I am so excited about this episode because this book that we are talking about today is nothing short of authentic and vulnerable. In their new book The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides to Build a Marriage That Thrives, Rebekah and Gabe Lyons share their personal journey of overcoming challenges in their marriage, discussing how writing the book together was a vulnerable process that forced them to confront their own issues and communication problems.

Join me as Rebekah and Gabe highlight how early trials in their marriage, such as having a child with Down Syndrome, could have torn them apart but instead brought them closer together. They stress the importance of leaning on and supporting each other during difficult times rather than retreating. The Fight for Us explores the "four dysfunctional dances" couples can find themselves in - avoidant, anxious, silent, and intense - and offers readers some guidance on how to recognize and break out of these unhealthy patterns.

A key theme that we discuss is the need to look inward and take responsibility for our own contributions to marital problems, rather than automatically putting all of the blame on the spouse. Rebekah and Gabe encourage couples to better understand how past experiences shape their current behaviors and reactions, and they share how this self-reflection has been so integral to strengthening their own marriage over nearly three decades.

Throughout our conversation, the Lyons are refreshingly honest about their own struggles, missteps, and growth, highlighting that even strong, long-term marriages require constant work, structure, and recommitment, especially during major life transitions. The Fight for Us offers practical tips for prioritizing the relationship and creating the emotional safety needed for vulnerable conversations – a relatable resource that I highly recommend grabbing a copy of!

In This Episode

[0:35] - I am excited to welcome Rebekah and Gabe Lyons, authors of The Fight for Us, to the show!

[1:59] - For Rebekah and Gabe, sharing their story via writing deepened their healing, clarity, faith, and connection as a couple.

[4:43] - Gabe and Rebekah chose to face hardship together, building resilience via community and shared commitment.

[6:15] - We hear how Rebekah and Gabe leaned on each other when their son's diagnosis changed so much for them.

[8:11] - Gabe stresses looking inward rather than blaming your partner, while Rebekah stresses communicating hurt without automatically assuming harmful intent.

[11:14] - Hear how the book identifies four conflict patterns in couples, urging awareness for deeper emotional connection.

[14:43] - Despite initial incompatibility, the Lyons’ marriage succeeded via humility, growth, and choosing to fight together.

[16:12] - Learn how vulnerability and honest conversation helped the Lyons push through hopelessness instead of giving up.

[18:04] - Emotional safety ultimately requires mutual commitment and honesty, or vulnerability becomes difficult.

[21:29] - Understanding generational patterns clarified Gabe’s and Rebekah’s roles and helped them redefine emotional and parental expectations.

[23:46] - Reflecting on past wounds taught Gabe how vulnerability can lead to deeper connection in marriage.

[26:07] - Rebekah argues that every stage of life brings fresh conflict but that awareness and honesty help couples navigate it better.

[27:45] - Gabe has realized that, instead of fixing emotions, men must learn to validate their partner’s pain with empathy.

[30:14] - Rebekah reflects on how saying yes to too much nearly cost them their intimacy, forcing them to reprioritize.

[32:24] - Gabe argues that healthy marriages require structure, planning, and dreaming, even if it feels unromantic at first.

[34:13] - Hear how a calendar audit helped the Lyons prioritize connection and value relationships over material things.

[36:48] - Kids tend to feel safer when parents nurture joy and connection away from daily responsibilities.

 

 

Links & Resources

 

Crystal Paine

 

Books

 

The Fight for Us: Overcome What Divides to Build a Marriage That Thrives by Rebekah Lyons & Gabe Lyons

 

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

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Jesse and I recently had the chance to sneak away for a quick 20-hour overnight trip, and it ended up being exactly what we needed. With our busy schedules and the constant demands of parenting six kids, it's rare that we get uninterrupted time to truly connect and plan for the future, and this short getaway allowed us to do just that!

