We all know that juggling too much can lead to burnout, especially when you’re trying to balance work, family, and everything in between.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about a relationship topic that’s less about roses and chocolates, and more about cents and sensibility: managing finances as a couple.

Over my career, I have been asked and often tried to prove my value as an advisor to my clients. When I was younger, I used to subscribe to the notion that our ability to outperform the markets by better stock picking or performance was the actual value.

Imagine you’re building a collection of items that are meant to keep your life secure. You start with the essentials, adding what’s necessary to protect you from the unexpected. But soon, you keep adding more and more items, thinking each will make you safer.

Every individual has had to deal with taxes upon joining the workforce. For some, they learn around the ripe age of 16. For others, their first taxable wages appear after graduating college.

Navigating finances as a couple can be challenging. It’s not just about managing money—it’s about aligning your wants, goals, and unspoken expectations.