“$350k in debt & no savings. Do I have to work until we die?”

[@ramitsethi]

00:00 Download the Conscious Spending Plan so you can use your money GUILT-FREE: iwt.com/csp-youtube Please remember: These are real people who had the courage to come on my podcast and ask for help. Would you be willing to come on this podcast and share every detail of your financial life? Feel free to leave comments based on what you think, but remember that we are here to help in a supportive way, not to demean and criticize.

[@UXDiogenes]

Would love to see how to handle a couple of real situations that don't fit nicely into the usual plans like 1) planning around a big portfolio but little to no income as a young person or a retiree, and 2) conscious spending planning as a retiree who discovered Ramit too late (which is to say, around or after retirement)

[@eileenwatt8283]

She can also get her student loan debt paid off by a hospital. Some are offering that incentives. She just have to stay with them 5 years. She has alot of option as a nurse to pay it off. OT is time and half. Extra shifts are always available.

[@sindrib90]

0:26

[@azneesy]

Ramit, please tell these people that your ENTIRE KZbin section is rooting for them!

[@ritjigowon]

Yassss!😊

[@Lime6291]

These two are aggressively likable people. I'm so happy they're finally getting paid their worth.

[@verb0ze]

They are blessed. It's sad that the selfless work they've done over the years did not pay them much, but happy they're where they are now.

[@cynthiamartinez367]

@@verb0zeBlessed? They are entering their 50s with $11K in retirement. Money isn’t everything but it is necessary for survival in today’s world, especially as they age and ability to work decreases.

[@Nassaldromus]

Yes, ​@@cynthiamartinez367, but I think they'll be okay.

[@ctyra1]

Agreed. And I don't want to kick off a religious discussion here (I'm an atheist myself, but completely respect people's choices and what their beliefs mean to them) however, wow. This poor man being 'kicked out' of his community... where are the so-called Christian values?

[@devorahanatolia8999]

This couple is refreshingly different compared to previous guests. They have a lot of insight into their money backgrounds and problems.

[@RebelYPuff]

They are also the healthiest communicators I recall seeing. They are the epitome of working as a team.

[@mirjanaxx8899]

You are so right

[@alana4222]

Okay I love both of them. This is my favorite episode so far. They’re so easy to root for; they have a really unique backstory, and they’ve come in eyes wide open and having done a lot of the work ahead of time. This must have been a fun one for Ramit.

[@Jayguevara1982]

I know, right? These are good people.

[@MrsEJV]

@@Jayguevara1982. I’m in awe that their marriage survived the level of stress that it has. I wish they were my neighbors - their heads are really on straight. I think they are #1 in the Comments section. Group hug!! 💙

[@aas55]

Despite their balance sheet, these people have lived a rich life and helped people in need. Wish them the best!

[@thembisilemashinini8655]

Nc.❤😊 b .q😮😮😮😢w😮❤😂❤n❤ ❤❤ n̈😂❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤b

[@thembisilemashinini8655]

23:05 pp 23:10 😢p 😮😮 😮😮 23:34 23:35 23:35 23:35😢 23:47 23:51 23:53 23:54 23:54 23:55 23:55 23:55 23:55 23:55 23:55 23:55 23:55 23:57 23:5 24:06 7 23:59 23:59 23:59 24:00 24: 24:05 24:01 24:02 24:02 24:04 23:37 23:41 23:43 23:44 23:44 23:46

[@NanetteLoves2Budget]

Ramit - this is probably my favorite favorite episode ever! I am 60 and find myself constantly in the mindset of catching up. In my 40s, I burned through my entire retirement savings trying to keep a failing business and my tiny little family afloat. I’ve been making decent money since 2013. I scrimped, I saved, I paid off debt and my entire mortgage, but only ramped up retirement savings in the last couple of years. The two nuggets of wisdom that I am taking most to heart are to stop looking backwards and to treat myself as an athlete. I’ve been in burnout this entire year. If I can work until I am at least 65 I can generate the necessary income for my rich life based on my current contributions. I can’t do that if I’m not taking care of myself. I’ll be scheduling the remainder of my vacation days later today. I’ll also be setting self-care goals for the rest of the year and into the future. I absolutely love this couple! Simply beautiful!

[@tata2072]

All the very, very best Nanette!

