‘I don’t know how much longer I can do this,’ says the 52-year-old lawyer as $600K in debt and her 65-year-old husband’s tech bills pile up.

A 52-year-old lawyer said years of mounting debt and her husband’s technology expenses pushed her to the breaking point. She recently told the “I’ll Teach You to Be Rich” podcast that the tension has become unmanageable.

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” she said, explaining that stopping habits and mounting balances overwhelm the couple even with a strong household income.

A marriage struggling under an unmatched financial role

Imani and Michael, 65, earn $268,000 a year and have been married for 24 years. They told the financial coach and host Ramit Sethi Their debts include a mortgage, a home equity line of credit, a 401(k) loan and about $126,000 in high-interest consumer balances.

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Imani said she tracks every dollar and is embarrassed by how far behind they are. Michael admits that he spends freely on electronics and has never planned financially.

Sethi said their pattern reflects the parent-child dynamic that develops when one partner manages many responsibilities and the other leaves. He added that stress often affects trust and communication. The couple said they tried several budgeting systems and coaching sessions over the years, but none produced lasting change.

Emotional stress builds as debt and avoidance continue

Imani said the debt made her “want to cry and scream and fight,” adding that she was angry at Michael and herself.

When Sethi asked Michael if he believed he would die with debt, he replied that ignoring that outcome “would be a stretch.” At one point, Imani considered moving out of the house with her younger son as she felt exhausted by the financial pressures.

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Their exchange shows how spending habits fuel conflict. When Imani questioned the Best Buy ( NYSE:BBY ) purchase, Michael admitted he “distracted” and offered vague plans to replace the money.

Sethi said the exchange revealed Imani stepping into the role of investigator while Michael reacted like “a boyish boy”, adding that this parent-child pattern creates resentment on both sides. Michael admitted that he rarely thinks long-term and said, “I don’t think I’ve ever planned anything in my life.”

Imani tells Sethi that she feels responsible for their financial support and worries that Michael, at retirement age, can’t get away from full-time work. She said that she felt pressured by carrying most of the financial burden.

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Nurture, military structure and long-term drift

Michael said that money was never discussed during his childhood. His 20 years in the military created a structured environment where housing, pay and routine were predetermined.

After leaving the service, he said the transition to full independence meant spending years without a system. He also described impulsive purchases, including buying vehicles, during major life events.

Imani grew up in a household defined by budgeting and saving. She said she maintained strong habits until the demands of marriage, parenthood and job changes undermined her discipline. Combining accounts, he added, contributed to expenses that felt out of control and limited the ability to adjust as expenses increased.

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The article ‘I Don’t Know How Long I Can Do This,’ 52-Year-Old Lawyer With $600K Debt and 65-Year-Old Husband’s Piling Up Tech Expenses originally appeared on Benzinga.com.

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