The Financial Crisis That Tested a 39-Year Marriage

Episode Summary: What does it take to sustain a marriage for nearly four decades? In this episode of Midlife Marriage Mastery, Lisa Kneller sits down with her mastermind partner and friend, Catherine Pierce, president of Caliber Security Partners and host of the Empower and Elevate Conference. Catherine shares the raw and inspiring story of how she and her husband, Tab, navigated a million-dollar financial disaster that almost cost them everything. From driving Ubers in Seattle to maintain their mortgage to transition from stay-at-home mom to cybersecurity recruiter, Catherine discusses the "soul of steel" required to weather life's storms. Whether you are navigating the "weeds" of raising children or enjoying the freedom of the grandparent phase, this episode offers a roadmap for resilience, faith, and radical acceptance in long-term partnership. Key Themes & Takeaways: The $1 Million "Crap Fest": Catherine recounts the day her husband returned home "white as a ghost" to reveal $750,000 in business debt and $250,000 in personal debt. She explains why she chose to support him rather than "kick him while he was down." Resilience Through Reverse Engineering: How the couple spent 26 months working "like dogs"—including taking turns driving Uber on weekends and nights—to pay back every cent, including debt to the IRS. The "Water Off a Duck’s Back" Philosophy: Catherine shares how a childhood spent in a tumultuous environment taught her the vital skill of not taking things personally—a habit that has protected her marriage from unnecessary conflict. Navigating the "Business Partner" Boundary: As co-owners of multiple ventures, Catherine and Tab have learned to blend their Type-A (organized) and Type-B (fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants) styles by setting formal appointments for business meetings while remaining "fully in tune" personally. The "Six Marriages" Concept: A discussion on the evolution of love, moving from the intensity of the early years and the stress of parenting to a deeper, more present connection in their 60s. Memorable Quotes: "I didn’t need to say anything to Tab [about the debt], because he was beating himself up all by himself." "I knew that when I got married, there was not going to be shouting and slamming doors... I had a clear picture of the household I wanted to build." "We celebrate every day with each other. Every day is such a blessing that we don't really need to go out of our way for holidays." Guest Bio: Catherine Pierce is the President of Caliber Security Partners and co-owner of Networked Live. A former stay-at-home mom turned cybersecurity powerhouse, she is also the creator of the Empower and Elevate Conference for Female Entrepreneurs in Phoenix, Arizona. Catherine and her husband Tab have been married for 39 years and are proud parents of four and grandparents of ten. Resources Mentioned: Empower and Elevate Conference: Catherine’s bi-annual event for female entrepreneurs. Networked Live: A collaborative community for business owners. Esther Perel: Referenced regarding the idea that we have multiple "marriages" with the same person over time. Connect with Lisa: Ready to move from "roommates" back to soulmates? Book a Discovery Call: lisaknellercoaching.com Instagram: Follow for daily tips on mastering your midlife relationship. @lisaknellercoaching and @cath.pierce