[@NanetteLoves2Budget]

@ thank you so much!

[@Trix897]

I am catching up financially as well at 53, due to health issues that plagued me for most of my life, but I’m so grateful that I’ve been so fortunate to be able to make big strides in my financial health as well as my physical and psychological health. Sending love, support and solidarity from Seattle!

[@Annajetady]

Nanette, I wish you so much joy and success as you continue to move forward!

[@jaynebirkholz1596]

Nanette thank you for your candor and inspiration. My very best to you!

[@kikip3057]

I love this couple. What's sad is that they ACTUALLY live with the values that Christianity hopes to foster. It's heartbreaking and ironic that their generosity and support for the downtrodden lead them to being rejected from the church. The world needs more Dons and Tanas! Wish them all the best

[@lowlowseesee]

cant foster great moral values at the same time fostering hateful values. obviously thats any system based off prehistoric texts that have so much bigotry in them. these two on the other hand are amazing and could do so much better with their own ideas and not the torah

[@sarahjubilee7206]

Their story is very common, actually. It is all to common for bitter people within a church to hurt their pastor and their family in this way.

[@michaelcabezas9148]

Im not even done with the episode but this truly has been the best couple on the show. Its incredible hearing their stories and wanting to see them succeed

[@letsalltakeawalk6906]

It's so frustrating how much the nonprofit industry exploits people. So many of the people at the top are rich or have rich partners, and place their rich friends in highly paid board member positions and the people below them are being paid crumbs, barely surviving, and worked to the bone until they break down.

[@aic0809]

Yes. You worded it perfectly. 😐

[@arh1234]

One problem is that some givers won't donate if the staff are paid fairly. Makes "admin" costs too high.

[@cybertoeknee]

@@arh1234 Exactly. Nonprofits often tackle complex societal issues, and we need to attract top talent to effectively address these challenges. However, current donor expectations regarding administrative costs often hinder our ability to compensate staff adequately, which can negatively impact the mission. This isn't some widget we're trying to sell here.

[@akc5247]

Having worked in one for few years, I agree 💯

[@princessdaaahlingamor5798]

So true, and you’re even *expected* to sacrifice all when working in some nonprofits. It’s gets very toxic.

[@ckrystal141]

Great episode! So emotionally invested in the success of this couple financially. Would love a follow up 6-months to a year from now on where they are!

[@NicolineNDahl]

Agreed 100 %! Most amazing couple by far. They deserve all their money, we need to see how it goes for them later on

[@PNWboundGator]

My favorite episode to date. Beautiful souls with good intentions that dug a big hole with their big hearts. Can't wait to finish this episode and eventually hear their update. ❤🎉

[@guidedbybreath2702]

YES- ugh. The RELIEF I feel watching this as a late-in-life high earner; it’s such a psychologically complex position to be in. Rooting for these two- and for myself!

[@EndoExcision]

Ramit is hitting the balance of the logic of math and the reality of psychology right on the head.

[@Jayguevara1982]

These guys deserve to live without worrying about money. They seem like genuinely good people with a good heart and the fact that they're in your show also speaks volumes about their character as people who are willing to work for positive change in their lives. I hope they'll succeed.

[@Sortofwriter]

I swear this couple brought out the best in all of us. Look at the comments! Love them and wish them all the luck.

[@WanBuBu]

This couple is so refreshing, love them Im happy for them they really deserve their rich life!!!

[@MiraMira0ntheWall]

I appreciate this couple. I’m always nervous that I’m handling my funds incorrectly. How humbling, restaurants are a luxury.

[@rudeboyz31]

By far the most inspiring couple he has ever interviewed because they are real people that aren't complaining about being broke while making a combined 300k a year like almost every other guest. Super unrelatable and you can only play the " take a look at these rich folks and imagine what you would do if you were them" so many times before resentment takes over

[@LaLa_Bunny33]

Agreed!

[@cornellcornell1]

🙄

[@carolynherrera4743]

OMG I love this couple! Best episode yet and probably the one I could relate to the most! I’m 54 and in a similar situation and although I’m single, I took away a lot of great information. I appreciated hearing about how they’re finally thriving. After listening to what they experienced in their church and the reasons behind it, I honestly felt God has blessed them for their pure heart. 😊

[@thezenoflux8244]

I love their heart. These are good folks.

