same page. Not to say I plan to raise any hoodrats, but you better believe my kids will be able to code switch at the drop of a dime. No need to sacrifice your "blackness" no matter where you live or where your concept of success may take you.







<3 Wendy

2010 Year in Review

Meet the Herrons
We are destined 2 be a family! Where should I begin...So for 2010 I did a lot of traveling and even more attending of weddings and in the process I married the love of my life. The greatest man that God could give me. We were destined for each other and balance each other in a very loving way. The wedding was beautiful and hectic and everything I ever wanted. Two tips that I give to future brides...if you have hesitation in asking people to be a part of your wedding then listen that is God telling you don't do it. #2 when that day comes forget all the extra people and focus on what the marriage is really about... the joining of you and the love of your life, nothing else should matter. Life as a married woman is great!! Don't believe the hype it is not much different than life as a serious girlfriend. There are adjustments that need to be made, but I must say that they are all for the best. In the first months of marriage we took great trips to New Orleans (both of our 1sts) , Dominican Republic (both of our 1sts), & New York (hubby's 1st). Well I think thats all she wrote for the 1st post!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. DuBois
We are destined 2 be together! After spending 7 years together and knowing each other for almost 13 years, Chav and I got married on the beach in the Dominican Republic. We were engaged in May 2009 and made a swift move from South Florida to Washington, DC in September 2009. With so many things uncertain, we decided to go out on a limb and have a destination wedding. Why? Because it was cheaper than having a local wedding, it was different than anything our families would have expected, and it was a vacation for everyone- less stress, less drama, more fun! The only traditional elements of our wedding were the fact that I wore a wedding dress and the schedule of events for the reception. Our “Sole Mate” theme incorporated our love for sneakers (especially Chav’s love of Jordans), bright cerulean blue and royal purple color scheme, and a very uptempo and casual vibe. This has translated into our first few months of marriage- rolling with the punches and keeping our spirits up. We realize things never go as we plan, but that doesn’t stop us from making the best of what we’ve got- each other.

<3 W.A.D.2

Welcome...Welcome...Welcome to W.A.D.2

This blog is a gateway into the lives of the former Dixon Girls!! Wendy & Audra Dixon partnered to create this blog to share our experiences in life, marriage, family, and everything in between. Though we’re cut from the same cloth, our takes on blazing the path are very different. We hope that you won’t just be a spectator, but will put your 2 cents and contribute to this journey, that We Are Destined 2 fulfill. ENJOY!!




<3 W.A.D.2