EP: 036 Navigating Money as a Couple w/ Christine Moriarty, CFP®
In a recent episode of Modern Financial Wellness, 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.
5 Key Takeaways:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can watch the full video of our conversation on YouTube here:
You can also find the audio versions on places like Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever else you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Make sure to check out some of the great recommendations that Christine provided and follow her content below:
READ + LISTEN + LEARN:
- "Couples and Money: Why Money Interferes With Love and What to Do About It" by Victoria Felton-Collins Ph D.
FIND CHRISTINE @: