Monica (36) and Michael (33) have been married just over a year and are navigating the pressures of new parenthood—but Monica feels like she’s doing it alone. She pays the rent, covers childcare, and works a demanding job, while Michael juggles three jobs and carries shame about his income and past financial mistakes—including an eviction he never told her about.

Despite a recent 50% salary increase, Michael didn’t share the news, reinforcing Monica’s sense that she’s carrying the emotional and financial load. Can Ramit help them rebuild trust, communicate transparently, and step into a true financial partnership?

In this episode we uncover:

• Michael’s quiet shame about earning less

• How an eviction early in their relationship shattered Monica’s trust

• The $95K salary increase Michael never told her about

• Why Michael’s “Swiss Army knife” mentality is sabotaging their relationship

• What Monica really means when she says she wants a financial partner

• Why transparency is still a major hurdle

• The emotional gap in their relationship, and how it’s showing up in everything from birthday celebrations to debt payoff plans

• What finally shifts when Michael shares his debt-free timeline

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “I feel like a leech”

(00:18:28) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:25:56) “I got a 50% raise…and didn’t tell her”

(00:33:24) Why she’s always the last to know about his money

(00:42:59) The secret that shattered her trust early on

(00:46:26) He paid off half his debt—but still struggles to celebrate it

(01:00:03) Torn between faith and financial goals

(01:04:38) When earning more still isn’t enough

(01:26:25) Are they finally rowing in the same direction?

(01:35:17) Where are they now? Monica and Michael’s follow-ups

This episode is brought to you by:

Fabric by Gerber Life | Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/ramit.

Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit

Factor | Get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box at https://factormeals.com/ramit50OFF with code RAMIT50OFF

Netsuite | Download the free e-book 'Navigating Global Trade: Three Insights for Leaders' at https://netsuite.com/ramit

OpenPhone | Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/ramit

Links mentioned in this episode

• Get tickets for my next live events—September 14 in Atlanta and September 26 in Los Angeles—at iwt.com/events

Connect with Ramit

• Get my new book, Money For Couples

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Angela (52) and Brian (52) have been together since they were teenagers and have raised four kids.

Now as they approach being empty nesters, they’re stuck in a sitcom-style standoff: Angela loves bargain shopping and dreams of traveling the world, but Brian clings to a decades-old belief that they need $1 million to retire and panics over every pantry purchase. Their net worth proves that they’re actually financially stable—but Brian can’t shake the fear of not having enough.

Can Ramit help them rewrite their roles, align on what retirement really looks like, and find connection beyond coupons and control?

In this episode we uncover:

• Why Angela believes they’re ready to retire—and why Brian is convinced they’re still broke.

• The decades-old advice Brian can’t shake—and how it’s been quietly dictating their entire financial life.

• The performance dynamic they’ve fallen into—and how it’s masking deeper emotional needs.

• The stark difference in how they define a “Rich Life”—and what’s missing from both visions.

• How Angela uses frugality to feel responsible—and the cost of that invisible labor.

• The moment Brian saw their actual net worth, and why it didn’t change how he feels.

• What happens when couples keep score with their sacrifices—and how it erodes connection.

• How fear of losing control is stopping Brian from building the life he actually wants.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “I’ve been chasing that number since I was 18”

(00:04:11) The emotional cost of saying no to everything

(00:19:08) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:29:21) “Why do we need eight jars of peanut butter?”

(00:40:57) Trapped in the “justifier” and “decider” roles

(00:50:34) Frugal lives, empty spaces

(00:58:01) “I think we’ve just kind of… drifted”

(01:06:04) How much is enough to retire—and what would make us feel safe?

(01:18:42) Where are they now? Angela and Brian’s follow-ups

This episode is brought to you by:

LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT

Leesa | Go to https://leesa.com for 25% off sitewide PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code RAMIT, exclusive for my listeners.

Upwork | Visit https://upwork.com/save to get a $200 credit to put towards your next freelancer to help grow your business.

Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit

Facet | Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members, and for my audience, Facet is offering $300 into your brokerage account if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days. Head to https://facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Get tickets for my next live events—September 14 in Atlanta and September 26 in Los Angeles—at iwt.com/events

Connect with Ramit

• Get my new book, Money For Couples

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Last week, we met Dominique (33) and Chris (34)—a couple earning $180K a year, raising a toddler, and still living paycheck to paycheck. Dominique felt alone in managing their finances, while Chris stayed disengaged, assuming things were fine.

