The Financially Fit Couple

Matthew Gray, CFP®
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Hey there, and welcome to the Financially Fit Couple! This podcast is all about answering the questions busy, married couples find themselves asking about their finances. I’m Matthew Gray, your host and a Certified Financial Planner. Join me as I interview topic experts and other couples just like you to find out how to pursue your goals and live financially healthy lives. Let’s get started!  

  1. S2 E10: Money Matters in Marriage with Carine & Joe Keenan

    APR 28

    S2 E10: Money Matters in Marriage with Carine & Joe Keenan

    Host Matthew Gray welcomes Carine Keenan, a marriage and family therapist, and Joe Keenan, a CFP and CPA, to discuss why money commonly fuels conflict in busy marriages and how couples can turn disagreements into growth. They explain that money issues often connect to safety and security, with saver–spender differences frequently rooted in childhood “money classroom” experiences and personal values like status or future security.  Communication breaks down through avoidance, poor timing, and stress (HALTS: hungry, angry, lonely, tired, stressed), which amplifies anxiety. Tools include building self-awareness, using I-statements, scheduling regular “money talks,” creating a fun routine, and using timeouts with a commitment to resume within a day. They distinguish coaching (forward-focused planning and mindset) from therapy (healing deeper, compulsive or impairing behaviors) and describe their Keenan Financial Coaching work with couples across life transitions. 00:37 Meet the Guests 04:46 Why Money Peace Matters 07:00 Why Couples Fight About Money 08:38 Savers vs Spenders Explained 10:56 Why Communication Breaks Down 14:24 Avoidance and Better Timing 16:44 Owning Your Money Fears 20:22 Early Money Classroom Exercise 22:45 Retail Therapy and Awareness Hacks 24:16 Money Talks and Timeouts 32:17 Make Meetings Fun 33:47 Agenda And Prep System 36:10 Keep Growing Together 40:00 When To Get Help 42:55 Coaching Vs Counseling 46:30 Who Their Coaching Serves 50:05 Final Takeaways And Wrap Resources Carine & Joe Keenan https://keenanfinancialcoaching.com/ Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    54 min
  2. S2 E9: Money Talk for Couples with Sarah Carr

    APR 13

    S2 E9: Money Talk for Couples with Sarah Carr

    Matthew Gray hosts an episode of the Financially Fit Couple with guest Sarah Carr, a CFP® and certified financial therapist, to discuss how couples communicate about money. Sarah explains financial therapy as the convergence of financial planning and mental health, clarifying she is not a licensed mental health clinician and does not diagnose or create treatment plans, but helps identify emotional barriers that block follow-through on financial plans.  They explore why money is a top source of conflict, how it can represent many different piece of our identity, and how subconscious “money scripts” formed in childhood shape behavior. The discussion emphasizes shared goals, curiosity, and creating emotional safety, using values-based planning to align spending with what matters. Also covered in the conversation are regular money check-ins, worksheets, and the Financial Therapy Association directory to find help. 00:38 Meet Sarah Carr 02:33 What Is Financial Therapy 05:18 Emotions Block Action 07:16 Why Money Talks Are Hard 09:26 Money Scripts And Origins 13:23 Healthy Couple Communication 26:48 Finding Your Values 27:48 Reconciling Different Values 30:16 Curiosity Over Conflict 33:28 Creating Safety in Money Talks 36:03 Internal Scripts and Trauma 45:58 Practical Tools and Money Check Ins 49:44 When to Seek Financial Therapy Resources Sarah Carr Money Histories Worksheet (file:///S:/Shared%20Files/Podcast/Sarah%20Carr/Money%20Histories%20Sarah%20Carr%20Financial.pdf)  https://sarahcarrfinancial.com/  Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    54 min
  3. S2 E8: Selling Your Home with Rick Williams

    MAR 30

    S2 E8: Selling Your Home with Rick Williams

    Matthew Gray hosts and welcomes repeat guest Rick Williams, a licensed Virginia realtor with Kline May Realty, to explain the home-selling process. Rick emphasizes that selling is more than listing and waiting, and outlines common seller mistakes such as doing major renovations without advice, waiting for “perfect timing,” and leaning on friends instead of professionals.  He describes how he prices homes using comparative market analysis with AI tools plus manual MLS review and broker input, and why pricing too high or too low can deter buyers. They discuss preparing a home, listing steps, evaluating offers beyond price, and how AI helps communications and marketing. They also touch on how AI can’t replace local expertise, judgment, or negotiation. 00:38 Meet Rick Williams 03:07 Why Selling Is Complex 05:22 Common Seller Mistakes 10:32 Goals and Strategy Fit 13:32 How to Price Right 18:11 Prep and Repairs 23:52 Listing and Marketing Plan 27:09 Evaluating Offers 30:01 Contingencies Explained 35:31 From Contract to Closing 38:45 AI Tools and Pitfalls 43:23 Final Advice and Wrap Up Resources Rick Williams http://realestatewithrick.net/ Rick.Williams@KlineMay.com 540-416-1040 Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    46 min
  4. S2 E7: Becoming a Business Owner with Michael Sharp

