"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (2024)

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Did you know the average American has about $90,460 in debt? This can include car notes, student loans, credit card debt, mortgages, and personal loans — and it can be a burden to get out from under. That's where Dave Ramsey inserts himself. He's a personal finance personality who hosts The Ramsey Show, a radio program that everyday people can call into for advice on how to personally tackle their debt. In a resurfaced clip of the show, one half of a couple called in to ask Ramsey for advice on how to get out of their massive debt without going into foreclosure, and the videodrew in a stunned audience of over 17.7 million viewers. Why? Because the couple is about $1,000,000 in debt. "The mortgage is about $210,000," the caller said after Ramsey prompted them to break down their loans. "[Then] $335,000 is in student loans — we both have advance degrees — and the rest is in credit cards and personal loans." Seemingly shocked, Ramsey asks, "How old are you?" The caller responds that they are 29 and their partner — who is the main one contributing to the credit card debt — is 32. As for their degrees, the caller says their partner has a master's in business and they have an advanced degree in policy. Now, they both work government jobs and bring in a joint yearly income of $230,000. "Is there recognition on both of your parts about how absurd this situation thing is?" Ramsey asked the caller, and it's not until they confirm that he agrees to help. "You're scared and you should be," he continued. "Your lifestyle is considerably above your extremely good income and has been for a long period of time. And so you've gotten used to spending like you're in Congress." Then he lays down the plan on how they can cut back and start paying thing off: "This is going to be very emotional for y'all," Ramsey warned. "You've been making $210,000, spending $310,000, [and] I'm getting ready to put you on [a budget] of $30,000." People in the comment section of the video were stunned and could hardly imagine how the couple was able to process such a burden weighing over their heads. And those outside of the States were shocked to learn how much debt people can get into by seeking higher education. Meanwhile, others argued whether Ramsey had the right approach when trying to help the couple. Some felt that his straightforward opinion on them living above their means was rude and may discourage others in need of help from seeking it in the future. But not everyone agreed, and that camp felt now was the time for tough love. This particular call took place in an episode of Ramsey's show that aired about four years ago, and it's unclear what happened with the couple's finances since. You can watch the full episode with the caller here. FAQs

"The mortgage is about $210,000," the caller said. "[Then] $335,000 is in student loans — we both have advance degrees — and the rest is in credit cards and personal loans."

by Alexa LisitzaBuzzFeed Staff

Did you know the average American has about $90,460 in debt? This can include car notes, student loans, credit card debt, mortgages, and personal loans — and it can be a burden to get out from under.

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (3)

Nataliia Nesterenko / Getty Images/iStockphoto

That's where Dave Ramsey inserts himself. He's a personal finance personality who hosts The Ramsey Show, a radio program that everyday people can call into for advice on how to personally tackle their debt.

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (4)

TikTok: @daveramsey / Via tiktok.com

It's worth noting that the legitimacy of Ramsey's advice has been called into questionand he has faced controversy in the past for his company policy of firing employees for having premarital sex, Insider reported.

In a resurfaced clip of the show, one half of a couple called in to ask Ramsey for advice on how to get out of their massive debt without going into foreclosure, and the videodrew in a stunned audience of over 17.7 million viewers. Why? Because the couple is about $1,000,000 in debt.

"The mortgage is about $210,000," the caller said after Ramsey prompted them to break down their loans. "[Then] $335,000 is in student loans — we both have advance degrees — and the rest is in credit cards and personal loans."

About $136,000 is owed by the couple in credit card debt, $44,000 is owed in personal loans that they did not explain further, and $35,000 is owed in car loans.

TikTok: @daveramsey / Via tiktok.com

Seemingly shocked, Ramsey asks, "How old are you?" The caller responds that they are 29 and their partner — who is the main one contributing to the credit card debt — is 32.

"I think it's one of those things where [you're] just making really poor financial decisions and thinking you'll be able to pay it down as you go and it doesn't happen," the caller said in regards to their situation.

As for their degrees, the caller says their partner has a master's in business and they have an advanced degree in policy. Now, they both work government jobs and bring in a joint yearly income of $230,000.

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (6)

TikTok: @daveramsey / Via tiktok.com

"Is there recognition on both of your parts about how absurd this situation thing is?" Ramsey asked the caller, and it's not until they confirm that he agrees to help. "You're scared and you should be," he continued. "Your lifestyle is considerably above your extremely good income and has been for a long period of time. And so you've gotten used to spending like you're in Congress."

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (7)

Ali Kahfi / Getty Images

Then he lays down the plan on how they can cut back and start paying thing off: "This is going to be very emotional for y'all," Ramsey warned. "You've been making $210,000, spending $310,000, [and] I'm getting ready to put you on [a budget] of $30,000."

"You're not going to see the inside of a restaurant unless it's your extra job. ... This is how humbling this is going to be."

The host goes on to explain that getting rid of their debt is possible with dedication, but that the couple must be willing to seriously cut back on spending and stop indulging in luxury items if they want to get their finances on track.

People in the comment section of the video were stunned and could hardly imagine how the couple was able to process such a burden weighing over their heads.

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (8)

TikTok: @daveramsey / Via tiktok.com

And those outside of the States were shocked to learn how much debt people can get into by seeking higher education.

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (9)

TikTok: @daveramsey / Via tiktok.com

Meanwhile, others argued whether Ramsey had the right approach when trying to help the couple. Some felt that his straightforward opinion on them living above their means was rude and may discourage others in need of help from seeking it in the future. But not everyone agreed, and that camp felt now was the time for tough love.