Before we even left, we sat down and made a list of the key things that we wanted to accomplish - reviewing our goals, talking through some challenges we've been facing, and trying to map out what the next nine months might look like for our family (a time frame that, for the record, has nothing to do with pregnancy). Having that plan in place helped us make the most of our limited time away, having begun the trip by enjoying a nice dinner out, which gave us the space to have those important conversations.

Listen in as we share the story, including how, the following morning, we headed to a local coffee shop (where we ran into several friends, much to my embarrassment since I hadn't even brushed my hair!), and over coffee, we were able to dive deeper into the practical steps we want to take to build our business around our family life and not the other way around. It was truly amazing how much we were able to accomplish in just 20 hours. We came back feeling refreshed, reconnected, and motivated.

I feel so grateful that we didn't allow the short timeframe to hold us back, and this episode of the show will hopefully help remind you that sometimes you have to get creative to nurture your marriage, even if you can't take a full weekend away. I would, as always, love to hear from you! Reach out to let me know about how you have found ways to prioritize your relationship, even in the midst of busy seasons. What tips do you have for making the most of limited time together? I'm always looking for new ideas!

 

 

In This Episode

[00:35] - We have some exciting news to share - Silas now has a driver’s license!

[03:13] - Getting his license helps simplify managing Silas’s jam-packed schedule of sports, friends, and constant movement.

[05:32] - We discuss how, after a delay for insurance, Silas safely drove alone and proved himself a careful driver.

[07:23] - Hear how I researched DMV strategies and chose the best day and time to avoid long waits.

[10:22] - I reveal that arriving early on Tuesday paid off, with fast DMV service and successful ID and license processing!

[13:33] - I talk about having to adhere to strict photo rules to renew my passport and hope to be fully licensed soon.

[14:54] - We talk about our recent short getaway which offered meaningful reconnection and some much-needed rest.

[16:15] - Hear how we created a written plan to stay focused without letting the time feel like work.

[18:33] - Planning an ABC date night brought structure, clarity, and joy to our short getaway!

[21:03] - We discussed nine-month goals which will help us prioritize needs and communicate more clearly as a couple.

[23:27] - Jesse and I discuss how people so often prioritize work over life, sacrificing needs and identity in a work-centered society.

[25:50] - I am aiming to shift from overworking toward building business around life, not the other way around.

[28:13] - With all six kids in school soon, we discussed how to use our new free time.

[30:39] - We reflect on how caretaking responsibilities for David lingered on our trip, but we did finally get some restful sleep.

[33:22] - Even though our time away was limited, we set goals, made a plan, and truly reconnected.

[35:59] - I strongly encourage intentional living, not “balance,” and I invite listeners to share marriage and work-life strategies!

 

Links & Resources

 

Crystal Paine

 

 

Social Media

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So many of you have told me you loved Tilly's clever and quirky new book My Dear Hemlock, a book written in the voice of a demon mentor coaching her underling on how to derail a Christian woman’s walk with God. Taking inspiration from The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, Tilly’s version is tailored to the specific struggles that Christian women face today - frustration in marriage, social media distractions, pride disguised as virtue, and the slow drift that can happen in daily family life.

We talked about how the fictional format of the book gave Tilly room to say the hard things that are so easy to sidestep when we’re just trying to get through the week. She shares what it means to see homemaking not as a list of chores but as a sort of battleground on which small choices have big consequences. We also explore the temptation to fixate on a spouse’s flaws instead of tending to our own spiritual health as well as why that is so spiritually dangerous.

Tilly doesn’t just offer observations; she imparts deeply practical wisdom, things like how to build upon gratitude when your first impulse is annoyance, how to recognize when the enemy is whispering half-truths, and why community and prayer aren’t just helpful but essential. This episode will be sure to challenge you, encourage you, and make you think twice the next time that you scroll through Instagram or silently stew over a spouse's mistake.

In This Episode

[0:36] - I welcome Tilly Dillehay, author of My Dear Hemlock, to the podcast for this episode!

[1:15] - Tilly reveals how the book came to fruition.

