In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I sit down with Adam Kol, a financial coach, mediator, and author of the newly released book Financial Intimacy for Couples. Adam is passionate about helping couples bridge the gap between money and relationships, teaching them how to talk openly about finances, resolve conflicts, and make empowered financial decisions together. If you and your partner have ever struggled with different financial habits or expectations, this episode is for you!

Quotes:

“Financial intimacy isn’t about how you structure your accounts—it’s about the meaning, conversations, and agreements beneath those decisions.” – Adam Kol
“Healthy money conversations help couples feel like a team—not adversaries.” – Adam Kol

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:00] Adam shares his journey into couples financial coaching and why financial intimacy is critical

⏳ [4:30] The debate over separate vs. joint finances—why the conversation matters more than the account structure

⏳ [6:50] Money agreements evolve over time—your financial setup isn’t permanent!

⏳ [8:20] How childhood money beliefs and personal experiences shape our financial behaviors in relationships

⏳ [10:00] Why most couples don’t start off as a financial team—and how to get there

⏳ [12:40] The importance of financial empathy in marriage and partnerships

⏳ [14:20] How to navigate financial conflicts without blame or shame

⏳ [16:50] The power of interactive repair—how couples can heal from money disagreements

⏳ [18:30] How Adam’s book, Financial Intimacy for Couples, helps partners create healthy, open, and honest financial communication

⏳ [22:00] Why giving your partner Adam’s book without context is NOT the best approach (and what to do instead!)

⏳ [27:10] Overcoming financial anxiety, shame, and past money wounds

⏳ [32:40] How savers and spenders can learn to understand and appreciate each other

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Adam Kol:

• Website: Couple’s Financial Coach
• Instagram & Socials: @CouplesFinancialCoach
• Email: [email protected]
• 📖 Book: Financial Intimacy for Couples (Amazon)

📖 Recommended Resources:

• Financial Intimacy for Couples by Adam Kol
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller (for understanding relationship dynamics)

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

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

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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 journey to financial intimacy starts here!