Money can bring couples closer—or quietly build tension over time. In this episode, Nikita & Adam Van Deusen dive into one of the biggest relationship questions: Should we combine our finances? And if so, what's the best approach for us?

They explore the three main approaches couples take (fully combined, partially combined, or fully separate), break down the pros and cons of each, and share tips for navigating this conversation with curiosity and mutual respect. You’ll also hear practical tools and ideas—from budget apps to financial agreements—to help you and your partner stay on the same page.

Whether you’re just moving in or years into a long-term partnership, this episode is your guide to building trust and making money work together.

Resources:

• Common Cents: Bank Account Structure and Couples’ Relationship Dynamics
• Money for Couples (By Ramit Sethi)

They say money can’t buy happiness… but is that really true? In this episode, Nikita & Adam Van Deusen explore the complicated relationship between money and well-being — from what the research says to how our everyday spending choices shape our joy.

They break down findings from landmark studies, explore the difference between emotional well-being and life satisfaction, and ask a deeper question: Are you spending your money in a way that aligns with the life you actually want?

You’ll also hear how money can reduce stress and increase freedom—but only if you’re intentional with how you use it. From prioritizing experiences over stuff to giving generously and buying back your time, they share practical ways to use money as a tool for more meaning and happiness.

Resources:

• Income and emotional well-being: A conflict resolved
• Happy Money: The Science of Smarter Spending

In this episode, Nikita & Katherine Chatmon (3rd Decade Volunteer Mentor), discuss how a scarcity mindset & trauma around money impact our financial beliefs, progress, and wellbeing. This discussion includes: how it shows up, root causes, and ways to heal/rewrite your money script.

Resources:

• "Money Story" worksheet download
• Financial Archetype Quiz

In this episode, Nikita & Katherine Chatmon (3rd Decade Volunteer Mentor), discuss lifestyle creep. We all experience some amount of this as our income rises, but this episode covers: personal examples, how to recognize when it's happening, why it matters, prevention techniques, and ways to manage it. 

Resources:

• Avoiding Lifestyle Creep (Presentation by Kohler Credit Union)
• NerdWallet – What Is Lifestyle Creep and How Can You Avoid It?
• Book: Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez 
• The Minimalists (blog, podcast, and Netflix documentary)
• r/BuyItForLife

In this Episode, Nikita welcomes Co-founder & CEO of Waterlily, Lily Vittayarukskul, on to discuss the need for Long-Term Care Planning. Lily's professional path was redirected after she experienced first-hand the financial and familial stress that long-term care costs put on her family when her family member became ill. In this episode, they discuss what average costs are for care, what types of care may be needed in old age, why it matters, and ways to plan for its potential financial impact.

Lily's company uses AI to help analyze your own likelihood for needing care, and which type of insurance policy may be most suitable for you. 

Resources:

• Waterlily
• Waterlily Waitlist
• Genworth Cost of Care Survey
• LongTermCare.gov

Nikita is joined by Adam Van Deusen (Volunteer Mentor & CFP®) for a discussion on the steps you can take for a higher credit score.

Furthermore, this episode covers:

• What a credit score is
• What makes up a credit score
• Accessing credit reports
• Myths

Resources:

• Annual Credit Report
• FICO

Nikita is joined by Adam Van Deusen (Volunteer Mentor & CFP®) for a discussion on how a person can make money on credit cards and dip their toes into the world of "travel hacking".

Furthermore, this episode covers:

• Who is a good candidate for these strategies
• Types of credit card rewards
• Categories of spending
• Sign-up bonuses
• When/if to cancel or downgrade
• Premium cards
• Travel perks beyond free flights
• Pitfalls to avoid

Resources:

• Frequent Miler Blog
• Skyscanner
• PointsYeah

Nikita & Joe'Mar discuss the importance of solid financial planning when it comes to having or starting a family. Each brings their own perspective (Nikita: inviting 2 new members for the first time; Joe'Mar: having 2 older children).

In this episode, they discuss:

1. Short & long-term goal setting
2. Values-based budgeting
3. Tracking income & expenses, and adjusting when needed
4. Different levels of mixed finances
5. Reducing & avoiding debt
6. Building an appropriately sized emergency fund
7. Health insurance
8. 529 plans & UTMA accounts

Resources:

Infant Expense Sheet

What's the real cost of having a baby? (Two Cents: YouTube)

UTMA vs 529: Which Investing Account is Better? (YouTube Video)

Financial Transitions That Come with Marriage (3rd Decade Podcast)
Combining Finances (3rd Decade Podcast)
Financially Literate Homes (Part 1) (3rd Decade Podcast)
Financially Literate Homes (Part 2) (3rd Decade Podcast)

Monthly Budgeting Template

3rdDecade.org

Nikita & Joe'Mar demystify life insurance by discussing what type of policies are out there, as well as which policies to avoid. 

Furthermore, this episode covers:

1. What factors affect your premiums
2. How to find a good insurance company
3. Calculating the amount needed for a policy

Resources:

Life Insurance Calculator (Spreadsheet)

Life Insurance Calculator (Bankrate Online Calculator)

Life Insurance Policy Comparison

Insurance Company Ratings

3rdDecade.org

In this solo episode, Nikita covers the basics of stocks & bonds; how they are traded & the relative risks associated with investing in them. 

If you already understand the basics of investing, consider sharing this podcast with a friend or family member who could use a little primer.