In this episode, Tim and Gwen dive into the murky waters of money secrets and the psychological "cheat codes" people use to hide financial failure. We explore how "announcing hearts while losing lives" can lead to a total relationship Game Over.

• The YNAB Faker: We discuss a shocking case of financial betrayal where a partner faked entries in a shared budget to hide $15,000 in secret debt and personal loans.

• The "Secret Cushion" Trap: How a partner's "secret savings" turned out to be $7,000 in credit card debt spent on gadgets and high-end espresso machines.

• The Mall Meltdown: A stay-at-home mom feels "poor" because she only spent $100 at the mall—leading her husband to suggest it’s time to get a job. We debate if "Everyone Sucks Here" when life stages and expectations shift.

• Gwen’s Mario Metaphor: Gwen shares a childhood story about lying about "getting hearts" in Super Mario to explain the ego and shame behind financial infidelity.

• FIRE and the "Happiness Equilibrium": Can one partner retire while the other still works? We discuss how to maintain balance when your bank accounts—and your daily schedules—no longer look the same.

Key Takeaway: Financial equality is one thing, but "Happiness Equality" is the true goal for any couple on the path to FIRE.

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