Host Matthew Gray welcomes Carine Keenan, a marriage and family therapist, and Joe Keenan, a CFP and CPA, to discuss why money commonly fuels conflict in busy marriages and how couples can turn disagreements into growth. They explain that money issues often connect to safety and security, with saver–spender differences frequently rooted in childhood “money classroom” experiences and personal values like status or future security.

Communication breaks down through avoidance, poor timing, and stress (HALTS: hungry, angry, lonely, tired, stressed), which amplifies anxiety. Tools include building self-awareness, using I-statements, scheduling regular “money talks,” creating a fun routine, and using timeouts with a commitment to resume within a day. They distinguish coaching (forward-focused planning and mindset) from therapy (healing deeper, compulsive or impairing behaviors) and describe their Keenan Financial Coaching work with couples across life transitions.

00:37 Meet the Guests
04:46 Why Money Peace Matters
07:00 Why Couples Fight About Money
08:38 Savers vs Spenders Explained
10:56 Why Communication Breaks Down
14:24 Avoidance and Better Timing
16:44 Owning Your Money Fears
20:22 Early Money Classroom Exercise
22:45 Retail Therapy and Awareness Hacks
24:16 Money Talks and Timeouts
32:17 Make Meetings Fun
33:47 Agenda And Prep System
36:10 Keep Growing Together
40:00 When To Get Help
42:55 Coaching Vs Counseling
46:30 Who Their Coaching Serves
50:05 Final Takeaways And Wrap

Resources

Carine & Joe Keenan

https://keenanfinancialcoaching.com/

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC