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

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 This episode is brought to you by: OpenPhone | Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/ramit. Notion | Try Notion for free at https://notion.com/ramit and experience the powerful, easy-to-use Notion AI today. Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at https://trustandwill.com/ramit and get 10% off plus free shipping. Rocket Money | Cancel unwanted subscriptions and manage your expenses the easy way at https://rocketmoney.com/ramit. LMNT | Right now, LMNT is offering 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. Get yours at https://drinklmnt.com/RAMIT. 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. 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.