Money stress can feel invisible, but giving it a name makes it something you can actually tackle. Your “money nemesis” could be anything from a credit card balance that won’t shrink to a partner who shuts down around savings. When you see it clearly, you can take small, intentional steps to loosen its grip and finally feel some breathing room.

Money talks often get messy, but it’s usually about how we show up, not the dollars. Gottman’s framework helps you spot patterns like defensiveness mid-conversation, so you can respond with compassion instead of frustration. When you interrupt these patterns, money talks become teamwork and building your future together actually feels possible.

Your money roots run deeper than you think. The childhood messages and memories you carry still shape how you earn, spend, and talk about money today. By noticing your money scripts and where they began, you can shift old patterns and bring more awareness, compassion, and teamwork into your financial life.

Lasting financial change isn’t about trying harder, it’s about preparing the ground so new growth can take root. These six simple steps give you a way to nurture hope, disrupt old patterns, and build rhythms that stick. Just like a patch of prairie grass, your financial habits can grow strong with time, intention, and care.

When I was 44 I raced in a sprint triathlon. Read this story to learn about taking small, achievable steps.

Imagine your future self and what does life look like a year from now? Or even 20 years from now? Use these 7 reflective questions to gain clarity and create milestones toward the version of you that’s living with purpose and peace.