[3:30] - Hear how writing a fictional book helped Tilly express real-life marital struggles and spiritual challenges that Christian women face.

[6:03] - Although not from a charismatic tradition, Tilly finds value in acknowledging Satan’s real influence.

[7:28] - I stress how small annoyances are spiritual battlegrounds on which we choose our response.

[10:57] - Women's imaginative power can harm relationships if misused as criticism instead of praise.

[12:07] - I warn against magnifying minor flaws in loved ones.

[14:08] - Tilly advises cultivating daily gratitude instead of scrutinizing a spouse’s faith.

[17:29] - By gently initiating nightly prayer, it's created deeper connection and communication in marriage.

[18:34] - Many marriages unfortunately fall apart from unspoken contempt that could’ve been avoided with small, daily kindnesses.

[21:34] - I point out how the media distorts women’s expectations and how prayer often gets derailed by distracting thoughts.

[22:30] - Tilly suggests praying with others and using scripture as structure for focused prayer.

[25:02] - Instead of promising prayer and then forgetting, Tilly prefers to pray immediately and let people know that she just did.

[28:36] - Tilly disabled Safari on her phone entirely because phones are ultimately designed to steal time.

[30:37] - Distractions vary per person; mine was audio, while a friend’s was compulsive online shopping.

[32:24] - Tilly asserts that homes are spiritual battlegrounds and that women play a key role in their power.

[35:55] - Tilly advises beginning with prayer and learning from godly women whose homes reflect familial, not material, richness.

[36:54] - Neglecting prayer and community can ultimately open the door to spiritual vulnerability.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Tilly Dillehay’s Home Fires Podcast

Books

My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

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[email protected]

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We had to sit down and recount this story since it sort of went viral on Instagram and I got thousands of messages and comments and emails about it!

A few weeks ago, we accidentally stumbled across something totally unexpected – that we may not have actually been legally married for the past 22 years! That's right! Listen in as Jesse and I fill you in!

It all started with a passport - or rather, the lack of a current one. I was prepping for a trip to Colorado Springs for some filming and radio interviews when we realized that my passport had expired and that the window to renew it was way too tight. The backup plan was to try to get a Real ID, which turned into a long, chaotic day at the DMV, but the DMV line wasn’t even the wildest part.

While confidently presenting my organized folder of documents (thanks to Jesse), I was told that our marriage license wasn’t valid because it wasn’t the right kind. Apparently, what we’ve had all these years was just the signed license from our wedding, not the certified marriage certificate with the state seal. We had used that same document to change my name, get a driver’s license, even get passports, but now, we weren’t so sure someone ever mailed the signed license back after our wedding like we were supposed to.

The more we pieced it together, the more we realized what had actually happened, and we hope that you'll join as we walk you through this hilarious story of minor panic and the weird legal questions that come along with the realization that you might not actually be legally married... more than two decades after the wedding!

In This Episode

[2:24] - Jesse and I are sharing how we recently discovered that our marriage of 22 years might not have been legally recognized!

​​[3:37] - I nearly missed a trip due to delays getting a Real ID required for flying.

[6:43] - A week before traveling, I found that my passport hadn't been renewed like she had believed.

[8:44] - I realized that there was unfortunately no way to get my passport renewed in time for my trip, meaning that I had to get a Real ID.

[10:53] - Despite an estimated 15-minute wait time, I actually spent nearly two hours just to reach the DMV desk.

[14:05] - Hear how DMV staff revealed that our marriage license wasn’t valid without an official state seal.

[18:04] - Jesse realized that we likely never filed the marriage license, so no certificate was ever issued.

[18:45] - I began to worry that Jesse and I were never legally married due to paperwork mishandling.

[20:32] - Hear how we anxiously submitted an expedited request, unsure if Kansas even had our marriage certificate.

[22:15] - I came to realize that many other people have also mistaken a license copy for a valid marriage certificate.

[24:35] - Hear how we learned that there's a difference between a marriage license and a certificate with a raised seal.

