This Boston woman, 46, resents her husband for investing his $140,000 inheritance and not paying off the mortgage — the Ramsey Show says ‘nothing is broken’ financially. But there’s 1 problem

Is there a real financial issue?

In terms of finances, Annie and her husband are in great shape. Her retirement account is worth $250,000 while his is worth $450,000. The couple is on Baby Step 6 of Ramsey’s debt reduction program and has paid down a lot of debt.

Add to that the recent influx of $140,000 that lives in a separate investment fund under both of their names, and the remaining $300,000 mortgage pales in comparison to their net worth.

For context, the median net worth for an American in their 40s and 50s is $124,509 and $287,482 respectively, according to Empower. In fact, 20% of Americans over the age of 50 have zero retirement savings whatsoever, according to an AARP survey.

Co-host Ken Coleman believes the couple is set for a comfortable retirement, regardless of whether they pay off the mortgage now or later. Instead, he suggests Annie take a fresh perspective to identify the real problem.

“This is a relationship issue, not a money issue,” he told Annie.

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No wrong answers

Given their robust financial position, Warshaw and Coleman agree that there are “no wrong answers” when it comes to deciding what to do with the inheritance. Neither investing the money nor paying off the mortgage will set them back.

However, the problem is that Annie didn’t communicate her side of the story enough, which is leaving room for resentment. But it’s easier said than done, as 62% of Americans don’t discuss their finances, while 46% don’t even talk about money with their spouses, according to Empower.

The good news is that this problem has an easy solution: more dialogue. According to an Edelman Financial Engines report, 38% of couples surveyed said they wish they discussed finances with their partners more, and 83% believe doing so can help resolve disagreements in their relationship.

Coleman prescribes a “chill conversation” with her husband to express the anxiety she feels with the mortgage looming over their heads and come to a mutual understanding about what to do next. If this conversation is difficult, he suggests reaching out to a third party for help.