Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi

Ramit Sethi
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Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 8min

241. “We invested our wedding money…in psychedelics”

Two couples take the stage with a shared question—but very different financial realities: When is “enough” actually enough to move forward? Finn and Luna built a successful pet-sitting business and now sit on hundreds of thousands of dollars—but with no clear plan for investing, homeownership, or the future. Meanwhile, Monica and Antonio earn a strong income, are completely debt-free, and yet feel paralyzed by fear as they juggle parenting, aging parents, and the possibility of purchasing a larger home. In this live episode, Ramit digs into the tension between optimism and realism, abundance and anxiety. Together, they confront inherited money stories, decision paralysis, and what it really takes to turn income into confidence—so money stops being the thing that holds them back. In this episode we uncover: • Why having “hundreds of thousands of dollars” can still feel like total financial chaos without a system • The emotional whiplash of going from paycheck-to-paycheck to sudden abundance • How Finn and Luna’s optimism vs. realism split shows up in every conversation about housing, investing, and location • Why crypto success without understanding risk creates false confidence • The real reason Luna pulled money out of investments and parked it in cash • How not knowing basic investing terms keeps progress stalled • Finn’s fear that California homeownership is a ticking time bomb • Monica and Antonio’s decision paralysis despite high income and zero debt • How generational trauma, bankruptcies, and lost homes shaped Monica’s daily money anxiety • Why Antonio believes earning more is the solution • The financial and emotional toll of supporting aging parents while raising young children • The hidden cost of being “responsible for everyone” and never prioritizing your own future • The shift from reacting emotionally to money toward making deliberate, shared financial decisions • What changes when money stops being mysterious Chapters: (00:00:00) “I’m a dreamer”—and he just wants a real plan (00:25:32) What happens when the optimizer stops optimizing at home? (00:33:01) “They gave up everything for us” (00:46:33) “We make great money—but it doesn’t feel like enough” (00:57:52) “I set the bar so high I can never win” (01:04:37) Where are they now? Both couples’ follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: Bilt | Join the loyalty program for renters at https://joinbilt.com/ramit Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit 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 Gelt | Book a tax consultation with Gelt at https://joingelt.com/ramit. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist LMNT | Get a free 8-count Sample Pack with any LMNT order at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT Masterclass | Get up to 50% off Masterclass during the holiday season at https://masterclass.com/ramit Links mentioned in this episode • If you want help with your finances, join my Money Coaching program at https://iwt.com/moneycoaching 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 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.
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27 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 37min

240. “We book $10K vacations, then panic about money”

In this conversation with college professor Michael, who balances part-time income and Social Security with a cautious view of money, we dive into his and Cheryl's financial anxieties. They explore why they can easily spend $10K on vacations but panic about their finances afterwards. Cheryl shares how her cancer survival shifted her urgency to live fully, while Michael reflects on financial trust issues stemming from a lost inheritance. Together, they confront their separate finances and emotional barriers, seeking clarity for a confident retirement.
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24 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 27min

Listener Favorite: "I'm almost 40 and still living paycheck to paycheck”

A couple grapples with conflicting financial mindsets, showcasing how upbringing influences spending habits. Romy faces anxiety as the planner, while Travis leans on his fishing analogy to avoid money stress. Their journey highlights the struggle with financial transparency and arguments over trivial expenses. Secrets about savings and property plans emerge, questioning whether they are solutions or just masking deeper issues. The discussion ultimately centers on rebuilding trust and committing to practical financial changes.
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38 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 42min

239. "He quit his high paying job and didn’t tell me"

A married couple faces financial turmoil after Ryan quits his high-paying job without telling Jamie. This shock erodes their trust and magnifies their spending habits, leaving them feeling broke despite high earnings. Emotional patterns from childhood fuel their financial disagreements, while Jamie is burdened as the default financial manager. They explore their visions of a 'Rich Life' and agree to actionable changes, including weekly money meetings, reallocation of funds, and a team effort to tackle credit card debt.
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92 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 39min

238. "We’re in credit card debt again. Will this ever stop?"

Ado and Gabby are trapped in a cycle of credit card debt, struggling with $44,000 in balances and looming student loans. Their differing attitudes towards money clash, reflecting deep-rooted patterns from their chaotic childhoods. The couple grapples with the emotional toll of their financial decisions, especially as they consider their daughter's future. Ramit dissects their spending habits, revealing how minor indulgences can lead to major debt. He advocates for a vision-driven financial plan, emphasizing the importance of breaking unhealthy cycles for stability.
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57 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 20min

237. “We bought our dream house. Then he lost his job.”

A couple faces a financial crisis after Chad's sudden 50% pay cut, leaving them drained of savings and borrowing to survive. Tensions rise as Karen wrestles with fear over their children's future while Chad clings to optimism. Their polite conversations mask deeper resentment and disconnect about money. Emotional habits and childhood lessons surface, revealing starkly different philosophies on finances. As Ramit helps them confront reality, the couple begins to uncover the need for honest communication and a shared vision for their financial future.
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28 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 40min

236. “She spent $5K behind my back. How can I trust her?”

Discover the tension between meticulous budgeting and faith-driven spending in a couple's financial struggles. Alex feels betrayed after Jackie secretly spends $5,000, shattering their trust. They dive into childhood money beliefs, exploring how these shaped their current dynamics. Ramit introduces a Conscious Spending Plan to foster transparency and shared responsibility. Tensions rise as they confront their fixed costs and reallocate savings, ultimately leading to strategies that rebuild trust and encourage healthy financial conversations.
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22 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 24min

235. "Can we pay off this debt faster?" (Part 2)

Imani and Michael continue their journey to overcome financial struggles. They confront hidden purchases and emotional avoidance, with Michael finally pledging to take ownership. A breakthrough occurs as they craft a shared vision of living abroad while reducing debt. With a detailed payoff plan and aggressive monthly payments, they've already begun to see positive results. As they face tough choices for retirement, trust is rebuilt through shared financial leadership, highlighting how aligning money goals can strengthen their relationship.
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28 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 10min

234. "We have $100k+ in debt. Will we ever enjoy life?" (Part 1)

Imani and Michael face a staggering $126,000 in debt despite earning a combined $250,000. Tensions rise as Imani dreams of freedom while Michael's lax spending habits strain their marriage. They explore the pitfalls of combining finances and their differing financial mindsets—Imani being proactive and Michael more reactive. As they confront past coaching failures and hidden spending patterns, they grapple with resentment and a shared desire for change. With distinct visions for their future, the couple must navigate their financial crisis or risk losing each other.
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64 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 38min

233. “I save while she spends on vacations. Is this fair?”

Samantha and Kevin struggle with their financial dynamics, sparking debates over spending and saving. Samantha feels inadequate compared to Kevin's wealth, while he grapples with resentment over her spending habits, especially on vacations. Their avoidance of money talks leads to unspoken tensions about fairness and planning. They reveal staggering vacation costs and discuss the importance of acknowledging each other's financial efforts. Ramit promotes better communication skills and outlines a plan for debt repayment and shared financial responsibilities.

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