Despite having $10,000 in cash stored away for years, the millennial couple continues to experience financial stress.

Despite having $10,000 in cash stored away for years, the millennial couple continues to experience financial stress.
Despite having $10,000 in cash stored away for years, the millennial couple continues to experience financial stress.

Six years ago, a married couple consisting of Christina, 37, and Noah, 35, withdrew $10,000 from the bank.

Christina and her partner had been keeping money in an old account, but a documentary on the bank's practices led them to withdraw it, as they shared with Ramit Sethi on his "I Will Teach You to be Rich" podcast.

Despite the large withdrawal, the money remained in cash in their closet for three more years as they couldn't agree on how to handle it.

Christina and Noah's differing beliefs about money frequently prevent them from taking any action.

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Christina is worried about their future financial stability while also aspiring to improve their lifestyle through purchasing a home or better child care, whereas Noah is content with their current situation and reluctant to spend more than necessary.

"Sethi stated that they have a dramatic miscalibration of what a lot of money means, which will always make them feel bad."

Their lack of communication has resulted in their financial health being a source of anxiety, their spending becoming argumentative, and their inability to make significant financial decisions such as purchasing a home.

Sethi addresses Christina and Noah's biggest pain points.

Christina is anxious about making the 'right' money choices

Sethi highlighted that Christina and Noah are doing well based on their numbers. The couple has a net worth of approximately $860,000, no debt, and earns a combined $300,000 annually.

Although Christina is aware of the couple's financial situation, she remains anxious about their finances due to two reasons: her desire to spend more on certain areas, such as better child care or a dream home, and the need to ensure they are saving enough for retirement.

Noah frequently questions whether they should spend more money when Christina suggests an idea, which increases her anxiety about whether they are making the right financial decisions.

"Christina remarked, "It seems like we're overspending too much. Perhaps others are content with this and don't prioritize saving and investing as much, but it feels like we're making a mistake.""

Sethi inquired if Christina would prefer to have a higher annual income to improve her mood. She might, but she wouldn't necessarily purchase expensive items with the additional income.

Sethi said, "Money is both emotional and political, but it's important to be honest when examining the numbers."

Sethi reassured Christina that she shouldn't be too concerned, as she and Noah have accumulated enough financial cushion to weather any potential layoffs or unexpected expenses.

"Sethi stated that the only thing that matters regarding Christina is her fear, and no amount of money, financial spreadsheets, income, or net worth can solve her emotional issue."

Noah can be a 'dream squasher'

Noah's strict financial management has allowed the couple to accumulate a substantial amount of savings and investments, but his extreme caution has made it difficult for Christina to convince him to spend money on meaningful experiences within their budget, such as family vacations.

"Noah stated that he doesn't place a high value on spending money since he grew up with frugal parents who didn't spend much."

Sethi inquired about Noah's enjoyment of family vacations and other things Christina used to convince him to spend money on. Noah acknowledged that he does enjoy them.

What is the reason he doesn't believe they can relax and enjoy the life they've worked hard for?

Sethi told him, "You're not the dream squasher in your mind; you're the responsible one."

Sethi and the couple have acknowledged that in reality, Noah has been a dream crusher. Despite his good intentions, their current investment rate will result in over $11 million by the time they retire.

"Sethi remarked, "I don't believe we need $11 million. The two of you can't even spend the money you currently have.""

The couple recognized the need for couples therapy to address their relationship issues. However, Sethi encouraged them to focus on their own unique journey and not compare themselves to others. By working together, they could create a shared vision for their future and feel secure knowing they had a strong support system.

"In a follow-up video, Noah stated that the issue isn't our spending but rather how my frugal habits and spending behavior have negatively affected our relationship and contributed to Christina's financial insecurity."

Check out the full episode here.

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