Healthy Love & Money: Financial Therapy, Intimacy, Conflict & Communication for Couples

In today’s powerful conversation, Ed welcomes back the insightful and trailblazing Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, financial therapist, author, and educator, to explore the emotional undercurrents of our financial lives. From her innovative work at the University of Michigan to her unique blend of social work and financial literacy, Lindsay shares how she’s creating safe, inclusive spaces for real financial healing. Together, Ed and Lindsay unpack the emotional weight of money, how to know if financial therapy is right for you, and why understanding your money story is essential no matter your background or bank account balance. Whether you're a professional in the financial or mental health field or someone trying to make peace with your money, this episode is full of powerful truths, personal reflections, and practical guidance. Tune in for a deeply affirming and thought-provoking journey into the heart of money, emotion, and healing.

Key Takeaways:

• How can financial therapy help people address the emotional side of money beyond traditional financial literacy?

• What makes group-based financial empowerment programs effective across diverse backgrounds and experiences?

• What should you consider when choosing a financial therapist, and how do you know if it's the right fit for your needs?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The emotional weight of money conversations

(02:30) - Financial empowerment program

(09:00) - Program structure and future plans at CEW+

(16:00) - Transitioning from one-on-one work to group education

(22:00) - When financial therapy is the missing piece

(28:00) - The boundaries of financial vs. mental health support

(32:00) - The importance of cross-trained professionals

(34:00) - Encouragement for listeners to find support

(35:00) - How to bring up financial therapy with a partner

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Money and mental health, Financial empowerment workshops, How to find a financial therapist, Emotional side of money, University of Michigan

Mentions:

Website: https://www.mindmoneybalance.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaybryanpodvin

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at [email protected]

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In this deeply insightful episode, Ed welcomes the brilliant Dr. Megan McCoy—professor at Kansas State University and a pioneering voice in the field of financial therapy. With warmth, humility, and her signature sense of humor, Megan opens up about the complexities of receiving praise, navigating imposter syndrome, and how shifting socioeconomic status shapes our relationship with money. Together, Ed and Megan explore the nuanced intersections of gender, money, and identity—unpacking why so many of us feel conflicted about success, wealth, and our roles in relationships. From the emotional weight of accolades to the hidden double binds in household income dynamics, this conversation offers profound takeaways for anyone working to align their financial life with their values and relationships. Whether you're a therapist, financial planner, or someone seeking deeper harmony between love and money, this episode is packed with heartfelt moments, fresh perspectives, and the kind of authenticity that stays with you long after the final word.

Key Takeaways:

• How do imposter syndrome and gender roles shape our ability to accept success and manage money?

• What hidden dynamics impact couples when income, power, and emotional labor are unevenly distributed?

• How can financial professionals and therapists work together to help clients build healthier relationships with money and each other?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Compliments vs. Accolades

(07:00) - The Psychology Behind Spending on Yourself vs. Others

(10:45) - Gender, Income, and the “Too Much Money” Problem

(17:20) - Reframing Couple Conflicts About Money

(21:45) - Rethinking Financial Self-Control

(25:30) - Hiding Wealth

(28:40) - Money Dysmorphia and the Million-Dollar Disconnect

(33:15) - Therapy Meets Financial Planning

(37:00) - You’re Not Broken—You’re Unpacking

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Financial therapy for couples, Megan McCoy, Gender and financial dynamics, Imposter syndrome and success, Navigating wealth and identity.

Mentions:

Website: https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/pfp/about/people/meganmccoy/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mccoy-phd?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F 

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at [email protected]

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In this intimate and thought-provoking episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, Ed sits down with powerhouse couple Doug and Heather Boneparth—co-founders of Bonafide Wealth and co-authors of an upcoming book that dives deep into the intersection of love, money, and trauma. But this isn't just a story of professional success—it's a raw, unfiltered look at the real journey behind the scenes: a couple navigating early adulthood in the throes of a recession, redefining roles around ambition and financial contribution, and learning to recalibrate their relationship through the evolving seasons of marriage, parenthood, and business. From grappling with shifting power dynamics and gender roles to reclaiming shared ambition after years of imbalance, Doug and Heather open up about the invisible labor, emotional recalibration, and personal transformation required to keep their relationship strong. Whether you're in a relationship, building a business with your partner, or simply trying to figure out how love and money can coexist—this episode will challenge your perspective, inspire reflection, and remind you that the dance of marriage is messy, beautiful, and always evolving.

