Shame & Money: What Money Fights Are Really About with Jordan Pendleton

Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in relationships — and also one of the least understood. What starts as a disagreement about spending, saving, or financial priorities often turns into defensiveness, distance, and unresolved resentment.In this episode of Untethering Shame, I’m joined by Jordan Pendleton, a former financial advisor turned Money Conversation Coach for couples, to unpack what’s really happening underneath money fights — and why these conversations feel so charged, emotional, and hard to navigate.Jordan brings both professional expertise and lived experience into this conversation, helping couples understand how money becomes entangled with shame, fear, control, and emotional safety. Together, we explore how money arguments are rarely about the numbers — and how learning to turn toward each other instead of away can change everything.In this episode, we explore:Why money activates shame, fear, and power dynamics in relationshipsHow recurring money arguments signal deeper emotional needs and unmet safetyThe ways couples unknowingly turn away from each other during financial stressWhat it looks like to rebuild trust and connection around money conversationsHow shifting how you talk about money can reduce conflict and re-ignite intimacyIf you’ve ever felt stuck in the same money arguments… avoided conversations altogether… or wondered why finances feel so emotionally loaded in your relationship, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a new way forward.💬 About Jordan PendletonJordan Pendleton is a former financial advisor turned Money Conversation Coach for couples. She works with partners who find themselves arguing about money — helping them move out of shame, blame, and silence and into honest, connected conversations.Rooted in her own experiences navigating money and marriage, Jordan is passionate about helping couples stop turning away from one another during conflict and instead learn how to face challenges together. Her work focuses on restoring emotional safety, improving communication, and helping couples reconnect — not just financially, but relationally.Connect with Jordan:WebsiteInstagramReady to take the next step?Download the FREE handout, "5 Things Shame Resilient People Do Every Day" and start making those daily shifts to break that shame cycle that's keeping you stuck in that negative headspace.Book a free 25-minute discovery call to discuss different program options and find the support best fits your needs.Stay Connected:Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and be sure to leave a review to let us know your thoughts on this episode.YouTubeWebsite