WDAC Podcasts

What would you call a marriage where spouses see “eye to eye” about money? Some might call it bliss.

It’s true that most couples at least occasionally quarrel about their finances. But could a better understanding of each other’s values help spouses avoid that bickering? Shaunti Feldhahn thinks so, and she joins us today to talk about it.

Shaunti Feldhahn is a Harvard graduate, former Wall Street analyst, social researcher, best-selling author, and a prominent public speaker. She is the co-author of Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself, written with her husband, Jeff, and has co-authored several other books with him, revealing impactful truths about relationships at home and in the workplace.

Shaunti and her husband, Jeff, learned this lesson early in their marriage. Living in New York, they often ate out due to their demanding schedules. However, a seemingly small issue—ordering a Diet Coke—would trigger recurring arguments. Jeff, concerned about their financial future and mounting student loan debt, saw the expense as unnecessary, while Shaunti viewed it as a simple enjoyment that enhanced her meal.

It wasn't until years later, during their research for their book Thriving in Love & Money, that they realized their conflict stemmed from differing values. Jeff prioritized financial security, while Shaunti valued the experience and enjoyment of a meal. Once they uncovered this, they could communicate more effectively and honor each other's perspectives.

Financial disagreements often arise because couples fail to recognize and respect each other's values. In Shaunti and Jeff’s national study, they found that:

• 67% of couples in financial conflicts believe their perspective is the logical one.
• Couples often perceive their spouse’s spending habits as irrational simply because they prioritize different things.

For example, one spouse might see value in spending money on a gym membership for networking and health benefits, while the other might believe household essentials from Costco are a better use of resources. The key takeaway? Neither perspective is wrong—both are rooted in deeply held values.

The solution to money conflicts isn’t just budgeting or financial planning; it’s communication. It’s crucial that couples discuss not jus

Middle school can be tough. Kids face bullying, first crushes, and the pressure to have the right clothes or the latest tech—all while trying to figure out who they are. Dr. Heather Holleman steps into the world of teen girls to help you better understand what your daughter is experiencing. She also offers practical tools to help your daughter build a strong, confident identity rooted in Christ.

Receive The Elita Brown Series 3-book bundle – including This Seat’s Saved (Book #1), The Disappearing Seat (Book #2), and The Elite Seat (Book #3) – plus an audio download of "Guiding Your Preteen Daughter to Find Her Identity in Christ" for your donation of any amount!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Send Us Your Prayer Requests

--------

Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Are there ways you’re shooting your own marriage in the foot? Author Ted Lowe knows 5 bad habits that could stealthily undercut all the closeness you crave--and 5 ways to stop them.

Show Notes and Resources

• Get "Us in Mind: How Changing Your Thoughts Can Change Your Marriage" by Ted Lowe wherever books are sold.
• FamilyLife.com/marriagehelp — free marriage resources

• Thanks to the Christian Standard Bible for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at CSBible.com.
• Find resources from this podcast at shop.familylife.com.
• See resources from our past podcasts.
• Find more content and resources on the FamilyLife app!
• Help others find FamilyLife. Leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
• Check out all the FamilyLife's podcasts on the FamilyLife Podcast Network

See cru.org/us/en/about/privacy FamilyLife’s Privacy Policy

Following Jesus isn’t about adding God to your life … it’s about dying to yourself.  Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe challenges cultural Christianity with biblical truth.  Matthew 10 unpacks the commitment test of discipleship—why Jesus brings a sword, not peace, and what it means to truly make Him Lord.  Listen to Bold Steps with Mark Jobe.

Bold Step Gift: Unshakable Hope: Building Our Lives on the Promises of God

Become a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The thinning of the soul needs the robustness of Truth. 

__________

For additional resources, or to download and share this commentary, visit breakpoint.org.