Til Debt Do Us Part Season 1 Episode 4 Without A Safety Net

In the fourth episode of Til Debt Do Us Part season 1, titled "Without A Safety Net," host Gail Vaz-Oxlade meets with a young couple named Kristina and Trevor. The couple has been together for four years and recently got married, but they are struggling financially and their debt is causing tension in their relationship.

Kristina and Trevor both work full-time and make a decent income, but their spending habits have gotten out of control. They often eat out at restaurants and go on vacations they can't afford, all while neglecting to save money for emergencies or unexpected expenses. As a result, they have accrued over $60,000 in debt and are barely making minimum payments.

Gail challenges Kristina and Trevor to take a hard look at their finances and make some tough decisions. She makes them create a budget and track their expenses meticulously, which reveals some startling truths about their spending habits. For example, they were spending over $1,000 a month on food and entertainment alone.

Gail also identifies some underlying emotional issues that are contributing to their financial problems. Kristina has a fear of being poor, which leads her to overspend on frivolous items to feel a sense of security. Trevor, on the other hand, had a difficult childhood where he was often left to fend for himself. As a result, he has a hard time saying no to Kristina and setting boundaries around their spending.

Throughout the episode, Gail works with Kristina and Trevor to create a debt repayment plan and change their mindset around money. They learn how to say no to unnecessary expenses, prioritize their spending, and build an emergency fund.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Kristina and Trevor are forced to confront their debt head-on. Gail takes them to a landfill and has them each pick up a bag of trash. She then tells them that each bag represents $10,000 of their debt. The visual representation of their debt is incredibly impactful, and it motivates them to take control of their finances.

Overall, "Without A Safety Net" is a powerful episode that highlights the importance of financial literacy and emotional awareness. Kristina and Trevor learn valuable lessons about money, communication, and self-reflection that will serve them well in their future together.