Beautiful Simplicity

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Building Us podcast, co-hosts Erik Garcia, CFP® and Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT, talk about the beautiful simplicity of a relationship, financial management as a couple, the importance of investing in a relationship, and why couples should tackle money issues together.

Episode Highlights:

• As a financial advisor, Erik reads anything that says money is a predicament in marriage or relationships. (1:28)
• Matt explains the significance of money in relationships. (1:48)
• Matt says that the primary issue surrounding money has something to do with the couple who does not agree on how they should spend and manage their money. (2:57)
• Matt gives an example of a couple who disagrees on money (3:55)
• “Us” and “Me” are crucial for couples, and it’s not a static line. (7:11)
• For Matt, relationships are beautifully simplistic in certain ways but making it work day after day, year after year is wonderfully complicated. (8:35)
• As a financial advisor who talks about money all the time, Erik would argue that true security doesn’t come from money, it comes from relationships that we have. (11:51)
• Matt gives two examples of how money becomes a symbol of security. (13:38)
• Matt elaborates on why couples can’t survive without money and material resources. (16:09)
• Matt explains that everybody needs a certain amount of money and resources. (18:26)
• Erik explains why there’s no direct correlation between money and happiness. (20:19)
• Matt explains how good relationships and bad relationships change the way we perceive the amount of money we have. (20:37)
• Erik says that the idea of selfishness might be the problem and not money. (25:08)
• Erik Garcia and Matt give an acknowledgment that Black Lives truly matter. (28:40)

Key Quotes:

• “The best type of financial security you can have is the ability to do with less”. – Erik Garcia, CFP®
• “Relationships are simple in that they don’t require a lot of material resources to work”. – Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT
• “What I try to help couples to think about is not just who’s earning how much money and is that equal, but I like to think about contributions. How are we both contributing to the health and growth and success of us? It takes a lot to maintain a life.” – Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT

Resources Mentioned:

• Erik Garcia, CFP®
• Dr. Matt Morris, LPC, LMFT
• Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
• Matt Morris & Associates
• 5 Pillars of Financial Security