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What Brock Purdy Can Teach Us About Marriage and Money

Nick Murphy, CFP®

Brock Purdy just signed a $265 million contract. 

Let that sink in.

He could’ve immediately bought a private island, named it “QB1,” and filled it with gold-plated jet skis. But instead, he gave us a rare glimpse into something far more valuable than a splashy purchase: how he and his wife handle money.

In an interview following the deal, Purdy mentioned:

1. He discusses big purchases with his wife first and shows honor and value for her opinion.
2. He views money as "theirs" not "his.” His first comment was "WE'RE still thinking about some stuff."
3. He remains humble. After all, a bass boat is a relatively humble splurge after signing a $265MM contract.

I’ve been a lifelong 49ers fan, but even if you’re not into football, this is worth paying attention to. Because in my work as a financial planner, I’ve seen firsthand that this mindset can make or break a marriage.

I’ve watched couples thrive. I’ve also watched couples spiral into “Real Housewives”–level drama over money. (Let’s just say financial statements don’t lie and neither do Amazon Prime orders.)

So, what separates the healthy couples from the ones silently resenting each other over secret credit cards?

In my experience as a financial planner, it usually comes down to five key habits — ones that Brock Purdy, intentionally or not, just modeled perfectly:

1. Talk Before You Spend

One of the biggest red flags I see in couples’ finances is surprise spending. Purdy talking with his wife before making big a purchase is simple but powerful. Whether it’s a $30K boat or a $300 coffee machine, financial harmony starts with communication before the money leaves the account.

2. Use “We” Language on Purpose

When couples use “we” instead of “I,” it reflects a shared mindset. I’ve seen couples with modest incomes build wealth simply because they made financial decisions as a team. When you think like a unit, you plan like one. And that changes everything.

3. Define What’s Worth It

That bass boat? It may not be your idea of a good time, but for Purdy, it was a meaningful reward. The most successful couples I work with know what they value and spend accordingly.

4. Don’t Let Lifestyle Creep Lead the Way

Purdy could’ve made headlines with a mansion or a fleet of sports cars. Instead, he kept it humble. That’s a smart move, not just for his image, but for his long-term stability. The couples who avoid lifestyle creep are the ones who stay in control of their future.

5. Plan Beyond the Moment, Especially for Retirement

Here's where my planner brain kicks in: $265 million sounds like “set for life,” but without planning, even that can go sideways. Same goes for the rest of us. Whether you're making $100K or $1M, long-term security comes from proactive planning, especially around retirement. The couples who sit down, align on their goals, and actually run the numbers are the ones who retire well and stay retired.

Bottom line? Financial harmony is about being aligned. If you're looking to build a plan that works for both of you, it helps to have someone in your corner. Contact us to get started. 

Counterweight Private Wealth is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with its principal offices in Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Counterweight Private Wealth only transacts business in states in which it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration. A copy of Counterweight Private Wealth’s current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, its business practices, services, and fees, is available through the SEC’s website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

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