What happens when financial tension meets emotional depth in a relationship? In this unforgettable episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, Ed sits down with Dr. Stephanie Zepeda, a licensed marriage and family therapist and director of Financial Therapy Texas, for a transformative conversation on money, identity, and the emotional roots of our financial behaviors. From navigating income insecurities to the liberating power of second-order change, Stephanie brings her deep expertise and compassionate lens to the heart of what couples truly struggle with—and how they can heal. Whether you're a therapist, financial planner, or someone trying to make sense of your own money story, this episode offers insight, relatability, and hope. Don’t miss this journey into the psychology of money, the mysticism of mismatched couples, and the radical act of dreaming together.

Key Takeaways:

• How do our childhood experiences and cultural backgrounds shape our beliefs and behaviors around money in relationships?

• Why is it essential for couples to move beyond budgets and into deeper conversations about values, hopes, and dreams?

• What role does emotional safety play in helping partners address financial conflict and build mutual confidence?

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Why talking about money is so “edgy” for couples

(05:00) - Frugal vs. YOLO

(13:00) - Exploring confidence, self-worth, and income insecurity

(17:00) - Gender roles, income dynamics, and financial responsibility

(20:00) - The power of psychological merging of finances

(24:00) - Deconstructing inherited financial values and narratives

(28:00) - Finding virtue in financial “obsessions”

(33:00) - When and how to seek professional support

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples, Financial therapy for couples, Money and relationships, Marriage and money counseling, Emotional triggers around finances, Income inequality in relationships

Mentions:

Website: https://www.financialtherapytexas.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-zepeda-phd-lmft-633a3525

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at ed@healthyloveandmoney.com

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.