Summary of "I Have $12,000,000, and She Has $50,000" – The Ramsey Show Highlights

Episode: "I Have $12,000,000, and She Has $50,000"
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Ramsey Network
Duration: Under 10 minutes

Introduction to the Call-In

In this episode of The Ramsey Show Highlights, Derek, a 36-year-old recently engaged man with significant assets, reaches out seeking advice on navigating the complexities of a prenup in his upcoming blended marriage. The discussion centers around the emotional and financial implications of drafting a prenuptial agreement when there is a stark disparity in wealth between partners.

Derek's Situation: Blended Family and Asset Discrepancy

Derek shares his personal circumstances to provide context for his inquiry:

Derek [00:06]: "So I recently got engaged. My fiance and I are both 36 years old. We're looking to start a Brady bunch. We've got five kids between 10 and 12 between us."

He elaborates on the financial gap between him and his fiancée:

Derek [00:30]: "I have roughly $12 million and she has roughly $50,000."

This significant difference in assets has led Derek and his fiancée to consider a prenup, a decision that has introduced emotional strain into their relationship.

The Prenup Dilemma

Derek explains the emotional challenges they are facing during the prenup discussions:

Derek [00:30]: "And so we started the process of looking into a prenup, and it's been an emotional one and I totally understand why."

He expresses concern over his fiancée feeling undervalued:

Derek [01:34]: "She feels like I wouldn't be fully entering the marriage in the same way that she is because it feels like I'm holding assets, like, separately off to the side."

Derek acknowledges the potential perception that the prenup might be condescending, especially in the context of his fiancée's previous relationships.

Caller 1's Perspective: Importance and Challenges of Prenups

Caller 1 empathizes with Derek's situation and underscores the prudence of having a prenup, especially given the significant asset disparity:

Caller 1 [01:34]: "I think it is a wise decision to do one. And I say that even more. I have a friend who's going through not a great situation, and she came in with a lot more... it's messy."

Caller 1 highlights the reality that marriages can change and that a prenup serves as a protective measure against unforeseen circumstances:

Caller 1 [01:34]: "We don't want [a messy divorce], so what were the parts. I'm curious, what were the parts of it that was making her."

Caller 2's Questions: Flexibility and Future Growth in Prenups

Caller 2 introduces the idea of making prenups more dynamic, allowing for adjustments as the marriage evolves:

Caller 2 [03:47]: "Can I ask how, like, stringent this prenup is? ... is there a way that this can be more progressive? ... the longer we're together and the more that this feels right... some of the restrictions fall off."

Derek responds by detailing the current structure of his prenup:

Derek [04:25]: "So everything we enter into the marriage with is separate property. Except she has a small amount of debt. And she's been awesome about eliminating debt."

He mentions plans for shared income post-marriage and the intention for his fiancée to potentially stop working to focus on the family.

Reconciliation and Framing the Prenup in Marriage

The callers and Derek work towards reframing the prenup to emphasize unity while protecting individual assets:

Caller 1 [07:15]: "It sounds like your attitude because you're going to take some of our money, we're going to buy a house together with this money and use this money for our family."

Caller 1 [07:34]: "We are living our lives together as one. But for some reason, if something ever happened in a divorce, this part still goes back to me."

Derek agrees with this perspective, reinforcing the balance between shared life and individual financial protection:

Derek [07:55]: "Yeah, totally makes sense. And that is how we want to."

Conclusion and Advice

The episode concludes with a consensus on the importance of open communication and seeking professional guidance:

Caller 1 [07:59]: "It's such a tough way to start out a marriage... you want to be on the same page with this."

The discussion emphasizes that while prenups can be challenging, they are a practical tool for safeguarding both partners' interests in a marriage with significant financial disparities.

Notable Quotes

• Derek [00:30]: "I have roughly $12 million and she has roughly $50,000."
• Caller 1 [01:34]: "I think it is a wise decision to do one."
• Caller 2 [03:47]: "Is there a way that this can be more progressive?"
• Caller 1 [07:34]: "We are living our lives together as one. But for some reason, if something ever happened in a divorce, this part still goes back to me."

Key Takeaways

• Prenups as Protective Measures: Prenuptial agreements can provide financial security and clarity, especially in marriages with significant asset disparities.
• Emotional Considerations: Discussing and drafting a prenup requires sensitivity and open communication to address fears and misconceptions.
• Flexibility in Agreements: Considering adjustable prenup terms can help both partners feel more comfortable with the arrangement as the marriage progresses.
• Professional Guidance: Engaging with marriage counselors or financial advisors can facilitate healthier discussions and ensure that both partners' interests are fairly represented.

This episode offers valuable insights for couples facing similar financial dynamics, emphasizing the balance between protecting individual assets and fostering a unified marital relationship.