Financial Tips & Advice for Couples

You want to pay off debt. Your partner wants to pay off debt. But somehow, every time you sit down to talk about it, it turns into a disagreement — about who spent what, whose debt is whose, or who's working harder to fix it. Sound familiar? Learning how to pay off debt as a couple is one of the most powerful financial moves you can make — but it only works when you're both moving in the same direction. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to do that. Ste

Most couples don't realize they're avoiding money conversations until it's too late. It becomes habit, and some of these behaviors go unnoticed. They will still take a toll on your relationship if you don't do something about it. Avoiding these important conversations will eventually create distance between you, it will throw your finances into chaos, and resentment will build. Resentment is the last thing you want in your relationship. Look for these 5 signs to see if this p

One of the most common questions I get from couples working on their finances is: Should we be saving money while we’re paying off debt? The answer is yes -- but with a strategy. Let's break it down. In this post, I'll go over how to balance saving and debt payoff, why a small emergency fund is key, and how to avoid falling back into debt as you make progress. The Importance of a Starter Emergency Fund Before you start on your debt, you need to build a starter emergency fund.

If you and your spouse have ever argued about money, you’re far from alone. In fact, studies consistently show money is one of the top stressors in marriage. But here’s the truth most couples don’t realize: It’s rarely about the math. It’s not really about how much is in the checking account, or who forgot to log that last Amazon purchase. Most of the time, money fights are about what money represents — security, freedom, fear, control, even love. When you understand that, y

Marriage is hard. It takes constant work and intentionality to keep your relationship strong through all the ups and downs in life. Add in the emotions and stress that comes with finances, and you could have a disaster! Early in our marriage, Zach and I avoided the money conversation whenever possible. If we were forced to discuss something, it usually ended in an arguement. We had different views of how to manage our money. He is a natural saver, and I am a natural spender.

It's been four years since we started our debt free journey. Believe it or not, I was the one who was reluctant to use a budget. Me! The financial coach! I was skeptical that we could or even needed to pay off our debt. Debt is normal. Everyone has debt. My husband, Zach, was always stressed about money. He made a good income, and yet, we were living paycheck to paycheck. He couldn't understand where all the money was going, and it was a constant source of tension in our mar

Have you ever tried to use a budget, but you failed because you and your partner were not on the same page? Budgeting as a couple can be challenging. You probably have different money tendencies like saver vs spender. You probably have different views and habits around money. Even though it can be difficult, managing your finances as a team is essential to reach your goals faster. You both need to be involved with the finances. One person handling the budget alone? That is a

Debt can be an overwhelming black cloud hanging over you and your relationship. It causes tension and stress in your life more than you even realize. It's a constant thought in the back of your mind, "How are we going to make all these payments?" Your path to debt freedom starts with just one step. That first step of making the decision to start. But if you're married, you can't make that decision alone. Getting on the same page with your finances is essential. So before you

It is so common to feel embarrassment and shame over financial struggles. Money has become a trivial topic that everyone avoids, even in our own homes. No one wants to talk about the pile of debt they're facing or how stressed they are about having more month left when the money is gone. On top of all that, there is the pressure to appear successful, to "keep up with the Jones'". Many people struggle with finances, regardless of background or income. I can't tell you how many

The holiday season should be a time of joy and connection. Yet, financial stress often creeps in, turning family gatherings into sources of anxiety. Setting and communicating your financial boundaries with extended family is crucial. By doing this, you safeguard your financial wellbeing and nurture healthy family relationships. This article offers practical strategies for discussing these boundaries effectively, paving the way for a more enjoyable holiday experience. Understa

One of the most common I get about budgeting is how to budget with an irregular income. Maybe you own a business, so your income goes up and down. Maybe your hours are constantly changing so your paycheck is never the same. If you're like my family, you get both! My husband is a crane operator. He is on an hourly wage and also gets a lot of overtime pay. If you are familiar with this type of work, his schedule is never the same. We never know until the prior evening when he

When you are struggling, it is easy to get overwhelmed with your finances. Taking control and getting ahead with your money can be a difficult process. You may not know where to start. You may struggle with the fear of not being able to do it. There are so many emotions surrounding money, and those emotions can paralyze you. To get started, you need to stop the overwhelm. Simplify the process and focus on one step at a time. As a financial coach, I guide people through their

Do you struggle to talk to your spouse about money? Money fights are so common in marriage. I've been there! And I'm here to tell you that it can be different. Zach and I used to avoid money conversations completely. When something came up that was unavoidable, it always became an arguement and sometimes even a huge fight. We were struggling... Even with our great income, we were always stressed about money. We lived paycheck to paycheck and were always stretched thin. That s

During the first months of working with a new couple, I often hear the same thing regarding the budget. "I never realized the budget could be so flexible!" Do you ever think of your budget like a corporate company? At the beginning of the month, you create the budget and it is set in stone. You better stick to the budget or else! If this is you, let's talk about why you need to change your mindset surrounding your personal budget. Your family is not a corporate company. Your

You feel like you make a good income, so why are you still living paycheck to paycheck? Where does all that money go?? Does this sound familiar? I does to me! My husband, Zach, and I used to have this conversation regularly. I say conversation, but it was more like an argument every time. We couldn't figure out why our fantastic income just didn't seem to be enough to live on. I was a stay at home mom at the time, and Zach brought in our sole income. I managed the bills and h

Your family can have a huge influence on the decisions you make. Your parents and the way you were raised impact the way you handle your money. Think about it. How is money viewed in your family? If you are on a path to improve your finances, it can be difficult to tell your family and friends. There may be certain expectations during the holidays that will affect your budget. Maybe it is expected that you will travel to visit your parents for Thanksgiving. Maybe everyone in

"You must gain control of your money or the lack of it will forever control you ." - Dave Ramsey Did you know that you have the power to control your life? Ok, maybe not everything that happens in your life... But when you have control of your money, you feel so much more in control of the rest of your life too. Murphy seems to visit a bit less often. Those emergencies become merely an inconvenience when you know you have the cash to cover it. You feel confident and secure kn

Don't get caught putting Christmas on your credit card! Learn how to avoid the regret of trying to pay back what you spent.