We have been hit with the dog days of summer so on this episode I've located some stories that a lot of you have missed from our less downloaded episodes I thought were pretty good. We'll be back with all new stuff in 2 weeks!

👫 1. Split Finances with a Lean FIRE Partner

A woman moved in with her long-term partner, who has lean-fired on $35k/year in a high-cost-of-living area. Now earning $80k herself, she struggles with subsidizing his lifestyle while he avoids contributing equitably—financially or with time. The couple grapples with mismatched expectations, household fairness, and a lack of clear financial communication.

💸 2. Bonus Drama: Fiancé vs. Family

A man receives a $50k bonus and plans to put it toward a house. His fiancée demands $25k to pay off her parents’ mortgage, arguing it's his duty now that they’re family. He refuses, sparking manipulation, guilt trips, and icy treatment. Listeners weigh in on red flags, financial boundaries, and whether this engagement should continue.

🏖️ 3. Timeshares from Hell (in a Will)

A couple’s mother-in-law insists on leaving them five timeshares in her will—despite being asked not to. The timeshares cost $9,500 annually in fees, come with a perpetuity clause, and offer no real financial benefit. They seek legal advice and debate whether you can—or should—refuse an inheritance that feels more like a financial trap than a gift.

Welcome back to Fire Takes! In this episode, Gwen and Tim dig into three hot stories that explore the emotional and financial tensions of modern life.

First, we discuss a post from someone who finally hit six figures but feels more broke than ever—why does more money sometimes bring more anxiety? We break down the psychological weight of lifestyle inflation, middle-class expectations, and that constant sense of financial unease, even when you're technically doing great.

Next, we dive into a Reddit relationship standoff: a woman receives a fully paid luxury car from an ex, and her new boyfriend spirals when he finds out. Is it about jealousy, emasculation, or something deeper? And more importantly, should she really sell the car just to keep the peace?

Finally, we head over to the Chubby FIRE subreddit to unpack the dilemma of a man who wants to retire at 60, but his wife flat-out refuses—even though the math checks out. We explore the emotional baggage tied to financial security, the tension between partners with mismatched retirement mindsets, and the real reasons “the numbers” aren’t always enough.

It’s a blend of money talk, relationship drama, and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode of Fire Takes, Tim and Gwen dive into a trio of Reddit stories that are as bizarre as they are juicy. First up, a man pays his girlfriend 56% of his salary to be a live-in “employee” — and now that they’ve broken up, he wonders if he still owes her severance. Next, a delayed inheritance sparks a family feud over inflation, fairness, and entitlement. Finally, a woman selling her home wonders if she owes her boyfriend a cut — even though he was just paying rent. It’s a whole lotta weirdness, and your favorite co-hosts have a whole lotta opinions.

https://firetakespod.com/ep18-a-whole-lotta-weirdness/