[@RB-gq2zy]

Regarding Don’s statement. I thought that I had survivors guilt coming from a poverty upbringing with great scarcity. I recently learned that it’s not guilt (as I have done nothing wrong) but me feeling strongly that life is unfair for others. Detaching myself from guilt has allowed me to more fully enjoy life.

[@sarahjfarber]

Totally borrowing this insight. I am highly attuned to things that feel unfair, so that makes sense for why this feels so bad to me!

[@RB-gq2zy]

Same! I wish I learned this years ago.

[@cushlathompson3074]

That is a great insight.

[@deepanjanamajumdar5362]

This is the most compelling episode I have watched, they are an amazing couple. They are gentle, care about each other and smart. This is the show I want to watch, not that episode where the girlfriend was going to have a baby and the guy wasn’t ready to sell his cars or have a joint account with her ( I mean that was also quite eye opening but depressing)

[@amanda.c.ice.]

That pregnant gifrlfriend episode was my least favorite episode! I just couldn’t keep watching it was so depressing!

[@wmaynard5710]

Y’all are so right on how hard that episode was to watch. Which is why I thought it had so much inside and value to those folks who might know someone or be that someone in a similar situation. A man I worked with had a similar situation but he was the one being taken advantage of. Something he used to tell me was “it will all change once we get married.” Or “I just have to do X and then she’ll marry me.” Spoilers nothing changed. However he did eventually get out of the relationship eventually and in therapy. Got himself a dog and some great friends.

[@VivienneAiyela]

One of the best couples videos he has done! Thank you Ramit

[@jessicajenkins8121]

I love this episode. The candid way they spoke, the way they supported each other, and how open they were. Good Luck to this couple. I hope the succeed in everything going forward !

[@mamalovesthebeach437]

This couple was so together… What a pleasure to watch and listen! Comforting too many I’m sure to see there are ways even later in life to pull forward.❤❤

[@educatedwanderer9293]

I remember being hungry and not having enough food at the age of 19 through 21. It took me a while to figure out a strategy to meet my basic needs and thankfully I did. I went to community college after getting an apartment close by, and a job within walking distance. I got a roommate and suddenly there was enough to buy some food. I graduated about 3 years later and it took a few years for my income to rise. I married and we have two sons. These lessons of struggling taught me to save and invest automatically, and then pay off all debt. It took a few years and I was able to increase my income further, and began living on half and saving / investing half. Thirty years later I am on target to retire in five years as a middle class millionaire.

[@angelapate328]

So happy for you!

[@loliwelch9151]

That's amazing! What would your biggest piece of advice be?

[@educatedwanderer9293]

@@loliwelch9151 Invest in yourself, live on less than you make, and save / invest 15% or more as you are able. Invest in index funds. Do what you can to increase your income and save / invest 25 to 50%.

[@educatedwanderer9293]

Read "The Simple Path to Wealth" by Collins

[@Gioli565]

These people are amazing, what hearts they have. I hope all good things come to them. ❤

[@joycef8443]

Don and Tana are such caring people! Trying to do so much with very little.

[@Letsgohsiwb1782]

Not relevant but i think the woman is GORGEOUS!!!! I love her hair in particular

[@avgholson8143]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@bgirldskco]

OMG I was thinking the same thing!!

[@teekeylahnc2021]

She is beautiful!

[@Bri_mom]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@kathbrandon8023]

Reminds me of Meryl Streep!

[@kemi1486]

Ramit!!! OMG this is the best couple you’ve had on the podcast 💕. They have beautiful hearts but I hope they can stop feeling like they’re the sacrificial lambs for others. I pray they start to enjoy the huge bump up in their income and learn to give within reason.

[@Erikasplansandplays]

I echo so many of the other comments - this is my favorite episode ever. What a beautiful, big-hearted couple!

[@stucsm]

This episode was refreshing and more ideal than the couples more recently who talk about how broke they are but have 300,000 in investments and 500,000 in assets.

[@ceecee012]

One of the best episodes I’ve seen. What a loving and compassionate couple. I loved your interactions with them (especially after your aha moment), and I really wish the best for them.