In Part One, we uncovered the cracks: a lack of communication, zero long-term planning, and growing resentment. Now, as their childcare costs are about to quadruple, will they be able to move past survival mode and start working as a team? Will Chris finally step up—and can Dominique let go of overthinking and accept support?

In this episode we uncover:

• How their expensive Arizona house became a symbol of both pride and financial strain.

• The quiet resentment Dominique feels when Chris is out of work—and why she kept it to herself.

• A surprising disconnect around how much they contribute—and who’s really paying more.

• Ramit’s reality check about going month to month on a six-figure income.

• Why Dominique’s overthinking makes her feel in control—but leaves them stuck in place.

• The false sense of security that’s masking a dangerous truth: They have just two months of savings.

• The emotional cost of living reactively—and what it will take for them to finally plan ahead.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “My friend sold it to me…” — the truth about whole life insurance

(00:09:05) Investing, saving… or just surviving?

(00:14:58) Problem-oriented vs. solution-oriented

(00:22:11) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:26:14) He’s living for his son—but what about himself?

(00:38:32) What if selling your house meant losing money?

(00:43:13) “I thought I’d be co-parenting by now”

(00:52:38) Dominique & Chris 2.0: Confident. Open. Together.

(01:03:30) Where are they now? Dominique and Chris’s follow-ups

This episode is brought to you by:

Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit

DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off.

Facet | Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members, and for my audience, Facet is offering $300 into your brokerage account if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days. Head to https://facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you.

Gelt | Book a tax consultation with Gelt at https://joingelt.com/ramit. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist.

ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today #sponsored

Connect with Ramit

• Get my new book, Money For Couples

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Dominique (33) and Chris (34) have been together for six years, engaged for two, and share a two-year-old son. While Dominique manages parenting, full-time work, and their finances, Chris shuts down when money comes up—and has no plan for what’s next. With rising childcare costs, growing debt, and a second home draining up to $2,000/month, their finances are on the brink. Dominique has paused their wedding plans—and admits she’s considering co-parenting alone. Can Ramit help them build a future together before it’s too late?

In this episode we uncover:

• The emotional burden Dominique carries as the default parent, planner, and financial lead

• How Chris’s we’ll-figure-it-out mindset undermines Dominique’s trust and long-term planning

• The real reason their wedding is on pause—and why Dominique’s preparing for life on her own

• Chris’s internal conflict: overwhelmed by adulthood, uncertain how to change

• How avoiding money conversations became the deepest fracture in their relationship

• What happens when one partner is growing—and the other is standing still

• Ramit’s challenge to both: take action now, or risk losing everything

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “At this rate, we’ll be co-parenting next year”

(00:06:52) Can I actually afford a new vehicle?

(00:20:46) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:30:43) “We make $180K—but we still feel broke”

(00:46:45) Uncovering their REAL spending habits

(00:55:59) The money messages they’re passing on without realizing it

(01:18:29) “We’ll figure it out”—reacting vs. being proactive

(01:23:26) What we’ll uncover next week

This episode is brought to you by:

OpenPhone | Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/ramit.

Notion | Try Notion for free at https://notion.com/ramit and experience the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today.

Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 10% off plus free shipping.

Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit.

LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT.

Links mentioned in this episode

• If you've been waiting for "the right time" to start your business, join me on Monday, July 21, at 8pm ET / 5pm PT to learn how to start a business in just one hour. Reserve your seat at iwt.com/earnmore.

• Should you buy or rent? Get my 3-step guide to buying a house at iwt.com/house.

Connect with Ramit

• Get my new book, Money For Couples

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Taylor (29) is a high-earning dentist with a strict savings plan and deep-rooted fears about financial instability. Hayden (25) earns $24K a year, has a history of gambling and financial dishonesty, and struggles with budgeting. They live together, but their vastly different money philosophies leave Taylor questioning whether marriage is possible. With trust issues, income imbalance, and emotional baggage on both sides, can they find common ground—or is it time to walk away?

