What do medical bills, group dinners, canceled flights, and even premarital counseling all have in common? According to Matt Schulz—Chief Consumer Finance Analyst at LendingTree and author of Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More—they’re all opportunities to take back control of your financial life simply by asking the right questions.

In this insightful conversation, Matt and Karen uncover the everyday moments where speaking up can save you money, strengthen relationships, and reduce stress. From negotiating medical bills and navigating travel chaos, to smoothing out friendship friction at big group dinners, Matt shares practical scripts, real-life stories, and the empowering reminder that you have more power over your money than you think.

In this episode:

• Why most people underestimate how much leverage they actually have
• How asking early can prevent awkward or expensive situations later
• Why tone and timing matter more than having the perfect words
• How everyday money moments reveal deeper communication patterns
• Small mindset shifts that make money feel less intimidating
  
  
  

Connect with Karen:

• Clarity Planning
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram

Connect with our guests: 

• Matt Schulz’s website
• Matt Schulz on LinkedIn