In this episode of Love & other assets, Emily Luk, CEO & co-founder of Plenty, talks with Ed Coambs, a financial therapist who helps couples turn their love and money stories into happily-ever-afters. Ed Coambs MBA, MA, MS, CFP®, CFT-I™, is an internationally recognized thought leader and award-winning author in financial therapy. He leads couples through Therapy-Informed Financial Planning™ from financial despair and frustration into financial intimacy and connection using the latest in love, brain and financial planning science. His ideas appear in the Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, Time, and CNBC. He earned master's degrees in business, counseling, and financial planning. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, Certified Financial Planner™, and Certified Financial Therapist-I™.

Ed's journey is fascinating. He started as a firefighter, then got an MBA and became a financial advisor, only to find his true calling in helping people understand their psychological relationship with money. His career path reveals the profound interconnectedness of our inner world and our financial choices.

We delve into the often-difficult conversation about money in relationships, uncovering why it's so tricky and what we can do about it. Ed shares valuable insights into how childhood experiences shape attachment styles, impacting how we relate to money and our partners.

What we discussed:

• The roots of financial conflict: Ed explains how different family backgrounds and money experiences can create friction even in couples who seem like a perfect match.
• Attachment theory and money: Learn how your attachment style, developed in childhood, influences your financial decisions and how you approach your partner's needs.
• Unlocking financial intimacy: We explore what financial intimacy means and how couples can cultivate a sense of safety and transparency when discussing finances.
• The power of body awareness: Ed shares how tuning into your body's signals can help you recognize when you're shutting down or escalating in a money conversation.
• Tips for navigating conflict: Discover techniques for bringing down the heat when things get heated during financial conversations.
• Words of advice: Ed shares valuable advice he'd give his younger self, reminding us that we can heal from financial fears and insecurities.

This episode is packed with practical advice and insights that can help you transform your relationship with money and your partner. Don't miss it!

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Brought to you by Plenty. Plenty is an investment platform designed specifically for couples to build wealth, together. We go beyond budgeting, making it simple to invest, save and grow towards your future goals by unlocking access to the financial strategies of the wealthy.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Ed Coambs: Website| LinkedIn | Instagram

Connect with Emily Luke: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Plenty: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter/X

PEOPLE & RESOURCES MENTIONED

Channing Allen

Financial Therapy Clinical Institute

Financial Therapy Association

Attachment Theory

Mindfulness practices