In this episode we uncover:

• Taylor’s strict financial boundaries—and why Hayden feels constantly judged by them

• The real reason Hayden hides purchases (and what it’s costing their relationship)

• Why Taylor resents being the financial provider, and how it’s creating a growing power imbalance

• A candid conversation about Hayden’s past gambling—and whether trust can be rebuilt

• How their radically different upbringings shaped two completely opposing money mindsets

• The unspoken tension around engagement—and what’s holding Taylor back from proposing

• Taylor’s biggest fear: ending up broke and alone

• Hayden opens up about insecurity, dependence, and feeling “less than”

• What they really want from each other—and why neither feels safe enough to ask

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “He gets to do whatever he wants with his money”

(00:07:22) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:20:58) “Why have all that money if you don’t plan to spend it?”

(00:28:27) How childhood trauma shaped their views on money, control, and survival

(00:37:44) A secret $35K loss—and the fallout that nearly ended everything

(00:49:15) “Most of what I do with money is to get her off my back”

(01:01:12) Is change still real if it’s only for someone else?

(01:03:56) A new plan, a new mindset—but will it stick?

(01:13:36) Where are they now? Taylor and Hayden’s follow-ups

This episode is brought to you by:

Upwork | Visit https://upwork.com to post your job for free and connect with top talent ready to help your business grow.

Facet | Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members, and for my audience, Facet is offering $300 into your brokerage account if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days. Head to https://facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you.

Netsuite | Download the free e-book 'Navigating Global Trade: Three Insights for Leaders' at https://netsuite.com/ramit

Fabric by Gerber Life | Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/ramit.

Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit

Links mentioned in this episode

• Get my 4 simple rules for talking with your partner about money

Connect with Ramit

• Get my new book, Money For Couples

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Athena (31) and Arie (30) are newly married and dreaming of buying a home, starting a family, and traveling the world. But their finances—and philosophies—don’t align. Athena’s upbringing was defined by instability and strict religious messaging around money; Arie’s was middle-class and frugal. Now, they're realizing that love alone isn’t enough—they need a shared plan. Can Ramit help them define their values, shift their dynamic, and start building a future as true partners?

In this episode we uncover:

• The subtle financial tension that’s been building—and how it’s showing up in everything from gift-giving to debt.

• Why Arie is laser-focused on buying a home, while Athena worries about losing her freedom.

• The real reason Athena keeps her finances separate—and how her upbringing shaped that decision.

• How Arie’s savings mindset clashes with Athena’s more flexible approach to money.

• A surprising admission about holiday spending.

• What it really means to feel “safe” with money.

• The power struggle hiding beneath their shared bank account.

• How financial shame from childhood still influences their present-day relationship.

• Their unspoken fears—and how Ramit pushes them to define their shared Rich Life.

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “It’s a dream”—but what if your partner doesn’t share it?

(00:08:30) They don’t fight—but is that actually the problem?

(00:21:19) “I don’t know if I can say yes if I have debt”

(00:24:44) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:37:36) Dreaming big while avoiding the details

(00:45:32) “What kind of person doesn’t own a house?”

(00:55:33) The moral script keeping Athena stuck

(01:14:39) “If you want something for yourself, you’re greedy”

(01:22:57) Getting honest about a future they can’t afford

(01:33:15) Where are they now? Athena and Arie’s follow-ups

This episode is brought to you by:

DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off.

Leesa | During Leesa's 4th of July Sale, get 30% off plus an extra $50 off at https://leesa.com with promo code RAMIT.

Factor | Get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box at https://factormeals.com/RAMIT50OFF with code RAMIT50OFF.

Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit

Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 10% off plus free shipping.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Get Ramit’s 3 Step Guide to Buying a House

Connect with Ramit

• Get my new book, Money For Couples

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Kate and Keith have spent years afraid to spend—until now. In Part 2 of this conversation, Ramit investigates the $5 million missing from Kate’s trust fund and uncovers decades of poor returns, excessive fees, and emotional avoidance.

As the truth comes out, Ramit challenges them to rewrite the money scripts that have shaped their lives: Kate’s shame around wealth, Keith’s fear of being seen as dependent, and the confusing messages they’ve inherited about what money should mean.

They imagine a future with travel, community, and purpose, if they can confront this question: What’s the point of having money if you never use it?

This episode is brought to you by:

Facet | Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members, and for my audience, Facet is offering $300 into your brokerage account if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days. Head to https://facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you.

