Dating Anxiety & Financial Therapy
Money matters can make or break relationships, but they don’t have to be a source of stress.
Financial issues often top the list of relationship stressors, creating tension and misunderstandings between couples. But what if money could actually strengthen your bond instead of straining it?
This week on Dates & Mates, we’re flipping the script on financial conversations and exploring how they can build trust and improve communication with your partner.
Joining us is Erika Wasserman, known as “Your Financial Therapist” and one of only 70 certified financial therapists in the US. She’s here to help destigmatize money talk in relationships and offer insights for both couples and singles navigating the financial aspects of dating.
Plus, don’t miss our Dear Damona segment, where we tackle this tricky question: “I have social anxiety. Do I need to focus on making more friends before pursuing a romantic relationship?” Stick around for some surprising advice on balancing social and romantic pursuits.
(1:54) Erika Wasserman
Erica Wasserman is the CEO of Your Financial Therapist. She’s the creator of the Let’s Talk Finances Financial Wellness Conversation Cards, which allows people to explore the topic of money with thought-provoking questions.
She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Florida and a graduate certificate in financial therapy from Kansas State University, making her one of only 70 certified financial therapists here in the country.
Show Me the Money Talk (05:13)
Cha-ching! Is that the sound of love or your piggy bank breaking? Financial counselor Erika Wasserman says it could be both – in a good way!
She flips the script on money talks, turning budget battles into bonding sessions. Plus, she’s got the lowdown on navigating those awkward “who pays?” moments in the dating game.
Bling or Bank: The Dating Dilemma (17:52)
Think your date’s designer watch spells ‘jackpot’? Not so fast! Erika reveals there’s more to wealth than meets the eye, and it’s not about flash and cash.
“Wealth is done in secret,” she shares. It’s the behind-the-scenes stuff – property, stocks, and personal growth. So, next time you swipe, ask yourself: Are you after arm candy or someone who’s rich in life’s real treasures?
Family Ties and Money Lies (21:20)
Your money habits didn’t appear out of thin air! Erika breaks down our financial DNA: background, religion, and experiences. It’s a wild mix that shapes our cash attitudes.
Picture this: sneaking shopping bags past Dad as a kid. Sound familiar? These money memories stick around, influencing our adult spending sprees and savings struggles.
But here’s the kicker – we’re often clueless about cash chat, leading to relationship drama.
Playing Your Cards Right (34:48)
Who knew money talk could be a party game?
Erika’s “Let’s Talk Finances” cards turn budget chats into a blast. Forget boring spreadsheets – we’re talking juicy questions like “Splurge on stuff or adventures?” and “What’s your guilty pleasure purchase?”
It’s not just fun and games, though. Erika calls it “financial intimacy” – fancy talk for getting cozy with your partner’s money mindset.
She also has a Divorce Edition for those navigating the financial waters of divorce. As Erika quips, “If you don’t do the couples edition, you’re going to need the divorce edition.”
Connect with Erika:
- Let’s Talk Finances Conversation Cards on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/FBLTF
- Personalized Sessions: https://yourfinancialtherapist.com/contact/
- Website:https://yourfinancialtherapist.com
- Instagram: @YourFinancialTherapist
(42:00) Dear Damona: Help Me!!
Instagram voice memo from Hayden:
So, a question – I’ve got really bad social anxiety.
I’m way better than I used to be, but I still don’t have many friends, and I’m bad with relationships just in general. Plantonic or romantic.
So should I work on friendships and whatnot first, or try something out with romantic relationships?
Do you have questions? Damona has the answers! Don’t forget you can submit your dating and relationship questions for our Dear Damona segment on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, or leave us a voicemail or text to 424-246-6255, and hear Damona’s answers live in a future episode!