Dina Lić
Episode · #735
POSLOVNI ĐIR Dina Lijić
Guest Dina LićHosted by Mojdana KoharevićMay 3, 2026
Dina Lić
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Money is often at the root of business decisions, but rarely discussed as openly in personal relationships, especially marriage. Dina Lijić, an economist and lawyer, has built a practice around this overlooked area, helping couples navigate the financial dynamics of their lives together. She observes that while partners meticulously plan weddings, they often ignore the financial agreements that will shape their shared future. Lijić argues that financial clarity is not just practical; it's foundational to preventing conflict and building trust. Her work challenges the taboo around money in relationships, showing how treating personal finances with the same strategic thought as business finances can lead to healthier, more stable unions.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Planning a wedding can involve meticulous detail — from invitations to flower arrangements and catering. Dina Lijić observed that financial agreements, however, were often the last thing couples discussed, if at all. The most critical long-term agreement is frequently the one given the least consideration before the vows are exchanged, often to later regret.
02
Many couples default to an 'ours' approach to finances, but Dina Lijić observes a growing preference for a 'hybrid model' among younger generations. They agree on a percentage of income for shared expenses, then manage the remainder individually, avoiding disputes over personal purchases like gadgets or clothes. Structuring finances to respect both joint goals and individual autonomy can prevent many common disagreements.
03
While couples might initially say 'this is ours,' Dina Lijić notes that in times of conflict or divorce, the percentages and individual contributions become strikingly clear. The true nature of financial ownership reveals itself in moments of disagreement, underscoring why clarity upfront is not merely practical, but foundational to trust.
04
Beyond daily expenses, individual financial pursuits like investing in stocks or pursuing costly hobbies can become sources of both gain and conflict. If one partner profits, the other often wants a share; if there are losses, the burden can fall unevenly. Acknowledging and planning for these individual financial endeavors can prevent them from becoming unexpected points of friction in a relationship.
05
Dina Lijić stresses the importance of not idealizing relationships, pointing to the numerous stories of violence she receives in her inbox, particularly those that surfaced during the pandemic lockdowns. Financial discussions often go beyond simple budgeting; they are frequently intertwined with power dynamics and abuse, making open communication about money a critical step toward identifying and addressing deeper issues, not just managing funds.
06
One client told Dina Lijić her advice 'saved their marriage,' a testament to the tangible impact of addressing financial disagreements proactively. The goal isn't just to prevent divorce, but to foster understanding and stability, allowing relationships to thrive when financial foundations are clear and openly discussed.
07
Dina's beautician once told her that instead of watching Netflix on a Friday night, she and her husband were discussing finances after sending their child to grandma's. When couples choose to make financial discussions a priority, even over leisure, it signals a growing maturity in how they approach their shared future and a willingness to confront a previously taboo subject, transforming it into a moment of connection.