217. “Are we broke…or just bad with money? (Part 1)

11 snips

Jul 15, 2025

Dominique and Chris confront the financial strains threatening their relationship. Dominique juggles parenting and finances while Chris struggles with money conversations, causing trust issues. The pressures of rising costs and shared debt weigh heavily, prompting thoughts of co-parenting alone. Their differing approaches to financial planning reveal emotional conflicts and the importance of communication. As they face these challenges, Ramit encourages them to take immediate action to secure their future together.

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ANECDOTE

Car Purchase Conversation Breakdown

Chris wanted a second vehicle for work and emergencies but had no concrete financial plan.
Dominique shut down the conversation due to lack of information, causing emotional disconnect.

INSIGHT

Affordability Isn't Just a Feeling

Many treat affordability like a feeling rather than relying on clear numbers.
Chris initially felt they could afford a car but changed his answer after considering actual bank balances.

ANECDOTE

Buying House to Avoid Rent Hike

Buying a house to avoid rent increases backfired, costing $2,000 monthly loss.
Many fear rent but overlook the hidden costs of homeownership such as maintenance and HOA fees.

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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

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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.

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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.