Welcome to Modern Financial Wellness! I’m your host, Jim Grace, and today I was thrilled to sit down with Christine Moriarty, CFP®, a seasoned financial planner, author, and keynote speaker, whose area of expertise is navigating money conversations for couples. With over 30 years in the industry, Christine has helped countless couples and individuals bring more peace and understanding to their financial lives.

This episode is all about one of the most challenging—and rewarding—aspects of financial wellness: how couples can manage money together. Whether you’re newly dating, about to move in, getting married, or decades into your partnership, Christine and I discussed the dynamics that play out when two people try to merge not just their finances, but also their upbringing, values, and money habits.

Christine brings a wealth of experience to this conversation. She’s spent decades coaching couples, teaching workshops, and writing about what it means to create “money peace.” Her perspective is informed not only by her professional background but also by her personal journey—observing healthy financial habits modeled by her parents and learning through her own marriage what works and what doesn’t. She is the author of Creating Your Money Peace and runs the site moneypeace.com.

1. Money Talks Need to Start Early (and Often): The best time for couples to begin talking openly about money is before moving in together or making big commitments. Start by sharing your financial backgrounds—how you grew up, your first money memories—before diving into the numbers.
2. Appreciate, Don’t Judge, Your Differences: We all bring different values, habits, and anxieties around money to a relationship, often absorbed from our families. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, see them as opportunities for deeper understanding.
3. Systems Must Be Fluid: What “worked” for a couple for years can suddenly cause stress when life changes—think retirement, a new baby, or job changes. Regularly revisit your money systems, budgets, and roles so you can adapt together.
4. It’s About Conscious Choices, Not Perfection: The goal isn’t to avoid all disagreements or to create a perfect budget. It’s to make conscious, intentional decisions together, understanding the “why” behind your money priorities.
5. Regular Money Dates Change Everything: Inspired by Victoria Felton Collins’ Couples and Money, Christine encourages “money dates”—structured, time-limited conversations about finances. These create a safe space for ongoing, manageable discussions instead of high-stakes arguments.

Money is never just about numbers—it’s about communication, values, and being willing to learn about yourself and your partner. It takes patience, baby steps, and sometimes help from professionals or good resources. I am grateful to Christine for sharing her hard-won wisdom and practical advice. If you want more on this topic, check out the resources above, and as always, feel free to reach out via modernfinancialwellness.com. And remember—give yourself some grace as you tackle money together!

Thanks for listening. Until next time, stay well!