Ramit Sethi is not a member of Facet, and has an incentive to endorse Facet as he has an ongoing fee based contract for cash compensation based on this endorsement. All opinions are his own and not a guarantee of a similar outcome.

OpenPhone | Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/ramit.

Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit.

LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT.

Superhuman | Get a free month of lightning fast email at https://superhuman.com/ramit.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Get detailed breakdowns of my readers' spending every Saturday in my newsletter at iwt.com/podcastnewsletter

• Order my new book: Money for Couples

Connect with Ramit

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Kate (45) and Keith (53) split their time between Maine and Hawaii, living what looks like a dream life.

They’ve inherited wealth, run two small businesses, and have nearly $2 million in net worth. But with only $30,000 in annual income, they live in fear of spending—and cover their shortfall by dipping into savings.

Kate, recovering from long COVID, handles the finances but feels unworthy of her money. Keith, who once filed for bankruptcy, avoids money conversations entirely and worries he’ll be seen as a freeloader. Their roles are clear—one over-responsible, one disengaged—and their financial anxiety keeps them stuck.

They say they want to travel, be generous, and enjoy their Rich Life. But, how do you build a Rich Life when you’ve been taught to feel ashamed of the money you have?

This episode is brought to you by:

Facet | Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members, and for my audience, Facet is offering $300 into your brokerage account if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days. Head to https://facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you.

Ramit Sethi is not a member of Facet, and has an incentive to endorse Facet as he has an ongoing fee based contract for cash compensation based on this endorsement. All opinions are his own and not a guarantee of a similar outcome.

Notion | Try Notion for free at https://notion.com/ramit and experience the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today.

ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today.

Upwork | Visit https://upwork.com to post your job for free and connect with top talent ready to help your business grow.

Gelt | Book a tax consultation with Gelt at https://joingelt.com/ramit. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist.

DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Get detailed breakdowns of my readers' spending every Saturday in my newsletter at iwt.com/podcastnewsletter

• Order my new book: Money for Couples

Connect with Ramit

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

Vanessa (48) and George (59) have been married for five years and run two businesses together, but still keep their finances separate, leading to recurring tension, resentment, and financial instability.

Vanessa is a risk-tolerant entrepreneur who sees money as a tool for growth. George is nearing retirement, risk-averse, and clings to financial security. They split everything 50/50, even when Vanessa stopped drawing a paycheck from their business. Now, with $482K in debt and $28K in savings, George’s retirement is looming, making their financial foundation feel unstable. His fear-based money spirals derail productive conversations, while Vanessa feels alone, unsupported, and afraid their misalignment could threaten their future.

Can they learn to trust each other, merge their financial lives, and build a shared vision before retirement kicks in?

This episode is brought to you by:

Factor | Get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box at https://factormeals.com/ramit50off with code RAMIT50OFF.

Rocket Money | Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to https://rocketmoney.com/ramit.

Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit.

Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 10% off plus free shipping.

LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try LMNT’s most popular flavors. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Order my new book: Money for Couples

Connect with Ramit

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.

In this rare and intimate episode, Ramit takes the hot seat alongside his wife, Cassandra, as they’re interviewed by their close friend Julie Nguyen.

Together, Ramit and Cass pull back the curtain on how they navigate money behind the scenes—from prenup negotiations and separate finances to the regular money meetings that keep them aligned. They open up about the challenges they've faced as a couple and reveal how, despite Ramit's career, they’re just as susceptible to money issues as any other couple on this podcast.

This conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build a true financial partnership—and a marriage that lasts.

This episode is brought to you by:

Facet | Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members, and for my audience, Facet is offering $300 into your brokerage account if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days. Head to https://facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you.

Netsuite | Download the free e-book 'Navigating Global Trade: Three Insights for Leaders' at https://netsuite.com/ramit

ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today.

DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off.

Fabric by Gerber Life | Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://meetfabric.com/ramit.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Order my new book: Money for Couples

• Follow Julie

Connect with Ramit

• Get Money Coaching with Ramit

• Download the Conscious Spending Plan

• Listen to my book—now on Audible

• Get my New York Times best-selling book

• Get my no-numbers journal

• Other episodes

• Instagram

• Twitter

• YouTube

If you and your partner have a money issue and you want my help, I occasionally select a couple to work with, free of charge. Apply for my help here.