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This episode features a financial and relational audit of Brooke, 35, an office leader at an HVAC company making $24 an hour, and Dean, 35, an HVAC technician and military veteran. The couple lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, with their four children aged 10, 5, 3, and 2. What begins as a discussion of household finances quickly turns into a deeply chaotic unraveling of their marriage, marked by Dean's frequent infidelities, text messages to other women, and a severe incident four months prior where Dean kissed Brooke's best friend Becky while the children were locked in a car and Brooke was recovering from sinus surgery. Despite earning a combined weekly income of around $5,500 plus child support, the household is drowning in debt, relying heavily on buy-now-pay-later apps like Zip and Klarna, high-interest loans, cash advances, and rental-purchase furniture.
Throughout the audit, Caleb Hammer highlights how the couple's lack of communication, financial illiteracy, and chaotic personal choices—including thousands in medical debt, unpaid collections, and rampant spending on non-essentials—have left them with a Hammer Financial Score of zero. Dean admits to having blackouts and self-destructive episodes linked to childhood trauma, while Brooke expresses deep insecurity, frequently catching Dean in lies and confronting him over hidden digital activity. Although Caleb points out that their income is decent for the area and that they could theoretically pay off their debts within a few years if they stopped going out to eat and cut out impulsive spending, the episode exposes a fractured relationship on the verge of total collapse.
The episode opens with a Google Chrome sponsorship and a brief host introduction.
The host wraps up, offers resources, and invites listeners to apply for future episodes.
Brooke and Dean discuss their jobs, income, and the challenges of raising four children in a trailer.
The couple delves into Brooke’s depression, DUI, and the impact of past trauma on their marriage.
Brooke recounts a recent affair with her best friend, the discovery by her son, and the ensuing conflict.
The discussion turns to Dean’s PTSD, the need for therapy, and whether Brooke can continue to stay.
The couple examines how they communicate, the lack of financial transparency, and their uncertain future together.
The couple discusses the failure to address therapy for one partner and the resulting erosion of trust in their relationship.
A heated exchange over screenshots revealing potential infidelity, highlighting communication breakdowns and accusations of lying.
The host inserts sponsor messages for Zocdoc and Caleb Hammer Financial Services, offering financial products and health services.
The conversation shifts to a detailed review of the couple’s finances, including credit cards, loans, and spending habits.
The discussion turns to emotional consequences, the need for therapy, and potential next steps for the relationship.
Brooke explains that she works as an office leader at an HVAC company making $24 an hour, while Dean works as an HVAC technician.
Thirteen Arrests in Youthstory
Brooke casually reveals she was arrested thirteen times before having kids, mostly related to marijuana charges when she was eighteen years old.
Caught with the Best Friendstory
Brooke recounts how Dean disappeared for hours while babysitting with her best friend Becky, resulting in their ten-year-old son calling to report seeing them kissing.
Trapped in Zip Paymentsinsight
Caleb discovers that Brooke is using Zip extensively for everyday purchases and school clothes, resulting in an overwhelming $700 a month in minimum payments.
The couple drives a 2018 Ford Explorer they were severely upside down on, carrying a loan balance of nearly $17,874 at 8% interest.
Disgusting Retirement Savingsinsight
Caleb lambasts the couple for having a retirement balance of only $451 at age 35, warning that their children will have to support them.
Zero Hammer Financial Scoredata
Caleb tallies up the debts, collections, lack of emergency fund, and retirement savings to award the household a Hammer Financial Score of zero.
“I had to move back in with my ex-husband.”
“I had severe depression, anxiety. It was right there at the pandemic.”
“I didn't have the money. I lost my job. I couldn't fight for my kid.”
“I want him to put forth the effort to find a therapist.”
“I don't know how to address it, basically.”
“We have an entire fleet to take care of.”
“If anything, she needs therapy, I need therapy, we all need therapy.”
“Finances is one of the leading causes for divorce in this country.”
“We have a damn good life.”
“I have four beautiful babies.”
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