Building Better Habits, Strengthening Relationships, and More Listener Q&A with Chris and Amy
All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins
Deep Dive
Why has Amy started to own her decisions more, especially when saying no?
Amy has started to own her decisions more by saying yes when she means yes and no when she means no, without feeling guilty. This shift has been liberating for her, especially as she no longer feels the same social pressure she used to.
What is Chris's new early morning routine?
Chris has started waking up earlier, sometimes as early as 4 a.m., to have a distraction-free hour to exercise, work, or just be present with his family before the kids wake up.
What are the keys to a successful relationship according to Amy and Chris?
The keys to a successful relationship include laughter, full transparency, acceptance of each other's quirks, understanding what the other person needs and prioritizes, and not keeping score in household responsibilities. They also emphasize the importance of not rushing into marriage and testing compatibility through shared experiences.
How did Amy and Chris decide who does what around the house?
Amy and Chris have naturally divided responsibilities based on what each enjoys or finds less burdensome. Amy handles physical tasks like laundry, while Chris manages digital and financial tasks. They avoid keeping score and focus on what each person enjoys or is best at.
What are some practical date night ideas suggested by Amy and Chris?
Amy and Chris suggest creative date nights like spending $20 at a thrift shop to buy each other ridiculous outfits and then going out dressed in them. They also recommend simpler ideas like staying in, watching TV, and eating pizza. The Adventure Challenge book is another resource for date night ideas.
How do Amy and Chris manage credit card rewards as a couple?
Amy and Chris spread their credit card rewards across different issuers to maximize bonuses and opportunities. They avoid using authorized user cards for partners unless it helps boost credit scores or inherits account longevity. They also use spreadsheets to manage their rewards and keep each other informed.
How does Chris evaluate time vs. money decisions?
Chris evaluates time vs. money decisions by considering the enjoyment he gets from optimizing and the opportunity cost of his time. He enjoys optimizing but recognizes when it's not worth the time, such as when dealing with small refunds or driving long distances for returns. He also considers what else he could be doing with his time, like spending it with family.
What advice do Amy and Chris have for meeting new friends in your 30s?
Amy and Chris suggest following your passions and joining groups or events related to those interests. They also recommend being open to meeting new people, even if it feels awkward, and leveraging opportunities like school events or local meetups to expand your social circle.
Why does Chris still use an assistant from Oceans for business purposes?
Chris uses an assistant from Oceans because they handle high-leverage business tasks that are time-consuming. While they initially planned to split the assistant's time between personal and business tasks, the business needs took over. They are considering hiring a second assistant for personal tasks in the future.
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