The Ramsey Show

Podbit · The Ramsey Show

A Bigger Paycheck Won't Fix Bad Money Habits

Explore episode Jul 14, 2026

Where this was said

Mom Used Tuition as Leverage — Zoe in Seattle

At 1:56:40 · chapter starts 1:49:10

Zoe, a server in Seattle studying marketing and entrepreneurship at Central Washington University, had a mother who said she'd handle college costs — and then turned that unilateral gesture into a financial weapon, demanding repayment and pressuring Zoe to co-sign future loans. Dave's ruling is clear: without a prior agreement, there is no moral obligation. The loan is in the mother's name under Parent PLUS, making it entirely the mother's legal debt. Dave and Rachel advise Zoe to send a clean, written email — not a text — thanking her mother for the first year, declining any further co-signing, and keeping a printed copy in a file in case the mother tries to revise history later.

Business
Reverse Mortgages: An Absolute Nightmare

A Bigger Paycheck Won't Fix Bad Money Habits · Jul 14, 2026 Business

The foreclosure rate on reverse mortgages is 6 times the national average. Dave refuses to recommend them under any circumstances. Before even considering tapping home equity, the family of 6 siblings should pool $500–$1,000 a month — and the multimillionaire brother should lead the way.

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