43. Financial Infidelity in Couples Research Backed Strategies for Financial Advisors

Your clients may not be telling you everything. They may not be telling their partner everything either. In this episode, Ashley sits down with Dr. Jenny Olson, Assistant Professor at Indiana University, to talk about financial infidelity, what it actually is, what the research says about how common it is, and why it matters for the couples sitting across from you. You'll learn: The two-part definition of financial infidelity and why both pieces have to be present What financial infidelity asymmetry is and how it predicts lower assets, lower financial wellbeing, and lower relationship satisfaction Why even virtuous financial behaviors like saving can cross into infidelity territory What advisors should be watching and listening for in couples meetings How to ask about these dynamics without putting anyone on the defensive RESOURCES AND GUEST INFORMATION Guest Bio: Dr. Jenny Olson is an Assistant Professor at Indiana University whose research explores the dynamics of financial behavior within relationships. Her work focuses on financial infidelity, defined as intentionally engaging in financial decisions a partner would disapprove of and then concealing them. Through her research, Dr. Olson sheds light on what may be happening beneath the surface for many couples, offering insight into the complex and often unspoken ways money impacts trust, communication, and partnership. Connect with Dr. Jenny Olson: • Personal Website: jennyginolson.com (http://jennyginolson.com) • Financial Infidelity Scale: Available through website (http://www.jennyginolson.com/uploads/...) • LinkedIn: Jenny Olson (  / jennyginolson  ) Connect with Host Ashley Quamme: • Podcast Website: PlanningAndBeyond.com (https://www.planningandbeyond.com) • LinkedIn: Ashley Quamme (  / ashley-quamme  ) • Beyond the Plan®: BeyondTheFP.com (https://www.beyondthefp.com) • YouTube: Subscribe at @BeyondthePlanSolutions (   / @beyondtheplansolutions  ) At least 30% of couples acknowledge some form of financial infidelity. The real number is likely higher. Knowing how to recognize it and navigate it is part of doing this work well. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Financial Infidelity 1:25 What Financial Infidelity Actually Means 3:55 When “Good Money Habits” Break Trust 8:01 The Line Between Harmless and Harmful Behavior 10:16 The Pattern That Predicts Relationship Problems 13:41 The Red Flags Most People Miss 17:24 The Business Owner Situation That Gets Messy Fast 20:29 Why Avoiding Money Conversations Backfires 25:02 How to Talk About Money Without Damaging Trust 29:32 How Advisors Should Handle This With Clients 34:42 Where to Learn More about Dr. Jenny Olson #BehavioralFinance #FinancialAdvisors #FinancialPlanning #CouplesAndMoney #PlanningAndBeyond