They F*cking Hate Each Other | Financial Audit - Financial Audit with Caleb Hammer Recap

Podcast: Financial Audit with Caleb Hammer

Published: 2026-01-12

Duration: 1 hr 36 min

Summary

Benjamin and Zena are struggling with significant debt, poor financial management, and a lack of communication. Their financial audit reveals underlying issues that threaten their marriage's stability.

What Happened

Benjamin, a 31-year-old from Nevada, Texas, is currently unemployed and struggling to find steady work after a series of job losses. He previously worked in security for an adult theme park, but was laid off when the company transitioned to AI for those roles. Despite his claims that college is a waste of time, his lack of a degree and reliance on fake diplomas made with Chat GPT are limiting his job prospects. Meanwhile, Zena, his wife, is the primary breadwinner, working as a scheduler for oral surgeons and earning $2,414 bi-weekly.

The couple is burdened with a substantial debt of $64,453.81, exacerbated by Benjamin's impulsive spending habits, including purchasing a gun while unemployed and spending significant time gaming instead of job hunting. Their financial situation is further strained by Benjamin's history of hiding purchases and lying about various expenses. They owe $26,115 on a new car financed at a 14% interest rate, with monthly payments of $534.81, and another $17,479 on a Volkswagen GTI Autobahn, which is considered a 'death trap' due to its high costs and 18% interest rate.

Benjamin's health issues, including a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, have affected his ability to work, further complicating their financial struggles. Zena has resorted to taking out credit cards to cover expenses during Benjamin's unemployment, leading to high balances and late fees. The couple's monthly expenses are unsustainable, with $800 spent on dining out last month despite their limited income and a negative balance of $86 in their checking account.

Caleb Hammer criticizes the couple's financial management, highlighting their excessive spending on non-essential items and the need for a significant behavior change to improve their situation. He offers them free access to the 'Master Your Money' series and recommends using the Dollar Wise app for better financial tracking. Hammer suggests that with proper behavior modification, they could pay off their debt in two and a half to three years.

Living with Zena's parents, Benjamin and Zena face additional pressure to get their finances in order, as they have been offered the option to live rent-free if they can demonstrate financial responsibility. Despite the couple's precarious situation, Benjamin continues to pursue a business in the tactical community, with Zena doing much of the work, including making jewelry for military personnel.

The episode underscores the importance of financial responsibility and transparency in relationships, as Benjamin and Zena's lack of communication and financial mismanagement threaten not only their financial stability but also their marriage's longevity.

Key Insights