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Money and Marriage

Hi, my name is Karen and I am a Finance Coach and blogger. I specialise in helping couples talk about money - without arguing. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter for practical tips on how you can make your money go further so that you can live your best life!

Featured Post

Financial Literacy Month: 3 Game-Changers for Your Money

Dear Reader , Did you know that April marks Financial Literacy Month? It started in the U.S. but has grown into a global movement, encouraging people to take a closer look at their finances and make small but powerful changes. And there’s no better place to start than with your budget. I’ve learned over the years that managing money successfully comes down to three key things: ✔️ Always keep learning – Read, listen, and invest in yourself. But remember, knowledge is only powerful when you...

A smiling teenage girl biting her gold medal.

Hi Reader , This past week, our daughter won a school swimming race. No big deal, you might think—it’s not the Olympics. But for her, it was a huge moment. Gold! Just four weeks ago, she was on the hockey team. She loved hockey and had been playing for three years, showing up rain or shine—whether it was a 6am practise or a 7pm match. No matter how tough it got, she kept going, determined to improve and be a team player. But instead of lifting her up, her team tore her down. They blamed her...

A couple working together on their budget

Hi Reader , I just wanted to send a quick note to say—I see you. No matter where you are on your financial journey, every step forward is worth celebrating. When my husband and I first started working towards financial freedom, it often felt like a long, lonely road. But one thing I’ve learned is that even the smallest wins add up to something bigger. Maybe you paid off a little extra debt this month, had an honest money conversation with your partner, or simply felt more in control of your...

A couple smiling as they budget together

Dear Reader , I know budgeting isn’t at the top of most people’s to-do lists. It can feel restrictive, overwhelming, or even boring. But the truth is, a budget isn’t about saying no—it’s about creating the freedom to say yes to the things that truly matter. The key is to create a budget that you can stick to—one that’s simple, flexible, and works for you. That’s exactly what I help my clients do! Whether it’s setting up an easy-to-follow budget, reviewing spending habits, or making tweaks...

Dear Reader , I just wanted to send a little encouragement your way on your financial journey. If things aren’t going exactly to plan this month—trust me, you’re not alone! Every month, I plan to sit down with my husband and complete our intentional spending plan before the new month begins. But sometimes, life happens. This time, we didn’t get around to it until mid-month! And even then, it was far from smooth sailing. Just as we finally sat down to go through the numbers, our teenager...

A grocery store filled with lots of food

Dear Reader , Over the last year, I’ve noticed that even though my shopping list has remained the same, the total at the checkout keeps climbing. Have you experienced the same? For me, finding ways to cut back on our food expenses has never been more important. The good news? I have found that there are plenty of easy and practical ways to save money on your food shopping without compromising on quality. From setting a budget to meal planning, shopping smart, and reducing food waste, small...

Dear Reader , Do you ever find yourself confused about the difference between a sinking fund and an emergency fund? You’re not alone! While both are vital tools for financial stability, they serve distinct purposes. In my latest blog, I break down exactly what each fund is, how they work, and why you need them both to build a solid financial foundation. Whether it’s saving for planned expenses like holidays or preparing for life’s unexpected surprises, these funds can transform how you manage...

a basketball hoop with a net

Hi Reader , As the year winds down and we prepare to welcome 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on your finances and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. The goals you set now can guide you to financial security and freedom for years to come. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure about how to make real progress with your money, this is your chance to turn things around. Goal setting can empower you to create a clear plan, stay focused, and track your progress. In my blog, Setting...

woman in green jacket raising her hands

Dear Reader , As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and reflect. High interest rates, rising costs of living, and other financial stresses might have kept you up at night. But let me remind you: you’ve made progress. When I was out on my morning walk recently, feeling stressed about money, I took a deep breath and thought about how far we’ve come over the past few years. It struck me that it’s easy to get so caught up in the struggles that we forget to...

happy-couple-budget

Dear Reader , Picture this: I’ve just booked a relaxing spa day, and my husband’s Amazon parcels are arriving at the door. No stress. No awkward questions. We know exactly where the money is coming from. The secret? Our “No Questions Asked” fund! Here’s how it works: Decide on a monthly budget for individual treats or purchases. Set up separate accounts for each of you, and fund them monthly from your Intentional Spending Plan. Use it guilt-free—spa days, hobbies, or even those spontaneous...