Before you set financial goals, build a budget, or make plans for the year ahead, there’s one crucial step most couples skip: understanding each other.

That’s why we’re re-releasing this foundational episode as you begin the new year.

In Money & Me, we unpack how our personal money stories — shaped by childhood, culture, experiences, and past wins or failures — influence how we think, feel, and behave around money today. These stories quietly shape every financial decision we make as individuals and as couples.

In this episode, we explore:

• What a “money story” is and how it’s formed
• Why couples often clash over money without realising why
• How understanding each other changes the way you plan and budget
• Why awareness comes before action

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 31 — Is It Worth It? Family Holidays & Grocery Shopping

In Part 2 of our “Is It Worth It?” mini-series, we take on two everyday decisions that every family wrestles with:

🏖️ Family holidays — memories vs money

🛒 Online vs in-person grocery shopping

This episode explores how couples can balance joy, time, convenience, and financial goals when making decisions that feel small but add up in a big way.

Together, we unpack:

✨ Family Holidays — Are big trips worth the money? Do kids actually need them, or is it about the memories we think we should create? What’s the real cost of not taking a break as a family?

✨ Online vs In-Person Shopping — Which one truly saves money? Which one saves time? And which one saves our sanity?

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why we often equate “good memories” with expensive trips
• The mental load of dragging kids through the aisles at the shops vs the temptation of online impulse buying
• How to evaluate what’s worth it based on your values, not expectations
• The decision-making questions we use as a couple to find our middle ground

If you’ve ever debated whether a holiday is “worth the cost,” or wondered why your grocery bill blows out online and in store, this episode will help you navigate those choices with more clarity — and zero guilt.

🎧 Tune in and discover what’s actually worth it for your family.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 30 — Is It Worth It? (Part 1) Subscriptions, Eating Out & Private Schools

In this episode, we dive into the everyday decisions couples face and unpack the real question behind them: How do we decide if something is truly worth it for our family?

From the streaming subscriptions we forget to cancel, to whether eating out is convenience or comfort, to the massive long-term decision of public versus private schooling — we explore not just the cost, but the why behind each choice.

Together, we break down:

✨ Subscriptions — Are Netflix, Spotify & all the others adding value, or just adding guilt?

✨ Eating Out vs Cooking at Home — Is it about saving money, saving time, or saving our sanity?

✨ Private Schooling — Do the opportunities justify the fees? What about convenience, academics, and family values?

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The hidden psychology behind everyday spending
• How we personally evaluate “value” as a couple
• The difference between cost, convenience, and emotional payoff
• Why what’s worth it changes depending on your season of life
• Practical questions to help you and your partner decide what works best for your family

If you’ve ever wondered, “Should we keep this subscription?” or “Is private school really worth it?”, this episode will give you both sides — without judgement.

🎧 Listen now and start redefining what ‘worth it’ looks like in your home.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Episode 29: Adulting 101 - Health Insurance, Wills, and Grown-Up Stuff No One Told Us About

Because adulting doesn’t come with a manual — and we’re learning it together.

Ever found yourself saying, “Why didn’t anyone teach us this in school?”

You’re not alone.

This week, we’re diving into the side of adulthood most people avoid talking about — things like health insurance, wills, superannuation, schooling, and how to actually plan for the unexpected.

These aren’t glamorous topics… but they’re the ones that can make or break your family’s financial stability and peace of mind.

In this episode, we’re unpacking what we’ve learned (often the hard way) about the practical side of life — and how couples can talk about these “grown-up” decisions before life forces them to.

💬 What We Talk About

• Health Insurance — What’s Actually Worth Paying For
• Wills, Estates & ‘What If’ Planning
• Superannuation & Protecting Your Future Self
• Debt, Credit & Investing Early
• Other ‘Adulting’ Stuff No One Talks About

💡 Key Takeaways

• Adulting is love in action. Getting your financial house in order is one of the most caring things you can do for your family.
• Start small, but start now. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just take one practical step.
• Do it together. These conversations might feel uncomfortable, but they build trust and teamwork in marriage.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like you’re working harder than ever but still watching money slip through your fingers? You’re not alone — and this week, we’re unpacking the real-world financial hacks that have helped our family save thousands (without feeling like we’re cutting joy out of life).

From refinancing the mortgage to bulk-buying, side hustles, and mindset shifts — these are the exact strategies we’ve used to stretch our dollars further, simplify our finances, and free up money for the things that matter most.

💡 In this episode we cover hacks in:

🏠 Housing & Utilities

🛒 Groceries & Household

🚗 Transportation

👧 Kids & Education

💰 Money Management & Habits

🚀 Advanced Hacks – Negotiation tactics, credit card perks, and diversifying your income streams.

