You’ve got two solid incomes, no kids, and a dog who thinks every day is the best day of their life. That’s the DINKWAD lifestyle, and it’s the dream for many dog-loving couples. But a lot of partners in this situation let the advantages slide right by them. Here’s how to make the most of what you’ve got.
Put Your Dual Income to Work
With two paychecks coming in and no childcare costs to account for, you’ve got a financial runway that most households don’t. And if you want to establish the best life possible for you both and your pet, then you can put those extra savings to work for future stability. Max out your retirement contributions first, then look at taxable investment accounts, a shared emergency fund, and any big, shared goals like a home or a sabbatical year. Overall, couples who talk about money and plan their finances wisely make better decisions with it.
Invest in Your Dog’s Training
A well-trained dog is a benefit for everyone. You don’t have to stress as much about their behavior, and your dog can enjoy more freedom and peace when they’re not constantly getting in trouble. But effective training takes a lot of time and consistency, and many dog parents simply don’t have the bandwidth to invest.
However, as a DINKWAD couple, you very well might be able to pay for professional dog training. An expert can take the time to properly use beneficial methods like marker training and NePoPo®-style instruction to develop a dog who is exceptionally well-behaved in your household.
Travel Together, Including the Dog
One of the best parts of the DINKWAD life is that you can travel more freely. And though you can always board or get a pet sitter for your canine bestie, many couples don’t want to leave their dogs behind. Well, the good news is that you have the time and resources to bring your dog along for the ride!
Pet-friendly travel has come a long way. More destinations and accommodations are welcoming dogs than ever before. You just need a dog who can handle new environments calmly, follow commands under distraction, and behave in shared spaces with strangers and other animals. Again, professional training can help your dog master this essential traveling behavior.
Build a Home You All Truly Want
Without the pressure to prioritize a school district or build out a kid-friendly layout, you’ve got latitude in how you set up your living space. Use it. Whether that means a place in a walkable neighborhood, a home with a great yard for the dog, or something closer to the outdoors you love to explore, make the choice that fits your lives.
Make the Most of What You Have
You’ve built something worth protecting and growing. Now, it’s time to make the most of your DINKWAD lifestyle by being intentional with your money, your time, your relationship, and—of course—your dog! These years have a lot to offer, so don’t let passivity make you take a backseat to an incredible lifestyle.
