Money Harmony

Psychotherapist Olivia Mellan has seen the relationship problems that money conflicts can cause. As she puts it, “money is never just money.” Her experience with couples who clash over finances is laid out in this helpful book, where you’ll learn how to identify your own money “style.” Since that may differ from your mate’s, Mellan offers advice on how to resolve communication problems about handling money, and set financial goals that’ll work for both of you.
Rating: 5 / 5

I find Mellan’s categorization of people as “money monks”; hoarders, avoiders, etc. to be somewhat simplistic. At different times, I have fit into several of these categories (and still do). I don’t like advice from an author who seems intent on making me fit her theory.

There is commonsense advice in here on money and relationships but I was so irritated at the author’s tone, which struck me as somewhat patronizing, that I didn’t benefit from any of it.
Rating: 2 / 5

This is a very helpful and insightful book for financial advisors! Understanding a client’s money personality is essential to rendering helpful and practical advice and counsel.
So is understanding the money dynamics of marriag and couple relationships. I have found this book to be of tremendous help in my financial planning practice. HIGHLY recommended!

Robert A. Caldwell, CPA
Rating: 5 / 5

Chances are, if you’re in a relationship you’ve experienced differences of one kind or another, after all, opposites do attract. However, while many differences can prove to be beneficial to a relationship, conflicting money personalities can often cause serious financial problems. In Money Harmony, psychotherapist and author, Olivia Mellan, provides helpful exercises, dialogues, and other communication techniques to not only resolve these conflicting issues, but more importantly, to restore harmony to the relationship. I definitely agree with John Gray, PH.D. and author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus… every couple should learn the techniques described in this book! – Copyright 2005 by Michelle Jones, editor of BetterBudgeting.com

Rating: 5 / 5

Dealing with couples exhibiting different backgrounds and attitudes towards money, and finances in general, is a challenge. Olivia Mellan has developed a strategy and a book that gauges people’s money styles and addresses the need to recognize and how to adapt to each other’s differences. I found this an important, basic tool that needed to be in my library, and in my toolkit as an fee-only financial advisor who works with couples.
Rating: 5 / 5