From Tech Executive to Prenup Powerhouse After nearly two decades working at generation-defining companies in Silicon Valley, Libby identified a critical gap in how we approach our most significant personal merger: marriage. As she explains in the episode, we plan meticulously for our careers and companies, yet we often leave our relationships to chance.
This realization became the catalyst for First, a company dedicated to shifting the prenup narrative from a "breaking point" to a "joining point."
Debunking the “Sex and the City” Stereotypes One of the most powerful themes Libby tackles in the podcast is dismantling outdated stigmas around prenuptial agreements. For too long, prenups have been portrayed as pessimistic insurance policies or tools for the wealthy to protect assets from their spouses. Remember Charlotte's reaction on Sex and the City when served a prenup with a vesting schedule? That cultural moment defined prenups as inherently unromantic for an entire generation.
The First team is rewriting that narrative. First positions prenups not as a plan for failure, but as the foundation for a strong partnership built on transparency, clarity, and mutual respect.
Defining "Modern Money" In her conversation with Alexis, Libby introduces the concept of "modern money," recognizing that today's assets look vastly different from traditional wealth. Modern money includes:
Intellectual property and creative work , including everything from screenplays to patentsSide hustles and creator income , which can mean TikTok accounts, Instagram handles, newsletters, online businesses, YouTube channels and moreDigital assets , such as crypto, NFTs, and domain namesFuture equity, because it’s common for employees to have received stock options or hold unvested shares, especially if they have worked at start-upsYes, even your pets , as custody agreements for four-legged family members are sought after in today’s pet-parenting cultureThis expanded definition reflects the reality of how Millennials and Gen Z actually build wealth. First's platform is designed to account for these modern assets, ensuring couples can protect what matters most to them.
Protecting Your "Future Self" During the Great Wealth Transfer On The Breadwinners, Libby discusses the Great Wealth Transfer, or the passing down of an estimated $60-120 trillion by Baby Boomers to their children. For many young couples, prenups aren't about protecting current wealth but about safeguarding inherited assets and future earning potential.
The episode emphasizes why both partners, but women especially, need to protect their "future selves." Whether you're building a business, inheriting family property, or simply want clarity about financial responsibilities, entering marriage with your eyes open is an act of self-respect, not negativity or distrust.
As Libby puts it, prenups help both partners enter partnerships with clarity rather than crossed fingers.
The Hard Conversations That Make Couples Stronger One of the most valuable insights from the podcast: First is normalizing the hard conversations that actually strengthen relationships. First’s prenup platform guides couples through important discussions, including:
How will we handle student loan debt? What happens to assets we bring into the marriage? How do we approach the motherhood penalty and career sacrifices? Who owns the IP we create individually versus jointly? How do we want to split expenses and build wealth together? These aren't easy discussions, but they're essential. And having them before marriage, when you're approaching the relationship with optimism and good faith, sets a foundation of communication that serves couples throughout their partnership.
Why This Conversation Matters Now For Engaged Couples : Your prenup is your partnership's operating agreement. Just as you wouldn't start a business without defining equity and responsibilities, don't start a marriage without financial clarity.
For Career-Focused Women : Protecting your future self isn't selfish, it's strategic. Your earning potential, IP, and assets deserve the same careful planning you give your career.
For Anyone Building Something : Whether it's a company, a creative project, or a family, focus matters more than balance. Give yourself permission to be in the season you're in.
For Modern Partnerships : The most important conversations aren't always the easiest ones. But couples who can navigate difficult discussions about money, expectations, and future scenarios build stronger foundations.
The Breadwinners podcast episode arrives at a crucial cultural moment. Millennials and Gen Z are reimagining what marriage looks like , from how we meet, to how we propose, to how we structure our partnerships.
Libby's work at First is at the forefront of this shift, providing the tools and framework for couples to design partnerships that work for them, not just default to outdated legal structures that may not reflect their values or reality.
Listen to the Full Episode Ready to hear more from Libby about partnership design, startup life, and creating clarity in your most important relationship? Listen to the full episode of The Breadwinners podcast to dive deeper into these insights and learn how First is changing the prenup conversation.
Whether you're engaged, in a long-term relationship, or simply interested in how modern couples are approaching marriage differently, this episode offers valuable perspective on treating your partnership with the same intentionality you bring to your career.
Ready to Design Your Partnership? At First, we believe that every couple deserves clarity, protection, and a strong foundation built on honest conversation. Our platform makes it easy to create a prenup that reflects your values, protects your future, and strengthens your partnership.
Because the best time to plan for your future together is when you're full of hope and optimism about that future.
Start designing your partnership agreement at thisfirst.com .
Looking for more insights on modern money, prenups, and building a life you love? Follow First on social media and subscribe to The Breadwinners podcast for more conversations with women redefining success on their own terms.
