Why Combine Finances Backfired

Imani (52) and Michael (65) have been married for 24 years—and they’re drowning in nearly $126,000 of consumer debt despite earning over $250,000 a year.

Imani, a disciplined attorney who tracks every dollar, feels trapped by Michael’s unchecked spending on electronics and his laid-back approach to money. She dreams of travel, freedom, and a life that finally feels generous, while he insists everything’s fine as long as the bills get paid.

With resentment growing and Imani nearing her breaking point, Ramit challenges them to face the truth: Can they pay off their debt, rebuild trust, and start enjoying life again—or are they too stuck in old patterns to change?

A special thanks to Facet for sponsoring this episode. Right now, Facet is waiving their $250 enrollment fee for new annual members. And if you invest and maintain $5,000 within your first 90 days, they’ll add $300 to your brokerage account. Head to facet.com/ramit to see which membership—Core, Plus, or Complete—is right for you.

(Ramit is not a member of Facet, and he 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.)

In this episode we uncover:

• Why Imani regrets combining finances after 20 years of marriage

• How Michael’s promise to “put the money back” reveals a lifetime of avoidance

• The stark contrast between Michael’s military discipline and total lack of structure at home

• What happens when one partner outgrows the other in ambition, discipline, and self-development

• Why Imani admits she’s embarrassed to be in massive debt at her age

• Michael’s habit of buying cars and electronics to celebrate milestones

• How their $268,000 income still leaves them feeling broke, anxious, and behind

• Why Imani clings to control and spreadsheets while Michael tunes out completely

• How both partners confront the question: Can they rebuild trust and create structure before it’s too late?

Chapters:

(00:00:00) “Did you go to Best Buy again?”

(00:17:34) “I don’t think I’ve ever planned anything in my life”

(00:24:43) “Every time we had a kid, he bought a car”

(00:36:48) Ramit breaks down their numbers

(00:44:33) “We make way too much to be this stressed about money”

(00:56:21) “I don’t want to do life by myself”

(01:10:51) Can a couple this far apart still find common ground?

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Links mentioned in this episode

• Join my Money Coaching program for monthly help: https://iwt.com/moneycoaching

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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.