[@MoneyMindsetCoach3]

This is the sweetest couple! Always like how we come to understand the guests on the show by how they grew up, it is so key to how we feel about money and our relationship to it💰

[@JohannaLuisa_]

This was my favorite episode ever, and I watched MANY episodes. These two are amazing, and I am sure they will be just fine ❤

[@wakeuppaid]

Although I am single, I could really relate to this couple. I'm about to walk into my most profitable financial phase and need to reprogram myself from survival tactics and scarcity.

[@swithheld9905]

aw I absolutely love this couple. no better deserving people for financial luck and success. I hope they never have to worry about money again and get to live their absolutely best rich lives.

[@swarnasen1]

Ramit, I am glad you talked to these noble people. Hope they reach their financial goals and rich life with your guidance.

[@RaspberryRetrograde]

This has been one of my favorite episodes, wonderful guests and I wish them the best

[@Petalsandpups122]

This episode was so so wholesome and refreshing. After listening to a previous episode before this I was left feeling irritable about the problems people create for themselves, but this couple has found joys and optimism for themselves.

[@strongriver7955]

This couple makes me smile.

[@mcmsantiago]

Love this couple! They deserve the comfort they have and hopefully they can make that great retirement happen.

[@vishsangale]

Finally a good couple with real money problems. Rooting for them!

[@nikilucy]

Best episode ever!!! FINALLY a couple who is relatable. Lovely, lovely couple. Rooting for them hard! Actually leaving the episode inspired for once. I always learn things with the other couples but it’s so frustrating to usually find they already have $$$$$ in investments and they’re just freaking out bc of mindset etc. Which I get. But this was different. Thank you Ramit and team. I feel like you listened to us. More of this sprinkled in please.

[@shineg5077]

God bless this couple. Being selfless for so long has put them in a bind.

[@capena82]

GREAT conversation. Very refreshing and enjoyable, really liked this couple and wishing them the best!

[@Trix897]

As a queer as well as a disabled woman, I am so grateful to people like Don and Tana who are trying to dismantle unjust religious dogma that is destroying this country. We need more people like him, because come January, basic civil rights for people like me could be in jeopardy. Keep doing good work, Don and Tana! Sending love, hugs, hope, faith and support to both of you from Seattle! ❤🏳️‍🌈

[@GaniSultanov]

I think they are really good folks, remarkable Christians and I wish them all the best!

[@mhodge0890]

Best couple video all year. Thanks Ramit

[@klt9874]

Great couple and episode. My husband and I completely understand this. We both were in social justice/non profit work and it took a lot to move into a mindset of that we need to be paid our worth.

[@jasminl8742]

What an inspiring couple. Reminder that we can all do more.

[@Rabeeeeeee]

A very very refreshing stories. The story about buying candies for all the kids at the pool was really touching.

[@rachelsmith1739]

One of my favorite episodes!! This couple is beautiful and very relatable! More couples like this that work together!!

[@shyningstarvideoz]

I love this couple. It’s refreshing and hopeful to see and hear how far they’ve come and how wholesome their wants are now that they are making some real money. More of this, please!

[@damnation358]

I learn so much from the way Rahmit talks to his guests, with grace yet firm, like they’re real people. Unlike other content creators

[@alfsmom8025]

I can totally relate to him! How tough it is to do impactful work and get paid peanuts. Now I have a chill position in the same field within the government basically researching and my salary cap went from 80k to 200k. It makes you very cynical about how the world works. Society has told me i am more valuable typing behind a screen than serving families directly. It's sad

[@mirandawalker6600]

It really is sad. I had an opportunity to teach, but I couldn't raise my family on $42k. I chose an industry that sucks my soul for double that! It's sad. 😢

[@stop08it]

More couples (with financial situations) like this please!! More of us can relate to them

[@LeesaLilHop]

I had a friend who was struggling hard but committed to her non-profit work. I told her she needed to get a job that will pay her enough to live. Once she made the switch, she thanked me. Giving like this is great but if you cant survive yourself, it will be you in the food pantry line depending on others’ generosity. Give when you are in a position to give.

[@sarahjfarber]

I was convinced I had to be working at a non-profit or in government service to justify my advanced degree and my politics, and that came with being grossly underpaid. But I was so certain it was required. Turns out, it's not. If you haven't been sucked into the non-profit world, it's hard to understand.

