Episode Summary: "Most Divorces Start With This Money Problem"
Podcast: George Kamel (Ramsey Network)
Episode Date: February 13, 2026
Host: George Kamel
Overview
In this episode, George Kamel tackles the relationship between money problems and divorce, highlighting how most financial conflicts in marriage actually stem from communication breakdowns rather than purely financial issues. Using humor, pop culture references, and his signature snark, George delivers a practical five-step guide to help couples get on the same page financially and strengthen their marriage—especially timely as Valentine’s Day approaches.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Real Money Problem: Communication, Not Cash
[00:45 - 02:12]
- George’s main insight: Most couples assume financial conflict is about money, but “what they really have is a communication problem.”
- He reflects on his own marriage, sharing that early fights stemmed from “unspoken expectations... I thought we were doing this. I figured you knew.”
- Money becomes a “scoreboard of who’s right and who’s wrong,” making things “super emotional… because money is never just about money. It’s about security, freedom, control, fear, shame, and hope.”
- A fight about $200 at Target isn’t really about the “overpriced throw pillows,” but about whether couples are “building the same life or just sharing a mailing address.”
- Memorable analogy: “These money fights can slowly destroy connection, causing you and your spouse to start living like strangers on a spirit flight. Testy, uncomfortable, and shocked at the lack of snacks.” [02:12]
2. The 5-Step Guide to Unity and Wealth as a Couple
[02:25 - 13:50]
Step 1: Self-Assessment
[02:25 - 04:23]
- Take time alone to clarify your own dreams and goals—without distractions.
- Write answers to:
- What would I love to accomplish this year?
- What are my 5-year goals?
- What’s on my bucket list?
- When do I want to retire or have the house paid off?
- What do I want for my kids financially?
- George’s humorous example: “Do you want to finally launch your Dolly Parton themed pickle truck? Gherkin 9 to 5? Please don’t steal my idea.”
Step 2: The Shared Goals Talk
[04:25 - 06:25]
- Share your individual notes with your spouse, ideally over food (a little humor on "chicken poppers").
- Ground rules: “No judgment, no eye rolls, no, seriously, a yacht, Brian?”
- Ask curious, supportive questions: “Why does that matter to you? What would that change for you?”
- This step is about alignment, not practicality.
Step 3: The Reality Check
[06:27 - 09:32]
- Get real with your current numbers—income, debts, savings, retirement, mortgage balance.
- Assign each dream to one of three buckets:
- Definitely: On track to hit these goals.
- Maybe: Possible with some changes.
- Hail Mary: Needs rethinking or letting go.
- Emphasizes equality: “Just because one of you makes more doesn’t mean you get more votes. That’s a fast way to build resentment and not unity.”
- Compromise is key—clarify action steps and who’s responsible for each.
Step 4: The Check-in
[09:40 - 11:43]
- Schedule a 30-day follow-up or attach to your monthly budget meeting.
- George’s advice: Make it official with a calendar invite. “And hey, if you’re married to a type A, send the Outlook invite and mark it as private. Wink wink.”
- Ask questions like: “What got in the way? How can I help this week? What do we need to knock out?”
- “Remember, the check in is not a shame session. It’s about staying connected, course correcting and moving forward as a team.”
Step 5: The Annual Review
[13:06 - 14:46]
- Once a year, zoom out and review the big picture together.
- Review wins, changes, and if your goals are still the same. Adjust as needed.
- “It only takes getting a little off track every month. And then you wake up 10, 20 years later wondering, wait, how did we get here?”
- Stay connected and proactive, not accidental, about change.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On communication:
“Most couples who fight about finances think they have a money problem, but what they really have is a communication problem. And listen, I’ve lived this.” — George Kamel [00:45] - On what's really behind money fights:
“Money is never just about money. It’s about security, freedom, control, fear, shame, and hope.” — George Kamel [01:18] - On feeling disconnected:
“Are you building the same life or just sharing a mailing address?” — George Kamel [01:42] - On goal-setting:
“This step is more about alignment than practicality. We'll get to that in the next step, which is the reality check.” — George Kamel [06:18] - On unity in decision-making:
“Just because one of you makes more doesn’t mean you get more votes. That’s a fast way to build resentment and not unity.” — George Kamel [08:23] - On check-ins:
“The check in is not a shame session. It's about staying connected, course correcting and moving forward as a team.” — George Kamel [10:34] - Big takeaway:
“You don't need a certain income to have a great marriage. You need a shared plan. When you're aligned, you can do things you never thought possible.” — George Kamel [15:01]
Key Timestamps
- 00:45 – Why most “money” problems are really communication issues
- 02:25 – Step 1: Self-Assessment
- 04:25 – Step 2: The Shared Goals Talk
- 06:27 – Step 3: The Reality Check
- 09:40 – Step 4: The Check-in
- 13:06 – Step 5: The Annual Review
- 15:01 – Final thoughts and the importance of a shared plan
Final Thoughts
George wraps up by reinforcing that a great marriage is built on a united financial vision—regardless of income. His five-step plan is easy to follow and incorporates humor, practicality, and plenty of real-world experience. He candidly warns:
“If you don’t do any of this stuff, here’s what's going to happen. You’re going to stay disconnected with no unity and end up living as roommates. And worst case, it could lead to divorce, which is the worst financial decision you could make.” [15:34]
George encourages listeners to try the EveryDollar app (“couples who budget together stay together”) and reminds everyone that consistent communication, not a hefty bank balance, is the foundation for wealth and relationship success.
In summary:
This episode is a must-listen for couples who want to strengthen their relationship, avoid the traps that lead to divorce, and achieve financial goals together—one honest conversation at a time.