Minneapolis-based brightpeak financial is inviting couples to work on both their relationship and their finances this Valentine season. The not-for-profit company is promoting the recently launched beta version of Together. It is a free digital coach with science-based tools and resources for young couples dealing with love and money.
The timing is deliberate. Money is a leading cause of marital disagreements, according to the company. By contrast, couples who talk about finances report more happiness and less stress. In fact, a 2012 study by Britt in Family Relations found that money fights predict divorce better than other common marital disputes.
Eric Hughes is chief marketing officer at brightpeak. He said the company worked with leading behavioral scientists and relationship experts to build Together. Its design draws on principles linked to relationship happiness and financial wellness, since in his view the two go hand in hand.
A free assessment and a custom plan
One of those experts is behavioral scientist Dr. Galen Buckwalter of PsyML, who helped develop the eHarmony compatibility assessments. He helped create the free Love & Money Relationship Assessment. It uses psychometrics to rate a couple’s relationship health across seven common factors. Couples then get personalized feedback and suggestions for structured financial and relational activities.
From there, Together works as a custom journey. It can help couples pay off debt, plan a wedding budget or buy a home. It also coaches them through big and small money milestones.
The approach has been studied. Kansas State University researcher Dr. Sonya Britt-Lutter, a leader in financial therapy, looked at couples who used the brightpeak program. Afterward they reported more satisfaction with their finances, communication and household duties. They also understood their partner’s values in money decisions much better. Financial and relationship stress fell by the end of the program. Even three months later, the drop was still significant.
Several partners are also adding content. Sam and Toni Collier, communicators and podcasters at North Point Church, co-created a 7 Days + 7 Ways devotional. They will also host a Facebook Live event during Marriage Week, which runs February 7 to 14. Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn wrote For Men Only and For Women Only. They will share what spouses often wish their partners understood. Meanwhile, best-selling author Jon Acuff, who once worked on Dave Ramsey’s team, built the Ready, Set Goals! 6-Day Challenge based on his book Finish.
Because Together is still in beta, Hughes said the team adds and refines content every day. The company is asking couples to share what helps and what they would like to see next.
The company is a division of Thrivent Financial, a not-for-profit membership organization of Christians. Thrivent was founded more than a century ago and is based in Minneapolis. Its digital products include marriage courses, money management apps, savings accounts, term life and disability income insurance, and financial guidance.