[@vanessakettner117]

I’m in love with this couple! Also: I feel like they bring out really beautiful parts of Ramit! 🙌🏼✨❤️

[@JC-xl2bq]

We lived this a decade ago. It was a crazy transition……turn of the calendar and we tripled our income. 10 years later approaching investments of $1m and net worth of almost $1.5m. The sky’s the limit for this couple ❤

[@mussietekle6346]

An incredibly inspiring couple. I know for a fact, God has blessed them abundantly

[@coya8coy]

I definitely cannot blame this couple for having so many questions and staying in a scarcity mind set. When you can’t even replace a whisk… The struggle must have been real. I hope they clear their debt and learn to exhale and enjoy their future.

[@princessdaaahlingamor5798]

1:18:17 Wow Ramit, this brought me to tears, happy tears that we deserve joy, the way you just said made it all clicked after reading your book and watching your videos. Thank you ❤

[@minaburrelle5677]

Loved this episode. So eye-opening for folks who are starting late in the game like me. They are positive and hopeful, so encouraging! Don't let people meddle in what's between you and God. Thank you @Ramit for being so respectful and delicate on such a contentious topic: religion. You helped them and me!

[@milabolognini6305]

This couple is so genuinely lovely.

[@norwaybirds3015]

Thank you for helping this couple Ramit! Such wonderful humans, both of them 💗

[@Faben202]

Don and Tana: you guys are awesome. Best wishes to you on your financial journey.

[@ashleel.9819]

Love these people. I love how they spoke about and to each other. Seeing the guilt about previous decisions and yet they don't blame each other. These people deserve everything good coming to them.

[@kathbrandon8023]

Best episode ever. Impressive dedication to kindness and humanity. Hoping Karma dumps loads of goodness on them for the rest of their days.

[@milikoshki]

This was such a feel good episode. It's nice to see quality folks getting what they deserve. Also I love Tana's style :)

[@buk2004]

This has become my favorite episode now. I’ve been following these interviews for a while now but learned so much from this one as it relates so much to my life. They asked all the questions I’ve been asking. And they are so easy to like and root for 😊 great episode and I’m soooo glad they are finally getting what they deserve!

[@Bets23]

More episodes like this!!!! My fave couple ever! To this couple... "Well done, my good and faithful servant"

[@sandyortiz9879]

Omg this made me teary eyed idk why

[@HealingwithNerlyne2023]

This was one of the best and relatable episodes. Thank you to this couple for their transparency❤

[@GetGwapThisYear]

Congrats to these guys. I’m happy for them. You got this.

[@MsSphinx91]

It's refreshing to see a couple that at least seems to be on the same page with one another. In so many of these videos, there's always one person who's stressed out about the money and one who has no clue what's going on. They made a commitment to pursue specific goals and values, it's just a shame that they weren't really compensated until recently.

[@costaricanmohican]

This is the best episode because this couple is in a realistic situation and we learn what it takes to have a pathway out.

[@jenniferdesousa1459]

Love, love, love this episode! What a great story. Thank you for the variety in couples.

[@rebeltheharem7028]

Really good episode. I love this episode. A poor couple, who suddenly chances upon a windfall of money and the psychology around it.

[@daynev15]

I wouldn't call that chance. He accepted a much lower salary than he was worth in order to help people for many years. He then took a job paying him what he deserved to earn.

[@JacobLongActingJourney]

I love Don. He’s so inviting and kind.

[@irgggg34]

absolutely enjoyed this episode, what a lovely couple who's been through huge psychological change in life together. the religious and guilt aspects resonate with a lot of people. thank you for the vulnerability and inspiration this episode!

[@krys1075]

I relate with the conscious of this couple always giving. This episode really hit my own reflection and made me dig deeper into why I give too much and feel guilty receiving.

[@kelsiuss]

I am rooting for these two SO HARD, they've got this!!

[@nabshabs05]

This is the best episode I've seen so far - because I can relate to this couple's trajectory and careers, but also because of the quality of your exchange. You are all grounded, self-aware, experienced people who will speak and advise right where it counts. I definitely leave this conversation with concrete tips and hope for the future. Thank you Ramit, Don, Tana and team !!

