How to Do a Money Date Night That Actually Works (and Keeps You on the Same Page)

By Molly Benjamin, Founder of Ladies Finance Club

Listen to the full podcast here.

Talking about money doesn’t have to feel awkward, heavy, or like a chore you keep avoiding. In this week’s Get Rich episode, I chatted with Sammy and Nathan Jaeger, long-time couple and co-hosts of the Date Forever podcast, about the simple rhythm they use to keep their money management, financial goals, and relationship humming. Think: cosy chats, honest check-ins, intentional living, and yes… champagne when they hit milestones.

What struck me most is how intentionally they’ve designed their life together. Years ago, they realised that if they didn’t plan their money and their goals on purpose, life would just happen by default. Now they run a gentle cadence: a big-picture planning session once a year, seasonal check-ins to reset priorities, and a short weekly money date to keep momentum. No drama, no shame, just two people staying curious, open, and aligned.

Their weekly money date night is the heartbeat. Often it’s a Sunday afternoon walk or a relaxed couch session with music on and the banking app open. They talk about how the week felt, what’s coming up, and where the money’s at. They use a simple bucket system for budgeting, transparent shared accounts for bills, goals and travel, plus private “yours/mine” spends so no one feels micromanaged. Because consistency beats intensity, the conversation is short, kind and focused on progress, not perfection.

If one partner naturally becomes the household CFO (hi, spreadsheet lovers), the trick is not to drown the other in detail. Start with the why: the kind of life you’re building, how money supports that, and which priorities matter this season. Once you’ve removed the resistance - old stories, money nerves, fear of “getting it wrong”, the practical bits are easy. Numbers serve the dream, not the other way around.

My favourite touch? They celebrate. When a savings target lands or an investing milestone ticks over, they pop a bottle they’ve pre-tagged with the goal. It’s playful and powerful: celebrating wins makes you want to repeat the behaviour that got you there. Progress becomes addictive, in the best way.

This isn’t just for couples. If you’re solo, book a standing date with yourself. Light a candle, journal on your financial planning and goals, review your accounts, and ask: what’s one small action I can take this week? You can even buddy up with a friend for accountability. A “money mate” can be just as effective as a partner when it comes to staying the course.

So, what does a great money date feel like? Calm, future-focused, and human. You don’t need a fancy restaurant or a $200 night out. A beach walk, a park bench, or your living room with a snack board is perfect. Keep the tone generous. Be curious about each other’s habits and hopes. End by naming the one next step you’ll take before the next check-in. That’s how couples finance stops being stressful admin and becomes a shared practice that builds wealth and trust over time.

The research backs it up: couples with shared goals are happier. But beyond the stats, you’ll feel the difference. When you both know the plan, the temperature drops. You argue less about spending, you move faster on the things you care about, and you start to see results in your savings, investing and day-to-day money management.

If you try a money date night after this episode, tell me how it goes. What shifted? What felt easier? And what did you celebrate? Because in the end, that’s the point, building a life that feels good now and funds your future.

And if you want to take things a step further with your partner, check out our “Honey, Let’s Talk About the Money!” - it’s a fun and practical questionnaire designed to help couples have those important money conversations. According to TD Bank’s annual Love & Money Survey, couples who talk about money are the happiest, while those who avoid it are the least happy. And in Australia, financial stress is one of the top reasons for separation. So if you’re serious about building a strong financial foundation together, this guide is your must-have conversation starter.

Need financial advice? Check out a range of our experts who can help you! 

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