244. "I'm in $244k debt but give $500/mo to my church"

Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You To Be Rich continues his discussion with Mike and Noel in part two of their financial deep dive. The couple, married for just 6 months, faces a daunting $244K in debt with zero savings, fueled by previous "guilt-free" spending and a shocking $170K windfall that disappeared. Despite their dire situation, major cuts to their fixed costs haven't happened yet. Ramit encourages Noel to reconsider her church tithing and find proactive ways to increase income, like driving for Uber. Can they shift their mindset from feeling deprived to purposeful sacrifice, anchor their spending to zero, and collaboratively create a sustainable financial future? In this episode we uncover: • Noel’s decision regarding her church tithing • The power of incremental income, like Noel’s potential earnings from Uber • Ramit’s "anchor to zero" framework for mindful spending • How comparing current spending to past mistakes sabotages financial progress • The importance of distinguishing between sacrifice and suffering • Why making big changes with money is meant to be hard • The potential for selling household items to boost savings and signal a "rebuilding phase" • How a short-term financial plan can set them up for long-term success • The opportunity to define their own timeline for debt repayment and savings Chapters: (00:00:00) Previously on money for couples (00:02:09) How Noel's decided to approach tithing (00:03:33) Why cutting subscriptions won't solve their problems (00:03:49) Noel's plan to earn more money with Uber (00:04:21) Ramit introduces the "anchor to zero" spending framework (00:05:46) Mike and Noel reflect on the conversation (00:07:11) Sacrifice vs. suffering: Reframing financial changes (00:08:43) Why comparing to the past holds them back (00:09:50) Noel's internal struggle with tithing (00:10:34) Ramit presents a vision for their future (00:11:15) The idea of selling household items to fund savings (00:12:18) Ramit's proposal for their next steps and a follow-up This episode is brought to you by: ZocDoc | Go to to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today DeleteMe | Get 20% off all consumer plans when you go to and use promo code RAMIT at checkout Leesa | Go to for 25% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code RAMIT, exclusive for my listeners Factor | Go to and use code RAMIT50OFF to get 50% off your first box, plus free breakfast for 1 year Trust & Will | Protect what matters most in minutes at and get 10% off plus free shipping 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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244. "I'm in $244k debt but give $500/mo to my church" is an episode from I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi.

This episode is 89:15 long.

This episode was published on Jan 20, 2026.

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