Money Matrimony

Nobody gives you a straight answer to this question. The baby books don't cover it. Your parents had different costs. And Google will give you a figure so large it either paralyses you or you dismiss it entirely.

In this episode, Hayson and Nikki break down what raising a child actually costs in Australia, including the numbers most people underestimate and have an honest conversation about the career impacts, the superannuation gap, and the financial decisions couples need to make together before the baby arrives.

This isn't about whether you should have children. It's about going in with your eyes open so you can make the transition with clarity, not shock.

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Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional. 

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years ago we sat down with a microphone and a question: why aren't couples talking about money? Today, we're marking our second anniversary by turning the lens on ourselves.

In this episode, Nikki and Hayson get personal about why Money Matrimony started, what they've had to unlearn along the way, and the listener stories that have made this community something truly special. They also share what's coming in Year Three — including some episodes they've been too nervous to do until now.

If you've been part of this community from the beginning, this one is for you. And if you're new — welcome. You're in the right place.

• Why money conversations in relationships are still so rare — and what it costs couples when they stay silent
• The misconceptions about money and relationships that Hayson and Nikki have had to revise through making this show
• What listener stories have revealed about the real impact of having these conversations
• The topics coming in Year Three — including the ones that made them nervous

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional. 

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inheritance. Ageing parents. Entitlement. Responsibility.

Few family conversations carry more emotion — or more unspoken expectation — than money across generations.

• Should parents leave an inheritance?
• Should children expect one?
• And what happens when ageing parents need financial support later in life?

Most families never clearly talk about these questions.

But silence doesn’t remove expectations.It just hides them.

And hidden expectations around money eventually become pressure, resentment and conflict.

In this episode, we unpack the tension between honour and obligation, provision and entitlement, wisdom and guilt — and what Scripture actually says about legacy, responsibility and family.

Because legacy isn’t just about what money you leave behind.

It’s about the maturity, values and clarity you pass on.

We discuss questions like:

• Should parents leave inheritance to their children?
• Why inheritance should never become an expectation?
• The danger of entitlement across generations?
• What the Bible says about honouring parents financially?
• Supporting ageing parents without destroying your own family stability?
• Why silent expectations fracture marriages and siblings?
• How to have these conversations before crisis forces them

• Don’t build your life assuming money is coming.
• If inheritance comes, receive it with gratitude — not entitlement.
• Raise children who are capable before they are comfortable.
• And honour parents with wisdom, not guilt.
• Because maybe legacy isn’t about how much money moves between generations…
• But about the kind of people we become along the way.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional. 

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore financial security not necessarily through the lens of a monetary amount, but rather through ‘feelings’. We discuss how ‘enough’ is not an end goal that one achieves to reach but a state of emotional confidence and peace that is supported by preparedness and aligns with your financial reality and the importance navigating that as a couple.

Some key ideas we explore:

• How financial security and what is enough changes depending on the season of life you’re in
• How lifestyle creep quietly undermines security, even as income increases
• Why shared “no’s” are just as important as shared goals
• Practical, real-life examples of what “enough” can look like
• How couples can get on the same page with each other, not against each other
• Guardrails that help protect security and enough over time

At the end of the day, security grows when couples are more aligned emotionally and practically, so here are some conversation starters to help you both if you want to keep the conversation going or started, try asking each other:

• What does financial security mean to you?
• What helps you feel safe and what triggers anxiety around money?
• What does “enough” look like for this season of our lives?
• What financial situations do we never want to repeat?
• Does this expense move us closer to security or just comfort?

You don’t need perfect answers, just shared language and be a good and active listener!

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional. 

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money boundaries can sound burdensome.

Like rules, we immediately think of restriction. Less freedom.

But in our experience, the opposite is true.

When money boundaries are unclear, tension quietly builds; guilt around spending, surprise purchases, avoiding conversations, and resentment that’s hard to name. Not because couples don’t care, but because expectations were never clearly defined.

In this episode, we unpack what money boundaries really are, why they matter in a relationship, and how… when built together with respect; it doesn’t restrict your life but can actually give you room to breathe.

