Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Chris and Heather, a couple aged 41 and 39 respectively, who, despite earning over $450,000 annually and boasting a $2.18 million net worth, feel like they're living paycheck to paycheck.
Heather, an accomplished healthcare professional, worries that despite their income, they aren't organizing their finances effectively, leading to a feeling of scarcity. Chris, who works for the State of California, focuses on long-term retirement planning but avoids making crucial decisions, leading to "analysis paralysis." Their differing views on spending - Heather’s desire for "rich life now" versus Chris's cautious, debt-averse approach, create underlying tension.
Ramit challenges their underlying money psychology, uncovering how childhood experiences influence their current financial anxieties.
In this episode we uncover:
• Their contrasting interpretations of their "paycheck-to-paycheck" life
• Heather's aversion to finance, despite an impressive debt payoff history
• Why Chris is hesitant to talk about money
• The car purchase that highlighted their financial differences
• Why Heather feels conflicted about her luxury spending
• Chris's childhood with parents who constantly claimed to be "poor"
• Why Chris hates taxes as much as he hates debt
• Vacation Chris vs. Everyday Chris's spending habits
• The real cost of their financial indecision
Chapters:
(00:00:00) My income feels like "paycheck to paycheck"
(00:04:10) Their differing applications reveal fundamental money beliefs
(00:07:22) An argument over income reveals deeper trust issues
(00:13:25) "We have enough money, but still feel like we live paycheck to paycheck"
(00:19:45) Why people systematically discount money psychology
(00:23:28) Their first major money disagreement: financing a car
(00:44:48) Their struggle to define "enough" for retirement
(00:54:10) Why their "too many unknowns" approach is holding them back
(01:05:51) The surprising "Vacation Chris" versus everyday Chris
(01:11:11) Heather: “I feel conflicted” about luxury spending
(01:24:09) Ramit’s frustration with the couple
(01:38:35) Progress updates
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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
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248. "Her spending scares me. Should we get married?"
17.02.2026 | 1 Std. 42 Min.
Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Cre and April, a couple of five years, aged 46 and 48. Cre lives a debt-averse life and has been methodically building her wealth.
April, on the other hand, earns more than twice Cre's income but struggles with significant debt and zero savings. They are at a crossroads, contemplating moving in together, but their conflicting approaches to money present a major hurdle.
Cre fears that April’s spending habits will lead to constant arguments and financial strain, especially with the prospect of marriage and inheriting April's substantial debt. April, however, doesn't see her spending as a problem, insisting she lives a good life and can always work more to cover expenses.
Ramit helps them uncover the generational patterns influencing their financial behaviors and challenges them to reconsider their current dynamic.
In this episode we uncover:
• How Cre and April act as "granny and child" during money conversations
• Why April feels micromanaged and hides purchases
• The emotional pressure April uses to get what she wants
• The significant disparity in their net worth despite April's higher income
• Why April initially doesn't see a problem with her spending habits
• The uncomfortable truth about April treating money like she's still poor
• How April's family history of money management influences her
• The shocking revelation about generational money patterns
• Why April's daughter is following a similar financial dynamic
• Ramit's direct challenge to April's “innocent doe” persona
• Cre's struggle to set clear financial boundaries
• How April reacts to Cre's direct financial expectations
• Ramit's step-by-step plan for April to tackle debt and build savings
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:04:14) April's persistent questions about Cree's spending
(00:07:49) The "granny and child" roles in their money talks
(00:12:47) Why April fears marrying into debt
(00:13:46) The core of their financial disagreement
(00:23:05) A stark comparison of their financial numbers
(00:26:08) April's disconnect from her serious financial situation
(00:36:00) Cree’s secret side income and resourcefulness
(00:40:00) April’s luxury basement renovation with zero savings
(00:44:40) Unpacking April's extensive debt and spending habits
(00:48:28) Generational money patterns in April's family
(01:05:32) Cree's struggle to set clear financial boundaries
(01:10:09) The pitfalls of "walking on eggshells" in a relationship
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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
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247. "We’re in our 40s — with nothing saved"
10.02.2026 | 1 Std. 37 Min.
Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Stephanie and Chris, an early-40s couple with three young children, two of whom have special needs. Chris is a professor, and Stephanie, an RN, has recently cut back her hours due to burnout.
