Hi, I'm Karen and I'm a Finance Coach for Christian couples. If you're ready to get on the same financial page and build wealth together, my weekly newsletter is for you. Get practical tips for having positive money conversations, stretching your budget and creating financial unity in your marriage.
You might be starting the money conversation all wrong
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Hi Reader, Here's something I see happening in almost all couples I work with. When one person brings up money out of nowhere, the other person shuts down. Not because they don't care — but because they weren't ready. They feel cornered. And a conversation that starts with one person on the defensive almost never ends well. Here's what changes that. Before you bring up money this week, try this instead: "I'd really love for us to [get out of debt / save up an emergency fund / go on that trip to X]. Can we take a look at the finances together to see if we can make it work? Could we chat about it tomorrow?" That's it. You've given him a reason — something he wants too. You've made it a question, not an announcement. And you've given him time to mentally prepare so he shows up ready instead of defensive. Try it and let me know how it goes. Speak soon, |
Money and Marriage
Hi, I'm Karen and I'm a Finance Coach for Christian couples. If you're ready to get on the same financial page and build wealth together, my weekly newsletter is for you. Get practical tips for having positive money conversations, stretching your budget and creating financial unity in your marriage.
Hey Reader, Someone said something to me this week that made my whole day. She told me that after using my money plan for a few months, she couldn't live without it. Not "it's been helpful" or "it's made a difference." She couldn't live without it. And that's exactly the kind of thing that reminds me why I do what I do — because when a woman goes from avoiding her finances to not being able to imagine life without a plan, something has fundamentally shifted not just in her bank account but in...
Hey Reader, I still remember the day I found out. We were in debt and my husband bought a PlayStation. I was furious, not really about the PlayStation, but because we weren't on the same team with money. Maybe you've had a moment like that. Or maybe things are fine, but money conversations in your house are just... tense. A little awkward, something you both avoid. Either way, I get it. After years of working this out in my own marriage, and helping other couples do the same, I know one thing...
Hello Reader! I remember it like it was yesterday. It was August 2021. We couldn't leave the country due to COVID so we headed to the local beach for a few weeks. My husband finally had time to listen to an audiobook on personal finance. And one evening he turned to me and asked: "So shall we use the savings to clear the debt?" That evening, we sat together and talked about money. Calmly. Together. Without it turning into a fight. I honestly couldn't believe it. For so long, money had felt...