EBT Final Boss | Financial Audit

This episode of Financial Audit features a couple, Titus and Beth, facing significant financial and relational challenges. Titus, 31, works in food services at a local college, earning $16/hour, which amounts to about $2400 net per month. Beth, 29, is a stay-at-home mom to their 6-month-old son. Their primary financial struggle stems from Titus's excessive spending on subscriptions, particularly for AI girlfriends, and his history of job instability, having held numerous short-term positions. Beth, who previously worked at Walmart for seven years earning over $20/hour, is seeking to return to work from home after complications from a C-section. The couple's financial picture is dire. Rent consumes over 60% of their income, and their savings, which once stood at around $7,000, have dwindled to roughly $1,000-$2,000 due to Titus's spending and Beth's inability to work. Beth expresses frustration that Titus hides his spending, only revealing it when confronted with bank statements. Titus, however, claims he simply forgot about some subscriptions due to ADHD. A major point of contention is Titus's alleged infidelity with AI girlfriends. Beth considers this cheating, especially after Titus promised to stop a month into their relationship, only to continue. The severity escalated when Beth discovered he engages with AI while holding their infant son. Titus justifies this as a "hobby" and a way to "practice arguing" with Beth, as he finds her difficult to argue with. Further complicating their finances are significant debts. Titus has an American Express card, opened by his grandmother to build his credit, with an $88 monthly minimum payment, which he has been consistently late on for 18 months. He also has a Net Credit loan of $1,512 with a $174 minimum payment, also frequently late. Most concerning is his $73,458 in federal student loans, which he claims he was unaware of until the show. These loans are in default and at risk of wage garnishment, a situation exacerbated by his low income and poor spending habits. Beth also has financial entanglements, including a car loan for a car she no longer has and ongoing financial support for her ex-boyfriend, who struggles with poverty and addiction. Her ex occasionally shows up to collect money for gas and frozen dinners, which Beth provides despite their own financial strain. This practice is heavily criticized by the show's host and, by extension, Beth's own mother, who has threatened to sue Titus for the money he owes her. The couple's communication is fraught with conflict and blame. Titus often deflects by bringing up Beth's mother or past incidents, while Beth accuses him of lying and being a "mama's boy." They have a history of arguments, with Beth having left Titus at one point. Their financial discussions are chaotic, with Titus often failing to disclose all his expenses and Beth feeling she has to manage everything. The host emphasizes the need for Titus to take responsibility for his finances and become a better provider. He suggests that Beth might need to work outside the home, even if it means temporarily placing their child in childcare, to ensure basic needs like housing and food are met. The financial score for the household is a dismal 1 out of 10, reflecting their dire situation. Key financial red flags include: * **Titus's AI Girlfriend Subscriptions:** A significant drain on their limited income, considered cheating by Beth. * **Job Instability:** Titus's frequent job changes and reliance on his mother for employment. * **Unawareness of Debts:** Titus's ignorance of his substantial student loan debt and credit card balances. * **Late Payments and Collections:** Consistent late payments on loans and credit cards, leading to potential collections. * **Support for Ex-Boyfriend:** Beth's continued financial aid to her ex, despite their own financial struggles. * **Excessive Spending:** Numerous small purchases and subscriptions that add up significantly, contributing to overdrafts and depleted savings. * **Lack of Budgeting:** Despite attempts, a cohesive and transparent budget has not been established or adhered to. * **Reliance on Family:** Both Titus and Beth rely on their mothers and grandmother for financial assistance. The episode concludes with a strong recommendation for Titus to immediately contact the Department of Education regarding his student loans and for both to drastically cut non-essential spending, particularly Titus's AI subscriptions. The host stresses the urgency of finding better employment and creating a realistic budget to avoid potential homelessness. The relationship's longevity is questioned, especially given Beth's past decision to leave and her current pregnancy, which she felt pressured to stay for. The discussion also touches on the physical altercation where Titus allegedly gave Beth a black eye, which he claims was accidental, and his subsequent distraction with AI while she was in pain. The couple's financial literacy and maturity are severely lacking, requiring immediate intervention to stabilize their situation.