[27:20] - The official certificate finally arrived, relieving us and allowing me to finally apply for my Real ID.

[29:52] - I found it funny that this rare paperwork error came from Jesse, since he is usually the more detail-oriented one!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

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Listen in this week as I am joined by not just one guest but two - Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith, authors of the new book Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection That Stands the Test of Time, a project which they themselves refer to as a labor of love. Together, Joanna and Matthew openly share their journey of rebuilding their marriage after Matthew revealed his struggles with sexual addiction and pornography. They go beyond just surviving to thriving, offering insights into how to create a thriving connection that doesn’t just survive the bumps but actually grows stronger through them. Their approach isn’t about perfecting your partner or expecting them to "fix" your emotional triggers but rather about learning how to heal and grow together.

Listen in as we talk about the importance of small daily moments and how a simple interaction, like how we deal with frustration or small disagreements, can either draw us closer or create distance. They, for example, share some powerful insights into their own struggles with emotional dysregulation and how it often leads to disconnection, but it isn't just about avoiding the pitfalls. It’s also about learning how to show up as emotionally healthy individuals and what it takes to keep the relationship itself thriving!

Hear how Joanna and Matthew learned to handle some tough topics like finances and how taking a step back to understand each other’s emotional states can truly transform conversations. We also discuss their “animacy pyramid,” a framework which they developed to conceptualize what makes a truly thriving relationship.

Whether you’re struggling with small daily challenges or looking for ways to deepen your emotional connection, this episode is packed with real wisdom that can help shift the way you approach love, intimacy, and your partnership. If you're in a relationship or thinking about what it takes to make love last, you will not want to miss this conversation, and be sure to grab a copy of their book!

In This Episode

[0:35] - This episode’s guests are authors of the book Building True Intimacy, Matthew and Joanna Raabsmith!

[1:43] - After overcoming betrayal and addiction, Matthew and Joanna's book helps guide couples toward thriving relationships.

[4:14] - Maintaining emotional regulation leads to lasting connection, regardless of the issue or situation.

[7:57] - Hear how Matthew learned that projecting insecurity onto others can affect the health of relationships.

[10:23] - Emotional dependency in relationships can cause disconnection and halt personal growth.

[12:42] - I have realized that self-worth should come from within, not from external validation.

[15:45] - Joanna believes that healthy compromise means finding mutually beneficial solutions, not taking turns losing.

[18:58] - To build a strong relationship, it's important to address underlying fears prior to discussing practical issues.

[22:35] - Matthew adds that finding common ground in core values helps couples overcome differences.

[24:11] - Joanna argues that taking a step back from pain helps you recognize that your partner does still care.

[27:14] - Building a thriving relationship requires honesty, safety, trust, vulnerability, and persistent effort.

[30:59] - Ultimately, small, daily choices significantly shape the resilience of a marriage.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Books

Building True Intimacy: Creating a Connection That Stands the Test of Time by Joanna Raabsmith & Matthew Raabsmith

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

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I am so excited to be joined this week by Whitney Newby for an episode that is perfectly timed to be released before Mother’s Day! Whitney is the author of the book Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood, and I have long admired her heart for motherhood. Her new book brims with the kind of grounded and graceful encouragement that so many of us desperately need when we are in the thick of it - tired, anxious, stretched thin, or even just quietly wondering if we’re doing anything right.

We talk about what it means to see motherhood not as a detour from a more “important” purpose but as the exact work that we have been called to in this season. Whitney shares how her early postpartum challenges taught her dependence on God in a whole new way and how even something as simple as changing her response from “What?” to “Yes, love” transformed the atmosphere of her home. These are all truly just lived experiences, real shifts that she has made in the messiness of everyday life, and it’s these small choices that she says have shaped her most profoundly.

Tune in to hear Whitney and I talk about anxiety, identity, and the constant pressure to “fill our cups.” Whitney’s stories and insights definitely are not sugar-coated, but they are soaked in truth and gentleness, so if you are in a season where the needs feel never-ending, your patience is paper-thin, and/or you're wondering how you’re supposed to keep going, this episode is for you, and definitely be sure to grab a copy of Lift Your Eyes!

In This Episode

[0:35] - This episode’s guest is the author of the book Lift Your Eyes, Whitney Newby!

[2:12] - Hear how motherhood has grown Whitney's faith, teaching her to trust God more than her own control.

[5:50] - Whitney learned as a nurse that saying “I have time” builds deep connections with both patients and children when busy.

[7:52] - Whitney feels that even being present with her kids for ten minutes can create lasting memories.

[10:43] - True strength in motherhood doesn't come from cultural comforts or self-reliance.

[12:38] - Praying with Jesse in weakness has revealed God's power to multiply emotional scarcity.

[14:48] - Hear how Changing a snappy “What?” to a gentler “Yes, love?” has transformed Whitney's home atmosphere.

[17:35] - Whitney believes that moms shape their homes' emotional climates.

[20:33] - I really like the title of Whitney's book and cherish the image of lifting our eyes to God when experiencing overwhelming daily challenges.

[21:15] - Whitney reveals that, in chaotic seasons, she connects with God through audio Bibles and quick “flare prayers.”

[24:36] - We discover how Whitney added minimal watercolor art to her book to visually reflect calm and spiritual beauty.

[26:01] - Hear about Whitney’s business Brighter Day Press.

[28:39] - I value Whitney’s generosity, humor, and authenticity, calling her book a peaceful gift for mothers that listeners should read!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Brighter Day Press

Books

Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood by Whitney Newby

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

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If, like me, you have ever told yourself, “Tonight, I will put my phone away by 8 p.m.,” only to find yourself two hours later mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, then you will probably feel seen in this episode, and I am sharing something that has made a huge difference for both Jesse and me: the Opal app.

This app has really helped me set real boundaries with my phone… and actually stick to them. Jesse and I talk about how Opal helped me finally break a pattern I didn’t even realize had such a grip on my evenings and how reclaiming that time has changed way more than I even expected! We’re talking about better sleep, better connection with each other, a tidier house, and a return to things I actually love, like reading fiction instead of just perusing strangers’ Instagram posts!

I also get honest about the struggles that I had at first (because setting boundaries with your phone sounds simple, but if it were that easy, we'd all be doing it already)! I share what worked, what surprised me, and why the goal isn’t perfection but awareness and choice, so if you are feeling like your evenings (or your whole day) keep slipping away one scroll at a time, this might give you some ideas!

In This Episode

[0:35] - Despite my plan to use my phone only as a landline after 8 p.m., I found that I lacked that willpower and needed additional help.

[3:33] - I ended up downloading the Opal app to curb late-night scrolling.

[6:17] - I explain that I set Opal to block social media apps nightly without any ability to override it.

[8:56] - After some trial and error, I managed to customize Opal’s settings to avoid emergencies but still stay disciplined.

[10:28] - Jesse notes that he has become more present and attentive at night after installing the Opal app.

[11:12] - Hear how I realized that I could meet my work goals while limiting app use to three hours.

[12:27] - Mindfully limiting phone use helped Jesse break habits of mindless scrolling.

[13:20] - Choosing to read fiction at night instead of scrolling has revived so much joy and fulfillment for me.

[14:38] - Without nighttime phone distractions, I also now get better sleep and feel more productive each day.

[17:09] - I explain how shutting down apps early has improved our home organization, marriage, and overall sense of presence.

[19:54] - Seeing how much of my lifetime I'd waste on my phone really gave me a huge wake-up call!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Opal App

Books

Little House on the Prairie (book series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

[email protected]

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Welcome to the 300th episode of The Crystal Paine Show! Joining me this week is Mary Marantz, author of several books including her newest, Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply personal one, and in Underestimated, Mary explores how to stop playing small and move past the fear that holds us back, a message that resonated so much with me as I read the book.