🧠 Mindset & Lifestyle – Why delayed gratification and intentional simplicity can reshape your financial freedom.

✨ Why you’ll love this episode:

We skip the cliché “ditch your coffee” advice and dive into hacks that actually work for families. These are practical, tested-by-us strategies that improve cash flow, reduce stress, and create more space for what truly matters.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Your challenge:

Pick just one hack from today’s episode and put it into action this week. The hardest part is starting — but once you do, you’ll realise small tweaks lead to big wins.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themoneymatrimony

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do your choices reveal about your money personality — and your marriage?

In this episode, Nikki and Hayson play a round of “Would You Rather: Money Edition,” answering thought-provoking (and sometimes laugh-out-loud) scenarios that every couple can relate to. From mortgages vs. investing, weddings vs. home deposits, to work-life balance vs. wealth-building — these questions aren’t just fun. They uncover deeper values around security, freedom, and how you and your partner approach life together.

💡 In this episode we explore:

• Instant security vs. long-term compounding — would you pay off your mortgage today or invest half a million?
• Work-life balance vs. financial goals — would you choose a shorter work week or a bigger paycheck?
• Weddings vs. down payments — how do you balance romance and practicality?
• Transparency vs. trust — how much do you really want to know about your spouse’s spending?
• Harmony vs. cash — what’s more valuable: never arguing about money, or $100,000 free to spend?

✨ Why listen?

These playful “Would You Rather” questions go deeper than just money — they spark conversations about priorities, dreams, and what financial freedom actually means to you as a couple.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Your challenge:

Take these questions home. Pour some wine, sit on the couch, and ask each other: Would you rather…?

You might be surprised at your spouse’s answer.

📲 Join the conversation:

We’ll be running polls and sharing your answers on Instagram — make sure to follow us and weigh in on the debates!

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all speak a love language — but did you know you also have a money language?

In this episode of the Money Matrimony Podcast, Nikki and Hayson unpack how the way we give and receive love connects deeply to how we manage (or mismanage) money.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood when it comes to spending, saving, gifting, or budgeting — the problem may not be the numbers. It might be the meaning behind the money.

You’ll discover:

• What the 5 Love Languages are (and how they shape expectations in marriage)
• What “Money Languages” are — and how they drive financial decisions
• Real-life scenarios where love and money clash (and how to resolve them)
• How to build financial and emotional intimacy in your relationship

This is a must-listen for couples who want to move past tension and toward teamwork!

Want to learn more about your own love and money languages?

👉 Love Language Quiz

https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

👉 Money Language Assessment

https://moneylanguages.com/take-the-assessment/

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our stay-at-home parenting series, we go deeper than the surface-level debates and talk about the real trade-offs, the decision-making process, and the practical steps that make it work for the long haul.

We cover:

The Real Cost — Financial, Emotional & Career Trade-offs

Staying home changes more than just your daily routine. It can impact superannuation, career progression, mental health, identity, and lifestyle. But here’s the thing — those “costs” aren’t always one-sided. We unpack both the challenges and the surprising benefits that often get overlooked.

Did you know? Women retire with 24% less super than men (ASFA, 2023) — a gap often linked to time out of the workforce.

Who Should Stay Home (If Anyone)?

This isn’t about gender stereotypes — it’s about capacity, desire, and values. We challenge the assumption it’s always mum, explore shared and flexible models, and talk about why dads can (and should) step up if they feel called.

Only 5% of stay-at-home parents in Australia are dads — but that number is slowly growing (ABS).

Making It Work — Practical Tips for the Stay-at-Home Life

If you decide staying home is the right move, how do you make it sustainable? We share practical ways to thrive on one income, protect the stay-at-home partner’s identity, and keep your marriage strong.

Whether you’re already living this life, considering it, or simply curious about the trade-offs, this episode will help you see beyond the stereotypes and weigh what really matters for you and your family.

*****Make sure to hit the subscribe button and join the conversation!*****

Follow our socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.moneymatrimony

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoneymatrimony

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-money-matrimony

Disclaimer

Please note that nothing in this podcast should ever be considered personal financial advice. For advice specific to your situation & needs, we encourage you to speak to a finance professional.

The information provided in this podcast, Money Matrimony, is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Whilst we are passionate about personal finance and share our experiences, opinions, and insights, it should not be construed as financial advice.

Listeners are encouraged to seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decision. Every individual and couple's financial situation is unique, and what works for one may not be suitable for another.

The opinions expressed by the hosts and any guests on the show are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or institutions they may be affiliated with.

Money Matrimony does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information shared on the podcast. Listeners should conduct their own research and exercise their own judgment when making financial decisions.

By listening to Money Matrimony, you agree that the hosts, guests, and producers of the podcast are not liable for any financial losses or damages that may result from actions taken based on the information provided in the podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.