Would You Read This Book On Couples and Money?

Would You Read This Book On Couples and Money?

For the past few months, I’ve been relatively quiet, working behind the scenes on something special—something that I believe will make a meaningful impact on couples everywhere.

I’ve been diving into two things I’m incredibly passionate about, helping couples navigate the complexities of money and relationships. The result? I’ve created a group coaching program focused on couples and money, and I’m in the process of writing my very first book: The Power of Us: Transforming Your Relationships and Money.

I'm sharing with you the draft intro of the book, and please let me know what you think!

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Introduction?

It was a regular afternoon on a working day, in the storage room of my office. I found myself pumping breast milk, laptop open in front of me with work emails pinging every couple of minutes. Every few seconds, I’d look down at the two empty bottles hanging from my body and the mechanical device attached to me making regular sucking noises, anxious over why the milk production seemed low lately. My thoughts drifted to my three-month-old baby, and I’d pull out my phone to watch a video of him cooing —hoping it would trigger the letdown I desperately needed. But instead of feeling connected, I felt torn, angry, and disconnected from my own reality and the family I was building.

9PM, I’d finally put my baby to sleep, only to face the never-ending cycle of washing bottles and pumping parts. You wouldn’t believe how many pieces there are to clean. By 10 pm, I was done, completely exhausted. I’d collapse into bed, only to grab my phone and mindlessly watch YouTube videos at 2X speed, as if I were getting back at the world for all the time I had “lost” in a day filled with work and childcare chores. I’d fall asleep around 1 am, feeling utterly empty and numb, like a zombie, only to be jolted awake at 7 am by the cries of my young son. And then it would all repeat.

On the surface, I had everything that makes a good life: a well paid yet not so demanding job, a good marriage with a talented young man, a big house in a hip neighborhood in an exciting metropolitan city, and a healthy growing family. Under the surface, only I knew I was trapped and hopeless. Not only was I working in a job I found no joy in, I was unable to enjoy the precious moments I get to have with my baby. But there was no other choice. I had a mortgage to pay. I wasn’t willing to give up city life and move to the suburbs, and I certainly wasn’t ready to be a stay-at-home mom just three years after getting my MBA.?

Fast forward to seven years later, my life looked completely different. I’ve achieved financial freedom, launched not one, but two businesses, and gained the clarity and energy I never thought possible. I started taking 8 weeks off each year (6 in the summer and 2 during the holidays) to travel with my family. I no longer worked just for money—I worked for passion, impact, and purpose.?

As my business evolved into financial life planning, I gained not only the skills but also the capacity to improve my relationships—with my husband, my family, and, most importantly, with myself, something I yearned for yet only could dream of, for years. If only I had the freedom, clarity, and vision I have now, back then. I wish I’d known earlier how powerful it would be to combine both the emotional and technical sides of money, and how working toward what’s truly important to me could feel so aligned with who I am.

That’s why in December 2024, I created a four-month group coaching program for couples worldwide to improve their relationships with their love and money. The results exceeded my expectations. Couples started connecting on a deeper level, having meaningful conversations, and building financial plans that would turn their dreams into reality.

I knew I couldn’t keep all of this to myself—more people could benefit from these lessons! And that’s how this book was born. My mission is to help you get to where I am today—with clarity, guidance, and excitement—so you don’t have to wait years, struggling or delaying the changes that could transform your life today.

What You’ll Get

This book is for couples who want to transform not only their relationship but also their finances. It’s about helping you and your partner align your goals, understand each other’s dreams, and use your money and passion to achieve them together. You’ll get tools, stories, and exercises to help improve communication, understanding, and action.

I’ll guide you through each chapter, helping you clarify your dreams and fears, and then empowering you to take action—no matter where you are today. The journey to building a financially secure and emotionally fulfilling life together begins with understanding each other’s desires and committing to making them happen.

In Chapter 1, we’ll explore the foundation of your relationship: What brought you together, what was it like when you first dated, and how can you relive that spark every day?

Chapter 2 dives into the deeper emotions—what are your fears, shames, and the stories about money that were passed down? How can you turn these into lessons for the future?

Chapter 3 is a place to feel freedom now: what would your ideal day, week, and year be —what does a life without financial stress look like to you?

Chapter 4 is about envisioning a major change that you wanted so badly, whether it's a healthier lifestyle, a career break, starting your dream business, or even retiring.

Chapter 5 provides a flowchart for financial well-being, helping you pinpoint areas that need the most attention and take small steps forward as soon as possible.

Chapter 6 is where the math nerds get excited, but don’t worry—if you’ve passed 5th grade math, you’ll be just fine! It’s simple, practical, and designed for everyone. This chapter will help you understand the most important personal finance metrics and create a clear roadmap to wealth.?

Chapter 7 reviews everything so far through emotional connection, shared vision, and support—helping you keep the momentum going.

Finally, Chapter 8 is a special bonus chapter close to my heart, dedicated to cross-cultural couples. The journey may come with unique challenges, but it also holds incredible potential for growth and connection!

I hope this book helps you start building healthier, more meaningful relationships—with your partner, with money, with your dreams, and with life itself. The power of “us” is truly transformative. As you begin this journey, you’ll create a shared life with your partner that’s deeply fulfilling and worth living.

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Stay tuned for updates—I’m excited to share more soon!

#CouplesAndMoney #FinancialEmpowerment #CrossCulturalCouples #BuildingWealth #FinancialPlanning #RelationshipGoals

Anja Luesink, CFP? RLP? CeFT? GFP?

Chief Global Financial Life Planner at Luesink Stenstrom Financial

14 小时前

Pru, this sounds like a book I want to read and get examples for working with couples. Very clear and well organized! When is it ready? ??

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