In This episode of Stronger Marriage Connection, financial relationship coach Dee Zimmerman joins Dave Schramm and Liz Hale to uncover seven common financial blind spots that can quietly create stress, resentment, and disconnection in marriage. Dee explains why money problems often go deeper than dollars and budgets, reflecting differences in values, fears, family histories, and dreams for the future. Couples will learn how to recognize hidden financial stress, create shared financial goals, communicate more effectively about money, and build systems that support both their finances and their relationship.
Chapters
00:00 – Seven Financial Blind Spots
02:58 – No Shared Financial Direction
05:44 – Start Money Conversations Early
07:20 – Identify Your Money Values
08:58 – Uneven Financial Awareness
11:01 – Build Financial Partnership Together
11:59 – Choose the Right Time
15:24 – Conversations That Go Nowhere
16:36 – Money Is More Than Numbers
19:30 – Hidden Financial Stress
20:34 – Understanding Your Money Fears
21:36 – Signs of Financial Stress
25:02 – Different Comfort Levels With Spending
25:28 – Rethinking Spenders and Savers
28:26 – How Family Shapes Money Habits
31:26 – Financial Systems Without Collaboration
32:10 – Creating Healthy Financial Systems
35:46 – Uncertainty About the Future
37:41 – Financial Fear Affects Relationships
40:22 – Financial Resources and Support
42:06 – Courageous Money Conversations
43:16 – Takeaway of the Day
Takeaway of the Day
Dee Zimmerman: Financial stress doesn't necessarily mean you or your relationship are failing. There are often deeper reasons underneath money struggles that may not be immediately obvious. Becoming aware of those underlying values, fears, and patterns is the first step toward addressing them together.
Liz Hale: Look beneath the numbers. Just as conflicts about sex, parenting, or housework often represent something deeper, financial disagreements can point toward underlying needs for connection, safety, and satisfaction. Understanding what's underneath the conflict can help couples connect more deeply.
Dave Schramm: Be intentional about talking about money rather than allowing fear to lead to avoidance. Strong, connected marriages don't happen by accident. Couples need to take action, have important conversations, and intentionally work together so financial issues don't become a wedge that causes them to drift apart.
About Dee
Dee Zimmerman is a Financial Relationship Coach who helps couples talk about money without the fights, so they can manage their finances more peacefully and build long-term wealth together. Her work sits in the space between relationship science and practical financial strategy, blending Gottman-informed communication tools with systems and financial guidance that help couples reduce stress, improve alignment, and feel more confident about their future.
In addition to coaching, Dee is a podcast guest and writer focused on the relational side of money. She and her husband are currently navigating a major life transition and relocation after almost 30 years in Colorado, an experience that continues to deepen her perspective on partnership, communication, and financial decision-making in real life.
You can learn more at Dee's website, dzimmermanfinance.com. She also has a free guide called “7 Financial Blind Spots Worth Noticing,” which ties in closely with what we will talk about today.
Dee's Resources:
Happy Hacks: 101 Science-Backed Ways to Boost Happiness, Reduce Stress, and Build a More Meaningful Life.
Available now starting at 99¢ on Amazon and Dave's Book Store
Written by Dr. Dave Schramm, this practical and uplifting new book offers simple, research-based strategies to help you build greater happiness, strengthen resilience, reduce
The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of the Utah Marriage Commission.
Visit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways:
Website: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/
Podcast: https://extension.usu.edu/strongermarriage/podcast/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/
Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/
Dr. Dave Schramm:
http://drdaveschramm.com
http://drdavespeaks.com
Dr. Liz Hale:
http://www.drlizhale.com/
