Trust and the Money System
The first pillar is the one every couple needs to work hard to develop.
"A crucial element, absolutely essential to a successful marriage, is trust."
Trusting someone unconditionally requires a willingness to be vulnerable. Being worth that trust is the other half of the equation, and Karrie does not pretend it is simple.
"How can you be sure if one's potential partner is deserving, and will continue to be so (people can and do change!)"
Combining finances can feel like it raises the stakes.
"There has to be absolute trust. Unless a couple keeps their finances separate, they have to trust each other to stick to the plan."
Without combining finances and trusting each other completely, the Leagues could not have rebuilt after their first venture failed, and Austin wouldn’t have an iconic collection of movie theaters.
What trust bought them was specialization. They stopped duplicating each other's work.
"In our case, I manage all the household finances. I am in charge of all the bank accounts and responsible for all bill payments, insurance, taxes, investments, real estate, bookkeeping etc."
Division of labor is a defining feature all eusocial species. Ants, honeybees, and the Leagues build their empires through trust and true social activity.
"Tim could look at it all if he wanted, but he doesn't have time for that, so he just has to trust me. He has access to loans and credit cards and cash, and I have to trust him to spend wisely."
Notice that the trust runs both directions. She trusts him with access. He trusts her with the plan. That is the whole system.
