US couple earn Rs 1.6 crore pa but never eat out. Wife says husband 'thinks we are poor'

Financial advisor Ramit Sethi warned that the husband's reluctance to spend on joy may be harming the couple's relationship. (Image credit: Copilot)

A US couple appears to have achieved the American Dream. Married for 28 years, the high school sweethearts have raised four children, built a net worth of Rs 13.1 crore, and earn Rs 1.6 crore annually. But, behind the numbers lies a growing sense of dissatisfaction.

Angela and Brian, both 52, recently appeared on Indian-origin self-made millionaire Ramit Sethi’s Money for Couples podcast, seeking help to resolve long-standing financial disagreements, CNBC Make It reported. Angela, who manages the household finances, believes they’re financially secure. “We never eat out. Vacations are once a year. He always thinks we are poor,” she wrote in her application. Brian disagreed, saying, “I think we just need more,” and admitted he regrets not investing earlier.

Despite their wealth, they carry Rs 2.45 crore in debt, mostly from their mortgage and car payments. Their fixed costs consume 72 percent of their monthly income — well above Sethi’s recommended 50–60 percent threshold. They’ve been paying extra on their mortgage, which offers some flexibility.

Most arguments stem from small spending decisions — groceries, dining out, and drinks. Angela says they can afford more, but Brian often questions her purchases, leading to tension. “We’re living too little of a life,” Angela said. Sethi called it the “hidden cost of decades of frugality,” warning that Brian’s reluctance to spend on joy may be harming their relationship.

Sethi showed they could afford date nights and travel, emphasising that financial logistics won’t matter if they’re not aligned on how to spend their time and money. “You have so many different options,” he said, “but none of it happens if you’re not actually connected.”

Brian agreed, saying he needs to compromise and “rebuild the foundation of this relationship.”