Should Dual-Income Couples Combine Finances? With Alana D'Angelica

In this episode, I sit down with Alana D’Angelica, a financial coach for high-earning women in tech who look successful on paper but often feel anxious, disorganized, or uncertain about their financial future. Alana shares her journey from Morgan Stanley to early-stage Indeed (when it was just 50 employees), to leadership roles in fast-growing tech companies — and how those experiences shaped her coaching philosophy. We discuss: • Why many high earners don’t actually feel wealthy • The common blind spots around compensation (RSUs, stock options, 401(k) match, health plans) • How lifestyle creep quietly erodes financial progress • The emotional side of money decisions • Why she believes dual-income couples should not fully combine finances • The power of starting retirement savings early • The importance of understanding investments — even if you hire an advisor • Her six-month coaching framework and investing community for women Alana also shares a personal story of a negative experience with an advisor, and how it shaped her commitment to empowering clients with financial literacy and transparency. If you’re earning well but still wondering where your money is going — or if you want more clarity, intention, and control in your financial life — this episode is for you.  Connect with Alana Website: https://alanadeangelica.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanadeangelica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanadeangelica/ Resources & Concepts Referenced • The FIRE Movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) • ChooseFI Podcast • Afford Anything Podcast • Ikigai framework (Japanese concept of life purpose) • RSUs (Restricted Stock Units) • Stock Options • 401(k) match optimization • Variable Universal Life (VUL) insurance • DIY investing