218. “Our childcare costs are about to quadruple. Are we screwed?” (Part 2)

Last week, we met Dominique (33) and Chris (34)—a couple earning $180K a year, raising a toddler, and still living paycheck to paycheck. Dominique felt alone in managing their finances, while Chris stayed disengaged, assuming things were fine. In Part One, we uncovered the cracks: a lack of communication, zero long-term planning, and growing resentment. Now, as their childcare costs are about to quadruple, will they be able to move past survival mode and start working as a team? Will Chris finally step up—and can Dominique let go of overthinking and accept support? In this episode we uncover: • How their expensive Arizona house became a symbol of both pride and financial strain. • The quiet resentment Dominique feels when Chris is out of work—and why she kept it to herself. • A surprising disconnect around how much they contribute—and who’s really paying more. • Ramit’s reality check about going month to month on a six-figure income. • Why Dominique’s overthinking makes her feel in control—but leaves them stuck in place. • The false sense of security that’s masking a dangerous truth: They have just two months of savings. • The emotional cost of living reactively—and what it will take for them to finally plan ahead. Chapters: (00:00:00) “My friend sold it to me…” — the truth about whole life insurance (00:09:05) Investing, saving… or just surviving? (00:14:58) Problem-oriented vs. solution-oriented (00:22:11) Ramit breaks down their numbers (00:26:14) He’s living for his son—but what about himself? (00:38:32) What if selling your house meant losing money? (00:43:13) “I thought I’d be co-parenting by now” (00:52:38) Dominique & Chris 2.0: Confident. Open. Together. (01:03:30) Where are they now? Dominique and Chris’s follow-ups This episode is brought to you by: Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit DeleteMe | If you want to get your personal information removed from the web, go to https://joindeleteme.com/ramit for 20% off. 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. Gelt | Book a tax consultation with Gelt at https://joingelt.com/ramit. As a member of my community, you can skip the waitlist. ZocDoc | Download the ZocDoc app for FREE at https://zocdoc.com/ramit then find and book a top-rated doctor today #sponsored 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.