Welcome to the Emotional Balance Sheet, the go-to podcast for parents with multiple kids, especially those with twins, triplets, or more, who are navigating the maze of modern family life and personal finance. Whether you're overwhelmed by education costs, retirement planning, career transitions, or trying to define your purpose and plan, we're here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and encouragement. Hosted by Paul Fenner, Founder of TAMMA Capital, a Certified Financial Planner®, and pa ...
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Dr. Benjamin Ritter – Becoming Fearless: Finding Harmony and Purpose in Personal and Professional Life
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How do you find harmony between your personal and professional lives? Do emotions such as fear hold you back from finding your unique purpose? Dr. Benjamin Ritter rejoins us as we discuss his new book, "Becoming Fearless, 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery." Ben and I dive deep into the importance of focusing not just on our f…
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Carrie Schochet – Leveraging LinkedIn and Networks for Discreet Job Opportunities
38:20
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Are you frustrated with your current job but aren't taking the first step you know you need to make to implement a positive change? Carrie Schochet, executive recruiter and founder of Purple Squirrel Advisors, rejoins us as we navigate career challenges and changes. We dive deep into the importance of networking and making meaningful connections, e…
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Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You
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Ep.153 – Two Pieces of Data Tells the World About You What if I told you that only two pieces of data would tell me everything I needed to know about you? Could you guess what they would be? These two data points show where your money goes and how you prioritize your time. I'll explore how understanding these elements can help align your spending a…
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Megan Brissette – The College Planning Journey: A Student's Perspective on Academics, Finances and Social Transition
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Whether you're a parent looking for guidance on supporting your child through the college planning process or a high school student trying to figure out your own path, this episode is packed with relatable insights and practical advice from a student's perspective. 19-year-old Megan Brissette shares her journey from developing her college list to t…
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When Does a Cost Stop Being an Expense and Start Being an Investment
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When does a cost stop being an expense and start being an investment? The answer to this question is part of a broader search for helping people identify and develop their purpose and supporting objectives, not solely from a financial perspective but more from a personal and lifestyle perspective. Ultimately, the transition from expense to investme…
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Productivity and Parenting: Raising Intrinsically Motivated Children
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When you think of the word productivity, what is your first thought? Today, we're diving into a fascinating discussion on productivity, but not in the way you might expect. Recently, I had a conversation with one of my clients about what it means to raise productive children and the challenges parents face in this endeavor. Whether you have one chi…
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We are taking a break to spend time with friends and family this week as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Be sure to check out our 150th episode from last week, where I highlight some of my favorite conversations over the past four years of hosting the show. You can access that show here to find an episode I am sure you will love. Connect with…
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Reflecting on 150 Episodes: Celebrating Awareness and Life Transitions
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Welcome to the 150th episode of the Emotional Balance Sheet podcast! I can hardly believe it's been nearly four years since we launched our journey in October 2020. Through the ups and downs, your support has kept us going, and today, I want to celebrate this milestone by highlighting some of the most meaningful conversations we've had. In this spe…
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Inspired by a quote from psychologist Amos Tversky, I wanted to dive into the detrimental effects of over-scheduling and the importance of allowing ourselves time to wander and be creative. Cognitive scientist Scott Barry Kaufman's research finds that 72% of our best ideas often come to us in the shower. Why is that? And what other places could we …
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Dreams and Dollars: Navigating a Vacation/Rental Home Purchase
14:08
14:08
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As we dive into the summer vacation season, a frequently asked question arises: should I buy a vacation home or rental property? I share personal insights and experiences from when my family purchased a vacation home in Traverse City, Michigan, diving into the various considerations and decisions involved in such a significant financial commitment.…
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Data Breaches: What You Can Do to Help Protect Yourself
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Recently, a massive breach at Ticketmaster potentially affected over 500 million people. While this is not an isolated incident, data breaches are becoming increasingly common. So what can you do? In this episode, I'll be sharing practical steps you can take to safeguard your personal information, including investing in a credit monitoring service,…
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Do you believe the U.S. government is going bankrupt? It's becoming more of a common question as our national debt levels have ballooned to epic proportions. It might even conjure up emotions of fear if you listen to mainstream media sources. However, if we go beyond the headlines, we will find that the U.S. is not going bankrupt, and we should lik…
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Dr. Shaan Patel - Decoding Test-Optional College Admissions
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Have you ever wondered if standardized tests like the SAT or ACT are still relevant, especially when colleges offer test-optional admissions? The debate around standardized testing has become more nuanced than ever. With the rise of test-optional college admissions, many students and parents grapple with the question: Is taking the SAT or ACT still…
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Unsolicited Advice for Everyone About to Graduate
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Welcome to a special "Emotional Balance Sheet" graduation episode where we're diving into real-world advice for all the fresh graduates. Congratulations on this incredible milestone in your life! Now, let's talk about what comes next. While the world often echoes Steve Jobs' famous 2005 Stanford speech urging graduates to follow their passion, toda…
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Christina Gossayn – Embracing Identity and Prioritizing Yourself in Parenthood
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Have you ever taken the time to think about who you are? We all have multiple identities, but how do the different people we represent come together to form who we are? Christina Gossayn, a behavioral scientist and Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior candidate, has focused her research on how identities evolve over time, especially under the mantle of…
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I am the product of a tight-knit, small-town community. While searching for a job during college, I was fortunate to cross paths with Darrell and Melodee Hoff, who became my first career mentors. Darrell recently passed, and I wanted to share not only the practical skills I learned from him but also the profound influence of his mentor in shaping m…
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Holly Markiecki-Bennetts – Study Skills, Self-Advocacy, and Finding the "Right-Fit" College
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Did you know that the path to choosing the "right-fit" college for your child could also lead to life lessons in self-advocacy? I welcome back Holly Markiecki-Bennetts, a high school guidance counselor and college advisor who is also a mom to one + twins! Holly is a testament to thoughtful and intentional educational decision-making. While many hig…
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ubscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify At retirement, your whole financial life essentially collapses down to one binary question: will your money outlive you, or will you outlive your money? Volatility in the market is often seen as a risk, but it's important to differentiate between the two. The real risk l…
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Neil Dutta – How Mainstream Media Mis-shapes Your View About the Economy
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What does the mainstream media get wrong in their economy and stock market coverage? How much does the economy influence the stock market and vice versa? Neil Dutta, a noted business economist from Renaissance Macro Research and father of 1 plus twins, takes us on a journey into investment advice's economics and shattering stereotypes mainstream me…
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Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast |Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify In the midst of disappointment, our emotions can run hot. Whether it's parenting, finances, or life in general, understanding the impact of emotions on our choices is crucial. Making decisions in the heat of the moment rarely leads to positive outcomes. Instead, creatin…
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Dr. Joy Lere – Finding Harmony Between Emotions and Finance in Relationships
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Most couples think they end up in a therapist's office to talk about sex and money. But it's really deeper underlying issues couples are looking to hash out. Dr. Joy Lere, a licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder of Shaping Wealth, is a leading voice in the psychology of money and applied behavioral finance. In her practice, Joy has observed…
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Do you give an honest answer when someone asks, "How are you doing?" Or do you give the typical generic response about how "busy" you are? Paul Graham is an investor who has worked with thousands of startup companies and is also a prolific writer. I imagine that Paul has some valuable insights into what it means to be busy. The central thesis behin…
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Carrie Schochet – Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Career Changes
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Trust that today's conversation holds valuable guidance for those grappling with the emotional hurdles of a career change or fine-tuning work-life balance, especially busy parents. We welcome back our resident career expert, Carrie Schochet of Purple Squirrel Advisors, to discuss everything from the delicate balance of flexibility in the workplace …
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The Gap and The Gain Do you see the horizon, but it’s not moving? Our purpose is a lot like the horizon; it is helpful to figure out your direction and to plan your journey, but you can’t reach your purpose any more than you can arrive at the horizon. A few years ago, I came across a book by Dan Sullivan titled The Gap and The Gain. It was somewhat…
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Dr. Christine Gravert – Reducing Friction to Change Behaviors
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Christina Gravert, a behavioral scientist and a new mother, has something to say about motivation and habits. Ten months after welcoming a baby into her life, Christina confronts a reality familiar to many: the struggle of balancing personal objectives, like returning to the gym, with the demands of parenthood. Her experiences have led her to probe…
