Money Without Madness™ program
Creating Financial Unity: Turning Money Talks into Teamwork
Money shouldn’t be a power struggle—it can be your partnership superpower.
Build clarity, calm, and unity with simple systems you’ll actually use: clear roles, shared goals, and a 20-minute weekly rhythm that lowers stress and raises trust.
Why this course works (and others don’t)
Most couples try to “budget harder.” But the real problem isn’t math—it’s mindset, visibility, and rhythm. Couples who talk about money regularly enjoy higher relationship satisfaction; hiding or avoiding finances destroys trust. Financial secrecy (“financial infidelity”) is common—~40% of partnered adults admit to it—and money conflict is among the strongest predictors of divorce. This course fixes the root: alignment, transparency, and repeatable habits.
What the research says
Arguing about money is a top divorce predictor; it cuts deeper and lasts longer than most fights.
Joint/visible systems boost alignment and satisfaction by shifting couples from “mine vs. yours” to “ours.”
Couples underestimate the benefits of frequent money talks—until they try them.
The promise (outcomes you can feel in 7–14 days)
Replace tension with teamwork: same-team language, clear rules, no more blindsides.
Turn chaos into calm: one-page Money Map, automated flows, spending guardrails.
Build trust fast: full visibility, shared dashboards, and small weekly wins that stack.
Course format
9 Core Modules | Self-paced videos + printable tools
Each module includes Learning Focus, Key Insights, Scripts/Tools, Activities, and Reflections
Designed for married couples (23–60) at any stage—0 to 30+ years married
What’s inside (curriculum at a glance)
INTRO — Why Financial Unity Matters
Focus: Money is emotional, not just mathematical. Unity = shared direction + transparency + respect.
Activities: Truth Check-In, Unity Vision.
Tools: Couple Financial Harmony Checklist, Money Conflict Quiz.
Stats that matter: Money fights are common; secrecy erodes trust; shared systems raise satisfaction.
1) Know Your Money Story
Focus: Your childhood, culture, and past shape today’s habits. Awareness turns blame → empathy.
Activities: Money Memories Map, Reflection Exchange.
Script: “My habits come from my story—I want us to understand, not judge.”
2) Identify Your Money Styles
Focus: Saver/Spender, Security-Seeker/Freedom-Lover, Planner/Experiencer, Investor/Stability-Keeper.
Insight: Mismatched risk preferences double divorce likelihood—we’ll harmonize them.
Tools: Money Personality Profile, Style Contract.
3) Set Roles Without Power Struggles
Focus: You’re co-CEOs, not boss/employee. Roles by strength, access for both.
Structure: CFO (numbers), COO (rhythms), CIO (growth), CRO (risk/insurance).
Activities: Money Task Audit, Access Map.
Litmus: “If one of us were down tomorrow, can the other step in confidently?”
4) Build Your Values-Based Budget
Focus: Start with values → then numbers (Essentials, Goals, Fun, Yours/Mine).
Guardrails: Spend-limit text, 48-hour rule, one-in/one-out for subs.
Tools: Budget Template, Values→Spending Worksheet.
5) The 20-Minute Weekly Money Meeting
Focus: Consistency beats intensity.
Agenda (timer-based): Wins (2) • Pulse (5) • Progress (5) • Decisions (5) • Next step (3).
Scripts: “Same team.” “Story vs. facts.” “If yes to X, what are we saying no to?”
Tool: 20-Minute Meeting Template.
(Couples who talk money more often report better financial & relationship outcomes.)
6) Spot & Solve Sticking Points
Focus: Unequal income, joint vs. separate, saver vs. spender, investing fears, budget relapses, financial infidelity.
Framework: Name it → Frame it (problem, not person) → Change the system → Rebuild trust.
Repair after secrecy: full disclosure, joint visibility, agreed safeguards.
7) Grow Together: Savings, Debt & Investing
Focus: Stabilize first. Automate small wins.
Targets: Starter EF £/$1–2k → 3–6 months • High-interest debt first (APR >8–10%) • Raise retirement/ISA/401(k) +1%/quarter • Set protection (life/disability, wills).
Tools: 90-Day Progress Tracker, Debt Snowball, Simple Investment Roadmap.
8) Stay Aligned When Life Changes
Focus: Kids, job shifts, moves = recalibrate goals/roles.
Ritual: Quarterly Reset—re-rank goals, review spend, nudge savings +1–2%, map 12-month calendar.
Tool: Quarterly Review & Future Planning Calendar.
9) Trust, Transparency & Intimacy Through Money
Focus: Transparency → safety → intimacy.
Activities: Financial Transparency Pact,5-Year Dream Map,Celebration Ritual.
Evidence: Shared/visible finances correlate with better alignment and fewer money problems.
Toolkits you get (plug-and-play)
One-Page Money Map (income → buckets → automation)
Spending Rules Agreement (limits, alerts, allowances)
Repair Scripts for Money Talks (de-escalation + decisions)
90-Day Unity Sprint (Weeks 1–12 checklist)
Financial Transparency Template (logins, dashboards, alerts)
Is this for us?
We love each other, but money talks get tense or go silent.
We want visibility without surveillance, freedom without chaos.
We’re ready for short weekly rhythms and simple rules that stick.
Faith-friendly, science-informed—welcoming to all.
Real couples, real outcomes
“The 20-minute meeting saved our marriage calendar and our sanity.”
“We stopped arguing and started deciding. The rules helped us breathe.” “Full visibility rebuilt trust. Now money feels like ours again.”
FAQs
How fast will we see change?
Most couples feel relief in 1–2 weeks (fewer surprises, calmer decisions) when they run the weekly meeting + rules.
Do we have to merge everything?
No. We teach the three-bucket model—Ours / Yours / Mine—with full visibility. Research shows having at least one shared bucket strengthens alignment.
What if one spouse earns more?
Use proportional contributions, equal “no-guilt” money, and joint decisions.
Faith-based?
Inclusive. Principles of stewardship, generosity, and unity are optional add-ons.
Your next 7 days (micro-plan)
Day 1: Put the weekly meeting on the calendar; set a spend-limit text rule.
Day 2: Share logins; enable alerts for both phones.
Day 3: Rank values; pick your top 3 money priorities.
Day 4: Draft a good-enough v1 budget; include Yours/Mine allowances.
Day 5: Automate payday splits (Essentials → Goals → Fun → Yours/Mine).
Day 6: Subscription sweep (keep/cut/cap).
Day 7: Celebrate a small win (coffee date, long walk, gratitude toast).
Money without madness. Unity without power plays. 20 minutes a week.
One decision at a time. Less stress, more trust.