Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi

Rachel (31) and Pierre (42) have been together for four years, building a loving and stable life in Brooklyn. But one issue is holding everything back: Pierre’s $60,000 in debt from a failed business he started to support his family. His plan is to wait it out, hoping the problem disappears. But Rachel is unwilling to move forward towards marriage until there’s a plan in place. To her, his passive approach feels like a warning sign for their future together. Can Ramit help them face the reality of this debt, make a plan, and build a shared vision? In this episode we uncover: • Why Rachel vowed never to date someone with debt—and why she chose to date Pierre anyway • Pierre’s family vape shop business collapse and the $60,000 in debt he took on to try to save it • The stark difference in how each partner views the debt • Why Pierre believes ignoring the judgment is a valid strategy • Rachel’s habit of minimizing her own fears • How Pierre’s family history shaped his own sense of obligation • Rachel’s painful history with her mother being scammed out of $60,000 • The tension between investing for the future versus paying off past mistakes • How cultural expectations and family loyalty complicate Pierre’s decision-making around money • The breaking point: Rachel admits she cannot say yes to a proposal without a clear plan for the debt • Ramit’s game plan to get the debt paid off—the right way Chapters: (00:00:00) “If you don’t handle this debt, I won’t marry you” (00:19:50) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:27:25) “Happy wife, happy life” — but what about the debt? (00:41:53) He took on debt for his family — but at what cost to his future? (00:55:01) “I don’t ask my dad for money… and I don’t ask Pierre either” (01:07:31) How small sacrifices can open the door to big changes (01:23:21) Logistics are a big turn on (01:30:50) Where are they now? Rachel and Pierre’s follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: SonderMind | Go to https://sondermind.com [https://www.sondermind.com/?utm_source=ramit_sethi&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=september&utm_content=general] to get matched with the right therapist in less than a week. Doola | Go to https://doola.com/ramit [https://doola.com/ramit/] and use code RAMIT for 10% off LLC formation and bookkeeping. Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit [https://masterclass.com/ramit] Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit [https://rocketmoney.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. Links mentioned in this episode • Get tickets for my next live events—September 14 in Atlanta and September 26 in Los Angeles—at https://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].

Becca (35) and Nikki (31) are planning their wedding, but they’re already struggling with how to merge their money. Becca, a rock climbing guide with a variable income, has thrown herself into personal finance after years of scarcity thinking and now tracks every dollar. Nikki wants to feel more empowered but often defers to Becca’s lead—and sometimes hides financial stress, like credit card debt. Together they net around $80,000, but with high fixed costs, student loans, and uncertainty about investing, their dream of building wealth feels out of reach. They want a clear, intentional financial plan that lets them invest confidently and step into marriage as equal partners. Can Ramit help them overcome ambivalence, balance their roles, and create a structure that supports both their dreams and their future together? In this episode we uncover: • Why Becca tracks every single dollar • Nikki’s tendency to “not overthink” spending • The power dynamic of one partner leading on money while the other defers • How Becca’s deep dive into personal finance turned her into the household CFO • Why high fixed costs and seasonal income keep them from investing the way they want • The emotional tug-of-war between wanting to combine finances and being afraid of what that might mean • How their childhood money lessons still show up in every conversation • What they imagine for their Rich Life together, and why ambivalence keeps them from making clear decisions • Ramit’s challenge to build a financial structure that balances empowerment, responsibility, and trust Chapters: (00:00:00) “I don’t want to steer us wrong” (00:17:09) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:26:21) Childhood money scripts that carry into adulthood (00:39:41) “Why are you playing so small?” (00:49:22) “The freedom is in the commitment” (01:06:12) Redesigning their Conscious Spending Plan (01:26:23) Where are they now? Becca and Nikki’s follow-ups 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 [https://facet.com/ramit] to learn more about which membership option is best for you. 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] Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit [https://shopify.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. 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] 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] • 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] 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].

Fernanda (44) and Jorge (48) have been married for nearly 25 years, raising three children, including one with lifelong special needs. Despite earning $130,000 a year, they consistently spend more than they make, and only have $300 in savings. Fernanda juggles multiple jobs and manages every detail of their finances, a responsibility that has left her physically ill from stress. Jorge works nights and picks up odd jobs, but avoids financial planning and defers almost everything to Fernanda. Fernanda dreams of a stable, less exhausting life where she and Jorge are true financial partners. Can Ramit help them confront old patterns, create a sustainable system, and secure a future for their family—especially their son’s lifelong care? In this episode we uncover: Why Fernanda says she’s “physically ill” from the stress of managing their money alone. How Jorge’s laid-back optimism turns into financial avoidance—and leaves Fernanda carrying the full weight. The $13,000 air purifier scam—and what it reveals about their spending habits. How Fernanda’s history of homelessness and working from age 13 shaped her need for control. Why Jorge, who didn’t work until 25, still struggles to engage with financial decisions. The emotional toll of raising three children, including one with lifelong special needs, while buried in $350,000 of debt. What happens when Fernanda tries to share her complicated spreadsheets with Jorge—and why it never works. Ramit’s challenge for Jorge to take concrete steps toward shared ownership of their finances. Fernanda’s vision of a stable, less exhausting life—and the boundaries she’ll need to set to get there. Chapters: (00:00:00) “If nothing changes, I’ll end up in the hospital” (00:19:41) “It feels like impending doom” (00:24:18) “It pisses me off that money could break us” (00:37:32) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:58:08) “It’s a joke in the family that I have four kids” (01:15:59) “I want a partner, not just a paycheck” (01:20:40) Red alert: only $311 in savings (01:35:29) Where are they now? Fernie and Jorge’s follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: 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 Wildgrain | Get $30 off your first box—PLUS free croissants in every box at https://wildgrain.com/ramit [https://wildgrain.com/ramit]. Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit [https://trustandwill.com/ramit] and get 10% off plus free shipping. Upwork | Visit https://upwork.com [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 [https://joingelt.com/ramit]. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist. Links mentioned in this episode • Get my Free Money Made Easy Mini Course at https://iwt.com/moneypod [https://iwt.com/moneypod] 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].

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].