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

Matthew Gray hosts an episode of the Financially Fit Couple with guest Sarah Carr, a CFP® and certified financial therapist, to discuss how couples communicate about money. Sarah explains financial therapy as the convergence of financial planning and mental health, clarifying she is not a licensed mental health clinician and does not diagnose or create treatment plans, but helps identify emotional barriers that block follow-through on financial plans.

They explore why money is a top source of conflict, how it can represent many different piece of our identity, and how subconscious “money scripts” formed in childhood shape behavior. The discussion emphasizes shared goals, curiosity, and creating emotional safety, using values-based planning to align spending with what matters. Also covered in the conversation are regular money check-ins, worksheets, and the Financial Therapy Association directory to find help.

00:38 Meet Sarah Carr
02:33 What Is Financial Therapy
05:18 Emotions Block Action
07:16 Why Money Talks Are Hard
09:26 Money Scripts And Origins
13:23 Healthy Couple Communication
26:48 Finding Your Values
27:48 Reconciling Different Values
30:16 Curiosity Over Conflict
33:28 Creating Safety in Money Talks
36:03 Internal Scripts and Trauma
45:58 Practical Tools and Money Check Ins
49:44 When to Seek Financial Therapy

Resources

Sarah Carr

Money Histories Worksheet (file:///S:/Shared%20Files/Podcast/Sarah%20Carr/Money%20Histories%20Sarah%20Carr%20Financial.pdf)

https://sarahcarrfinancial.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

Matthew Gray hosts and welcomes repeat guest Rick Williams, a licensed Virginia realtor with Kline May Realty, to explain the home-selling process. Rick emphasizes that selling is more than listing and waiting, and outlines common seller mistakes such as doing major renovations without advice, waiting for “perfect timing,” and leaning on friends instead of professionals.

He describes how he prices homes using comparative market analysis with AI tools plus manual MLS review and broker input, and why pricing too high or too low can deter buyers. They discuss preparing a home, listing steps, evaluating offers beyond price, and how AI helps communications and marketing. They also touch on how AI can’t replace local expertise, judgment, or negotiation.

00:38 Meet Rick Williams
03:07 Why Selling Is Complex
05:22 Common Seller Mistakes
10:32 Goals and Strategy Fit
13:32 How to Price Right
18:11 Prep and Repairs
23:52 Listing and Marketing Plan
27:09 Evaluating Offers
30:01 Contingencies Explained
35:31 From Contract to Closing
38:45 AI Tools and Pitfalls
43:23 Final Advice and Wrap Up

Resources

Rick Williams

http://realestatewithrick.net/

Rick.Williams@KlineMay.com

540-416-1040

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