Episodes

  • 216. I track every penny. He gambles. Should I marry him?

    216. I track every penny. He gambles. Should I marry him?
    Jul 8 2025
    Taylor (29) is a high-earning dentist with a strict savings plan and deep-rooted fears about financial instability. Hayden (25) earns $24K a year, has a history of gambling and financial dishonesty, and struggles with budgeting. They live together, but their vastly different money philosophies leave Taylor questioning whether marriage is possible. With trust issues, income imbalance, and emotional baggage on both sides, can they find common ground—or is it time to walk away? In this episode we uncover: • Taylor’s strict financial boundaries—and why Hayden feels constantly judged by them • The real reason Hayden hides purchases (and what it’s costing their relationship) • Why Taylor resents being the financial provider, and how it’s creating a growing power imbalance • A candid conversation about Hayden’s past gambling—and whether trust can be rebuilt • How their radically different upbringings shaped two completely opposing money mindsets • The unspoken tension around engagement—and what’s holding Taylor back from proposing • Taylor’s biggest fear: ending up broke and alone • Hayden opens up about insecurity, dependence, and feeling “less than” • What they really want from each other—and why neither feels safe enough to ask Chapters: (00:00:00) “He gets to do whatever he wants with his money” (00:07:22) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:16:14) “Why have all that money if you don’t plan to spend it?” (00:23:42) How childhood trauma shaped their views on money, control, and survival (00:32:58) A secret $35K loss—and the fallout that nearly ended everything (00:41:04) “Most of what I do with money is to get her off my back” (00:51:34) Is change still real if it’s only for someone else? (01:03:56) A new plan, a new mindset—but will it stick? (01:10:01) Where are they now? Taylor and Hayden’s follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: Upwork | Visit https://upwork.com to post your job for free and connect with top talent ready to help your business grow. 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 to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Netsuite | Download the free e-book 'Navigating Global Trade: Three Insights for Leaders' at https://netsuite.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. Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit Links mentioned in this episode • Get my 4 simple rules for talking with your partner about money 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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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • 215. “He wants a house, I don’t want to go bankrupt.”

    215. “He wants a house, I don’t want to go bankrupt.”
    Jul 1 2025
    Athena (31) and Arie (30) are newly married and dreaming of buying a home, starting a family, and traveling the world. But their finances—and philosophies—don’t align. Athena’s upbringing was defined by instability and strict religious messaging around money; Arie’s was middle-class and frugal. Now, they're realizing that love alone isn’t enough—they need a shared plan. Can Ramit help them define their values, shift their dynamic, and start building a future as true partners? In this episode we uncover: • The subtle financial tension that’s been building—and how it’s showing up in everything from gift-giving to debt. • Why Arie is laser-focused on buying a home, while Athena worries about losing her freedom. • The real reason Athena keeps her finances separate—and how her upbringing shaped that decision. • How Arie’s savings mindset clashes with Athena’s more flexible approach to money. • A surprising admission about holiday spending. • What it really means to feel “safe” with money. • The power struggle hiding beneath their shared bank account. • How financial shame from childhood still influences their present-day relationship. • Their unspoken fears—and how Ramit pushes them to define their shared Rich Life. Chapters: (00:00:00) “It’s a dream”—but what if your partner doesn’t share it? (00:08:30) They don’t fight—but is that actually the problem? (00:21:19) “I don’t know if I can say yes if I have debt” (00:24:44) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:37:36) Dreaming big while avoiding the details (00:45:32) “What kind of person doesn’t own a house?” (00:55:33) The moral script keeping Athena stuck (01:14:39) “If you want something for yourself, you’re greedy” (01:22:57) Getting honest about a future they can’t afford (01:33:15) Where are they now? Athena and Arie’s follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off. Leesa | During Leesa's 4th of July Sale, get 30% off plus an extra $50 off at https://leesa.com with promo code RAMIT. Factor | Get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box at https://factormeals.com/RAMIT50OFF with code RAMIT50OFF. Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 10% off plus free shipping. Links mentioned in this episode • Get Ramit’s 3 Step Guide to Buying a House 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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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • 214. “I’m 45 but my parents still control my money”

    214. “I’m 45 but my parents still control my money”
    Jun 24 2025
    Kate and Keith have spent years afraid to spend—until now. In Part 2 of this conversation, Ramit investigates the $5 million missing from Kate’s trust fund and uncovers decades of poor returns, excessive fees, and emotional avoidance. As the truth comes out, Ramit challenges them to rewrite the money scripts that have shaped their lives: Kate’s shame around wealth, Keith’s fear of being seen as dependent, and the confusing messages they’ve inherited about what money should mean. They imagine a future with travel, community, and purpose, if they can confront this question: What’s the point of having money if you never use it? 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 to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Ramit Sethi is not a member of Facet, and 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. OpenPhone | Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/ramit. Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit. LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT. Superhuman | Get a free month of lightning fast email at https://superhuman.com/ramit. Links mentioned in this episode • Get detailed breakdowns of my readers' spending every Saturday in my newsletter at iwt.com/podcastnewsletter • Order my new book: Money for Couples Connect with Ramit • 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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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 213. “We have a $1M trust - but a $30k budget” (Part 1)