[@garrywilliams1696]

Thank you for doing a show involving human beings. Usually it's self serving middle upper class or higher earners than that are impossible to find empathy for. Hooray for this couple, I enjoy and applaud them.❤

[@SashaLPC]

Sometimes there’s nobody asking for anything. So “the struggle to say no” might not be the issue, Generosity is beautiful but it requires a baseline of financial stability for oneself first. Maybe the questions are “Do you have a martyr complex?” “Do you have a hero/savior complex?” “Why do you destroy your own financial stability to prioritize helping others?”

[@lalakuma9]

This couple fully deserves the financial luck they have at this point in their lives, after giving so much to their community. I wish them all the best.

[@luciamariarossi4120]

I love these people, the fact that they have been engaged in social work. They are rare.

[@curiositystoryer]

I love this couple. And it's so valuable seeing how Ramit filters their experience. Watching so many episodes of this podcast/show has been so eye-opening and helpful in clarifying my own financial journey and mindset. Thank you.

[@asahki.54]

These people are beautiful! They have such integrity❤

[@spitfirecoach]

I want to give them both a hug and all the high fives. Abundance is well deserved for these two!

[@FunStuffBuddy]

Fabulous couple. What worries me that they are a little too happy and celebratory that they already made it and are rich when they are hundreds of thousands in debt and giant negative net worth. And consultant work can easily go down at any point so this is not steady pay. Keep up the great work though, beautiful couple!

[@avgholson8143]

They are already spiritually rich just need to financially catch up

[@stevesjp]

Yes, this was my exact thought. They are not rich, but the conversation took the tone of how to switch mindsets due to their new income. They have zero savings, $50k in credit card debt. But Ramit concludes @1:18 that they are not behind? I think it's because the couple is thoughtful, kind, and good communicators.

[@FunStuffBuddy]

@@avgholson8143 agreed but they are a LONG way (and many dangers being a consultant) from being “caught up”. The couple was AWESOME. I just want them to stay focused and diligent for quite a while before lifting their head up and completely celebrating. As he mentioned at one point, there is a historical sloppiness with money I worry about for them. They seem on the right track though. ❤️

[@FunStuffBuddy]

@@stevesjp agreed. You described it perfectly. Nothing but love to this couple. I just hope they give it more time before giving the impression they already won.

[@nicksmith8159]

I’m not done with the episode but i agree, I’m also worried for them. They seem like truly wonderful people. But financially they’re celebrating saying “we can finally plan on retiring!” But they’re 50 with $11k in retirement and massive debts. Further, their income isn’t *that* high. It seems to me that even with this higher income, retiring will still be a huge struggle.

[@dianacagle2545]

What an absolutely lovely couple! I’m rooting for them and wish them all the best. The world is a better place with them in it!!

[@swithheld9905]

ironically they are continuing their ministry and spreading their message of kindness and love here, even after the church grossly discarded them. weird how that works sometimes!

[@lazyhomesteader]

Thanks for sharing this couple. I feel like my husband and I are in a similar situation. We have four times the income we had when we got married. And phew, I can beat myself up about spending.

[@ibyakn]

Such an enjoyable episode with Tana and Don. I'm so glad to see them getting paid what they are worth. I see my own experience in some ways with theirs. The pull of mission and getting paid for less than a person is worth is very strong. I will comment on the idea that Tana's college loans will go away due to Public Service Loan Forgiveness. There is no guarantees with this program, especially now. I would definitely NOT count on the loans being forgiven regardless of how many years you have worked in public service and made 120 months of payments. We're in a new world.

[@acgrng3779]

The best couple in this series 💕🩵

[@sarahjfarber]

NOT THE POINT but Tana has an absolutely gorgeous smile!

[@sarahjfarber]

Ah, and now it makes sense to me, too, as an ex-vangelical who was working for a parachurch organization for years and man, the number that does on you. I hope you two have someone to help you both or invidually navigate these changes. And not sure if you are at all interested in this, but now I have a faith that is not so dogmatic and still life-giving and affirming, and it only took 20 years! You guys are so likeable. I hope you continue to heal and do well and enjoy each other.

[@sarahjfarber]

the you can preach comment - 10/10, no notes. Again, wishing y'all all the best!

[@aangitano]

And amazing hair!

[@NicoleJurek488]

I love this couple! Thank you for sharing them!

[@d.falcao9448]

Love this episode. Way more relatable people. Poor that grew financially and did not know what to do with all the new money.