Couples often reflect on their best investments, sharing insights about valuable purchases that strengthen their bond and finances.

Embracing love transforms lives in extraordinary ways. When you commit to sharing your life with another, you’ll experience joy, laughter, and romance, but also face practical responsibilities. Joining as a couple means tackling life’s challenges together, including financial decisions. What are your shared money goals? How will you work collaboratively to achieve them? What smart choices and calculated risks can you take together? And how do you celebrate successes while supporting each other through setbacks?

To gain valuable insights, we turned to couples who’ve navigated these waters. We gathered their thoughts and advice on topics ranging from investment strategies to managing debt, hoping to inspire you with their success stories.

“Have faith in each other's confidence.”

In August 2018, Staci Brinkman and her husband, Øivind Loe, put $20,000 into upgrading a storage area beneath their home. Their goal was to enhance their business, Sips by. While they anticipated a surge in orders, that didn't materialize, prompting them to invest an additional $60,000 in advertising. It paid off. “I’m naturally cautious, so I wouldn’t have spent the initial $20,000 or the following $60,000 without Øivind’s encouragement,” Brinkman explained. “His unwavering support pushed me toward the decision to move forward.”

“Embrace calculated risks.”

In 2008, Nicola and James Stephenson made a significant leap by purchasing office space in London’s Soho. They had been renting while running their marketing firm, but a friend offered them an irresistible deal on a commercial property. With help from their parents for the deposit, they acquired a stunning townhouse. Little did they know, a recession would follow soon after.

Fortunately, they managed to sublet the building as their business, oHHo, grew. They even converted the top floor into their residence, which not only met their needs but also contributed to their financial growth as a couple. By the time they sold the property in 2013, it had significantly appreciated. “Investing in property has its risks, but despite feeling exposed during the recession, the rewards outweighed the risks,” Nicola noted. “It allowed us to generate cash flow to properly launch our business in the U.S.”

“Prioritize savings.”

Saving money may seem minor, but it yields significant benefits over time. Jordan Kentris, founder and creative director of A Good Day, and his partner Greg decided early on to allocate a portion of their earnings into retirement accounts.

“We automatically set aside 2% of our earnings each pay period into a dedicated savings account, which we invest in low-risk mutual funds for steady growth,” Kentris shared. “Over the years, this approach has established a solid foundation that will continue to grow over the next 30+ years.”

“Eliminate debt quickly.”

Matt Campbell, the founder of My Wedding Songs, and his wife, Sharon, wanted to avoid living paycheck to paycheck. They aimed for financial stability and peace of mind. Seven years into homeownership, they refinanced their mortgage to access equity.

Though this raised their mortgage payment, it also increased their disposable income. They committed to strict financial discipline during this period.

“We didn’t splurge on vacations or renovations,” Matt said. “Instead, we focused on paying off all our debts, including credit cards and car loans. This strategy allowed us to manage living expenses effectively and save for emergencies.”

“Believe in your financial strategy.”

Elise Armitage, a lifestyle writer, along with her partner Omied, considers their home purchase during the pandemic to be their best financial decision. In April 2020, they seized an opportune moment before the real estate market surged.

Although both faced uncertain financial futures as entrepreneurs, they conducted thorough financial planning, weighing their options, and ultimately decided to invest in their first home. “We’re grateful we acted when we did; waiting even a few months could have cost us a better deal,” Elise reflected.

“Expect the unexpected.”

After reading ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad,’ Sarah and Nicholas Karakaian were motivated to stop renting and own a home. While living in Astoria, Queens, Sarah spotted a unique property for sale during a walk with their dog, featuring a front yard and basement.

She envisioned renting out the basement to help with mortgage costs. Both Sarah and Nicholas worked in creative fields, so after much planning and research, they managed to secure the property with just 3% down.

“We transformed the basement into a studio apartment. We had to dig out the floor for higher ceilings and add a shower,” Sarah explained. “With friends initially renting the space, we later turned to Airbnb for increased income.”

Four years later, they sold the home as a fully functioning Airbnb, significantly increasing its value. “We not only profited while living there, but also doubled its worth during our time. The proceeds allowed us to invest in a fourplex and a single-family home in the Midwest, enhancing our financial strategy. That small house in Astoria changed our lives and sparked our passion for investing. We’re now dedicated full-time to short-term rentals and enjoying every moment while building long-term wealth.”