That's great you found a workaround for discussing a high-intensity topic -- as it's not one you can "just not talk about", you found a way to lower the temperature.
In his own low-skill way, too, he communicated that (a) it was not a good time to talk in person about $, (b) texting about it worked, and (c) he recognized the discussion needed to happen.
Seems like a workable path forward for both of you. I hope you guys are able to have more experiences of having a lower-temperature discussion, that gets resolved, about a high intensity topic. Could be a good way to "reset".
I also noticed that it sounded like you were able to have the discussion without resentment about compromising your values.
Nice job