258. "We had $900K. Now we’re $100K in debt"

261. "We’re in our 40s with nothing saved. Will we be ok?"

Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Sebastien and Hope, a married couple in their forties who have been together for 20 years, married for 16, and have a nine-year-old son. They earn around $195,000 a year, have $674,000 in assets, $129,000 invested, just $11,000 in savings, and $437,000 in debt. On paper, they are not broke, but emotionally, Sebastien still feels like they are constantly scrambling, while Hope believes their personal finances are in the best place they have ever been. Both recently became business owners, with Hope running an architecture firm and Sebastien running a wine importing business, but the risk of entrepreneurship, debt, low emergency savings, and under-investing for retirement has left them stuck between optimism, fear, and avoidance.   In this episode we uncover: • Why Sebastien still feels broke, even though their finances are stronger than they used to be • How Hope’s optimism clashes with Sebastien’s fear about the future • Their combined income of around $195,000 a year • Their assets of $674,000, investments of $129,000, savings of $11,000, and debt of $437,000 • Why having only one month of emergency savings puts them in a risky position • How both Hope and Sebastien became business owners after buying existing companies • Hope’s architecture business and Sebastien’s wine importing business • Why Ramit says they are talking around the numbers instead of confronting them directly • How their current retirement projection could give them only around $35,000 a year • Why Hope’s $130,000 retirement dream requires a much more aggressive investing plan • Why their guilt-free spending and fixed costs are squeezing savings and investments • How one final credit card payment could drop their fixed costs from 67% to 52% • Why their grocery spending becomes one of the first practical areas to tighten • Ramit’s math mistake in the episode and why the overall lesson still stands • Sebastien’s need for a clear business runway and decision point • Hope’s realization that she was not being fully honest with herself about their finances ⏩ CHAPTERS (00:00:53) Introduction: is it too late to be successful with money? (00:02:40) Sebastien and Hope’s financial snapshot (00:04:11) Their annual “executive household planning retreat” (00:06:01) Ramit asks if their planning system is actually working (00:08:02) Sebastien’s fear about his wine importing business (00:11:31) How they each became business owners (00:15:31) Feeling broke vs actually being broke (00:16:47) Ramit reads Sebastien’s application back to Hope (00:20:08) Assets, investments, savings, debt, and net worth (00:21:21) Ramit pushes them to say: “It’s not enough” (00:23:20) Their projected retirement number (00:25:31) Ramit points out they only have one month of emergency savings (00:33:31) Their CSP: fixed costs, investments, savings, and guilt-free spending (00:34:24) Breaking down their $437,000 debt (01:01:22) The $45,500-a-year investment target (01:15:59) Sebastien’s business plan and runway (01:24:20) Ramit’s final advice: redo the CSP and lock in the numbers (01:25:46) Hope’s follow-up (01:27:40) Sebastien’s follow-up (01:29:22) Their updates: increased IRA contributions and Vanguard investing This episode is brought to you by: Netsuite | Get the free guide “Demystifying AI” at https://netsuite.com/ramit LMNT | Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT Factor | Head to https://factormeals.com/ramit50off and use code ramit50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). DeleteMe | Get 20% off all consumer plans when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit and use promo code RAMIT at checkout Get 25% off my programs until Friday May 15th at iwt.com/programs with code RESET26. 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] Calling LA couples: Apply to be coached for free on this podcast at https://iwt.com/apply

260. "We’re in our 40s and forgot to invest. Are we screwed?"

Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Nicole and Shane, an engaged couple in their forties getting married in just 11 days. Together they earn $241,000 a year, have a net worth of $588,000, and hold $265,000 in savings, but their financial lives are still tangled. Nicole has built a rich life around travel, dining out, and intentional spending, while Shane is a natural saver whose job has covered most of his living expenses. As they prepare for marriage, a future child, and a major shift in Nicole’s income, Ramit helps them confront the messy reality of combining money, separating business and personal finances, investing more aggressively, and turning vague dreams into a real shared Rich Life.   In this episode we uncover: • Why Nicole’s $10,000-a-month spending shocked Shane early in their relationship • How Nicole built a “Rich Life” for one through travel, dining out, and dedicated savings • Shane’s unusual work setup where housing, food, and utilities have been covered • The tension of combining finances just 11 days before their wedding • Why Nicole feels judged for her lifestyle, even though her numbers are strong • Their combined income of $241,000 a year and net worth of $588,000 • Why Shane has a higher net worth despite Nicole earning slightly more • Nicole’s concern that her income could drop by half after having a child • How Nicole’s business and personal finances became dangerously tangled • Their surprisingly low fixed costs and unusually high savings rate • Why having $265,000 sitting in savings may actually be holding them back • Shane’s habit of trying to time the market when investing • Why their projected $1.7 million retirement portfolio may not be enough for the life they want • Ramit’s advice on turning their messy numbers into a shared financial vision before marriage ⏩ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Teaser: “You spend $10,000 a month?” (00:01:02) Introduction: combining money before marriage (00:02:47) Nicole and Shane’s financial snapshot (00:06:53) Nicole feels judged by her lifestyle (00:08:50) Nicole’s Rich Life: travel, dining out, and $500 dresses (00:12:45) How marriage changes Shane’s living situation (00:15:38) Reviewing their Conscious Spending Plan (00:19:42) Their $241,000 household income (00:24:01) Ramit explains why letting the prenup discussion go was a mistake (00:27:20) Nicole’s business and personal finances are mixed together (00:35:00) The problem with saving 42% but under-investing (00:40:32) Nicole’s guilt-free spending doesn’t add up (00:45:26) Ramit explains the danger of tracking without understanding (00:48:53) Their retirement projection (00:50:13) Why $1.7M may not be enough (00:52:05) Reallocating savings instead of only cutting spending (01:20:12) Turning dreams into a realistic financial vision (01:47:11) Ramit’s final advice: use the time before income changes wisely (01:50:00) Follow-ups and closing thoughts This episode is brought to you by: Netsuite | Get the free guide “Demystifying AI” at https://netsuite.com/ramit [https://netsuite.com/ramit] LMNT | Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT [https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT]Factor | Head to https://factormeals.com/ramit50off [https://factormeals.com/ramit50off] and use code ramit50off to get 50 percent off and free daily greens per box, with new subscription only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details). DeleteMe | Get 20% off all consumer plans when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit [https://joindeleteme.com/ramit] and use promo code RAMIT at checkoutGet 25% off my programs until Friday May 15th at iwt.com/programs [http://iwt.com/programs] with code RESET26. 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] Apply to be on my podcast at https://iwt.com/apply [https://iwt.com/apply]

259. "We’re worth $1.5M but I refuse to buy new pants"

Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Mikaela and Dave, both in their early thirties, parents of two young children, and earning an impressive $278,000 a year. Despite a net worth nearing $1.5 million, they struggle to spend money, even on necessities. Mikaela wears clothes with holes, and Dave sits in an uncomfortable chair, all rooted in a scarcity mindset developed from past challenges and recent life events. Ramit helps them explore their money beliefs, encouraging them to redefine their rich life beyond just accumulating wealth. In this episode we uncover: • Their surprising net worth of nearly $1.5 million in their early thirties • Mikaela's struggle to replace workout leggings with holes, even when she can afford it • Dave’s discomfort with his office chair despite working from home • The recent health scares that have frozen their spending decisions • Why Mikaela still views money through a lens of scarcity despite their wealth • The shocking realization of their actual household income versus their perception • The invisible labor dynamics in their financial management • Mikaela's childhood experiences with financial stress and lack of fun • How past trauma and family loss continue to influence their spending habits • The challenge of transitioning from a "hoarder's mentality" to enjoying their money • Their vision for a Rich Life that includes travel and personal well-being • Ramit’s advice to ban the word "need" from their financial vocabulary ⏩ CHAPTERS (00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:08) Why they struggle to spend money (00:06:08) The impact of past health scares (00:14:00) What it means to be "frozen" (00:16:32) The origins of their frugal mindset (00:33:51) The shock of their true income (00:40:00) Rebuilding financial foundations (00:46:08) Mikaela's childhood and money lessons (00:52:19) The profound impact of family loss (01:06:00) Building an amazing relationship with money (01:14:38) How to get help from Ramit (01:16:40) Reimagining the concept of "need" (01:19:15) The value of Mikaela's time (01:27:00) The invisible labor in financial planning (01:31:00) Ramit's challenge for Dave to initiate fun spending (01:35:10) Setting boundaries for family finances (01:37:00) Defining their rich life together (01:44:30) Ramit's parting advice This episode is brought to you by: Facet | As of the date of this recording, Facet is waiving the 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 facet.com/ramit [http://facet.com/ramit] to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Offer has been extended to 12/31/2026. #FacetAd 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] Wildgrain | Get $30 off the first box — PLUS free Croissants for life — at https://wildgrain.com/ramit [https://wildgrain.com/ramit] Wispr Flow | Try Wispr Flow for free at wisprflow.ai/ramit [http://wisprflow.ai/ramit] 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] Have you or your partner fallen for a scam? Maybe gotten bad financial advice from someone who didn't keep their promises? If so, I want to talk. Apply to be on my podcast at https://iwt.com/apply [https://iwt.com/apply]

258. "We had $900K. Now we’re $100K in debt"

Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Kristina and Erin, a married couple who have been together for 10 years, raising two children in Toronto. They make good money, but they have no system for their finances, which has led to years of avoidance. They've accumulated $106K in debt and have only two weeks of savings. While Erin, the "stable one," has a full-time job, Kristina’s entrepreneurial journey has been marked by wildly inconsistent income, including a $50K loss on NFTs. They both admit they don’t trust each other or themselves with money. Ramit helps them confront their fears, redefine their relationship with money, and finally start working as a team. In this episode we uncover: • How Kristina lost $50K in NFTs • Why Erin struggles with "spending with emotion" • The cultural component of their Catholic guilt around money • How their childhood experiences influence their money habits • Kristina's fear that her income won't last • The surprising truth about their combined income • Why they avoid tracking their spending • Their identity as "coach collectors" who avoid real change • Ramit's "60-second truth-telling" exercise • Why they need to be aligned as partners to achieve their goals • The true cost of credit card debt • Why their "guilt-free" spending is holding them back • Ramit's radical advice on cutting fixed costs • How they can quickly pay off their debt Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:40) Feeling stupid about money (00:05:23) Unspoken financial conversations (00:08:44) Fear that money won't last (00:09:25) Lack of trust around money (00:15:16) Emotional spending and guilt (00:19:55) The surprising truth about their net worth (00:22:52) The impact of high fixed costs (00:27:00) "We work too hard to feel like we don’t have anything" (00:30:45) Why past coaching failed (00:34:54) Childhood money lessons and scarcity (00:41:46) The impact of Catholic guilt (00:49:30) Goals for debt and savings (00:54:30) Ramit's 60-second truth-telling (00:58:33) Fixing the Conscious Spending Plan (01:07:07) Aligning on a Rich Life together (01:17:35) How Kristina and Erin are going to get on the same page (01:21:40) Why they're afraid to talk about money with their kids This episode is brought to you by: DeleteMe | Get 20% off all consumer plans when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit [https://joindeleteme.com/ramit] and use promo code RAMIT at checkout Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit [https://shopify.com/ramit] LMNT | Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any order at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT [https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT] Superhuman Mail | Turn your inbox into momentum. Sign up at https://superhuman.com/podcast [https://superhuman.com/podcast]. 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] Have you or your partner fallen for a scam? Maybe gotten bad financial advice from someone who didn't keep their promises? If so, I want to talk. Apply to be on my podcast at https://iwt.com/apply [https://iwt.com/apply]

257. "We really want a house - but have $0 in savings"

Molly and Jason are 45 and 46, living together with a 2-year-old daughter. They earn $142,000 a year combined. They have $0 in savings, $46,000 in debt, and a net worth of just $4,842. They dream of buying a house, investing in real estate, and retiring early. But when Ramit opens their Conscious Spending Plan, the picture is stark. Fixed costs at 77%. No savings rate. $25,000 in credit card debt in Molly's name that Jason can't fully account for. And a financial system built entirely on Venmo transfers, separate accounts, and crossed fingers. What Ramit finds underneath the numbers is a relationship where one person is managing everything alone, and the other has quietly checked out. Molly researches, opens accounts, tracks the bills, and covers the overdrafts. Jason works, pays rent, and sends Venmo transfers when asked. Neither of them planned financially before having a baby. Neither of them has seen what a real financial partnership looks like. But something shifts. When Ramit shows them that working together they could reach $1.75 million by retirement, something clicks. They stop explaining why things are the way they are and start talking about what they are going to do. In this episode we uncover: * Why two people earning $142,000 a year can have $0 in savings and $46,000 in debt * The Venmo money transfer system that has kept them financially disconnected for years * What it looks like when one partner manages everything alone while the other disengages * How $4,000 in annual subscriptions disappears when nobody is looking at the full picture * Why dreaming about real estate investing is the wrong move when your own finances are on fire * The moment Jason admits he feels resentful and apathetic about money * The plan to sell the truck, wipe the credit card debt, and combine finances for the first time * What Ramit means when he says the biggest savings anyone can make is on housing costs * The follow-up update from Molly and Jason Chapters: (00:00:00) "We wanna be rich. We have $0 in savings" (00:03:01) Meet Molly and Jason (00:10:00) How often do you talk about money? (00:14:00) Jason completely disengaged (00:19:00) No decisions are ever made (00:30:00) Dreamers who won't save $250 a month (00:34:11) Opening the Conscious Spending Plan (00:40:15) Fixed costs at 77% (00:46:50) Separate accounts, Venmo transfers, no shared vision (00:59:20) "Resentful. And apathetic." (01:03:00) Money psychology and upbringings (01:17:46) "You're gonna sell a truck and pay off debt" (01:41:13) Follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: * Gelt | Book a tax consultation with Gelt at https://joingelt.com/ramit. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist * ZocDoc | Go to https://zocdoc.com/ramit to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today #sponsored * Leesa | Go to https://leesa.com for 20% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code RAMIT, exclusive for my listeners * 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 an additional 15% off any annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit 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 or your partner get stressed spending $150 on dinner, or are covering up spending, I'd like to help. Apply to be coached for free on this podcast at iwt.com/apply