We talk about how Mary's childhood in a rundown trailer in rural West Virginia shaped her journey, including how she overcame immense insecurity and the fear of failure, only to find herself still grappling with feelings of inadequacy after achieving what seemed like the pinnacle of success. You’ll hear about her struggles with perfectionism, how she used it as a way to prove herself, and how she’s learning to let go of that.

Mary’s openness about her own fears, especially about being unlovable after succeeding, is a reminder how easy it is to let fear's voice be so loud that it cripples us from taking action. And then we miss out on so many gifts and blessings and the fulfillment and strength that comes from not letting fear win.

This episode of the show is a beautiful reminder to let go of the armor that we often wear and start showing up authentically, trusting that our worth isn’t defined by how small we started or how much we have accomplished. Listen in for an empowering conversation about stepping into who we are meant to be, even when it feels scary, and be sure to grab a copy of Mary's new book!

In This Episode

[0:35] - I felt deeply connected to Mary's introduction to her new book.

[1:56] - Mary believes that being overlooked fosters empathy, shaping us into people who truly see others.

[5:45] - Mary grew up in poverty and still wrestles with defining herself beyond the underdog narrative.

[8:27] - Purpose outweighs proving others wrong.

[9:59] - Fearing failure, Mary nearly skipped applying to Yale until a friend intervened and believed in her.

[12:06] - Trying to mask insecurity with achievements.

[15:02] - Mary used perfectionism as an armor, trying to prove her worth after her mother's abandonment.

[18:35] - In striving to need no one, Mary ended up becoming isolated and heartbroken by her walls.

[20:40] - Fear of failure can come from the pressure to always be the one who comes through.

[23:07] - Mary asserts that those who lack true passion aren't afraid, but creatives fear whether their work will matter.

[25:13] - Naming fear’s predictable patterns weakens its power!

[28:03] - I explain how facing fear in tough situations builds courage, preparing us for challenges in the future.

[30:24] - As is scientifically supported, the brain predicts outcomes based on past experiences, but doing difficult things can reshape this.

[33:17] - I express admiration for Mary’s gift for words in her book.

[36:08] - Mary explains the five achiever types and invites listeners to take her free quiz online!

[39:28] - I applaud Mary’s perseverance and encourage others to read her work!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Mary Marantz

AchieverQuiz.com

NametheFear.com

Mary Marantz on Instagram (@marymarantz)

Books

Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful by Mary Marantz

Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots: Finding Grace, Freedom, and Purpose in an Overachieving World by Mary Marantz

Underestimated: The Surprisingly Simple Shift to Quit Playing Small, Name the Fear, and Move Forward Anyway by Mary Marantz

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

[email protected]

Our Sponsors:
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Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jesse and I are back in the studio this week together to talk all about raising financially confident teens, I have personally seen firsthand how a few key mindset shifts can totally change the game, not just for them but for the entire family dynamic

In this episode, we are unpacking five powerful money mindsets that can shape your teen’s relationship with money in ways that last far beyond high school! These aren’t just fluffy theories or one-size-fits-all strategies. We’re talking about practical shifts - some that may even challenge how you think about money!

Tune in as I get into why a $20 hoodie "costs" more than $20 (and how that concept can seriously shift your teen’s thinking), why giving your kid everything might actually rob them of future success, and how the most valuable lessons often come from small mistakes. We also take a look at why compound interest isn’t just a boring math concept but one of the most exciting opportunities your teen can tap into if they understand it early enough.

Jesse and I explore how creativity and contentment can become your teen’s financial superpowers and how you can help them develop those strengths without a single lecture. I’m also sharing a brand-new resource called The One Hour Budget for Teens, along with a freebie packed with 15 essential financial skills every teen should know, so if you have ever wondered how to raise a teen who is smart with money and not just good at spending it, then this episode is definitely for you!

In This Episode

[0:35] - Jesse and I are discussing talking to kids early about money, building lasting habits.

[3:25] - Teaching kids to earn purchases shows them that money equals effort and thoughtful decisions.