Despite Chris’s confidence that “it’ll all work out,” their current financial situation is dire: 92% fixed costs, $544K in debt, and virtually no savings. Stephanie handles the books but feels dismissed when she raises concerns, while Chris struggles to listen and often interrupts.
Ramit helps them uncover hidden money scripts, gender dynamics, and a profound lack of communication that has kept them stuck in an "avalanche of inaction" for years. Can they finally align on a concrete plan and connect meaningfully about money?
In this episode we uncover:
• The stark reality of 92% fixed costs and zero investments
• How Chris’s “it’ll all work out” dismisses Stephanie’s worries
• How their money conversations always end in gridlock
• Why a wobbly kitchen sink reveals their deeper financial issues
• The surprising cost of their kids’ swim lessons
• How their combined salary still leaves them broke
• The emotional toll of their financial situation on Stephanie
• Chris's self-awareness about his "ignorant reassurer" role
• How their money "inaction" has cost them hundreds of thousands
• Why Stephanie feels unheard and Chris struggles to listen
• The plan to drastically cut fixed costs and tackle debt
• Why it’s time to stop making excuses and start taking action
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:04:47) Their repetitive money conversation
(00:08:24) Chris's "natural reaction is to shut down"
(00:10:40) "He's a buzzkill"
(00:16:35) Breaking down their assets, debt, and net worth
(00:22:04) Stephanie's emotional confession
(00:24:00) Chris's desire to comfort without listening
(00:48:47) The cost of their inaction on investments
(00:56:56) How Chris can better support Stephanie
(01:11:00) What true financial partnership looks like
(01:12:00) Transforming their conscious spending plan
(01:21:00) A path to a 60% fixed cost future
This episode is brought to you by:
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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
• YouTubeIf 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: https://iwt.com/apply
246. "We’re drowning in debt, but bought another house"
03.02.2026 | 1 Std. 49 Min.
Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Melissa and Tony, a couple who immigrated from Mexico with big dreams and an even bigger work ethic. In less than a decade, they've built a net worth of nearly $900,000. But beneath the surface of their impressive paper wealth, they’re carrying almost $1 million in debt and are completely misaligned on their financial goals. With their second child due any day, Ramit helps them uncover the root of their money woes, from differing money styles to the profound impact of their upbringing. Can they finally get on the same page, create a financial system that works, and build a sustainable rich life?
In this episode we uncover:
• How Melissa and Tony built a nearly $900K net worth in 8 years
• The "rollercoaster" of their financial decision-making
• Why their credit card debt is actually due to real estate
• Tony’s “paycheck to paycheck” feeling with a $189k household income
• Melissa’s childhood money lessons from her dad, Mr. No
• How they navigate financial planning with a baby due this month
• Why they avoid combining their high incomes
• The cultural influences shaping their financial narratives
• What happens when Tony is “comfortable” and avoids change
• The deeper reasons behind their ongoing money disagreements
• Ramit’s advice on how to communicate about money effectively
• A surprising agreement that might change their future
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:28) Their chaotic financial situation
(00:07:07) Melissa and Tony’s real estate struggles
(00:13:07) Melissa's real estate ambitions vs. Tony’s pessimism
(00:20:58) The cycles of making and losing money
(00:26:59) The ineffective communication about debt
(00:33:57) The danger of making emotional money decisions
(00:37:35) Diving deep into their income and debt
(00:46:01) Their unspoken rules about money and spending
(00:51:56) The painful truth behind being "house poor"
(01:00:43) Impact of childhood money lessons on their current finances
(01:10:29) The parent-child dynamic in their financial relationship
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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: https://iwt.com/apply
245. "We make 6 figures. Why am I hiding fast food purchases?"
27.01.2026 | 2 Std. 5 Min.
Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich talks to Grace and James, a couple from Ireland, aged 38 and 37, who have been navigating immense challenges. James was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a year of treatment, while Grace managed a difficult pregnancy and maternity leave with their second child, an infant. Amidst the fear and grief, their household income took a significant hit, causing financial strain. Grace felt the burden of managing their finances, leading to guilt about James continuing to work during his illness. Despite these hardships, they’ve built a strong financial foundation with high savings and have managed to stay afloat. Ramit helps them explore their individual money psychologies, the impact of their upbringings, and how their shared experiences have shaped their financial outlook, revealing a story of resilience, unwavering teamwork, and an inspiring pursuit of a rich life.
In this episode we uncover:
• How Grace feels immense pressure to manage finances
• The emotional toll of James's cancer diagnosis
• Grace's hidden "mindless" spending under stress
• The Irish perspective on "mustn't grumble" about money
• James's childhood money messages and aversion to debt
• The surprising freedom found in small financial wins
• Grace's proactive approach to long-term financial planning
• The power of internal versus external locus of control
• How a shared money philosophy can emerge from conflict
• The importance of planning for the worst when at your best
• Their inspiring journey of overcoming adversity as a team
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:05:13) Grace's guilt over James working during cancer
(00:12:32) Grace's "mindless purchases" and coping mechanisms
(00:15:55) The surprising reality of their financial stability
(00:30:03) Contrasting money philosophies: big spend vs. small treats
(00:33:45) Reviewing their Conscious Spending Plan and uncovering hidden wealth
(00:46:12) The impact of fluctuating income on their financial outlook
(00:55:00) Planning for the worst when they are at their best
(01:00:16) James's upbringing and the origins of his money anxiety
(01:11:10) Their "ice cream cone" fight and early money revelations
This episode is brought to you by:
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Facet | As of the date of this recording, 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 facet.com/ramit to learn more about which membership option is best for you. Offer expires March 31, 2026. #FacetAd
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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: https://iwt.com/apply
Get Ramit's new book, Money for Couples at iwt.com/moneyforcouples. From Ramit Sethi, host of Netflix’s ‘How to Get Rich’ and author of NYT bestselling books, ‘I Will Teach You To Be Rich,’ and ‘Money for Couples’…
Imagine listening in on raw, unfiltered conversations with real couples, to explore how money psychology affects their everyday lives. Ramit talks with couples from all walks of life, helping them to get past guilt, resentment, & fighting over purchases, to help them create a shared vision for their Rich Life.
Ramit asks the questions we wish we all could ask, presenting a new philosophy on money: spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t.
Follow Money For Couples on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X to start living your rich life today.
In Money for Couples, Ramit delves into the often-hidden dynamics around money issues in marriage, which can be some of the biggest challenges couples face. Money psychology impacts everything from everyday decisions to long-term dreams, and Ramit's finance coaching sessions with couples offer an eye-opening look into the deeper emotions behind financial choices.
Whether you're wondering how to save for a big goal, how to invest in a shared future, or simply looking to understand personal finance in a relationship better, this podcast delivers practical, actionable insights. Each conversation reveals that money in marriage isn't just about numbers—it's about values, trust, and working together toward a Rich Life that's unique to each couple. Ramit provides a safe space for couples to unpack the beliefs and habits that may hold them back financially, guiding them toward a shared vision for their lives. With humor and empathy, Ramit's finance coaching shows couples that they can learn to save and spend in ways that enhance, rather than hinder, their relationship.
Money for Couples is not only a finance podcast but a journey into what makes a marriage strong, financially and emotionally. Through the lens of personal finance, Ramit provides a blueprint for couples to navigate the challenges of managing money together, offering tools to make confident, aligned choices. So, whether you're a fan of the Ramit Sethi podcast or new to his philosophy, tune in and learn how to save, how to invest, and how to create a financial future with the person you love.
Ramit's unique approach to money psychology helps couples overcome common money issues in marriage, from guilt and resentment over purchases to aligning on long-term financial goals. By exploring real couples' stories, Ramit offers insights into how money mindset affects everyday decisions and bigger life dreams. His finance coaching provides couples with a safe space to unpack their beliefs and habits around spending, saving, and investing.
Rather than focusing solely on the numbers, Ramit emphasizes the importance of values, trust, and working together toward a shared vision for a Rich Life. Couples will learn practical strategies for managing money as a team, from saving for big purchases to building investment portfolios. Ramit's philosophy of "spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don't" empowers listeners to make financial choices that enhance their relationship.
Money for Couples is an essential listen for any married or committed pair looking to improve their personal finance skills and deepen their emotional connection. Ramit's finance coaching and the real-life stories of the couples he features offer a blueprint for navigating the challenges of money in marriage. Whether you're a long-time listener of Ramit's work or new to his approach, this podcast will transform how you think about spending, saving, and investing as a couple.