Which Money Communication Style Are You?
Take Our Quiz to Find Out!
I spilled some of my coffee this morning walking out on my patio. Money conversations can feel like that—like carrying a full cup of coffee across a bumpy sidewalk. How is this going to go? Money conversations are tough.
Maybe it’s a topic you try to avoid, or perhaps every time you bring it up, it feels like your conversation is more of a battle than a discussion.
You’re not alone. But understanding how you communicate about money—and how your partner communicates—can make a huge difference. That’s why I’ve upgraded our Money Talks Quiz, designed to help you uncover your unique communication style.
So Which Style Are You?
The quiz will help you discover whether you’re a Side-Stepper, a Sparring Partner, a Circler, or a Builder. Here’s a quick breakdown of each style:
1. Side-Steppers
You may be avoiding the conversation altogether. Either you’re the one trying to talk, but your partner shuts down; or you sidestep the topic entirely to avoid conflict. Money talks feel uncomfortable and you’d rather just let it slide—until, of course, it can’t.
2. Sparring Partners
You both want to talk, but every conversation turns into a tug-of-war. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? These arguments can feel like an unpleasant game, where nobody wins. Instead of listening and understanding each other’s perspectives, you end up defending your own position, and the cycle continues.
3. Circlers
You’re trying, but it always feels like you’re going in circles. You start talking, but never seem to make any progress. You might agree on some things, but don’t really tackle the core issues. It’s like you’re moving in circles, but not really getting anywhere.
4. Builders
There’s not much tension here, or rarely. You communicate openly, listen to each other’s perspectives, and work together toward your financial goals. It’s not always smooth, but you’re learning, and building a strong financial foundation as a team.
Why Is Money Communication So Challenging?
For many couples, money represents more than just numbers. It’s tied to values, childhood experiences, fears, and dreams. When you both come to the table with different views, it’s no wonder things get tense. But understanding your communication style can be a game changer.
Most people don’t know how to talk about money in a way that’s productive. You might feel judged or misunderstood. Or maybe there’s blame, guilt, or avoidance. That’s where the challenge lies: without the right tools, money conversations can quickly go sideways, leaving you feeling stuck.
Take the Quiz—And Start Understanding Each Other Better
Once you take the quiz, you’ll know exactly what style you and your partner gravitate toward. And that’s the first step toward improving your financial communication.
Why does it matter?
Because understanding your communication style is the foundation for improving your money conversations. With the right tools, you can stop the cycle of Gottman’s Four Horsemen (Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling). Instead, you’ll start creating an environment where both of you can share your concerns, listen to each other, and make real progress together.
I’ve helped countless couples navigate their financial communication challenges—and I can help you too. It all starts with a simple step: taking the quiz.
Next Steps
Take the quiz: Find out which communication style fits you and your partner.
Grab your WealthTalk Starter Kit: Based on your quiz results, you’ll get specific, actionable tips and simple phrases to shift the way you talk about money. The starter kit is full of helpful tools grounded in Gottman’s Four Horsemen research, designed to help you get out of the blame cycle and start making progress.
Ready for more? If you’re ready to dig deeper and transform your money conversations, my flagship program, Wealth Together, is the perfect next step. In the NEW fall group, we’ll dive into tools, strategies, and systems that will help you and your partner work as a team to manage your finances and build the future you’ve been dreaming of.
Get Started Today!
Click here to take the quiz and start improving your money conversations now