Coffee and Conversation: Work & Money

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on balancing work/career, financial values, and relationships. Discover how financial responsibility and beliefs about money can impact your dating life and future relationship.

This event is part of a 7-conversation series inspired by Eight Dates by Dr. John Gottman—an exploration of the key areas where alignment is essential for lasting, meaningful relationships.

We're not experts—just thoughtful people creating a space for connection, curiosity, and meaningful conversation!
Discussion Focus:

• How do financial values impact dating and relationships?
• Have money differences ever caused tension in dating?
• Who pays for the first date?
• How do you balance career goals with time for relationships?

Who Should Attend:

• Singles curious about how money influences relationships
• Those thinking about financial expectations while dating
• Anyone balancing career ambitions with their dating life

What to Bring:

• Thoughts on financial values and dating expectations
• An open mind for discussion
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• Event Agenda
• 1. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 mins)
  Fill in the blank warm-up (choose 1):
  • “Work, to me, is ________.”
  • “If I had more money, I would ________.”
  • “I feel most successful when ________.”
  • “A money value I live by is ________.”

2. Gottman Insight: What Work & Money Reveal (5 mins)
Money is about more than numbers—it’s about values, safety, freedom, power, and love. Work is about identity, meaning, and purpose. These shape how we connect in relationships.
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3.Individual Journaling Prompts (10 mins)
• What messages did I receive about money growing up?
• How does money impact how I feel about myself—my worth, freedom, or success?
• What kind of lifestyle do I want to build with someone?
• What do I want a partner to understand about my relationship to work and money?

• 4. Small Group Sharing (15 mins)
  Share 1–2 insights from your journaling.
  Bonus question: Who pays on the first date—and why?

• 5. Large Group Discussion (25 mins)
  • Is it important for you and your partner to earn at similar levels? Why or why not?
  • How do you feel about merging finances in a future relationship?
  • What kind of financial values do you hope a partner shares with you?
  • How important is career ambition to you—in yourself or in someone else?

• 6. Closing Visualization & Reflections (10 mins)
  Visualization: Imagine yourself in a relationship where you and your partner feel aligned around work and money.

• Final Reflection: What’s one insight you’re taking away from today’s conversation?

• Final Thoughts
   “Money is emotional. It brings up values, fears, wounds, and dreams. A healthy partnership doesn’t mean you agree on everything—it means you’re willing to understand each other, grow together, and keep communication open.” —Adapted from *Eight Dates*
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• Each person has a “money map”—a personal belief system about earning, saving, spending Differences aren’t problems—they’re invitations to deeper understanding
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• “Money is one of the most emotionally charged conversations you'll have in a relationship. It’s not about math—it’s about meaning.”