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The Money Move That Backfires Every Time

Angie Carlson |

The money move that high-achieving married couples make to win with money… that totally backfires.

And here’s why the two of you said YES to it.

Experts consider it a “smart” money move.

It’s how you were raised to handle money.

That peace in your relationship is kept.

And you’re not judged for choices you know are right.

And while all of that is absolutely amazing…

… it’s masking challenges in your relationship.

  • Protecting the money while blocking the intimacy
  • Avoiding fights, while avoiding alignment
  • Splitting the bills while stalling the wealth-building

And all of this is why separate accounts aren’t preventing that tension; it’s actually delaying conversations on how you’ll handle the unexpected as a team.

Because what happens when:

  • Your child needs surgery, and $10K of it has to be paid out of pocket?
  • You lose your job with zero warning?
  • That HVAC system dies mid-July?

In moments like these, you’re no longer a couple that is on the same team for what’s best for your family.

You’re two individuals in a negotiation of what is fair. 

The truth?

  • Separate accounts protect independence—but at the cost of unity
  • They prevent (most) tension… but also deep connection
  • They keep you from merging money—and from merging visions

Every couple I’ve guided through Agree & Achieve eventually realizes this: You can’t build big dreams with a divided financial life.

This does NOT mean merging your accounts is the next step.

But merging your vision as a couple HAS to be.

Because when you both are clear on what you’re building as a team; the money goes from being a point of tension to a tool for your shared success.

For some couples, merging accounts is a natural next step of that vision.

Others may keep some intentional separation in their finances with a solid plan to reach their money goals.

Regardless of how you decide to proceed with your money, there are 3 pillars that you must have in your relationship.

Alignment. Clarity. Partnership.

Don’t allow your bank accounts to have so much control over how strong your relationship can be.

Start with the vision.

Feel all the possibilities.

Build from there.

Because the couples who enjoy their wealth without the guilt don’t just share a roof – they share a vision that makes their heart race.

Want more content on enjoying your wealth without the guilt?  Give Angie Carlson a follow at @FinanceCoachAC on Facebook or Instagram.