In this episode of “Absolute Trust Talk,” Kirsten talks to Maureen Richardson, Certified Financial Planner and sole practitioner at Richardson Elite Financial Strategies. Richardson is also Amazon bestselling author of “‘Til Money Do Us Part: Financial Planning for Couples.” 

The topic of conversation is, of course, financial planning, but not just any financial planning, the focus here is on couples. Maureen highlights how money is not necessarily the root of the problem and addresses the missed or overwhelming signs that a partner ignores and the reluctance that couples have to sitting down and laying ALL their cards out on the table.

Maureen shares how her book was born out of the real-life personal experience of being married to a financially irresponsible spouse, and even though she was financially savvy as a person in finance, it destroyed her marriage and her life. Richardson shares how to get the ball rolling when it comes to planning and also weighs in on what to do if you're already married and in a financial bind.

Big Three From Episode # 01:

1. It’s not about the MONEY itself
2. Leave no skeletons in the closet, talk about EVERYTHING in your financial history
3. Get organized, make a plan

 

Time stamped show notes:

3:32 – It’s not about the money it’s about the values – Money is the symptom

4:35 – Who cares if you’re in finance! What’s going on at home?

6:20 – Maureen talks about the why behind her book, “Till Money Do Us Part”

8:45 – The topics that couples overlook when they are heading to the alter

9:32 – The top two things couples should disclose during the financial discussion

11:45 – Did you know poor credit = this?

13:10 – Now that everything’s out on the table, what do we do next?

15:37 – How are you protected? Maureen had three people discover this about not having the proper insurance when needed.

16:45 – Do this now!

17:25 – What if you’re already married and in trouble?

18:22 – The number one thing you need to track to get out of trouble.

 

Episode # 01 Freebie:

When you think about planning for marriage what comes to mind? Planning a big wedding, going on your honeymoon, finding a place to live, building a family… the list goes on. But, when it comes down to it, finances are behind it all, right? There’s no magic fairy dust, no magic eraser, your financial history follows you right to the altar. Did you sit down with your partner and hash out the details? Did you reveal debt, your taxes, your insurance even? If you don’t talk about it before you tie the knot, when will you? When you’re in line to see the divorce lawyer? In “ ’Til Money Do Us Part” Maureen Richardson breaks it all down and walks you through a productive and healthy discussion of money. Money is difficult to talk about, which is the reason why money is the leading cause of marital problems and divorce. People seem to think that by ignoring money, it will somehow work itself out. It doesn’t. You don’t need to be a financial genius. You don’t need to have a ton of money. You just need to be smart, know the warning signs and address them before it’s too late. “’Till Money Do Us Part” is simple, relevant and straight to the point, and we’ve got a special excerpt just for you. Click here to download your free chapter and if that leaves you wanting MORE get this bestseller on Amazon now! https://www.amazon.com/dp/162865032X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Resources/Tools/Links mentioned in this episode:

'Til Money Do Us Part: Financial Planning for Couples

Visit Maureen’s Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/TilMoneyDoUsPart/ to keep up with the latest resources and articles all about managing finances in a relationship.

Use Quicken to track every single expense for your spending plan!

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