In this episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui break down five essential strategies to grow your business without sacrificing your marriage. From setting clear boundaries between work and home to increasing profit margins, they discuss how to work smarter, not harder, so you can scale your business while staying connected to your spouse. They also share personal insights from their time at Lake Norman, reflecting on how intentional rest fuels creativity and productivity.

The couple emphasizes the importance of managing work hours, prioritizing high-impact tasks, and delegating effectively to reclaim time for what matters most. They explain how improving profit margins allows you to reduce stress and avoid the endless hustle, making room for both business growth and a thriving relationship. Finally, they highlight the often-overlooked key to success: listening to your spouse’s perspective, which can provide valuable insights and prevent costly blind spots in your business.

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

✅ Set Clear Boundaries – Establish firm work-life boundaries to protect quality time with your spouse and family.
✅ Manage Your Work Hours – More hours don’t always mean more productivity; focus on efficiency over effort.
✅ Prioritize High-Value Tasks – Spend time on revenue-generating activities and delegate or automate busywork.
✅ Increase Profit Margins – Raise prices strategically and cut inefficiencies to work less while earning more.
✅ Listen to Your Spouse – Their outside perspective can reveal blind spots and help you make better business decisions.

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

Source: Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-overwork-kill-you#Preventing-overwork

In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui dive into the seven major health risks associated with the relentless hustle and grind mentality that many entrepreneurs embrace. While working hard is often celebrated, they uncover how excessive stress, burnout, and overworking can silently deteriorate your health, relationships, and overall well-being. They discuss research-backed insights on how long hours correlate with increased risks of stroke, heart disease, depression, and even cancer.

The conversation highlights the warning signs of stress-related health issues, how they often go unnoticed until it's too late, and why managing stress is critical for longevity in both business and marriage. They also break down the importance of daily habits that promote better health—such as sleep, nutrition, and intentional rest—and how the A.D.E. method (Automate, Delegate, Eliminate) can help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder.

This episode is a must-listen for married entrepreneurs who feel the pressure of balancing business success with personal well-being. Robert and Kay Lee provide practical strategies to reclaim time, prioritize health, and prevent burnout, ensuring you can thrive in both your business and your marriage for years to come.

✅ Hustle culture has serious health risks – Stress, burnout, and overwork contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even early death.
✅ Success isn’t tied to working more hours – Research shows no direct correlation between hours worked and financial success, but there is a strong link between overworking and declining health.
✅ Burnout is a medical condition – The World Health Organization classifies burnout as a workplace phenomenon with real physical and mental consequences.
✅ Women entrepreneurs face added stress – Juggling business, home responsibilities, and family increases burnout risks for women more than men.
✅ Better daily habits lead to better health – Small adjustments like morning routines, healthy eating, and better sleep can drastically improve well-being.
✅ Work smarter, not harder – The ADE Method (Automate, Delegate, Eliminate) helps entrepreneurs reduce workload without sacrificing success.

🎧 Tune in now and share with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear this!

Many entrepreneurs and couples dream big but struggle to turn their visions into reality. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui share their personal journey of setting and achieving long-term goals—both in business and life. Broadcasting from their temporary studio in beautiful Lake Norman, North Carolina, they reflect on the small, intentional steps they took to build the life they envisioned. They discuss why only 8% of people actually achieve their goals, the power of revisiting your vision regularly, and why progress matters more than perfection.

Through their experiences—from climbing the corporate ladder to building a thriving business together—they reveal the key mindset shifts and practical actions that helped them make their dreams attainable. Whether it’s growing your business, reaching financial freedom, or designing a lifestyle that truly aligns with your priorities, they break down how to take small, strategic steps toward your big goals. Plus, they offer insights on overcoming the fear of making the "perfect" decision and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep people stuck in the planning phase.

If you're ready to move from “maybe someday” to making real progress toward your vision, this episode is for you. Tune in as Robert and Kay Lee encourage you to dream boldly, take action, and create the life and business you truly desire—one step at a time.

