In this eye-opening episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee share the single most common money mistake keeping countless married entrepreneurs from building real wealth: debt. Fresh off the facilitation of a financial stewardship workshop, they dig into how everyday debt—often justified or ignored—is quietly stealing your financial future. But here’s the good news: the solution is simpler than you think. Spoiler alert: You have to listen til the end.

You’ll learn how debt is not just a financial burden, but a barrier to freedom, peace of mind, and legacy-building. Whether it’s credit cards, car loans, or payday advances, this conversation explores the hidden costs of “buy now, pay later” culture and how breaking that cycle can unlock wealth potential that most couples never realize. They even run the numbers—showing how just $500/month invested wisely could grow into $1 million over time.

If you’ve ever said, “We don’t have enough to invest,” this episode will challenge that belief—and show you exactly how to create margin, eliminate debt, and finally start building long-term wealth together. Practical tips, real-life examples, biblical wisdom, and a strong dose of encouragement await.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Debt Repayment Calculator https://www.crown.org/all-resources/debt-snowball-calculator/

Investment/Retirement Calculator https://www.crown.org/all-resources/?cat=economy-investing&type=calculator

• Debt is the true wealth killer. The average American carries over $20,000 in consumer debt, costing $1,500/month—money that could be building your future.

• Delayed gratification wins. Saving and paying cash—especially for big-ticket items like cars—can save you thousands and put you on the fast track to financial freedom.

• Simple strategy, massive results. The debt snowball method helps you eliminate debt faster than you think, freeing up cash for giving, investing, and enjoying life.

• Building wealth is more doable than you think. Just $500/month invested at 10% can become $1 million over 30 years—yes, really.

Freedom from debt brings peace. No matter the economy, having no payments gives you breathing room, confidence, and options.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

In this deeply vulnerable and inspiring episode of Thriving in Tandem, we’re joined by Krystal Parker, President of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce. Krystal shares her raw journey from corporate executive climbing the ranks of a Fortune 200 oil and gas company to discovering the devastating cost of success when it came at the expense of her marriage and family. What looked like professional triumph on the outside masked a crumbling home life and personal disconnection from what mattered most.

As Krystal takes us back to the peak of her corporate climb—fueled by power, ambition, and external validation—she candidly reveals the blind spots that hurt her marriage ending and relationship with her young daughter. But in the aftermath of that breaking point, Krystal discovered what true leadership and intentional living looked like. From restructuring her work-life rhythms to raising up her team, and ultimately placing God and family at the center, her story offers hope and a powerful reminder that redemption is possible.

Whether you're in a season of hustle or navigating growing pains in business and marriage, Krystal’s testimony is a call to evaluate where your time and heart are going. She shares practical boundaries she and her husband now implement, how she keeps her daughter a priority, and the critical difference between using work as worship instead of worshiping work. This is a must-listen for married entrepreneurs who don’t want to succeed in business only to lose what truly matters most.

Key Takeaways:

• Success without alignment can destroy what matters most. Krystal's corporate rise came with sacrifices she didn't fully see until her marriage and family unraveled.
  
  

• You are irreplaceable at work but you not at home. Delegating empowered Krystal’s team and freed her to re-engage with her daughter and home life.
  
  

• Boundaries and intention create lasting connection. Krystal and her husband carve out intentional moments—even in busy seasons—to stay united and keep God at the center of their marriage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in Tandem Podcast

02:01 Crystal Parker's Journey in the Oil and Gas Industry

10:11 Challenges of Balancing Career and Family Life

12:00 The Turning Point: Becoming a Solo Parent

18:07 Finding Balance in a New Marriage and Career

23:53 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

In this deeply personal episode, Robert and Kay Lee invite you into their real-time decision-making process as they consider a cross-country move from California to North Carolina. Fresh off a month-long stay in Lake Norman, they share candid reflections on the conversations, emotions, and logistical considerations that come with such a significant transition. From the practical realities of moving and renting to the emotional weight of leaving behind familiarity and friendships, this episode reveals how they approach big decisions as a married couple and entrepreneurial team.

Whether you're facing a business pivot, relocation, or other major life decision, you'll gain valuable insights on how to navigate change without unnecessary conflict. Robert and Kay Lee walk through the importance of “baby steps” in decision-making, how to test the waters before diving in, and how differing emotional responses between spouses can actually work together to bring clarity and peace. They also reflect on the value of community, intentionality, and leaning into God's guidance when the future feels uncertain.

This episode is not just about moving houses—it’s about building a life with intention, staying united through change, and creating space for wise, thoughtful decisions that serve both your marriage and business. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how real-life married entrepreneurs process transition without growing apart.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Key Takeaways:

• Big transitions—whether in life or business—are best navigated in small, intentional steps.

• Differing emotional responses between spouses are normal and can be leveraged for better communication and mutual understanding.

• Creating a plan B and “testing the waters” reduces anxiety and sets you up for more confident decision-making.

• Don’t rush into big changes—whether it’s a move, business shift, or investment—without first confirming peace and unity as a couple.

• Community, intentional planning, and faith-driven discernment are key to thriving in tandem through seasons of change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background on the Move

02:52 Exploring Lake Norman and Decision-Making Process

06:09 Testing the Waters: A Month in Lake Norman

08:54 Building Relationships and Community Connections

12:13 Emotional Aspects of Major Life Transitions

15:03 Decision-Making Styles in Relationships

17:56 Taking Baby Steps in Major Changes

20:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts