Relationship Wealth Masterclass:

Navigating Love and Finance:

Professional Guidance for Couples and Families by David Angway, RFP.

[0:00] – Why do couples fight about money? Addressing the root causes of relationship conflict.

[2:45] – When should couples talk about money? The best time to disclose your financial status.

[5:10] – What is your partner’s money personality? Assessing financial compatibility before marriage.

[8:30] – Joint vs. separate bank accounts for couples: Which is better for marriage?

[12:15] – How to set financial goals as a couple: Planning for a home and emergency funds.

[15:40] – Should I pay my partner’s debt? Handling pre-marriage loans and financial liabilities.

[19:20] – How to recover from financial infidelity: Rebuilding trust after secret spending or debt.

[23:05] – Breadwinner burden in Filipino families: Setting boundaries with in-laws and relatives.

[27:50] – How to teach kids about money: Raising children with a generational wealth mindset.

[32:15] – Best investment for couples: How to diversify your portfolio for long-term security.

[38:40] – Life insurance for families: Protecting your spouse and children from financial risk.

[44:30] – Biblical principles on money and marriage: Stewardship for a peaceful, prosperous home.

[47:40] – Financial coaching for couples: Accessing David Angway’s exclusive wealth mentorship.

Entrepinoy Espesyal: Relationships and Money

Guests: David Isaiah Angway (Registered Financial Planner)

Host: Kael (El Garcia)

Kael: Welcome back to Entrepinoy Espesyal on 702 DZAS FEBC Radio TV. I am your companion, El Garcia. This is our final episode for 2025, and we want to face 2026 with hope. Joining us today is a suking-suki (regular) of our program, a Registered Financial Planner with 13 years of experience managing nearly ₱1 billion in client portfolios. He specializes in wealth planning, estate planning, and long-term financial strategies. He has spoken on TED, Bloomberg, and ANC. Welcome back, Sir David Angway!

David: Thank you so much for inviting me again, Kael. I know you might be tired of seeing me, but we will never tire of helping our fellow citizens.

Kael: We never get tired of the wisdom you share! Before we dive in, would you like to greet our listeners?

David: Greetings to everyone listening to Entrepinoy Espesyal, especially our international followers in Europe, America, Australia, and South America. We are praying that you find the courage, not just the capital, to start your entrepreneurial journey in 2026.

Kael: That is so important. Whether you are an entrepreneur or an individual, if there is money involved, you are part of this conversation. David, what is our topic for today?

David: Today, we are talking about relationships—but specifically, your relationship with money. This affects everyone, whether you are married or in the "honeymoon stage" of a relationship. It impacts your today and your future.

Kael: In the Filipino context, why is money such a sensitive topic in relationships?

David: In our culture, we rarely talk about money until there is a conflict or resentment. We aren't at ease discussing salaries or spending patterns because we often feel it attacks our self-worth. However, a SWS Asia survey shows that 53% of Filipinos experience significant financial stress—often more than stress from relationships or work.

Kael: Why are we so stressed about it?

David: A lot of it comes down to a lack of awareness and the "DIY" (Do-It-Yourself) culture. Instead of asking for professional research, many Filipinos try to manage everything themselves and end up getting scammed. Having money doesn't automatically make you smart with it; in fact, studies show we often have clouded judgment when we have too much money. I always tell people: you wouldn't let a cab driver without a license drive you, so why trust your 40 years of hard-earned savings to unlicensed strategies?

Kael: You mentioned earlier how we equate money with self-worth. Can you elaborate on that?

David: We often feel happy when we get paid, but two days before the next payday—during "petsa de peligro"—we feel down. We shouldn't equate our bank account with our value. As Christians, we know our value is given by God, not by what people say or what car we drive. If you find your worth in possessions, you will end up depressed.

Kael: For couples entering the New Year, what are the most common money conflicts they face?

David: To lessen arguments, I recommend managing three types of accounts:

1. Joint Account: For rent and shared goals.

2. Personal Account: For your own personal spending.

3. Luxury Account: Because we all need goals and rewards, not just constant saving. I also advocate for "Family Governance." Just like a corporation has rules for spending and saving, a family should have a set of expectations. Many spouses expect their partner to "read their mind" regarding money, which leads to conflict. Talk about it—decide where the kids will go to school, plan your travels, and establish a succession plan for your business.

Kael: What about prenuptial agreements? They are becoming more popular.

David: I highly recommend them for "blended families." If you are a widow with children and you are wealthy, a prenup protects your children's inheritance in a new marriage.

Even for single high-earners, it protects you from potential conflicts of interest in asset management. It isn't a sign of lack of trust; it's a part of good family governance.

Kael: How do couples even start these "money conversations"?

David: Start "Money Dates." Spend one hour double-checking expenses and upcoming costs. This creates transparency and accountability. Without these dates, resentment builds up. When parents yell about money, they pass that trauma to their children. To prevent this, have a one-hour meeting to discuss:

• Expenses

• Past learnings

• Improvements for spending

• Investment status

Kael: What about boyfriend/girlfriend pairs having joint accounts?

David: I do not recommend it. Entering such an agreement without a sophisticated contract is dangerous. We see celebrities and business partners break up and lose their peace of mind over shared money. Consult a professional before making these decisions.

Kael: Many Filipinos feel the weight of supporting their parents or relatives. How do we handle those boundaries?

David: Healthy boundaries are essential. You must be able to say "no." If a child is responsible for everything, it becomes dangerous. Communicate your goals to your family. If you can't save because of family pressure, you'll end up borrowing money later.

A 2023 study found that 60% of wealth transfers fail due to a lack of communication.

Kael: Communication really is king.

David: Communication is king, and context is the queen. People fear these talks because they fear losing control. But you must control the controllable. If you’re worried about an heir wasting an inheritance, create structures and layers to protect it. Financial advice must be customized—your finances in your 20s are different from someone else's.

Kael: That reminds me of the Prodigal Son.

David: Exactly. Procrastination and delay can ruin finances. I’ve seen cases where siblings couldn't decide on medical care for a parent, and a five-year ICU stay cost ₱140 million, leading them to lose their houses and businesses.

Kael: How do we handle lending money to friends or neighbors without destroying the relationship?

David: Filipinos are natural people-pleasers, but it affects our finances.

• Beginner Level: Learn to say "no." Don't withdraw from your emergency fund to cover someone else's emergency.

• Intermediate Level: Create a contract and ask for collateral if the amount is large.

• Advanced Level: If you lend a large amount (like ₱500,000) for a business, have the borrower sign an insurance agreement where you are the beneficiary. If something happens to them, you can still recoup your money.

Kael: I never knew about insurance agreements for loans! This is so enlightening. As we end the year, it’s vital to preserve our relationships and our mental health.