    MAR 16

    S2 E7: Becoming a Business Owner with Michael Sharp

    Matthew Gray interviews attorney Michael Sharp about the risks and process of leaving stable employment to start a business while married with young children. Sharp, owner of Sharp Litigation, PLC in Harrisonburg, Virginia, describes moving from associate to partner and managing partner at a larger firm, then realizing partnership has a different vision of ownership, values, teamwork, and strategic business focus he expected.  After clarifying essentials such as connected teamwork, a narrowed civil-litigation focus, and a supportive culture, he planned the transition with his wife—including a detailed financial/time presentation—and launched his firm in January 2024 with two colleagues. He discusses early infrastructure challenges, managing time with family, hiring operational support to free him for revenue-generating legal work, building and formalizing systems as the team grows, unexpected community support, and a client-as-hero philosophy applied to intake and communication. 00:37 Meet Michael Sharp 02:20 From Associate to Partner 05:05 What Partnership Really Means 08:22 Essentialism and Values 11:18 Building a Team Vision 13:53 The Leap and Family Buy In 18:35 First Months in Business 21:02 Time Freedom and Hiring Help 23:49 Systems Growth Pains 27:49 Unexpected Wins and Advice 32:25 Client as the Hero 37:19 Who They Serve and Wrap Up Resources Michael Sharp https://www.sharplitigation.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sharp-279013288/ https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382 Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    41 min
  5. S2 E6: How to Make Good Financial Decisions with Jeff Hulett

    MAR 2

    S2 E6: How to Make Good Financial Decisions with Jeff Hulett

    Host Matthew Gray, welcomes personal finance professor and behavioral economist Jeff Hulett to discuss why people struggle to make good financial decisions even when they know what they should do. Jeff contrasts objective business decision-making with common consumer behavior and explains three drivers of poor decisions: human neurobiology, short-term thinking, and an American “buy now, pay later” commercial culture.  He describes “choice architecture” as a structured, repeatable decision process supported by technology that helps people define and weight their personal criteria, consider alternatives, reduce confirmation bias, and improve confidence—especially for major decisions like buying a house, including helping couples reconcile preferences.  Jeff introduces his “Five Nots” (the “not to seek” framework) to build the mindset needed to live below one’s means: not luxury, not ignorance (failure to update beliefs), not vanity, not immediate gratification, and not risk avoidance. Jeff shows how misinformation and unexamined beliefs can lead to harmful outcomes.  The episode closes with resources including Jeff's book “Making Choices, Making Money,” access to decision-making software (Definitive), and guidance on using generative AI as a thinking partner rather than a crutch. 00:37 Today’s Topic: Why Money Decisions Feel So Hard 02:03 Meet Jeff: Behavioral Economist + Banker Perspective 05:13 The $16 Million Retirement Path (and Why Most Miss It) 08:38 Why Bad Money Decisions Happen: Brain, Culture, and the Information Age 14:49 What Is Choice Architecture? A Repeatable Decision-Making System 19:57 Values vs Feelings: Using Structure to Beat Confirmation Bias 22:29 Couples Example: Reconciling Priorities When Buying a Home 26:33 The “Five Nots” Framework: A Mindset for Living Below Your Means 30:21 Not Seeking More: Diminishing Returns on Luxuries (Morgan Housel Tie-In) 31:11 Money, Income & Happiness: The Curve That Flattens Out 33:52 The 5 “Not-Seeking” Rules (Football Field Boundaries) 35:30 Not Luxury: Beating FOMO (The $17,000 Bike ‘Faux Pro’ Trap) 41:52 Opportunity Cost Reality Check: What That Upgrade Really Costs 43:55 Not Ignorance: Updating Beliefs, Habits & Confirmation Bias 51:39 From Framework to Life Decisions: The “Good Decision Road” 55:34 Tools to Apply It: Book, Choice Architecture Software & GenAI 59:10 Parenting & Quiet Wealth + Wrap-Up, Disclosures Resources Jeff Hulett https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhulett/ https://www.financerevamp.com/ Making Choices, Making Money Book The Art of Spending Book Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    1h 2m
  6. S2 E5: Aligning Investments with Your Values featuring Jordan Tucker

