Stalemate - She (52, attorney) and he (65, retired military/manufacturer) have been married for 24 years and earn a combined $268,000/year. Yet they are “drowning” in nearly $126,000 of consumer debt and feel high stress around money. She meticulously tracks every dollar and craves structure; He spends impulsively, especially on electronics and cars, and says he’s “never planned anything” in his life. Their merged finances have intensified resentment, forcing her into a “parent” role and leaving him defensive and avoidant. Despite high income and decades of advice, they remain out of sync with no clear system. She dreams of travel and can’t imagine working until 75, while he tunes out and hopes it’ll all work out.