Pat Finn is a well-known actor, comedian, and writer with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He's appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including The Middle, Seinfeld, "It's Complicated," and the "I Am Chris Farley" documentary. He has an almost endless list of professional accomplishments, and I wanted him on the show because he's also a husband, father, and regular guy who really seems to "get" the whole jewelry thing.

Here is Pat's IMDB link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0278156/

We're going to discuss his own experience of buying an engagement ring, how he was clueless about the whole process, and how sometimes you just have to trust the experts. He called me a "Sherpa," in this episode, and you know what? I kinda liked it.

His company is Improv+Ability: https://www.improv-ability.com/
GoFundMe for the Finn Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-finn-family-through-pats-fight

If you want to talk with me personally you can email me at andy@buylikeaguy.com. I'm happy to personally help you find the right jewelry for your special occasion, or put you in touch with a jewelry pro that's closer to home.

Or, you can shop online at my jewelry store right here: https://www.koehnjewelry.com/

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.

Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987

You survived the first round—now it's time for the next level of buying her a ring. In Part II, Andy and Carter Eve dive into the stuff most guys never ask: setting a real budget (without three-months-salary BS), the truth about lab-grown vs. natural diamonds, and why having a trusted jeweler is your secret weapon.

• How to set a budget you won't regret (and why it's nobody's business but yours)

• The pros and cons of lab-grown vs. natural diamonds—what actually matters, and what's just hype

• How to redesign family rings without losing the sentimental value

• Why "character" and human touch beat perfection every time

• The real value of having a jeweler you trust—someone you can text, call, and rely on for life

"Never go into debt for an engagement ring. You can always upgrade down the road."

"Lab-grown diamonds let you get the look you want for less—if that's what matters to you."

"Imperfect isn't bad. That's character. That's what makes it yours."

"Having a 'jewelry guy' (or girl) means you've always got someone in your corner."

If you want to avoid rookie mistakes, overspending, or getting lost in the lab vs. natural debate, this episode gives you the real-world answers:

• How to make heirlooms work for your fiancée's style (without pissing off the family)

• How to get the best value—no matter your budget

• Why independent jewelers still matter in a world of big brands and online shopping

• Don't let anyone pressure you—take your time and ask questions

• Admit what you don't know and get educated

• Trust your gut: if you click with your jeweler, you're in the right place

Carter Eve is a custom jeweler and goldsmith known for heirloom redesigns, value-driven sourcing, and a straight-shooter approach. She helps guys get the ring right—no hype, no pressure.

Carter Eve's Instagram & email: @carterevejewelry and carterevesjewelry@gmail.com

Andy's book: The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring available on Amazon

Connect with Buy Like A Guy:

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.

Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987

Ever feel like buying an engagement ring is a minefield? You're not alone. In this episode, Andy talks with Carter—a custom jeweler who's helped hundreds of guys get it right—about the biggest mistakes men make, how to actually get her the ring she wants, and why the "surprise" isn't what you think it is.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The #1 mistake guys make when buying a ring—and how to avoid it
• Why just "surprising her" is mostly dead (and what actually works now)
• How to figure out her style (even if she sends you a million new ideas after you buy)
• The right way to use family stones and heirlooms without losing meaning
• How to handle the money talk (and why the price is nobody's business but yours)
• Real-world advice for guys who feel lost or overwhelmed by the process
• Why finding "your jeweler" matters more than any brand or store

Key Quotes from Carter:

"The most common mistake guys make is thinking they know what she wants, instead of actually checking with her—or her mom, sister, or best friend."

"Jewelry is personal. If it's not her style, she won't wear it, even if you love it."

"Don't let anyone pressure you. Take your time, ask questions, and get educated."

Why This Episode Matters for Guys Buying Rings:

If you're worried about blowing it, or just want to get it right the first time, this episode gives you the real-world playbook:

• How to get her style right (even if she "changes her mind" halfway through)
• What to do with family rings and old gold
• How to set a budget you're actually comfortable with—no three-months-salary BS
• Why collaborating with a jeweler you trust makes the whole process easier (and way less stressful)

Carter's Top Advice:

• Don't guess. Ask her, or ask her inner circle.
• If she says "surprise me," a classic round solitaire is your safest bet.
• Check her Pinterest or Instagram—the answer is probably there.
• Set your own budget—never go into debt for a ring.
• Find a jeweler who feels like "your guy"—someone you can text, call, and trust.

Who Is Carter?

Carter Eve is a custom jeweler, trained goldsmith, and owner of Carter Eve Jewelry, known for heirloom redesigns, value-driven sourcing, and an authentic approach to jewelry design. She helps guys get the ring right—without the hype or pressure, which makes her a perfect guest for the show.

Resources Mentioned:

• Carter Eve Jewelry: https://carterevejewelry.com/
• Andy's book: The Inappropriate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring available on Amazon.

Connect with Buy Like A Guy:

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head. They're awesome.

Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987