✅ Speak or Write Your Vision – Articulating your goals helps bring them to life. Keep them visible and revisit them often.
✅ Progress Over Perfection – Focus on taking consistent small steps rather than waiting for the perfect moment.
✅ Physically Immerse Yourself in Your Vision – Visit places or connect with people aligned with your dreams to make them feel more real.
✅ Revisit and Adjust Your Goals Regularly – Reviewing your vision often helps you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.
✅ Take Action, Even If It’s Small – Success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of steady, incremental progress.

👉 Share this episode with a fellow married entrepreneur who needs encouragement! And let us know your vision—email us at info@PowerCouplesByDesign.com.

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/

Are you looking for help to better your health, productivity, and marriage? Download this free guide. 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

Why Money Arguments Are Tearing Marriages Apart—and How to Stop Them

Money is one of the top sources of conflict in marriage. From debates over spending and saving to disagreements about investing and earning, financial differences can strain even the strongest relationships. These disputes are often at the root of divorce or emotional disconnection.

Why do couples struggle so much with money conversations, and how can they work together to find common ground?

This week, we’re joined by Deb Meyer, a Certified Financial Planner and founder of WorthyNest®, a wealth management firm specializing in family-focused financial planning. Deb shares the most common reasons couples clash over money and offers practical strategies to help you and your spouse align your financial goals, reduce conflict, and build a stronger partnership.

Don’t let money arguments define your marriage—tune in to learn how to turn these tough conversations into opportunities for growth and connection.

Website: https://www.worthynest.com/press

FREE Marriage and Money Download https://www.worthynest.com/marriage-and-money-guide

Key Takeaways:

• It's important to frame financial discussions in a fun way.

• Creative budgeting can enhance the spending experience.

• Memories created as a family are more valuable than gifts.

• Regular conversations about money can reduce tension in relationships.

• Budgeting is just one aspect of a comprehensive financial plan.

• Couples can forge a new financial future together.

• Faith can guide financial decision-making.

• Experiences often provide more satisfaction than material possessions.

• Engaging children in financial discussions can be beneficial.

• Regular check-ins on financial goals are essential for progress.

Deb Meyer, CFP®, CPA, and CEPA, is the award-winning author of Redefining Family Wealth, host of the Beyond Budgets® podcast (we were on Episode 19), and founder of WorthyNest®, a fee-only, fiduciary wealth management firm that guides parents through important financial decisions using a values-based approach.

Deb has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNN Business and is a contributor to Kiplinger. She is a 2019 CPA Practice Advisor “40 Under 40 Honoree” in Accounting and received the 2018 AICPA Standing Ovation Award. Deb lives in Missouri with her husband Bryan and three sons.

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/

Need to create more time to dedicate to your marriage? Download this free guide. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/boundaries

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

We often talk about priorities and what truly matters beyond the demands of business, but last week, we faced a real-life test of those values.

In this episode, we recount the moment our condo fire alarm blared in the middle of the largest firestorm Southern California has ever seen. With fires raging near Malibu and just north of us in Pasadena, the air was thick with smoke and ash, triggering an immediate sense of fear: Could the fire have reached our building?

The urgency of the moment forced us to act fast. What do you grab when you might lose everything? What does that reveal about what you truly value?

Join us as we unpack this experience, reflect on how it clarified our priorities, and explore why we often cling so tightly to replaceable things. This is a powerful conversation about defining what matters most in life—and living that out every day.

Ways you can help the fire victims https://www.harvestrock.church/

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/

Need to create more time to dedicate to your marriage? Download this free guide. https://build.marriedentrepreneur.co/balance-business-marriage-better

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

Takeaways

• Relationships are the most important aspect of life.

• In times of crisis, we realize what truly matters.

• Material possessions can be replaced, but memories cannot.

• It's essential to prioritize family and relationships over business.

• Natural disasters can have long-lasting effects on communities.

• People often want to help but may not know how.

• Preparation for disasters should include emotional readiness.

• Reflecting on what is important can lead to a more fulfilling life.

• The aftermath of disasters requires long-term support and rebuilding efforts.

• We should not wait for disaster to reassess our priorities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Relationships

02:00 Facing Natural Disasters: A Personal Experience

12:45 What Truly Matters: Prioritizing During Crisis

19:30 Long-Term Effects of Disasters on Communities

25:32 Reflection: Reassessing Priorities in Life

Work-life balance is something many of us desire but often struggle to achieve. Over time, many have resigned themselves to the busyness of life, accepting it as the norm. However, the truth is, while work-life balance is simple to define, it can be mentally and emotionally challenging to implement.

In this episode, we explore two key factors for achieving balance: 1) Defining what work-life balance truly means for you and your spouse, and 2) Making intentional, daily choices to support that vision. We also share our own daily habits that help us maintain balance, even when life and business get hectic. Tune in to learn practical strategies to create and sustain the work-life harmony you've been seeking.

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/

Need to create more time to dedicate to your marriage? Download this free guide. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/boundaries

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

Takeaways

• Work-life balance is about quality time in business and family.

• Morning routines are crucial for setting a positive tone.

• Taking breaks every 90 minutes enhances productivity.

• Disconnecting from electronics fosters better family connections.

• Defining personal work-life balance is essential for success.

• Daily habits should be simple and manageable.

• Creating a purposeful daily plan helps prioritize important tasks.

• Regular exercise and stretching improve physical and mental health.

• Gratitude journaling can enhance emotional well-being.

• Start with one new habit at a time to avoid overwhelm.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs

03:01 Defining Work-Life Balance

05:52 The Importance of Morning Routines

11:58 Taking Breaks for Better Performance

17:48 Disconnecting from Electronics

24:01 Purposeful Daily Planning

29:51 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui discuss five common business mistakes that hinder growth and profitability while affecting work-life balance. They emphasize the importance of focusing on profit margins rather than just sales volume, the pitfalls of discounting, the necessity of tracking financial metrics, the value of hiring help, and the need for training employees to ensure business success and personal fulfillment.

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/

Need to create more time to dedicate to your marriage? Download this free guide. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/boundaries

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

Key Takeaways

• Focusing on volume not margin

• Lower prices/discounts to attract more customers

• Not tracking metrics: doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results

• Too cheap to hire

• Not willing to train

Sound Bites

"Five common business mistakes."

"Focusing on volume, not margin."

"Lowering prices to attract customers."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Common Business Mistakes

01:29 Focusing on Volume vs. Margin

06:10 The Pitfalls of Discounting

12:55 Importance of Tracking Metrics

19:19 The Cost of Not Hiring

22:09 The Need for Training Employees

In this episode, we discuss how entrepreneurs can often become so focused on their business that they miss the warning signs that both their marriage and business may be at risk. It's crucial to address small issues in your relationship early on before they grow into larger problems that are harder to fix.

Tune in to learn about the key red flags you and your spouse should tackle to ensure both your relationship and business thrive together.

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/

Need to create more time to dedicate to your marriage? Download this free guide. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/boundaries

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

Key Takeaways

• Preventive maintenance is crucial for marriage and business.

• Busyness can lead to neglect in relationships.

• Frequent arguments may indicate deeper emotional issues.

• Avoiding hot button issues can create resentment.

• Emotional connection is vital for a healthy marriage.

• Lack of affection can signal relationship trouble.

• Date nights are essential for maintaining connection.

• Scheduling quality time can improve relationship health.

• Communication is key to resolving conflicts.

• A healthy marriage positively impacts business success.

Chapters

00:00 Preventive Maintenance in Marriage and Business

05:06 Identifying Warning Signs of Busyness

10:25 The Impact of Arguments on Relationships

14:45 Avoidance and Its Consequences

20:27 The Importance of Affirmation

23:51 Date Nights: A Lost Tradition

30:46 Course Correction for a Healthier Future