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

Episode 218 of the Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi podcast, hosted by Ramit Sethi, titled "218. “Our childcare costs are about to quadruple. Are we screwed?” (Part 2)" was published on July 22, 2025 and runs 62 minutes.

July 22, 2025 ·62m · Money For Couples with Ramit Sethi

Summary

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.

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