Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi

Romy (38) and Travis (37) are a married couple living in Cape Town—but despite earning over $130,000 a year, they’re constantly running on empty. Romy feels the crushing weight of managing everything alone, while Travis avoids financial planning and insists things will “just work out.” Together, they’ve repeated the exact same dynamic Romy grew up with—right down to the hidden savings and anxious sleepless nights. Can they stop playing financial whack-a-mole and finally build a system that supports their future dreams, or will history keep repeating itself? In this episode we uncover: • Why Travis believes he can always “go fishing” to make money—and how that mindset creates instability. • How growing up with financial chaos shaped both of their attitudes toward money and planning. • The emotional weight Romy carries by being the only one thinking about the future. • Romy’s secret UK savings account—why she kept it hidden, and what happened to the money. • Their chaotic approach to buying property—and why they can’t clearly say if it’s for living or investing. • How disorganized thinking shows up in everything from taxes to tipping the valet. • The truth about their emergency fund (or lack thereof)—and the very real risks they face. • Why Travis’s role as the “reassurer” actually prevents change—and how Romy feels trapped by it. • How Ramit challenges Travis to redefine generosity without spending money. • The first steps they take toward rebuilding trust and creating a shared financial system. I’m casting couples right now for a new season of this podcast. If you’ve been wanting to get my advice on your situation, this is the last chance to talk to me in 2025. Apply now at iwt.com/apply [https://iwt.com/apply] Chapters: (00:00:00) “I tapped my card and it said insufficient funds” (00:09:23) “I’m living the same financial life as my parents” (00:18:13) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:38:14) The weight of taking on the “man’s” role (00:52:48) “I’ve been poor before—I’ll be poor again” (01:02:08) Living on hope, not numbers (01:12:05) “We’re doing this together” — building a new financial identity (01:28:56) Where are they now? Romy and Travis’s follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: Doola | Go to https://doola.com/ramit [https://doola.com/ramit/] and use code RAMIT for 10% off LLC formation and bookkeeping. 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 [https://facet.com/ramit] to learn more about which membership option is best for you. DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit [https://joindeleteme.com/ramit] for 20% off with promo code RAMIT at checkout. Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit [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 [https://drinklmnt.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 [https://iwt.com/events] Connect with Ramit • Get my new book, Money For Couples [https://iwt.com/moneyforcouples] • Get Money Coaching with Ramit [https://iwt.com/moneycoaching] • Download the Conscious Spending Plan [https://iwt.com/csp] • Listen to my book—now on Audible [https://amzn.to/48zko28] • Get my New York Times best-selling book [https://amzn.to/3HGwbkK] • Get my no-numbers journal [https://amzn.to/3j6Tmuf] • Other episodes [https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/] • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moneyforcouples] • Twitter [https://twitter.com/ramit] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/ramitsethi/featured] 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 [https://iwt.com/apply].

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 [https://meetfabric.com/ramit]. Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit [https://masterclass.com/ramit] Factor | Get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box at https://factormeals.com/ramit50OFF [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 [https://netsuite.com/ramit] OpenPhone | Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/ramit [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 [https://iwt.com/events] Connect with Ramit • Get my new book, Money For Couples [https://iwt.com/moneyforcouples] • Get Money Coaching with Ramit [https://iwt.com/moneycoaching] • Download the Conscious Spending Plan [https://iwt.com/csp] • Listen to my book—now on Audible [https://amzn.to/48zko28] • Get my New York Times best-selling book [https://amzn.to/3HGwbkK] • Get my no-numbers journal [https://amzn.to/3j6Tmuf] • Other episodes [https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/] • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moneyforcouples] • Twitter [https://twitter.com/ramit] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/ramitsethi/featured] 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 [https://iwt.com/apply].

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 [https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT] Leesa | Go to https://leesa.com [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 [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 [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 [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 [https://iwt.com/events] Connect with Ramit • Get my new book, Money For Couples [https://iwt.com/moneyforcouples] • Get Money Coaching with Ramit [https://iwt.com/moneycoaching] • Download the Conscious Spending Plan [https://iwt.com/csp] • Listen to my book—now on Audible [https://amzn.to/48zko28] • Get my New York Times best-selling book [https://amzn.to/3HGwbkK] • Get my no-numbers journal [https://amzn.to/3j6Tmuf] • Other episodes [https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/] • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moneyforcouples] • Twitter [https://twitter.com/ramit] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/ramitsethi/featured] 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 [https://iwt.com/apply].

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 [https://rocketmoney.com/ramit] DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit [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 [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 [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 [https://zocdoc.com/ramit] then find and book a top-rated doctor today #sponsored Connect with Ramit • Get my new book, Money For Couples [https://iwt.com/moneyforcouples] • Get Money Coaching with Ramit [https://iwt.com/moneycoaching] • Download the Conscious Spending Plan [https://iwt.com/csp] • Listen to my book—now on Audible [https://amzn.to/48zko28] • Get my New York Times best-selling book [https://amzn.to/3HGwbkK] • Get my no-numbers journal [https://amzn.to/3j6Tmuf] • Other episodes [https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/] • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moneyforcouples] • Twitter [https://twitter.com/ramit] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/ramitsethi/featured] 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 [https://iwt.com/apply].

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 [https://openphone.com/ramit]. Notion | Try Notion for free at https://notion.com/ramit [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 [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 [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 [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 [https://iwt.com/earnmore]. • Should you buy or rent? Get my 3-step guide to buying a house at iwt.com/house [https://iwt.com/house]. Connect with Ramit • Get my new book, Money For Couples [https://iwt.com/moneyforcouples] • Get Money Coaching with Ramit [https://iwt.com/moneycoaching] • Download the Conscious Spending Plan [https://iwt.com/csp] • Listen to my book—now on Audible [https://amzn.to/48zko28] • Get my New York Times best-selling book [https://amzn.to/3HGwbkK] • Get my no-numbers journal [https://amzn.to/3j6Tmuf] • Other episodes [https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/podcast/] • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moneyforcouples] • Twitter [https://twitter.com/ramit] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/ramitsethi/featured] 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 [https://iwt.com/apply].