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.
The How and Why of Goals
Episode 5 of the Intentional Living Podcast with Jim Crider & Cade Grimm
What’s This Episode About?
Jim Crider and Cade Grimm dive deep into what goals are really for — and why so many people set them the wrong way. From New Year’s resolutions that fade by February to goal lists disconnected from real purpose, this episode explores how to build goals that actually create momentum and meaning.
Understanding the Real Role of Goals
Q: Why do most people fail at goal-setting?
A: Because they start at the wrong place. Jim explains that goals should flow from values — the deeper motives behind what matters most. Without this anchor, people chase arbitrary goals that look impressive but don’t bring fulfillment.
Example: Jim once had a goal to own a private airplane, but what he truly valued was ease of travel. Once he recognized that, the entire goal shifted.
The Framework: Values → Goals → Decisions → Actions
Q: What’s the right order for lasting change?
- Values — Identify what’s truly important.
- Goals — Translate those values into tangible objectives.
- Decisions — Weigh trade-offs and opportunity costs.
- Actions — Take consistent, aligned steps forward.
Most people skip the first two and live in “reaction mode,” bouncing between quick decisions and short-term action without direction.
Are Goals Enough?
Q: If I just write down my goals, will that work?
A: Not by itself. The purpose of a goal isn’t to chain you to a single outcome — it’s to clarify your next best step.
“What’s the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?” — The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
SMART Goals Still Matter
Jim and Cade revisit the classic SMART goal formula — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Writing goals down increases your odds of success by 42%, and sharing them with someone boosts it to 64%.
But beware: publicly announcing goals can actually hurt your follow-through. Research from Peter Gollwitzer shows that sharing goals too soon gives your brain a premature dopamine hit — a sense of accomplishment before you’ve done the work.
Accountability That Actually Works
Q: Should I share my goals on social media?
A: Probably not. Public praise gives a short-term dopamine rush that replaces the satisfaction of progress. Instead, share with an accountability partner who asks:
- “How many miles did you run this week?”
- “What actions did you take toward your goal?”
That’s accountability — not applause.
Small Wins Build Big Momentum
Jim points to the “Couch to 5K” method as a model: start with micro-actions like putting on your shoes. Those tiny, consistent wins create momentum and confidence. Cade compares it to the debt snowball method — early victories keep motivation alive.
Bringing It Home: Goals That Reflect Your Life
Jim and his wife Kendra practice this every year through a “goal box.” They list what they’re thankful for, set new goals, and revisit last year’s progress together — keeping everything rooted in faith, family, and growth.
Cade and his wife use a shared note on their phones, checking in on family and personal goals together. Both remind us that gratitude keeps you grounded and reflection keeps you from drifting into autopilot.
Takeaways from This Episode
- Start with why. Every meaningful goal begins with clear values.
- Anchor goals in your season. Let them inform your next step, not your forever plan.
- Write them down. Written goals increase focus and accountability.
- Share selectively. Tell people who will truly hold you to it.
- Celebrate small wins. Progress compounds through consistency.
Favorite Moment
“The purpose of a goal is to inform the best next step — not to chain you to a future outcome.” — Jim Crider
Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Listen to The Intentional Living Podcast
Follow Jim & Cade as they unpack faith, finance, and intentional living each week.
Episode Info
- Hosts: Jim Crider & Cade Grimm
- Series: The Intentional Living Podcast
- Episode: 5 — The How and Why of Goals
- Publisher: Intentional Living FP
- Published: October 28, 2025
