Part 1: Money & Marriage: How Couples Build Trust with Money

Money fights aren't about spreadsheets - they're about identity, safety, and trust.

In this episode of Life Engineering, I sit with senior wealth advisor Steve Sebag to unpack why money is so emotional, how secrecy erodes trust, and the practical structures couples can use to get aligned. You'll learn when to combine vs. keep discretionary funds, why "fair" rarely means 50/50, how a budget creates freedom (not restriction), and the one 30-minute ritual that upgrades both communication and finances.

Key takeaways:

• Money is rational and emotional. Childhood scripts and identity shape how we spend, save, and talk.
• Combine most, keep a little. Share household finances; give each partner a guilt-free discretionary bucket.
• "Fair" ≠ 50/50. Contributions should reflect income, responsibilities, and changing seasons.
• Talk early, then often. Secrecy around money signals bigger relationship risks.
• Budget = freedom. Rules reduce chaos and create clarity about choices and trade-offs.
• Financial literacy for both. Both partners should know accounts, plans, and next steps (create a digital vault).
• Advisor = kind, not "nice." Tough truth now > bigger pain later.

About Steve:

Steve Sebag is a Senior Wealth Advisor & Senior Portfolio Manager

With over 25 years of experience in wealth management, Steve Sebag is a distinguished professional in the financial landscape. A graduate of the John Molson School of Business, he holds a degree in Finance and the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) designation. As a founding partner of SKS Investment Partners, Steve leads the Montreal practice, specializing in crafting strategic wealth management solutions for high-net-worth clients and affluent families.

Steve is passionate about developing financial strategies tailored to the unique goals and aspirations of each family he serves.

Beyond finance, he's a philanthropist, a community leader, and the co-founder of FIX, a program supporting young people facing serious challenges, including addiction.

- https://skspartners.ca/

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesebag/

Gabriela Embon – Speaker – Author – Life Engineering coach

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