The Ramsey Show

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Common Sense Beats Clever Money Hacks

Explore episode Aug 5, 2026
Education
The Parent PLUS Loan Ambush: No Legal or Moral Obligation

Common Sense Beats Clever Money Hacks · Aug 5, 2026 Education

Mark's fiancée discovered a $100,000 Parent PLUS loan she never knew existed, never agreed to, and is now being told she must repay. Dave's verdict: she has zero legal liability and zero moral obligation. But she does face a hard relational conversation — and probably decades of family drama with people who pulled this stunt.

Where this was said

Sophia in Salt Lake City: Sell the House or Stay?

At 1:58:50 · chapter starts 1:57:10

Sophia's husband doesn't like their current house and wants to sell, rent an apartment, and save toward a better one. Dave and George quickly zero in on the real issue: a $2,900 mortgage payment against $6,200 monthly take-home is 47% of income, a classic 'house poor' scenario. Buying a bigger three-bedroom will cost more, not less. Dave's advice: if income isn't rising dramatically in the next two years, sell the house, rent briefly, pay off the car, build the down payment, and enter the next home purchase at a payment that fits a 15-year fixed at 25% or less of take-home. The short rental period is not a failure — it's a reset.

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