One partner was raised by a teen mom, grew up poor.
Prefers rice and vegetables but the partner refuses due to past food insecurities.
Story 2
Adopted at age 7 from extreme poverty to a well-off family.
Did not know that food could be bought from the store; thought it could only be obtained from church donations.
Story 3
One partner's sandwiches had only one thin slice of meat growing up due to poverty.
The other partner was surprised by this.
Story 4
A person in love with their best friend from university who came from a poor background.
Planned a holiday for their birthday, considering confessing love.
Story 5
Husband grew up in a large family on a strict budget.
He now enjoys looking at everything in grocery stores because he couldn't afford many things growing up.
Story 6
Wife believes expensive brands equate to wealth.
Surprised to learn wealthy people might use old cars and wear non-label clothes.
Story 7
Partner from a broken home has bad spending habits, racking up credit card debt.
Story 8
One partner hates Hamburger Helper, having it 5 times a week growing up.
The other never experienced it until college and loves it.
Story 9
Differences in childhoods, e.g., Disneyland visits and celebrations.
Partner with constant disappointments stops expecting much to avoid further disappointment.
Story 10
Humorous incident with excessive pepper on Caesar salad, showing lack of dining experience at upscale restaurants.
Story 11
Partner's realization that successfully making rent is a monthly accomplishment for someone with no fixed income/salary.
Story 12
Family used "FHB" (Family hold back) during prayer to indicate shortage of food for everyone; children should take smaller servings.
Story 13
Visible anxiety about low food supplies due to past food insecurity; partner dislikes camping due to past necessity.
Story 14
Partner lived with grandfather to avoid homelessness, built college debt, spent little on themselves; cried when debt paid off.
Grew up middle class but now sees themselves as rich by comparison.
Story 15
Wife from Soviet Union still views fresh fruit as an extravagant luxury.
Story 16
Community believed insurance was only for rich people; went without auto insurance as a way of life.
Story 17
Credit card avoidance: Partner had a credit card only for emergencies, preferred using cash or debit; took time to adapt to using credit responsibly.
Story 18
Partner often ate much due to previously not having enough food; gained weight after consistently having meals.
Story 19
One partner lived in the desert without air conditioning.
Story 20
Father grew up poor, became successful, still maintains frugal habits, e.g., eating cheap meals, insisting on eating leftovers.
Story 21
Husband surprised by partner surviving on very low income and unfamiliarity with certain foods due to financial constraints.
Story 22
Ex-partner made significant income but had poor financial habits, e.g., wasting money on services/taxes, risky behaviors, and not filling out insurance claims.
Story 23
Partner grew up with financial stress, only bought essentials in small quantities, struggled with spending anxiety; now both have full-time jobs and more financial stability.
Story 24
Wealthier partner experienced differential treatment when driving an old, unattractive car; gained new respect for partner's experiences.
Story 25
Poorer partner had panic response to everyday financial mishaps, while wealthy partner was nonchalant about replacements.
Story 26
Both partners poor but different types: One had food insecurity, the other very frugal; differences in spending habits and saving behaviors.
Story 27
Financial decisions often scheduled around "three paycheck months," indicating a reliance on occasional extra income beyond regular budgeting.
Story 28
Wealthy friend's parents covered the cost for a graduation trip; significant contrast in spending habits and lifestyle expectations.
Story 29
Poorer partner made good money but lacked knowledge of budgeting and retirement plans, eventually embraced financial discipline.
Story 30
Partner's family, despite financial struggles, kept many pets and prioritized their care, which surprised the more financially stable partner.
Story 31
Love for camping originated from the necessity during childhood, symbolizing financial breaks and family bonding.
Story 32
Foster daughter disliked pasta due to overconsumption in previous households; learned to appreciate grocery shopping and variety of food.
Story 33
Wealthy stepfather influenced frugal wife; despite having plenty, she resisted spending money, lived even more frugally than before.
Story 34
Partner from poor Mexican village amazed by everyday conveniences in the US, e.g., microwaves, movie theaters, and hotels.
Story 35
Wealthier partner surprised by wife's spending habits; lack of focus on savings and concern about small purchases.
Story 36
Both partners came from poor backgrounds, now earn well; one still prefers frugality, e.g., shopping at charity shops, avoiding high-priced items.
Story 37
Wealthy partner was surprised to learn most people mow their own lawns.
Story 38
Moment of realizations: Partner ordered appetizers at a restaurant, symbolizing financial comfort and differences in upbringing.
Story 39
Poorer partner's family used limited tools, and minimalistic approach to daily life; the wealthier partner embraced their minimalism but insisted on safety.
Story 40
Girlfriend with better job introduced partner to Target shopping and got expensive gifts, symbolizing financial growth in the relationship.
Story 41
Ex-partner’s extravagant lifestyle and poor financial management despite significant income; reliance on services and lack of savings.