Money Before Marriage: How to Talk About Finances Early and Build a Strong Foundation
How early is too early to talk about money in a relationship?
That’s the question Jim Crider and Cade Grimm tackle in this episode of the Intentional Living FP podcast — and the answer might surprise you.
When it comes to building a healthy marriage, everyone agrees communication is key. But for many couples, that conversation about money doesn’t happen until after the vows — and by then, it’s often too late. Jim and Cade unpack why these talks matter long before you say “I do,” and how to approach them with honesty, grace, and intentionality.
💬 Why Talking About Money Matters Before Marriage
Recent surveys from LendingTree and NerdWallet reveal that over half of U.S. marriages start in debt, and 60% of couples wish they had discussed finances sooner. Those numbers show how vital early money conversations are for relational health.
Jim points out that money is more than numbers — it’s a reflection of your values. The way you spend, save, and give says a lot about what matters to you. Cade adds that it’s not about asking for a credit report on date three — it’s about slowly learning what shapes your partner’s mindset.
🕐 When to Start the Conversation
So when is the right time to talk about money?
There isn’t one perfect timeline. Relationships move at different speeds, so the key is to focus on depth over duration. Cade recommends bringing up finances once both people feel genuine long-term potential — not in the early dating stage, but definitely before engagement.
Jim agrees but reminds listeners that money talks don’t need to feel like an audit. Start with curiosity:
“What was money like for you growing up?”
That one question opens the door to meaningful insight — not just about dollars, but about family values and personal experiences that shape financial habits.
💡 Shared Values Lead to Shared Vision
Jim and Cade also discuss how transparency builds unity in marriage. Whether you combine accounts or split responsibilities, the goal should always be trust and clarity.
“Money is a means of communicating what you value.” — Jim Crider
When couples align on purpose — not just numbers — finances become atool for peace instead of tension.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dating, engaged, or newly married, it’s never too early to start the conversation. These aren’t just financial discussions — they’re relationship-building moments. The earlier you understand how your partner views money, the stronger your foundation will be.
At Intentional Living FP, we believe that great financial planning starts with meaningful conversations — with your partner, your family, and your future self.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of “Money Before Marriage” on our podcast to hear the complete discussion, or download the readable transcript here.
Visit Intentional Living FP to start your own intentional conversation about life and money today.