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Navigating Tax Season: The Importance of Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation
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Do you know what the difference between tax planning and preparation is? Were you even aware that this is a difference between the two? Today, we delve into the often-misunderstood differences between tax preparation and tax planning. With tax season upon us, it's crucial for everyone to grasp the objectives and intricacies of both. We discuss prac…
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Heidi King – College Planning: The Impact of FAFSA Changes on Families
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oday, we're diving into the second part of our insightful series with college planning expert Heidi King. If you thought college planning was just about selecting the right campus vibes for your kids, prepare to think again. We continue unraveling the complexities of the modern financial aid landscape, a terrain changed by replacing the expected fa…
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Are you feeling overwhelmed with college planning? If you're a high school senior or a parent navigating the college search process, it's understandable if you're feeling anxious. To help guide you through this process, our host Paul Fenner shared a comprehensive list of questions to ask during your college search in the latest episode of Emotional…
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Heidi King – The High Stakes of College Planning for Parents
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When is the right time to talk with your kids about planning for college? Why is finding the "right fit" school so critical, and what criteria do you use to choose it? Heidi King has a front-row seat in helping parents guide their kids through the college planning process, especially regarding the tough emotional side. Heidi entered college advisin…
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The Days Are Long But the Years Are Short
10:19
10:19
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Today I reflect on the milestone of my triplets turning 13 years old and the anniversary of starting his firm, Tama Capital. I share the significance of the name "Tama" and how it represents families helping families. Through personal anecdotes and engaging conversations with others, I delves into the concept of time, emphasizing the importance of …
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Cassie Holmes – How to Find Your Happier Hour
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Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | Spotify UCLA Professor and author Cassie Holmes helps us unravel the intricacies of time management and emotional investment, offering valuable insights that can reshape the way you approach your daily life. We delve into the challenges of balancing a busy life, the inspiration behind "Happier…
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Unraveling the Illusion of Market Predictions
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In this episode of Emotional Balance Sheet, I dive into the topic of predictions and why it's crucial to steer clear of them, especially when it comes to the stock market and the economy. Join me as I share insights on the impact of predictions and why having a flexible approach is key to successful portfolio management. This episode is brought to …
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Allison Schrager – From Brothels to Bonds: Unlocking the Mysteries of Risk
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Allison Schrager is an economist and writer who has taken on the complex subject of risk in her illuminating works. With astute perception and a flair for engaging storytelling, Allison seeks to debunk commonly held myths about risk—challenging the widely accepted mantra of 'no risk, no reward.' Allison's work probes into the subtleties of risk man…
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Scott Hanselman – Scaling Yourself (replay)
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Eight years ago, I was introduced to someone who helped change the direction of my life. I am quite positive that I am not the only person whose life has been impacted by this one person. The funny thing, this is the first time that I have been able to speak with and thank Scott Hanselman. Scott Hanselman is a programmer, teacher, and speaker. Alth…
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Unplugging to Recharge: The Magic Number for Vacation Days
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We all know the importance of taking a breather, stepping away from our daily grind and responsibilities to recharge and rejuvenate. But how many days of vacation do we truly need to achieve that state of zen, that perfect balance between work and life? In the whirlwind of life, we often find ourselves caught up in the vortex of work, family, and s…
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Bruce Fieler – Life is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age
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How many life transitions have you been through? What did you learn about yourself going through them? Bruce Fieler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers and an avid collector and analyzer of life stories. Years ago, Bruce began a journey when he embarked on a project to document the experiences of Americans from all walks of life. Litt…
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Strategically using a bonus can boost your financial health, increase your peace of mind, and even enjoy the fruits of your labor with limited regret. Instead of spending a bonus all at once, consider intentionally distributing it to different areas of your financial plan. This includes paying down debt, funding an emergency account, investing in r…
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Debbie Gail: Living in Peace, Not Fear: A Mother's Journey of Healing and Helping Others
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How would your life change emotionally, physically, and mentally after the loss of a child? Debbie Gail is a strong, resilient woman who has transformed her pain into her purpose. Her journey began when she faced the challenges of her son's mental illness and addiction, eventually leading to his tragic loss. Throughout our conversation, Debbie take…
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Paul Fenner Optimize Your Spending to Increase Your Happiness
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One aspect or secret to happiness can be found through strategic spending— not just spending on possessions or experiences but on what truly holds purpose in your life. It's not about how much money you have, but how you spend it significantly affects your happiness. Research supports the idea that spending money on experiences rather than things l…
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Toby Brooks – Savoring the Now: Mid-Career Pivots and the Human Experience
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Have you ever thought about a mid-career pivot? Staring down the uncertainty of making a bold decision when a new opportunity arises? Toby Brooks, a professor at Texas Tech University, has made his fair share of career pivots. With a background in athletic training, Toby and his wife crisscrossed the country trying to secure a position with a profe…
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Imagine waking up one day, taking a moment to reflect on everything you've done, only to realize that everything should have been… well, more. Not in the materialistic sense, but more in-depth, more in enthusiasm, more in meaning. This isn't about being greedy or trying to avoid regrets. If you've read Dan Pink's book "The Power of Regrets," you'll…
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Ann Coleman – Parenting and Emotional Wellness: Strategies for Navigating Adolescence
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What would you do as a parent to save your struggling relationship with your kid? Ann Coleman is a former attorney who specialized in divorce, child custody, and adoption cases. Through raising her adopted son, Ann found herself deep in research, becoming a parenting expert on how to talk with teenagers struggling with anxiety, substance abuse, and…
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Every Dollar is a Choice: Parenting & Building Families with Conscious Spending
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Understand how financial decisions, big or small, can impact your family's happiness and well-being while equipping your children with an understanding of financial responsibility that ensures they make informed, conscious decisions aligned with their values and life purpose. Conscious financial decision-making contributes to happiness: Every expen…
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Michelle Zak – Making Opportunities Where There Are None
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What would frequent relocations mean to your career? How would you be able to handle the constant transitions? Michelle Zak has seen her share of transitions as a former Army officer. But as Michelle moved from military to civilian life, her husband remained in the military, requiring constant relocation. Finding a career that could move with her w…
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Financial Reality Through an Unfiltered Lens: The Honest Instagram
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Have you ever wondered what Instagram would look like if it showed the real financial stories behind those perfect snapshots — the bills, budgets, and sacrifices — and how it could transform our understanding of wealth and financial planning? An honest reflection of our lives on platforms like Instagram, including the financial challenges and sacri…
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Dr. Erin Halligan-Avery – From Struggles to Solutions: Choosing Between Career Stability and Entrepreneurship
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By Paul Fenner, Dr. Erin Halligan
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Damon Parker – Finding Joy in Progress: From Tragedy to Transformation
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What do we do when we reach a crossroads in life? How can we transform a tragedy into something meaningful that helps others? Damon Parker comes from a family of educators, with his parents and grandparents all having careers in teaching. But after reaching a crossroads in his teaching career, Damon found an opportunity in coaching wrestling and pu…
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Sarah Khan – Career Rehab: Breaking Free from Corporate Mindsets to Build a Life-Aligned Business
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Do you feel unsupported in your current career position? Is the grind of your current corporate role more than you can bear? After being laid off multiple times, including once during her maternity leave, Sarah Khan felt unsupported by her employers multiple times, including during the pandemic lockdown. Sarah decided to detox herself from the corp…
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Marisa Lonic – Breaking the Busy Stereotype: Redefining Time Management for Parents
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As parents, what does it mean to have harmony between your personal and financial life? A demanding career, demanding kids, demanding spouse? As a mom of four, including a set of twins, Marisa Lonic checked all those boxes (except for maybe the demanding husband) but was also asking, "What about me?" Marisa, like most parents, was not in a position…
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Dr. Wendy Troxel – Sharing the Covers: Every Couple's Guide to Better Sleep
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Have you reached a point where you want to sleep in a different room because you can no longer physically sleep in the same bed as your spouse or partner? Full disclosure, my wife and I had reached this point where sleep loss was negatively impacting both of us. This is where internationally recognized sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel comes into play.…
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