Money and relationships break down together and the timing of that break is more predictable than you'd think. You wait. The bill arrives. Your partner is still on a work call. You hold up the statement and something that was a financial problem becomes a relationship one. That sequence is not random and it's not inevitable.

The neighbors of lottery winners are statistically more likely to go bankrupt than the average person, because financial behavior is social before it's rational. The scripts you absorbed watching your parents, money is the root of all evil, that person has so much they must be a jerk, those are still running in the background when you split a check or avoid telling your kids the account is tight. Debt correlates with divorce at a higher rate than almost any other relationship stressor, and 2026 is adding pressure to couples that were already stretched.

The dream sandwich changes the sequence: shared goal first, hard number in the middle, shared goal again at the end. It's a framework, but what it's really doing is making the money conversation something you want to have instead of something you've been avoiding.

Topics: money and relationships, financial stress couples, talking about money with partner, family money conversations, financial anxiety 2026

GUEST: Melissa Leong | @‌lisleong

Originally aired on 2026-02-24

Money and relationships break down together and the timing of that break is more predictable than you'd think. You wait. The bill arrives. Your partner is still on a work call. You hold up the statement and something that was a financial problem becomes a relationship one. That sequence is not random and it's not inevitable.
The neighbors of lottery winners are statistically more likely to go bankrupt than the average person, because financial behavior is social before it's rational. The scripts you absorbed watching your parents, money is the root of all evil, that person has so much they must be a jerk, those are still running in the background when you split a check or avoid telling your kids the account is tight. Debt correlates with divorce at a higher rate than almost any other relationship stressor, and 2026 is adding pressure to couples that were already stretched.
The dream sandwich changes the sequence: shared goal first, hard number in the middle, shared goal again at the end. It's a framework, but what it's really doing is making the money conversation something you want to have instead of something you've been avoiding.
Topics: money and relationships, financial stress couples, talking about money with partner, family money conversations, financial anxiety 2026
GUEST: Melissa Leong | @&zwnj;lisleong
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-24

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.