This episode of Love & other assets dives deep into the emotional world of money with Aja Evans, a board-certified therapist specializing in financial therapy. Emily and Aja discuss how our upbringing and personal experiences shape our relationship with money. They explore the common thought patterns that keep people from engaging with their finances openly and honestly, like feeling inadequate for not knowing more about money or fearing the potential for financial instability.

Aja shares practical tips for starting conversations about money with your partner, emphasizing the importance of labeling your feelings, using "I statements" to avoid blame, and understanding where your money beliefs stem from. She highlights the benefits of having separate funds for individual spending, even when sharing a joint account, as a way to foster trust and security within a relationship.

The conversation also touches on the importance of financial transparency, whether it's sharing access to your individual accounts or having a shared platform for tracking finances. This transparency, Aja argues, can help build a stronger foundation for couples, allowing them to navigate financial decisions with more trust and understanding.

Throughout the episode, Emily and Aja address common fears and anxieties around money, from the fear of making mistakes to the feeling of being behind financially compared to others. They offer advice for managing these emotions and focusing on creating a financial future that aligns with your values and goals.

This episode is a must-listen for couples who are ready to break down financial barriers and build a strong foundation for a shared financial future.

What We Discuss:

• Feeling the feels:  Learn how to identify and label your emotions around money, even if they're uncomfortable.
• The power of "I statements": Understand how using "I statements" can improve communication about money with your partner. 
• Facing your money history:  Explore the roots of your money mindset and how your past shapes your present financial decisions. 
• Building financial confidence:  Learn strategies for managing money anxiety and overcoming the fear of making mistakes.
• Joint vs. individual goals: Discover the benefits of having both shared financial goals and individual spending freedom within a relationship.
• Financial transparency: Understand the importance of open communication about money and the value of having a single source for tracking your finances. 

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 Aja Evans: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | 

Connect with Emily Luke: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter

Plenty: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | 

Financial Therapy Association: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn| Twitter

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Channing Allen

UBS

Noma