Many of us would say that we loathe uncertainty. If it were up to us, every day would play out like a familiar script. But there comes a time where we have no choice but to venture into unchartered waters -- whether it concerns landing a new job; grappling with a new health condition; or making a large purchase, such as a new home. Stress is inevitable. You're likely to second guess your decisions. And, worst of all, you're bound to start down the slippery slope of imagining the absolute worst. If these feelings aren't reined in, they can lead to adverse outcomes like anxiety and depression. While some might advise you to simply think positively, I think a far more effective approach is to hope for the best, but plan for the worst.  Think about it: What are the chances of the worst coming to pass? Very slim, of course. Usually we end up dreaming up scenarios in our head that come nowhere near reality. Still, there is always a slight possibility that the job ...

2014 was a busy, stressful year for my wife and I. We started condo searching in January, and 11 months and 2 failed properties later, we finally closed on a property we find to be almost perfect for us. We had quite a few hurdles to surmount, from lenders denying us loans to dealing with a realtor who wasn't as aggressive and responsive as we'd hoped. The wedding and honeymoon were in March. We actually got engaged 2 years before the event (March 2012). Giving yourself that much time to plan the wedding is a double-edged sword. While it ensures you won't run into a time crunch like those who schedule a wedding, say, 6 months after the engagement, putting something off that long can make it feel like the big day will never arrive. Sometimes it's better to give yourself a shorter window and be done with it. Thankfully, with help from the reception hall, the night saw no serious hiccups. But everything that had to be done in the months leading up to the wedding -- fro...