Money fights are one of the most common, and most damaging, sources of tension in a relationship. Whether it’s spending, debt, or mismatched financial goals, those arguments can quietly erode trust and connection over time. But here’s the good news: money doesn’t have to be the thing that drives couples apart. When partners develop healthy financial habits and learn how to communicate about money, it can actually strengthen their relationship. Which is why we’re excited to welcome Dr. Sonya Lutter to the show today. She’s both a marriage therapist and a financial planner, and she leads the Financial Health & Wellness program at Texas Tech. She brings a rare, research-backed perspective on how couples can keep money from becoming a stumbling block and instead make it a source of teamwork. Today we discuss: 
How financial therapy combines finance and emotional support
Perception of financial wellness often differs from reality
Financial stress impacts decision-making abilities
Biological responses to stress affect financial decisions
Regular financial conversations can prevent conflicts
The most common relational dynamic that leads to money fights
How financial infidelity can be as damaging as sexual infidelity
And much more!

Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
Sonya: All things Sonya over at her website, SonyaLutter.com
Credit card perks: Check out our favorite credit cards that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.
Money Gears: knowing what to do with your money is crucial to your personal finance journey.
Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the HTM Facebook group!

 

And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!

 

Best friends out!

Money fights are one of the most common, and most damaging, sources of tension in a relationship. Whether it&rsquo;s spending, debt, or mismatched financial goals, those arguments can quietly erode trust and connection over time. But here&rsquo;s the good news: money doesn&rsquo;t have to be the thing that drives couples apart. When partners develop healthy financial habits and learn how to communicate about money, it can actually strengthen their relationship. Which is why we&rsquo;re excited to welcome Dr. Sonya Lutter to the show today. She&rsquo;s both a marriage therapist and a financial planner, and she leads the Financial Health &amp; Wellness program at Texas Tech. She brings a rare, research-backed perspective on how couples can keep money from becoming a stumbling block and instead make it a source of teamwork. Today we discuss:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How financial therapy combines finance and emotional support</li>
<li aria-level="1">Perception of financial wellness often differs from reality</li>
<li aria-level="1">Financial stress impacts decision-making abilities</li>
<li aria-level="1">Biological responses to stress affect financial decisions</li>
<li aria-level="1">Regular financial conversations can prevent conflicts</li>
<li aria-level="1">The most common relational dynamic that leads to money fights</li>
<li aria-level="1">How financial infidelity can be as damaging as sexual infidelity</li>
<li aria-level="1">And much more!</li>
</ul>
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sonya: All things Sonya over at her website, <a href="http://sonyalutter.com/">SonyaLutter.com</a></li>
<li>Credit card perks: Check out <a href="https://go.nextcard.com/shau19-htmomny">our favorite credit cards</a> that we use to maximize rewards and optimize our spending.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Money Gears: knowing <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/start-here/">what to do with your money</a> is crucial to your personal finance journey.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Newsletter: Sign up for the weekly <a href="https://www.howtomoney.com/newsletter/">HTM newsletter</a>. It&rsquo;s fun, free, &amp; practical.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Other money nerds: Find a thriving community of fellow money nerds by joining the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1623670287732189">HTM Facebook group!</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you&rsquo;re not already a regular listener, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-money/id1337718773?mt=2">give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!
&nbsp;
Best friends out!

Best friends Joel and Matt are the co-hosts of How to Money which is all about providing the knowledge & tools that normal folks need to thrive in areas like debt payoff, DIY investing, and crucial money tricks that will provide continuous help along your journey. We believe that access to unbiased and jargon-free personal finance guidance is more necessary than ever before. When you handle your money in a purposeful, thoughtful way that works for your lifestyle, you can really start living a rich life.

How to Money

Talk About Money Without Fighting w/ Dr. Sonya Lutter #1100

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/66c78806-e84a-4ee6-9a75-b3b5010f7c11/transcript