We talk about:

• What money boundaries are (and what they’re not)
• Why most money conflict isn’t about numbers, but about differing expectations and emotional safety
• What happens in relationships when boundaries don’t exist
• Why boundaries are often misunderstood as control instead of protection
• How healthy boundaries reduce anxiety, resentment, and distrust
• The key categories of money boundaries every couple should consider

Whether you’re just starting to talk about money or trying to untangle ongoing tension, this episode is about creating clarity that protects both your finances and your relationship.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional. 

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the new year approaches, many couples resolve to “be better with money.”

And yet, year after year, one reality remains: many people still don’t have a budget.

This is one of our most popular episodes, and for good reason.

In this first part of our Budgeting 101 series, we break down what a budget actually is, why it’s essential, and how to start one in a way that’s realistic, flexible, and life-giving — not restrictive or overwhelming.

If 2026 is the year you want clarity, confidence, and intentionality with your money, this episode is where we recommend starting.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a budget really is (and what it’s not)
• Why budgeting matters for individuals and couples
• Common myths and fears around budgeting
• Practical steps to start your first budget

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once you’re convinced you need a budget, the next challenge is doing it together.

As we head into the new year, we’re re-releasing this episode because budgeting as a couple is rarely just about numbers — it’s about communication, expectations, control, and shared responsibility.

In this episode, we talk honestly about the common obstacles couples face when budgeting together and provide practical tools to navigate those challenges. Our goal isn’t perfection — it’s partnership.

Because the healthiest budgets are the ones both spouses understand, contribute to, and own together.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why budgeting together can feel difficult
• Common conflict points between spouses
• How to move from “my money” to “our money”
• Tools to build shared ownership of the budget

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we head into a new year, we’re re-releasing what we believe is one of the most important money conversations for married couples.

This episode isn’t really about bank accounts — it’s about unity, trust, and how you choose to function as a team. Over the years, we’ve seen joint accounts become one of the most powerful tools for reducing financial tension and increasing transparency in marriage, yet it’s also one of the most debated topics.

In this episode, we explore why joint accounts matter, the fears and objections couples often have, and how shared finances can actually strengthen your relationship rather than create conflict.

If your New Year intention includes deeper alignment, fewer money arguments, and a stronger sense of “us” when it comes to finances, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why money division often creates relational distance
• The real purpose of joint accounts in marriage
• Common concerns couples have (and how to work through them)
• How shared finances can build trust and teamwork

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before you set financial goals, build a budget, or make plans for the year ahead, there’s one crucial step most couples skip: understanding each other.

That’s why we’re re-releasing this foundational episode as you begin the new year.

In Money & Me, we unpack how our personal money stories — shaped by childhood, culture, experiences, and past wins or failures — influence how we think, feel, and behave around money today. These stories quietly shape every financial decision we make as individuals and as couples.

In this episode, we explore:

• What a “money story” is and how it’s formed
• Why couples often clash over money without realising why
• How understanding each other changes the way you plan and budget
• Why awareness comes before action

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31 — Is It Worth It? Family Holidays & Grocery Shopping

In Part 2 of our “Is It Worth It?” mini-series, we take on two everyday decisions that every family wrestles with:

🏖️ Family holidays — memories vs money

🛒 Online vs in-person grocery shopping

This episode explores how couples can balance joy, time, convenience, and financial goals when making decisions that feel small but add up in a big way.

Together, we unpack:

✨ Family Holidays — Are big trips worth the money? Do kids actually need them, or is it about the memories we think we should create? What’s the real cost of not taking a break as a family?

✨ Online vs In-Person Shopping — Which one truly saves money? Which one saves time? And which one saves our sanity?

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why we often equate “good memories” with expensive trips
• The mental load of dragging kids through the aisles at the shops vs the temptation of online impulse buying
• How to evaluate what’s worth it based on your values, not expectations
• The decision-making questions we use as a couple to find our middle ground

If you’ve ever debated whether a holiday is “worth the cost,” or wondered why your grocery bill blows out online and in store, this episode will help you navigate those choices with more clarity — and zero guilt.

🎧 Tune in and discover what’s actually worth it for your family.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.