Picking up the Pieces | A mother and son discuss pulling together through financial collapse

While the pandemic has brought numerous challenges and anxieties, it has also provided people with the opportunity to reset, both personally and financially. For best friends and former roommates, Molly and Ashley, NYC quarantine offered them each a chance to revisit their relationship with money, specifically their spending and saving habits. Exactly one year later, both women have transformed their financial mindsets and adopted money moves that will last beyond the pandemic. This episode’s expert is Kara Stevens, money coach and Founder of The Frugal Feminista, a rapidly growing source for financial empowerment. Kara shares advice on how to reconnect with your money “why.”

After four years, two apartments, multiple job changes and a pandemic, partners Weslie and Patrick are beginning to realize that while their relationship has gotten serious, their approach to money is stuck in the friend zone. They discuss their opposing financial attitudes, what’s holding them back and how they can find common ground. This episode’s expert is financial writer Jackie Lam, who specializes in relationships and the emotions surrounding money. She offers tips for other couples struggling to get on the same page about spending and saving.

Since the start of the pandemic, young adults have been moving back home at record rates. And while rooming with the ‘rents is a great way to save money (and enjoy some extra home-cooked meals), it’s also a test of expectations and communication. Parents Zelda and Everett talk with their daughter, Donnis, about the emotional and financial impact of having three generations under one roof and the priorities that help them make it work. This episode’s expert is family sociologist, Michelle Janning. Michelle breaks down the cultural values that come into play when parents offer financial support to their adult children and offers tips for families considering a return to the nest.

Somewhere along the way, talking about money with friends became taboo – how much we make, what our financial goals are and how we can reach them. But fortunately, that’s never been the case for Candace and Erica. In fact, for these longtime friends, it’s quite the opposite. For years, they’ve talked openly and honestly about all things money in their accountability group and it’s paid off in all sorts of ways. This episode’s expert is Tori Dunlap, the Founder of Her First $100K. Together, Tori and Claire break down the power of accountability and importance of financial education.

Over the past few months, we’ve heard from friends, families and couples, who have opened up about their very unique money stories. We can’t get enough of these financial heart-to-hearts, and we hope you’ve been loving them too. We are excited to continue celebrating the power of money conversations, and we’re working on a new batch of episodes coming soon. Thanks for listening to Friends Who Talk About Money from John Hancock and be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already. Talk soon!

Anna, a mother of four, and Tiana, who’s expecting her first child, have been friends for over a decade. In that time, they’ve talked about anything and everything, with one notable exception: money. As Tiana’s due date rapidly approaches, she realizes it’s better late than never to tap into her friend’s vast experience and knowledge about the financial realities of parenthood. Next, Carly Leahy, Cofounder of Modern Fertility, discusses the biggest financial hurdles for would-be parents and parallels between being proactive about fertility and finances.