    213. “We have a $1M trust - but a $30k budget” (Part 1)
    Jun 17 2025
    Kate (45) and Keith (53) split their time between Maine and Hawaii, living what looks like a dream life. They’ve inherited wealth, run two small businesses, and have nearly $2 million in net worth. But with only $30,000 in annual income, they live in fear of spending—and cover their shortfall by dipping into savings. Kate, recovering from long COVID, handles the finances but feels unworthy of her money. Keith, who once filed for bankruptcy, avoids money conversations entirely and worries he’ll be seen as a freeloader. Their roles are clear—one over-responsible, one disengaged—and their financial anxiety keeps them stuck. They say they want to travel, be generous, and enjoy their Rich Life. But, how do you build a Rich Life when you’ve been taught to feel ashamed of the money you have? 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 to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Ramit Sethi is not a member of Facet, and 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. Notion | Try Notion for free at https://notion.com/ramit and experience the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today. ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Upwork | Visit 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. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist. DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off. Links mentioned in this episode • Get detailed breakdowns of my readers' spending every Saturday in my newsletter at iwt.com/podcastnewsletter • Order my new book: Money for Couples Connect with Ramit • 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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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 212. "He's terrified of losing it all—so she's losing him"

    212. "He's terrified of losing it all—so she's losing him"
    Jun 10 2025
    Vanessa (48) and George (59) have been married for five years and run two businesses together, but still keep their finances separate, leading to recurring tension, resentment, and financial instability. Vanessa is a risk-tolerant entrepreneur who sees money as a tool for growth. George is nearing retirement, risk-averse, and clings to financial security. They split everything 50/50, even when Vanessa stopped drawing a paycheck from their business. Now, with $482K in debt and $28K in savings, George’s retirement is looming, making their financial foundation feel unstable. His fear-based money spirals derail productive conversations, while Vanessa feels alone, unsupported, and afraid their misalignment could threaten their future. Can they learn to trust each other, merge their financial lives, and build a shared vision before retirement kicks in? This episode is brought to you by: Factor | Get 50% off plus free shipping on your first box at https://factormeals.com/ramit50off with code RAMIT50OFF. Rocket Money | Stop throwing your money away. Cancel unwanted subscriptions – and manage your expenses the easy way – by going to https://rocketmoney.com/ramit. Masterclass | For unlimited access to every class and 15% off an annual membership, go to https://masterclass.com/ramit. Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 10% off plus free shipping. LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try LMNT’s most popular flavors. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT. Links mentioned in this episode • Order my new book: Money for Couples Connect with Ramit • 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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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 211. Ramit and Cassandra open up: “Our real money fights (and what we learned)”

    211. Ramit and Cassandra open up: “Our real money fights (and what we learned)”
    Jun 3 2025
    In this rare and intimate episode, Ramit takes the hot seat alongside his wife, Cassandra, as they’re interviewed by their close friend Julie Nguyen. Together, Ramit and Cass pull back the curtain on how they navigate money behind the scenes—from prenup negotiations and separate finances to the regular money meetings that keep them aligned. They open up about the challenges they've faced as a couple and reveal how, despite Ramit's career, they’re just as susceptible to money issues as any other couple on this podcast. This conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build a true financial partnership—and a marriage that lasts. 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 to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Netsuite | Download the free e-book 'Navigating Global Trade: Three Insights for Leaders' at https://netsuite.com/ramit ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today. DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to 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. Links mentioned in this episode • Order my new book: Money for Couples • Follow Julie Connect with Ramit • 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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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • 210. “We make $170k—but spend like we make $450k”

    210. “We make $170k—but spend like we make $450k”
    May 27 2025
    Clara (29) and Devin (34) are married with three young kids, trying to build a future while juggling debt, stress, and wildly different approaches to money. Clara racked up $20,000 in credit card debt, while Devin chooses to gamble instead of investing for retirement. They earn well and own two properties, but with zero savings, 75% in fixed costs, and no shared goals, their financial foundation is crumbling. Underneath the spreadsheets and the spending is a toxic parent-child dynamic, causing Clara to feel disempowered and ashamed, while Devin’s “dreamer” mindset leads him to believe the next big win will fix everything. Can they dismantle these roles, get honest about their spending, and rebuild as true partners before it’s too late? This episode is brought to you by: Superhuman | Get a free month of lightning fast email at https://superhuman.com/ramit LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. This is a great way to try all 8 flavors. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT Notion | Try Notion for free at https://Notion.com/ramit and experience the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today. 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 to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Shopify | Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at https://shopify.com/ramit If you're enjoying the Money for Couples podcast, I'd love to hear more about you and what you think of the podcast. Take this five minute survey at https://iwt.com/audiopod. Links mentioned in this episode • Fill out my listener survey • Order my new book: Money for Couples Connect with Ramit • 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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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 209. “We bought a house we can’t afford, now what?”

    209. “We bought a house we can’t afford, now what?”
    May 20 2025
    Sunnie (29) and Jazmyne (30) are a queer couple trying to build their life together—buy a house, bring a child into their family, and create long-term financial security. But with just one primary income and a major surgery planned for next year, every decision feels high stakes. They earn a combined $180,000 and just bought their first home; but between rising costs, paycheck-to-paycheck living, and intense pressure on Sunnie as the breadwinner, their financial conversations often swing from optimistic to explosive. With no shared plan, no savings for a wedding, and looming fears about safety and stability, can they align on a vision for their future—and build a financial plan that supports it? This episode is brought to you by: Gelt | If you’re ready for a more premium, proactive tax strategy to optimize and file your taxes, check out Gelt at https://joingelt.com/ramit. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist. DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off. Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 20% off plus free shipping. ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Leesa | Go to https://leesa.com for 30% off mattresses + Free Sleep Bundle (2 Free Pillows and Microfiber Sheet Set), PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code ramit, exclusive for my listeners. If you're enjoying the Money for Couples podcast, I'd love to hear more about you and what you think of the podcast. Take this five-minute survey at iwt.com/podcastsurvey. Links mentioned in this episode • Fill out my listener survey • Order my new book: Money for Couples Connect with Ramit • 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. Produced by Crate Media.
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    1 hr and 21 mins