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (10)

TikTok: @daveramsey / Via tiktok.com

This particular call took place in an episode of Ramsey's show that aired about four years ago, and it's unclear what happened with the couple's finances since. You can watch the full episode with the caller here.

View this video on YouTube

"We're Both Scared": This Couple With $1,000,000 Million Of Debt Asked How To Get Debt-Free, And People Are Shocked By The Clip (2024)

FAQs

What in the world this couple with $1,000,000 in debt calls into a finance show leaves everyone including the host speechless? ›

A 29-year-old woman called in to Dave Ramsey's show for advice on tackling a $1,000,000 debt she shared with her husband, leaving people speechless. – The caller: We have probably just under a million dollars in debt and we wanna know how to get debt-free without filing for bankruptcy. – Dave Ramsey: Okay.

What is the baby step 2 debt snowball method? ›

Baby Step 2: Pay off Debt Using the Debt Snowball Method

The Snowball Method refers to paying the smallest debt first, then the next smallest – and on and on until you are living debt free.

How do I get out of debt with no money? ›

How to get out of debt when you have no money
  1. Step 1: Stop taking on new debt. ...
  2. Step 2: Determine how much you owe. ...
  3. Step 3: Create a budget. ...
  4. Step 4: Pay off the smallest debts first. ...
  5. Step 5: Start tackling larger debts. ...
  6. Step 6: Look for ways to earn extra money. ...
  7. Step 7: Boost your credit scores.
Dec 5, 2023

How to get rid of debt without paying? ›

Which debt solutions write off debts?
  1. Bankruptcy: Writes off unsecured debts if you cannot repay them. Any assets like a house or car may be sold.
  2. Debt relief order (DRO): Writes off debts if you have a relatively low level of debt. Must also have few assets.
  3. Individual voluntary arrangement (IVA): A formal agreement.

How to get out of $100,000 debt? ›

Here, experts share their best tips on how to eliminate $100,000 of debt.
  1. Recognize You Have a Big Problem on Your Hands. ...
  2. Make a Plan. ...
  3. List Out All Your Debts. ...
  4. Create a Hard Budget. ...
  5. Focus On Paying Off Debts With the Highest Interest Rates First. ...
  6. Don't Skimp On an Emergency Fund. ...
  7. Get a Personal Loan To Consolidate Debt.
Feb 15, 2024

How billionaires use debt to stay rich? ›

How do billionaires live off loans? By pledging their appreciating assets as collateral, billionaires are able to live off their loans as long as their loan payments don't exceed their investment gains.

Is the snowball or avalanche method better? ›

If you're motivated by saving as much money as possible down to the last penny, you'll probably prefer the “avalanche” method. On the other hand, if getting a quick win right off the bat encourages you to keep moving forward, then the “snowball” method will likely motivate you the most.

Does debt snowball method work? ›

The truth about the debt snowball method is it's a motivational program that can work at eliminating debt, but it's going to cost you more money and time – sometimes a lot more money and a lot more time – than other debt relief options.

What is the snow debt method? ›

Step 1: List your debts from smallest to largest regardless of interest rate. Step 2: Make minimum payments on all your debts except the smallest. Step 3: Pay as much as possible on your smallest debt. Step 4: Repeat until each debt is paid in full.

Can I get a government loan to pay off debt? ›

Be wary of offers to buy lists of government grant programs. They are usually frauds. There is no government program for credit card debt relief. Legitimate debt settlement and relief programs operate by strict rules.

Does the government offer debt relief? ›

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a government-sponsored program for credit card debt relief.

How can I get out of debt ASAP? ›

Tips for How to Get Out of Debt Fast
  1. Lower your expenses. Once you've made your budget, go through it line by line and see where you can cut back on your spending. ...
  2. Increase your income. Think of your income as a shovel. ...
  3. Cut up your credit cards. ...
  4. Know your why. ...
  5. Take Financial Peace University.
5 days ago

What debt Cannot be erased? ›

Perhaps the most common debts that cannot be discharged under any circ*mstances are child support, back taxes, and alimony. Here are some of the most common categories of non-dischargeable debt: Debts that you left off your bankruptcy petition, unless the creditor had knowledge of your filing.

How to get debt written off? ›

You will normally have to convince a creditor that writing off the debt is in their best interest as well as in yours. Usually, this means showing them why there is no likelihood of them getting enough money back to make it worth pursuing you for the debt any longer.

Can I lose my house over credit card debt? ›

If you owe money for most other debts like credit cards and medical bills, you (usually) did not sign a security agreement. So, the creditors cannot seize your home to pay the debt. But, if you want to sell your home and creditors have filed judgments for unpaid debts, you may need to pay those debts before the sale.

How much debt does the average couple have? ›

Married People Carry More Than Double the Debt of Singles
Average Total Debt by Marital Status
Married$112,627
Single$51,264
U.S. Average$92,479
Feb 24, 2020

Why do millionaires have so much debt? ›

Rich people use debt to multiply returns on their capital through low interest loans and expanding their control of assets. With a big enough credit line their capital and assets are just securing loans to be used in investing and business.

What is the debt Snowball Ramsey? ›

The debt snowball method was popularized by financial expert Dave Ramsey as a way to pay off debt faster. It works by having you focus on paying off your smallest debts first, no matter their interest rate.

Who owed the most debt? ›

As of January 2023, the five countries owning the most US debt are Japan ($1.1 trillion), China ($859 billion), the United Kingdom ($668 billion), Belgium ($331 billion), and Luxembourg ($318 billion).

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