Ed interviews Justin and Hailey Brown-Woods, the dynamic couple behind the 'Price of Avocado Toast' podcast and financial coaching business. The Brown-Woods share their personal journey from receiving a $600,000 wrongful death settlement to blowing through the money and accruing $220,000 in debt, and how they turned their financial hardships into a mission to help others. They discuss the origins of their podcast name, the impact of their similar humble upbringings, and their transformation through effective communication about money. They also delve into their unique approaches to financial counseling and education, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big, staying present, and de-stigmatizing money conversations. The episode provides valuable insights into how couples can navigate financial struggles, improve their financial health, and build a strong, supportive relationship.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The Origin of 'Price of Avocado Toast'

(04:17) - The Pumpkin Muffin Story

(05:39) - Blowing Through $600,000

(10:15) - Destigmatizing Money Conversations

(14:38) - Healthy Communication Practices

(19:55) - Managing Sensitivity in Relationships

(24:16) - Redefining Masculinity and Vulnerability

(29:07) - Supporting Each Other's Growth

(34:28) - Evolving Financial Coaching Practices

(37:03) - Balancing Dreams and Reality

Key Topics Discussed:

Healthy Love and Money, Ed Coambs, Charlotte North Carolina, Financial Therapy, Couples Financial Planning, Financial Intimacy, Money and Relationships, Financial Communication for Couples, Attachment Styles and Money, Financial Conflict Resolution, Therapy-Informed Financial Planning, Financial Trauma Healing, Financial Wellness for Couples

Mentions:

Website: https://www.priceofavocadotoast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priceofavocadotoast

Mentions: Happy Money Happy Life by Jason Vitug

More of Healthy Love & Money:

Redefine your relationship with money and each other: https://www.healthyloveandmoney.com/

Ed’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthyloveandmoney/

Contact me at ed@healthyloveandmoney.com

Healthy Love & Money is a personal podcast meant for education and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I’m honored to welcome back Derek Hagan, financial psychology expert and founder of Meaningful Money. We explore the deep emotional ties we have to money, the way wealth impacts identity, and the myths we carry about financial success. Derek shares his insights on why many people believe money will solve their problems, how financial decisions are influenced by subconscious beliefs, and why changing our money mindset is often harder than we expect.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

⏳ [1:00] Derek’s realization about brain surgery and how it relates to financial psychology

⏳ [3:45] The myth of the “quick fix” in money therapy and why real change takes time

⏳ [7:30] The power of storytelling and the beliefs we carry about wealth

⏳ [12:00] A real-life client case study on spending, identity, and financial grief

⏳ [18:40] How our financial behaviors are often shaped by childhood experiences

⏳ [25:15] Why wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness and the emotional impact of sudden wealth

⏳ [32:10] The hidden ways we “signal” financial success and why it matters

⏳ [40:20] How financial stress distorts our perception of other people’s money situations

⏳ [47:05] Finding a healthy balance between external validation and intrinsic self-worth

Resources & Links:

🔗 Connect with Derek Hagan:

• Website: Meaning.blog
• LinkedIn: Derek Hagan
• Twitter: @MoneyHealthGuy

📖 Recommended Books & Resources:

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hanson
• Strangers in Paradise by James Grubman

💡 Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us continue bringing thoughtful conversations on financial and relational well-being. Share this episode with a friend, family member, or partner to spark meaningful money conversations.

Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects my experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice. Every person’s situation is unique, and I encourage seeking personalized...

In this episode of the Healthy Love and Money Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Derek Hagan, financial psychology expert and founder of Money Health Solutions. We dive into the hidden forces shaping our money mindset, how childhood experiences influence financial behaviors, and the powerful role of curiosity in personal and financial growth. Derek shares his journey from growing up in a low-income household to becoming an expert in financial decision-making and meaning-making.

Quotes:

Key Moments:

• [1:15] Derek’s early curiosity about life, meaning, and money
• [5:45] Growing up with a scarcity mindset and how it shaped his financial outlook
• [12:30] The invisible career paths in finance that many never learn about
• [18:20] How financial planning decisions are often made under uncertainty
• [25:10] Derek’s journey into the CFA® and CFP® world
• [30:40] The realization that technical finance knowledge isn’t enough
• [36:15] The turning point—discovering financial psychology and deep listening
• [42:30] How curiosity leads to stronger relationships and better money decisions
• [50:10] Practical tips for couples to improve financial communication

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Derek Hagan:
• Website: Money Health Solutions
• LinkedIn: Derek Hagan
• Twitter: @MoneyHealthGuy
• Recommended Books & Resources:
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Connect with Ed Coambs:

• Website: Healthy Love and Money
• Instagram: @HealthyLoveAndMoney
• LinkedIn: Ed Coambs

Subscribe & Share

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Share this episode with your friends, family, or partner to help us reach more people on their journey to financial and relational well-being. Let’s grow together!

Healthy Love & Money Podcast Disclaimer

This podcast is designed for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared here reflects my personal and professional experiences as a financial therapist and Certified Financial Planner™. It is not a substitute for professional financial, legal, or mental health advice specific to your situation.

While I aim to provide helpful insights, each individual and relationship is unique, and the topics discussed may not fully apply to your personal circumstances. I encourage you to seek personalized guidance from a qualified financial, legal, or mental health professional.

By listening to this podcast,...