Ramsey Show: Avoid Financial Shortcuts for Long-Term Success

Practical Wisdom on Debt and Family Finances

Today, on July 11, 2025, The Ramsey Show, hosted by Rachel Cruze and Ken Coleman, delivered a powerful message to listeners across the nation: taking shortcuts with your finances today can lead to significant setbacks tomorrow. Broadcasting from Ramsey Solutions in Franklin, Tennessee, the episode tackled a variety of real-life financial dilemmas through listener call-ins. From questions about bankruptcy and borrowing money from family to managing debt while balancing personal aspirations, the hosts provided actionable advice rooted in the principles of financial discipline and long-term planning.

The show, which airs weekdays from 2 to 5 p.m. ET, continues to be a trusted source for Americans seeking to take control of their money. With a focus on eliminating debt and building wealth, Cruze and Coleman addressed each caller with empathy and straightforward guidance, emphasizing the importance of avoiding quick fixes that often lead to bigger problems down the road.

Navigating Bankruptcy and Honesty in Job Applications

One of the early topics discussed around the 15-minute mark was a caller’s concern about whether a future employer could discover a lie about a past bankruptcy on a job application. Ken Coleman stressed the importance of honesty, noting that while bankruptcy records are public, many employers may not dig that deep unless the role involves financial responsibilities. However, he cautioned that lying could jeopardize trust if discovered, urging the caller to consider transparency or to seek legal advice on how to address the issue appropriately during the hiring process.

Borrowing from Family: A Risky Move

Another caller, around the 30-minute point, shared that their wife wanted to borrow money from family to buy a car. Rachel Cruze was quick to advise against this, explaining that borrowing from loved ones often strains relationships and creates financial dependency. She suggested exploring other options, such as saving up for a less expensive vehicle or finding alternative transportation temporarily, to avoid mixing money with family dynamics.

Debt Management and Lifestyle Adjustments

At approximately the 45-minute mark, a listener asked if downsizing their number of pets could help progress through Baby Step 2, which focuses on paying off all debt except for a mortgage. Cruze acknowledged the emotional attachment to animals but encouraged the caller to weigh the costs of pet care against their debt repayment goals. She emphasized that temporary sacrifices, even difficult ones, can accelerate financial freedom.

Later, near the hour mark, a caller inquired about being a stay-at-home mom while paying off debt. Coleman and Cruze discussed the need for a detailed budget to ensure the family could sustain itself on a single income. They recommended using tools like EveryDollar, a budgeting app from Ramsey Solutions, to track expenses and ensure that debt repayment remains a priority even with reduced income.

Eviction Notices and Spousal Motivation

A particularly urgent call came in around the 1:20:00 timestamp, where a listener sought advice on handling an eviction notice. The hosts urged immediate action, suggesting the caller communicate with the landlord to negotiate a payment plan or seek local resources for emergency assistance. They stressed that avoiding the issue would only worsen the situation, reinforcing the episode’s theme of facing financial challenges head-on.

Another topic, discussed near the 1:35:00 point, involved a caller wanting to motivate their husband to be more intense about debt repayment, a concept Dave Ramsey often refers to as being 'gazelle intense.' Coleman advised open communication and setting shared goals, suggesting the couple revisit their reasons for wanting to be debt-free to reignite motivation.

Balancing Generosity and Financial Boundaries

Towards the end of the show, around the 2:10:00 mark, a caller asked how to balance generosity with not enabling their children by giving too much. Cruze offered practical advice, suggesting that teaching kids financial responsibility through small, earned allowances or charging reasonable rent for adult children living at home can instill valuable lessons. She emphasized that generosity should never come at the expense of one’s own financial stability.

Other topics covered included planning for high job-related expenses and deciding what to do with a home after moving in with a partner. Throughout the episode, the hosts consistently returned to the core message: shortcuts, whether through borrowing, ignoring debt, or making hasty decisions, often lead to long-term setbacks. Their advice aligned with the Ramsey philosophy of living below one’s means, avoiding debt, and building a secure future through disciplined choices.