Key Takeaways:

• How do couples navigate ambition and financial roles within a relationship while maintaining mutual respect and balance?

• What challenges arise when transitioning from traditional career roles to shared entrepreneurship, and how do partners support each other through these shifts?

• How can couples continuously recalibrate their relationship and financial dynamics to reflect changing life circumstances and maintain equity?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - From college sweethearts to financial partners 

(05:00) - Defining “collective ambition” in a marriage 

(08:00) - Redefining masculinity and partnership in finances 

(12:30) - Marriage isn’t a “set it and forget it” model

(14:00) - The invisible labor of love and money

(16:00) - Redefining contribution beyond income 

(21:00) - Walking it out: conflict resolution on the move 

(23:00) - The emotional toll of leaving corporate life 

(33:00) - Letting go of the “conflict-free relationship” myth 

(34:30) - Spotting when it’s time to switch roles

(38:00) - Financial recalibration in new life seasons

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Couples and money, Financial planning for millennials, Marriage and financial equity, Love and money podcast, Navigating money and relationships, Douglas and Heather Boneparth

Mentions:

Website: https://www.readthejointaccount.com/

Email: [email protected] 

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at [email protected]

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Ed interviews Justin and Hailey Brown-Woods, the dynamic couple behind the 'Price of Avocado Toast' podcast and financial coaching business. The Brown-Woods share their personal journey from receiving a $600,000 wrongful death settlement to blowing through the money and accruing $220,000 in debt, and how they turned their financial hardships into a mission to help others. They discuss the origins of their podcast name, the impact of their similar humble upbringings, and their transformation through effective communication about money. They also delve into their unique approaches to financial counseling and education, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big, staying present, and de-stigmatizing money conversations. The episode provides valuable insights into how couples can navigate financial struggles, improve their financial health, and build a strong, supportive relationship.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The Origin of 'Price of Avocado Toast'

(04:17) - The Pumpkin Muffin Story

(05:39) - Blowing Through $600,000

(10:15) - Destigmatizing Money Conversations

(14:38) - Healthy Communication Practices

(19:55) - Managing Sensitivity in Relationships

(24:16) - Redefining Masculinity and Vulnerability

(29:07) - Supporting Each Other's Growth

(34:28) - Evolving Financial Coaching Practices

(37:03) - Balancing Dreams and Reality

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples

Mentions:

Website: https://www.priceofavocadotoast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priceofavocadotoast

Mentions: Happy Money Happy Life by Jason Vitug

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at [email protected]

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I’m honored to welcome back Derek Hagan, financial psychology expert and founder of Meaningful Money. We explore the deep emotional ties we have to money, the way wealth impacts identity, and the myths we carry about financial success. Derek shares his insights on why many people believe money will solve their problems, how financial decisions are influenced by subconscious beliefs, and why changing our money mindset is often harder than we expect.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:00] Derek’s realization about brain surgery and how it relates to financial psychology

⏳ [3:45] The myth of the “quick fix” in money therapy and why real change takes time

⏳ [7:30] The power of storytelling and the beliefs we carry about wealth

⏳ [12:00] A real-life client case study on spending, identity, and financial grief

⏳ [18:40] How our financial behaviors are often shaped by childhood experiences

⏳ [25:15] Why wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness and the emotional impact of sudden wealth

⏳ [32:10] The hidden ways we “signal” financial success and why it matters

⏳ [40:20] How financial stress distorts our perception of other people’s money situations

⏳ [47:05] Finding a healthy balance between external validation and intrinsic self-worth

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Derek Hagan:

• Website: Meaning.blog
• LinkedIn: Derek Hagan
• Twitter: @MoneyHealthGuy

📖 Recommended Books & Resources:

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hanson
• Strangers in Paradise by James Grubman

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations on financial and relational well-being. Share this episode with a friend, family member, or partner to spark meaningful money conversations.

Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. Every person’s situation is unique, and I encourage seeking personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

Thank you for listening—remember, healthy love and money go hand in hand!

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Derek Hagan, financial psychology expert and founder of Money Health Solutions. We dive into the hidden forces shaping our money mindset, how childhood experiences influence financial behaviors, and the powerful role of curiosity in personal and financial growth. Derek shares his journey from growing up in a low-income household to becoming an expert in financial decision-making and meaning-making.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

• [1:15] Derek’s early curiosity about life, meaning, and money
• [5:45] Growing up with a scarcity mindset and how it shaped his financial outlook
• [12:30] The invisible career paths in finance that many never learn about
• [18:20] How financial planning decisions are often made under uncertainty
• [25:10] Derek’s journey into the CFA® and CFP® world
• [30:40] The realization that technical finance knowledge isn’t enough
• [36:15] The turning point—discovering financial psychology and deep listening
• [42:30] How curiosity leads to stronger relationships and better money decisions
• [50:10] Practical tips for couples to improve financial communication

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Derek Hagan:
• Website: Money Health Solutions
• LinkedIn: Derek Hagan
• Twitter: @MoneyHealthGuy
• Recommended Books & Resources:
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Share this episode with your friends, family, or partner to help us reach more people on their journey to financial and relational well-being. Let’s grow together!

Healthy Love & Money Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is designed for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared here reflects my personal and professional experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice specific to your situation.

While I aim to provide helpful insights, each individual and relationship is unique, and the topics discussed may not fully apply to your personal circumstances. I encourage you to seek personalized guidance from a qualified financial, legal, or mental health professional.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and accept that neither I, Ed Coambs, nor the Healthy Love & Money Podcast is liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content shared. Your financial and relational well-being are deeply personal, and I’m here to support your journey with compassion and care.

Thank you for listening, and remember: healthy love and money go hand in hand!

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I welcome Dr. Jordan Grumet, hospice physician, financial expert, and author of The Purpose Code. We dive into the fundamental difference between meaning and purpose, how childhood narratives shape our life choices, and why many people struggle to feel “enough.” Jordan shares powerful insights on why purpose isn’t something you find—it’s something you build—and how small daily actions can create a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:00] Jordan’s journey from doctor to purpose-driven work

⏳ [3:40] How childhood experiences shape our understanding of meaning

⏳ [7:10] The difference between meaning (past stories) and purpose (present action)

⏳ [12:00] The trap of living out someone else’s version of success

⏳ [17:00] Why big, goal-based purpose often leads to anxiety

⏳ [22:30] How to shift from external validation to intrinsic fulfillment

⏳ [29:00] The power of “little P” purpose and daily joy

⏳ [35:10] Four techniques to discover your personal purpose anchors

⏳ [40:00] Why purpose should be built around actions, not just people

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Jordan Grumet:

• Website: JordanGrumet.com
• Podcast: Earn & Invest
• Books: Taking Stock and The Purpose Code
• Substack: The Purpose Code

📖 Recommended Books & Resources:

• The Purpose Code by Jordan Grumet
• Taking Stock by Jordan Grumet
• The Power of Meaning by Emily Esfahani Smith
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us bring meaningful conversations to help people build financial and relational well-being. Share this episode with a friend or loved one who is searching for clarity and purpose in their life.

Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. Every individual’s situation is unique, and I encourage seeking personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

Thank you for listening—remember, healthy love and money go hand in hand!

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I welcome Tara Unverzagt, founder of South Bay Financial Partners and a fellow financial therapist. We explore Internal Family Systems (IFS) and how this groundbreaking therapeutic approach can help individuals and couples transform their financial relationships. Tara shares her journey of integrating IFS into her financial therapy practice, how understanding our "parts" can heal deep-seated money wounds, and why no part of us is bad—even the ones that sabotage our financial decisions.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:00] Tara’s journey into financial therapy and Internal Family Systems

⏳ [3:30] The shift from “fixing” money problems to embracing all parts of ourselves

⏳ [7:15] The power of scaffolding vs. enabling in family financial decisions

⏳ [12:00] How attachment theory influences our financial behaviors

⏳ [17:30] Everyday money conflicts—how a simple comment about crumbs turned into a deep realization

⏳ [22:00] The spender-saver dynamic and how IFS helps couples navigate financial differences

⏳ [28:40] Understanding financial anxiety and how it’s often rooted in childhood experiences

⏳ [33:00] The deep connection between money, identity, and self-worth

⏳ [40:10] Why financial planning should be about understanding emotions, not just numbers

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Tara Unverzagt:

• Website: South Bay Financial Partners
• LinkedIn: Tara Unverzagt
• Instagram: @SouthBayFinancialPartners

📖 Recommended Books & Resources:

• No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Wired for Wealth by Brad Klontz

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If you found this episode insightful, subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue sharing meaningful conversations on financial and relational well-being. Share this episode with a friend or partner who may benefit from learning how IFS can improve their financial and emotional life.

Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. Every individual’s situation is unique, and I encourage seeking personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

Thank you for listening—remember, healthy love and money go hand in hand!

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I have the extraordinary privilege of welcoming George Kinder, the father of Life Planning and author of The Seven Stages of Money Maturity. George has been a pioneer in integrating psychology, philosophy, and finance, helping people move beyond numbers and into true financial freedom. Today, we discuss his new book, The Three Domains of Freedom, and how financial planning can become a tool for self-discovery, personal liberation, and societal transformation.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:10] George shares his journey from traditional finance to life planning

⏳ [5:30] How he learned from the best therapists in Boston—and applied it to financial planning

⏳ [9:40] Why listening and inspiration are the two most powerful tools in financial planning

⏳ [15:20] Overcoming financial trauma by focusing on the future instead of being stuck in the past

⏳ [19:00] The magic question financial planners should ask their clients

⏳ [23:45] How couples can fall in love again by supporting each other’s dreams

⏳ [28:15] The illusion of competition in marriage—and why collaboration is the key to financial success

⏳ [34:30] George introduces his new book: The Three Domains of Freedom

⏳ [38:45] Why this is the most exciting time in human history for transformation

⏳ [44:00] How we can create a sustainable, just, and humane civilization

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with George Kinder:

• Website: GeorgeKinder.com
• Book: The Three Domains of Freedom
• Life Planning: Kinder Institute of Life Planning

📖 Recommended Books:

• The Seven Stages of Money Maturity by George Kinder
• The Three Domains of Freedom by George Kinder
• A Golden Civilization and The Map of Mindfulness by George Kinder

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If this episode inspired you, subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that transform financial and relational well-being. Share this episode with a friend, partner, or financial professional who wants to find more freedom in money and life.

Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. Every individual’s situation is unique, and I encourage seeking personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

Thank you for listening—remember, freedom starts with you!

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I sit down with Rachel Lawrence, a financial planner and the Head of Advice and Planning at Monarch Money. Rachel has an incredible personal journey with money that shaped her passion for financial planning and cash flow management. She shares her insights on how couples can collaborate around money, eliminate shame from budgeting, and use tools like Monarch Money to make financial conversations smoother.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:10] Rachel shares her personal journey with money and why she named her firm "Reverie Wealth"

⏳ [5:20] Why Rachel wants to impact millions of people with financial planning

⏳ [8:30] How Monarch Money is changing the way couples collaborate on cash flow

⏳ [10:00] The best budgeting tip for couples: Tagging transactions to avoid money fights

⏳ [12:50] How Monarch Money saves couples time in financial conversations

⏳ [15:30] Why blended families and financial planning go hand in hand

⏳ [17:00] The historical and societal impact on financial struggles, especially for women and marginalized groups

⏳ [19:50] Rachel’s deep dive into money trauma and personal growth

⏳ [25:10] How growing up in a financially unstable household shaped Rachel’s career

⏳ [28:30] The intersection of money, shame, religion, and identity

⏳ [35:00] The importance of financial authenticity and why personal finance is never one-size-fits-all

⏳ [38:30] How financial planning needs to recalibrate with life’s changing priorities

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Rachel Lawrence:

• Website: Reverie Wealth
• Monarch Money: Monarch Money
• Instagram: @RachelFP
• LinkedIn: Rachel Lawrence

📖 Recommended Resources:

• The Body of Money by Gayle Colman
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Monarch Money – A Game-Changer for Couples

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe and leave a review! Help us reach millions of people by sharing this episode with someone who is navigating money, relationships, and financial intimacy.

Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. Every individual’s situation is unique, and I encourage seeking personalized guidance from a qualified professional.

Thank you for listening—your financial and relational growth starts here!