Love with Francesca

29. Money, Power & Relationships | Marni Saifert

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Money isn’t just dollars and cents—it’s identity, power, safety, and love. In this conversation, I sit down with Marni Levy—Certified Financial Planner turned Wealth & Mindset Coach—to unpack the money stories and power dynamics that shape our partnerships.

We talk about how beliefs formed in childhood show up as scarcity, over-independence, secrecy, or control—and how couples can move from friction to teamwork.

We explore:

  • What a money story is and how it forms (culture, religion, family modeling)

  • How “opposites” in relationships (the saver vs. the spender) can become yin & yang instead of enemies

  • Why full disclosure (income, debt, credit score) is non-negotiable before marriage—and what secrecy signals

  • A simple framework: Needs → Wants → Allow Fund → Savings (yes, you are allowed to enjoy life)

  • Joint + individual accounts: building together and keeping autonomy

  • Gender roles, patriarchy & the “I can do it myself” trap (over-independence as a trauma response)

  • Mat leave, caregiving, and emotional labor: planning cash flow and respecting each partner’s role

  • Rent vs. buy myths, interest reality checks, and values-aligned planning (adventure and freedom count!)

  • How to set conversation parameters (no blame/shame, stay collaborative) so talks don’t blow up

  • Red flags: chronic avoidance, hidden debt, addictive overspending; green flags: curiosity, transparency, teamwork.

    • Connect with Marni:

    • Marni's Instagram 
    • Marni’s Website

      • Connect with Francesca:

      • Francesca's Instagram
      • Join our FREE Reclaiming Love Community

        • Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue creating meaningful conversations to inspire and empower women all over.

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        Love with FrancescaBy Francesca Zoia