Today’s episode of the Stronger Marriage Connection dives into Amanda
Christensen’s personal money mission to help couples learn how to manage their finances and build their connection.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: Who is Amanda Christensen?
2:28 – Why is money such a hard topic to discuss in marriage?
5:03 – Dave’s experience: managing a tight budget as college students.
6:02 – Liz’s experience: managing money when you are developing financial independence prior to marriage.
7:05 – Money autonomy and money wins.
10:00 – Learn your money personality.
11:26 – What does the research say about how couples manage finances?
One spouse handling main finances, trust, communication, chose what kind of account
management works for you, discovering how to communicate about money without
argument, little or no debt and living within your means.
22:40 – Personal finance is personal!
23:50 – Amanda’s money management tip #1: Have a money plan
25:18 – Amanda’s money management tip #2: Develop financial trust
26:16 – Amanda’s money management tip #3: Talk about large purchases
26:58 – Amanda’s money management tip #4: Talk about debt
28:14 – Amanda’s money management tip #5: What does it mean to live within your means?
30:45 – Amanda’s money management tip #6: Work together during challenge
34:35 – Understanding your own and your spouse’s money script
37:18 – Resources to find out more about Amanda’s work
38:36 – Takeaways

About Amanda Christensen:
Amanda H. Christensen is an Extension Professor and Accredited Financial Counselor
responsible for statewide personal finance education through USU Extension. She’s editor of the Utah Money Moms blog. She and her team are the recipients of two consecutive Best of State awards for efforts to improve financial wellness across the state. You can view their live webinar schedule or request a free class for your group at finance.usu.edu/efw. On a Sunday afternoon you’ll find Amanda sipping a Diet Coke with lime at the kitchen table over a 1000 piece puzzle listening to an audio book.

Insights:

Dave: Developing trust and communication around money builds connection and allows you to
be on the same page.

Liz: The key to a couple’s financial success is about doing what is best for them.

Amanda: Even couples in great marriages disagree about money, and that’s okay!

Invites:

   •    Take the online “money personality assessment” at www.powerpay.org and use the
code “FWFREETANF” for a free e-course and personality assessment. Discuss your
results with your partner.
   •    A money plan with your partner for the next month. See where you are living
within your means and may be living outside of your means.
   •    Discover what your money script is by asking yourself the questions Amanda outlines in the podcast. Now, discover what your spouse’s money script is.

Amanda Christensen Links:

PowerPay Money Master Online Course Link: www.powerpay.org
Code for listeners to register for free: “FWFREETANF”

Financial Management Practices of Couples in Great Marriages Research
article: https://www.proquest.com/openview/7e860331b30e51876bb6df092364c6b9/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=37909

Happiness and income research update: 

https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/does-more-money-correlate-greater-happiness-Penn-Princeton-research

The gender gap and retirement: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/gender-gap-retirement

www.utahmoneymoms.com

@utahmoney moms

www.finance.usu.edu

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Dr. Dave Schramm:

https://drdaveschramm.com

https://drdavespeaks.com

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Dr. Liz Hale:

http://www.drlizhale.com/