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