I often get asked questions about money, and sometimes, I don’t have all the answers. That’s why I invited financial expert Ashley Feinstein Gerstley to the latest episode of Ask a Matchmaker!
Ashley is the founder of The Fiscal Femme—a feminist money platform that has empowered thousands to feel financially confident, achieve significant financial goals, and reduce stress in their relationships with money. In our conversation, we dive deep into how to handle finances in relationships, from budgeting as a couple to discussing prenups and postnups.
Important Money Conversations
Finances can be a tricky subject in relationships, but Ashley provides tools to make these discussions easier to navigate. To kick off those initial money conversations with a partner, she suggests starting with three important questions:
- What is your first money memory?
- What was your family like growing up with money?
- What is your biggest fear regarding money?
Understanding the answers to these questions can shed light on your partner’s relationship with money and where it comes from. For instance, someone who grew up in a financially constrained environment might be more frugal, while those who link spending to emotional fulfillment may be more inclined to splurge.
The Saver vs. Spender Dynamic
Ashley points out that in most relationships, one person tends to be a saver while the other is a spender. This dynamic can create friction if not addressed early on. To facilitate healthy money discussions, she and her husband have “money parties” each month, where they don their PJs, listen to their money party playlist, sip tea, and review their budget together.
Creating a Positive Association with Budgeting
Your money party can be unique to you, but incorporating something enjoyable helps create a positive association with budgeting. By making these meetings a regular and fun activity, couples can work together to align their financial goals and understand each other’s spending habits.
Tackling Hotline Questions
During the episode, we also tackled your hotline questions, including why your financial situation doesn’t have to be perfect before you dive into the dating scene. Ashley emphasizes that being open and honest about your financial status can lead to more authentic connections in dating.
Resources for Building Wealth
To learn more about Ashley and her mission to help women build wealth, visit her website. You can also check out her books, The 30-Day Money Cleanse and Financial Adulting, for practical tips on managing your finances.
Watch the Full Episode
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Happy #WomensHistoryMonth! I’m celebrating by surrounding myself with amazing women. What are you doing to honor the incredible contributions of women throughout history? Join the celebration here and share your thoughts!
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That’s all for now! I look forward to seeing you next week and hope you enjoy the valuable insights Ashley brings to the table.
Sincerely,
Maria Avgitidis