    FEB 16

    S2 E5: Aligning Investments with Your Values featuring Jordan Tucker

    In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, host Matthew Gray, a certified financial planner, is joined by Jordan Tucker from Impax Asset Management to discuss ethically screened investing. The conversation covers the history, principles, and current practices of sustainable investing, emphasizing how investors can align their investments with their values without sacrificing performance.  Jordan explains the rigorous screening process used by Impax, the importance of ongoing due diligence, and how they engage with companies to drive positive change. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about sustainable investing and provides actionable steps for those interested in incorporating ethically screened investments into their portfolios. 00:00 Welcome to the Financially Fit Couple 00:38 Introduction to Ethically Screened Investing 01:42 Guest Introduction: Jordan Tucker 01:55 The Evolution of Ethically Screened Investing 04:14 Impax Asset Management's Approach 06:45 Screening Process and Criteria 25:14 Engagement and Advocacy Efforts 32:32 Addressing Misconceptions 39:01 Getting Started with Ethically Screened Investing 40:44 Final Thoughts and Disclosures Jordan Tucker https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-tucker-cfp%C2%AE-29016371/ Jordan Tucker and Impax Asset Management are not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial. Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    45 min
  7. S2 E4: Financial Coaching vs Planning with Lindsey Scott

    FEB 2

    S2 E4: Financial Coaching vs Planning with Lindsey Scott

    In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host and certified financial planner Matthew Gray welcomes financial coach Lindsey Scott to discuss the practical and emotional aspects of financial coaching and planning. The conversation explores their different yet complementary roles, with Lindsey emphasizing the importance of understanding personal finance basics and building good habits, while Matthew discusses the more technical side of financial planning. They dive into the process of working with clients, defining success, and finding the right financial support. Key topics include budgeting, debt management, building wealth, and the significance of communication and readiness in financial coaching. 00:00 Welcome to the Financially Fit Couple 00:38 Introducing Lindsey Scott: Financial Coach 01:54 Lindsey's Journey to Financial Coaching 04:02 The Impact of Financial Coaching 05:49 Understanding Financial Coaching 12:17 The Coaching Process 15:24 Who Benefits from Financial Coaching? 19:42 Financial Coaching vs. Financial Planning 24:02 Finding the Right Financial Coach 28:18 Costs and Getting Started 34:41 Final Thoughts  Resources Lindsey Scott https://www.lindseyscottfinancialcoach.com/ Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    36 min
  8. S2 E3: Embracing Career Changes with The Stevens

    JAN 19

    S2 E3: Embracing Career Changes with The Stevens

    In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray interviews John and Alexis Stevens, a married couple from Harrisonburg, Virginia, who share their unique career journeys and the financial implications of making significant career changes. John recounts his transition from a high school math teacher to a meteorologist and then to an IT trainer, while Alexis discusses her stable career as a university professor.  They explore the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's dream job, the importance of family values in career decisions, and the financial strategies that helped them navigate these changes. The episode offers valuable insights for couples considering career changes and emphasizes the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and family well-being. 00:00 Welcome to the Financially Fit Couple 00:42 Meet John and Alexis Stevens 02:29 Childhood Dreams and Career Paths 08:06 The Journey to Becoming a University Professor 10:40 John's Teaching Career and Challenges 14:07 Pursuing a Dream in Meteorology 19:45 The Big Career Change 27:54 Financial Implications of the Career Move 29:42 Starting a New Career: The First Year Experience 32:41 Adjusting to a New Lifestyle 35:07 The Toll on Family and Health 36:54 Realizing the Need for Change 44:15 Searching for a New Path 46:00 Finding the Perfect Fit 49:02 Reflecting on the Journey 56:32 Final Thoughts and Advice Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

    1 hr
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About

Hey there, and welcome to the Financially Fit Couple! This podcast is all about answering the questions busy, married couples find themselves asking about their finances. I’m Matthew Gray, your host and a Certified Financial Planner. Join me as I interview topic experts and other couples just like you to find out how to pursue your goals and live financially healthy lives. Let’s get started!  

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Gray, CFP®
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Financially Fit Couple
  • Show Website
    The Financially Fit Couple