There are many sources of conflict among couples, but money may be one of the biggest. In this episode of The Behavioral Divide with Hal Hershfield, we discuss how financial decisions are made within couples and explore ideas on how we might improve them.

We first speak with Scott Rick, Ph.D., a professor of marketing at The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and author of Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships (planned release January 2024). We talk about his research into couples and what seems to work well and not so well when it comes to their finances.

Next, we talk with financial advisors Stuart Vick Smith, PFS, CPA of Maxwell Locke & Ritter and Elizabeth Shabaker, CFP, CDC of Versant Capital Management on the common pitfalls they’ve encountered in managing wealth for couples. We also discuss strategies they’ve found to be successful for righting the ship to keep couples on track towards their shared goals.

If you enjoy the show, please let us know by giving our series a five-star rating. We’d also love to hear from you on this topic of managing money among couples. To join in on the discussion, send us a note at [email protected].

Important Disclosures

The views expressed in this presentation are the speaker’s own and not necessarily those of American Century Investments. This presentation is for general information only and is not intended to provide investment, tax or legal advice or recommendations for any particular situation or type of retirement plan. Please consult with a financial, tax or legal advisor on your own particular circumstances. 

Hal Hershfield is not affiliated with American Century Investments.

The book Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Avantis Investors or American Century Investments.