[5:33] - Jesse argues that teens shouldn't be taught to equate money solely with hours worked.

[6:37] - It's important to show kids the value of long-term gains by discussing investments and risk vs. reward.

[9:06] - I add that living below your means sets teens up for financial independence and effective budgeting.

[12:41] - Jesse points out that failures are learning opportunities that often teach us more than successes do.

[13:13] - I encourage allowing kids to make financial mistakes because they’ll gain lasting wisdom from the experience.

[16:04] - I warn about online scams and introduce a fun, teen-friendly budgeting guide.

[19:07] - Initiate financial talks with teens via shared activities and honest but non-judgmental conversations.

[22:53] - I argue that excuses only delay progress, so start managing what you have now, even if it’s only $30.

[25:37] - Contentment now is key to lasting financial peace and success.

[28:32] - Removing screen time and ads has helped our son become more motivated to earn.

[30:11] - I have realized that buying more can’t fix deeper issues that only contentment can address.

[33:42] - Go to my store to download The One-Hour Budget for Teens, using the code TEENS at checkout!

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

15 Financial Skills for Teens Freebie

The One-Hour Budget for Teens (Use code TEENS at checkout!)

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

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[email protected]

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I am so excited to be joined this week by Rebecca George, author of the book You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-Up World. Listen in as Rebecca and I discuss the struggles that so many of us face when we feel like life is passing us by, talking about the pressures of measuring up to timelines - whether they be about marriage, career, or friendships - and how these expectations can often lead us to doubt ourselves and God's plan for us.

Rebecca reflects on her personal journey of learning to embrace the waiting seasons of life, and we chat about the powerful truths in her book, especially how longing – whether it be relational or vocational - can really shape us if we choose to trust God in the process.

She also opens up about the importance of community, even when it feels like everyone else has it figured out and you don't. We talk about the beauty of showing up for others, even in simple, everyday ways, and how those small acts of service can deeply connect us.

If you have ever felt like you are behind or have wondered why your timeline doesn’t match up with others, then this conversation is definitely for you! Rebecca’s honesty and her insight are sure to help you shift your perspective on waiting, community, and trusting God’s timing. Remember – you're not too late, and be sure to pick up a copy of Rebecca’s book!

In This Episode

[0:35] - I introduce the feeling of being behind in life and welcome Rebecca George, author of You’re Not Too Late, to the show!

[1:29] - Rebecca shares how longing for the next season often distracts us from addressing inner emotions.

[4:36] - Rebecca feels that longings in life require turning to Christ for hope during struggles.

[7:05] - Rebecca stresses the importance of community to prevent loneliness and support growth.

[9:42] - Asking for help builds courage, and Rebecca shares a story of having received unexpected support.

[11:28] - I express gratitude for friends who show up without asking, offering help without expecting anything in return.

[13:06] - Stepping out in faith to help others can lead to blessings and growth.

[16:54] - I reflect on learning the difference between hospitality and entertainment, now embracing get-togethers that aren't necessarily “perfect.”

[18:23] - A perfectly curated home doesn’t reflect Rebecca's everyday life; she instead values hospitality.

[20:18] - Rebecca shares how personal longings made celebrating others’ milestones difficult.

[22:27] - Rebecca highlights the importance of bringing emotions to God and learning from the process.

[25:08] - Hear Rebecca reflect on the challenges and growth in her marriage while also managing external pressures.

[28:13] - I share how having a prepared response helped me stay confident despite others' questions.

[31:17] - Rebecca encourages women of all ages to trust God and find hope in life’s struggles.

[34:34] - I discuss holding space for both longing and living, choosing joy despite difficult situations.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Function Health

InsideTracker

Books

You’re Not Too Late: Trusting God’s Timing in a Hurry-Up World by Rebecca George

Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Whitmel Earley

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)

Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)

Crystal Paine on LinkedIn

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

[email protected]

Saundra Dalton-Smith on Instagram (@drdaltonsmith)

Our Sponsors:
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands