Live from Charlotte: The Ramsey Show on Tour

How much should I expect my boyfriend to be paying on an engagement ring? >> [APPLAUSE] >> We're alerted. >> What I can call him.

“>> He in a relaxed single people stand up for a second.”

You two stay up if you want to go out.

Ramsey Solutions will pay for your first date.

>> I feel like he makes purchases that for my perspective are excessive. >> What set expenses? >> Come on, he gets it. >> If I wanted to get her say a luxury hand bag. >> We'll cut a bag, we'll kind of price three to four thousand.

>> Ooh, yikes, y'all are bringing the fast balls tonight. >> Have time, man, as you burn out and help my partner understand why becoming that you're not as so much to me. >> Why does he hate me? >> He thinks it's the cults.

>> There we go. >> I don't want this to be a point attention for you guys. >> I want you to feel validated in your decisions. [MUSIC] >> Normalist broke a common sense is weird.

So we're here to help you transform your life. From the Ramsey Network, brought you by the Fair Wins, Coretta Union live from Charlotte, North Carolina. >> This is the Ramsey Show. [MUSIC]

>> Yes, wow, ladies and gentlemen,

alongside my esteemed colleagues, George Campbell, and the lovely Rachel Cruz, I'm Ken Coleman, and we're so thrilled to be with you here in the Queen City, Charlotte. And we're going to have some fun tonight. This is the Ramsey Show, but it's live.

So we're taking your questions tonight. And I got good news and bad news. The good news is there's no dump button. We can't hang up on you. But George, tell them the bad news.

>> Bad news is it's your personal brand on the line. So just now we can't stop you from being you. >> That's exactly right, so, so fun. So as you can see, we got our mic back here. >> And we're going to start it off with Christopher.

Christopher, come on down, I get Christopher some love. There we go, where are you from? >> Hey guys, I'm Greenville, South Carolina. >> Nice.

>> So my question is, my wife and I are in baby steps four, five and six,

and I would like to get her something to quote cousin Eddie. Really nice. And I'm wondering if I wanted to get her say luxury handbag, for instance, does that fit in and steps four, five and six, obviously pay cash, but I just want to get you all thoughts,

judgments on that. >> No judgment here, pal. That's called Good Husband. >> You know which ones she wants? >> I want to mind?

>> Yes. >> There's a range of pain. >> Can you tell us for five? >> She here? >> No.

>> Okay good. >> She knows I'm here, but I just do want to ruin the surprise, so what are you talking about? Kind of back, what kind of price? >> Three to 4,000.

>> What is it? >> It's a Louis. >> Louis, Louis of a time bag. >> I've got to tell you, nothing makes a woman happier than a Louis. >> Good, good, good.

>> I speak from experience. I surprised, Stacy, I walked her by the Louis store one day, and I was just kind of him and I'm all like, let's just go in here and look, and she did the, we're not going to get it back, I go, I know,

but let's just go look, and I got her the bag. >> Nice, nice. >> All right, George, you're nerdin' out here, I can feel you're, you know, what is your numbers? >> Well, George wants to ruin the numbers.

>> You have the money. >> Yes. >> Okay, you have, that's outside of an emergency fund, obviously.

“And is this a large part of your world or net worth?”

>> It would not be, no sir. >> You could burn three grand on the table, and you'd be like, all right, that's things, but I'm gonna be just fine. >> They would stink, but we would be okay. >> I mean, that's about as far as I need to go

to give you the green light. >> Okay. >> Great, great, a bag. >> Rachel, what do you think? >> [APPLAUSE]

>> What do I think? >> You're a bag, but what do you think? >> Christopher, what do you think, I think? >> Send it by it. >> Give it.

>> Do it. >> Oh, for sure, for sure. And she'll have it for a long time, and it's gonna be wonderful. >> Okay. >> Because you guys have worked hard, I mean, honestly,

a lot of people, when they get to baby steps four through six, it's really hard for them to spend money. And so, understanding of living life with an open hand, it actually enjoying your money. That's a gift, like that is fun.

And so, some people, again, may roll their eyes out of a bag, or they may roll their eyes of what you spend on a vacation, or they'll roll their eyes at whatever it may be. The one of the things I roll my eyes out of, from me, on a kid birthday parties, like two year olds,

where it looks like a wedding reception, I roll my eyes.

“But, it's not a values, it's not a right or wrong, right?”

If you have the money for it, some people will not understand

But, that's what she values.

And that's great, it's not a moral issue. You have the money. >> Do it, Louis. >> Cool, thank you, guys. >> Oh, my gosh.

>> That's how it's say this. Like, do it in your way, but like, don't just show up with it.

“>> Put a little effort into it, you know what I mean?”

>> Whatever that is, it's got an idea. >> Yes, yes, okay. >> I love planning to surprise, I'm gonna be sitting at this go. >> 'Cause, a designer bag, that nice, it's gonna have beautiful packaging, okay?

So, the bag is gonna be huge. And then the box that it comes in is gonna be fantastic. And then it comes in another, it comes in a whole cloth. Let her, let her, don't just take it out of all that and give it to her.

She needs to do the whole experience. If it's a gift, like let her open it, open that box. Oh, it's just an apple product. >> Can I see it? >> Can I guess it in this?

>> Not an iPhone, it's a Louis. >> Can I guess it in this?

'Cause I think that's great.

Everything she said, I'm gonna add one thing. Is there something like, very household functional, a little bit bigger, maybe it's, maybe it's something in antique or something she's been looking at, or something that would be like in a large non-descript bag

or box that maybe she wants? That you guys have been talking about, we need to get like a fridge for the garage. You know what I'm saying? Do you see where I'm going?

>> Yes, sir. >> So the idea is it's a misdirection. (audience laughs) And like you do everything that Rachel said, except that it's like, let's say you were talking

about a garage freezer just because I got to give you something tactical. And so you're like, babe, you don't get belief us. I went to the scratch and I found a garage freezer for $70.

And she goes, oh, get it, I'm bringing it. (audience laughs) You got to look at this thing, it's unbelievable. She's like, I don't need to open it. That's babe, you gotta check this freezer out.

It's unbelievable.

She opens what she thinks is a freezer box.

>> And it's a Louis box. Louis box. >> This direction makes the surprise better. >> I have a tactical question.

“How are you gonna spend that money without her knowing?”

>> I, so we've talked about it. And it's more of like a, I mean, 'cause we do the finances are combined. So she would know. So it's more of a,

hey, don't look at it this week, I guess. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> She checked the savings as she like, very much aware of what's in savings on her to constant basis.

>> Yes, but she's more of a weekly checker. She doesn't have a perfect fit. >> So she doesn't get an alert, right? >> Mm, no. >> Okay, here's my point.

You don't, it just get it and right home. >> I had an idea, boom, I pitched my idea. You got a fair one's credit union account yet? >> I don't. >> Okay, here's my idea.

>> Nice product placement, George. >> Just open the, open the smart bundle. Here it is though, you open the smart bundle, transfer the money there and use that Ramsey debit card to purchase it and then hopefully she doesn't even know

the savings moved temporarily. >> Wow, open a secret account. >> Big brain, great book. >> I like my approach better, say, my get you massive hugs and kisses and maybe don't look at the account.

>> Yeah, I know, he doesn't have to say, look at the account 'cause she's not gonna look at that day. So she's like, go buy it. >> He goes straight to Louis. >> He's already got the fridge box and the whole thing planned.

It's all seamless, she didn't even know what hit her. >> Just let us know how it goes. >> He will want to know. >> Hey, listen to me. >> I know how to do this.

>> Do it right now. >> Hey, give you some luck, great questions, guys. [ Applause ] >> All right, next up is Hannah. Where is Hannah?

“Give Hannah, she gets down to the mic, where's Hannah?”

>> Oh, she's coming from the front. >> Yeah, make your way up, everyone. >> Hey, Hannah, where's Hannah? >> Hannah's coming from the front. >> Yeah, I make your way up, everyone.

>> Hey, Hannah, where's Hannah? >> Hannah, where are you from? >> I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina. >> Fantastic. Thanks for coming, what's your question?

>> My question is, how much should I expect my boyfriend to be paying on an engagement ring? >> Ooh, yikes, y'all are bringing the fastballs tonight. >> My boyfriend is here, so you can be generous. >> Is this him right here?

>> No, no, no, no. >> I think we need him on the mic too, don't you? >> Yeah, I'll do it, I'll do it. I'm a man of the people, I'm going to come down here. >> Why don't you want to join her up there?

Do you want to go with her? I think you should go up there, yeah. >> Yes. >> This is fantastic. >> This is what we need.

>> Okay, Hannah, Hannah on the mic real quick. Did he know you were going to do this? >> I did it, yeah. >> Oh, so you're willily participating. >> Hey, you got a nice watch today.

>> I didn't expect to be on the mic, but I was willing for her to ask the question. >> Okay. >> I got to know what kind of watch you're wearing there. >> That's a T-Sot. >> What's that cost?

>> It was about a grand. >> Okay, just in the base line. >> Give me good base. Are you aware that she's expecting the ring, I hope? >> Yeah, we've definitely discussed it.

>> Okay, and have you been planning for this, financially? >> Yes. >> Okay, are you willing to tell us right here now? How much you've been planning to spend? [ Laughter ]

Or would you like to keep that private? >> Oh, yeah. >> I've been told, kind of like two to three months salary. >> Who told you? Who told you that?

>> Parents.

>> No.

>> Okay, just friends and parents outside.

>> Debeers, yeah. >> Well, that's a lot of marketing. That's like two to three months. >> A lot? >> Yeah, what do you do to that?

>> That's average, that is what they say. >> What are you, I'm in tech sales. >> Oh, you're gonna get a nice ring, sweetheart. [ Laughter ] >> Yeah, well, do you have any debt?

>> No, debt free. >> He has a family friend who works for Diamond Struct as well.

“>> Do you get debt free and Diamond Struct connection?”

>> Okay, and have you, I have a sister that she's seen enough. >> Yes, she is. >> Have you two talked about a price you have? >> I bet not. >> She's talked about the size of the ring that she wants.

[ Laughter ] >> So Hannah, are you aware of what said size costs? >> Nope. [ Laughter ] >> Let's be honest, do you really think you would give you a ring

that you'd be disappointed with?

>> No. >> I think it's a mood point, then. >> All right, well, I want to dig a little more. This is too juicy. [ Laughter ]

>> What is your name, sir? >> Jeff. >> Jeff. >> Have you ever adore a bull by the way? >> I'm rooting for this couple already.

>> All right, I'm talking about that. >> You guys are handsome couple. Have you went and looked at the size ring that she wants and priced it? >> We've went and looked, but I haven't really priced it now. >> I think you should price it.

>> Yeah. >> And then, George, after he prices it, we don't know what we're dealing with. And we're trying to keep a little bit of mystery here. Although Hannah has put this poor boy on the spot. >> Yeah, it's a little too late.

I mean, he has to put a ring on it, God. >> I would price it. And I don't know, George, if I liked it, two to three months salary business. That feels artificial. >> That's a very --

>> Well, we got to call the Ramsay Show. This guy want to spend $80,000 on a ring. So there is a level where it's like out of control. >> Because back to our values thing, y'all.

If he made 15 million a year, okay, I mean, you know what I'm saying?

That's why the salary of what you make per month is a good game. >> Sure. >> That's a month. >> That's a month. >> Make 15 million.

[ Laughter ] >> Trust me, since a month, a month salary is plenty. >> Yeah, well, here's -- I think we may have varying opinions.

“I'll vote and say, I think you need to go price it.”

And price it multiple times, talk to your buddies. Say, here's the situation. Hannah's amazing. This is what she wants. This is what I feel comfortable with.

Because I think you know in your mind what a comfortable number is. Don't you, your responsible young man. >> I would say say. >> All right, I would. If you can't get her what she wants, you get her something close.

And we have a fine conversation about it. And Hannah, you want to marry this man, do you not? >> Yes. >> All right, are you going to be happy with what beautiful ring he gets you? >> Yes.

>> All right. >> Then that's it. >> Right now, no. >> No, no, no, no. >> No, you got a weight, Hannah, let this man come up with a plan.

>> Yes. >> The simplest answer is, how much should you spend? How much you can afford at the time you want to propose? >> Yeah. >> That's it.

>> And then factor in, depending on your situation. If you guys have to pay for the wedding, the honeymoon, you want to down payment on a how, I mean, you know, like the money at that point, all is put into a big bowl and saying, how do we want to divvy this up? And you guys need to talk about that to say, what are our values?

What are our goals? >> The priority. >> Yeah, what's the priority. >> I got to tell you, I'm a little irritated. >> Why can't Coleman?

>> I think there needs to be more mystery among this young generation. Why are we even talking about this? >> Well, you're the winner told to go up to the mic. >> Because she asked the question in front of everybody. I don't want you to talk about this.

He had a relapse.

“>> I'm with Rachel, like, I think you need to put it all on a bucket.”

And then to be it out, and I would much rather be on a beautiful diamond, then maybe a wedding venue or a dress or other things. >> Will, okay. >> A mortgage that would take priority. >> All right, all I'm saying, I'm having fun.

I'm truly not irritated, but I'm slightly irritated. Because I do think there needs to be mystery. And I think the young man should get a little information from you. And then you just need to go about your life and let him come up with a plan. Let him buy a nice ring.

We got too much planning going on. >> Yeah, how old are you guys? How old are you? >> I'm 26. >> Yeah, 27.

>> Yeah, okay. >> So what does that have to do with it? >> Because they're hard working late 20s, they know what they want in life. So they can have grown up conversations of where we want our money to go as a couple. >> I didn't say that, I looked at the mystery around the engagement.

The way the engagement happens can be the mystery. >> That's the mystery, but to decide how much I'm talking about. But how much money we want to spend on a ring that can be talked about. >> Okay, okay, okay with that. >> As long as you pay cash, that's my thing.

And in two years, you're going to be fine, you know what I mean? Or, you may be slightly disappointed with the size, I don't know. But then in ten years, you can upgrade a ring or in 20 years, right? It's great, so it's fine. But I do like the month, I like basing it on what you make per year.

I like that. I like that model. I like that. >> I like that. >> Who's with me, I like to see a little more mystery.

>> [APPLAUSE]

>> You got a couple alone.

“>> This is going out to the YouTube millions.”

I want to go to a good message out there amongst the crowd. >> That's out of clear. >> Hey, you guys are fun sports. I'm going to have a little bit of fun, but kind of serious. Give a big big hand.

>> Hey, guys, that's a good question. >> Hey, guys, that's a good question. >> Wow, that was fun. >> We need a little dissension up here every once in a while, so we cover it from every angle.

>> Yeah, I don't think any of us agreed on exactly what to do there, but I think we got there. >> I think we got there, it's lovely. >> We left them confused and in love. >> That's it.

>> That's it. >> As it should. >> Okay, our next question is Nora, where is Nora? Give her some love. She gets to the mic.

There she is. >> Nora. [APPLAUSE] >> Hi, Nora. >> Hello.

>> Where are you from? >> Ralee, North Carolina. >> Nice. >> I'm a nurse feeling burnt out from working so much over time, even though I'm trying to stay focused on paying my remaining

76,000 student loans. I've already paid 83,000, but I'm exhausted. How can I manage burnout, stay motivated, and help my partner understand why becoming debt free matters so much to me.

>> Wow, good for you. First of all, this is a nurse who's working absolutely herself to the bone to get out of debt. That's me. That's me.

[APPLAUSE] >> So, what's your expected pay off day? If you continue at the pace you're on right now, when would you be debt free? >> December of next year.

>> Okay. >> And how much have you paid off so far? >> 83,000. [APPLAUSE] >> It's their tension with your partner,

relationally because you're always working.

Is that why you brought this up?

“How do I help my partner and give me more on that day?”

>> What don't they understand? >> I pay obviously a lot towards my student loans. My whole check goes towards it, and he doesn't understand why not just pay the minimum and just save the rest.

>> Have you walked him through the why behind the baby steps, blame it on Ramsey and all of us? Are you rolled your eyes? That's not good. What happened there?

>> Why does he hate me? [LAUGHTER] >> He honest. >> He thinks it's a cult. >> There we go.

[APPLAUSE] >> You know, it's interesting I've never heard that before. [LAUGHTER] >> Yeah, well, I get it. [LAUGHTER]

>> And it's not our fault. It's the way you people act. No, I'm kidding. It's terrible. I'm kidding.

Okay, well, you're not married, so he doesn't get a vote. You know, we teach separate finances. That's a relational issue, and I think as you continue to get free, hopefully he begins to catch a vision for it. I think the thing that you have to do,

and I want them to weigh in, I would just quickly say, I love the payoff date. I love the goal. I love the gazelle intensity, but you have to listen to your heart,

and you have to listen to your mind, and you have to listen to your body. And you aren't all of a sudden, a bad, lazy, fake gazelle intense person, who's not worthy of the baby steps,

and you're not working on it.

“If you have to dial it back a little bit, you know what I mean?”

It is not about the length of time that we preach. It is about the intentionality that we preach. And we've done so many debt-free screens where people have taken six and seven years. So I think if you're starting to get to a place

of physical and emotional and maybe spiritual and relationship exhaustion, dial it back a little bit, and until you can get back up on your feet, I'm curious to know what you all think. Yeah, that's amazing what two months would do.

If you're like, okay, I'm not going to work extra for two months, and give myself breathing room, and then press play again, right? And you're kind of this off and on, if that's helpful,

or when you get to a certain dollar amount of debt pay off, to say, okay, once I reach this, once I reach 50,000 left, I'm going to take a breather, and I'm going to not work extra for 30 days, 60 days.

And that's okay. And then you press play again, right? Because there's a level of a marathon.

You know, we always say the average person pays off

their consumer debt in 12 to 18 months, is what we have found in all of our research. But again, that plugs in people that pay off their consumer debt in eight years, and that's people that just find us randomly,

and they have the money to pay off their debt, and they're done within 30 minutes, right? So, that span is really big. So, the people on the more marathon side, to Ken's point,

it's okay to take a step back and just have a breather, and still continue on your plan, but if you kind of put some of those rest periods in for you, for some people that like, "Oh, gosh, I need a nice dinner out," and that's like a relief.

Whatever that looks like for you to have that. And then the relational side is, yes, ideally, he would see that and be on board, but I want you to feel validated in your decisions. And so, I don't want this to be a point of tension for you guys,

because you feel like you are working your butt off, and no one sees you in it, right? When you have a relationship and you have a man in your life that could look at you and be cheering you on.

I'd wish value-wise, he lined up with you, but more of how he treats you in the process. I hope is great, that's my prayer for you. I mean, you guys nailed it. The one thing I would do is just calculating,

okay, I'm gonna pay it off, April of 28, instead of December of 27, if I slow this down. And I think that I'll help you realize, okay, it's an extra few months in Tom debt-free.

We're still gonna celebrate. You just as hard no matter what, when you come to your debt-free screen.

“So, I think we're at least whatever pressure”

on yourself to hit this self-imposed deadline. And that's coming from a guy who's probably the nerdyest and most intense.

So, you're doing amazing.

Keep it up. Wait a minute. Good job. Well done. All right, so this is fun.

We've got a right-in question, and this came in from Dwayne. This is Dwayne's question at what point in our lives after 65 years of age, do we become self-insured?

Okay, so let's cover what they're talking about here for those that aren't aware or those watching at home. When we talk about term life insurance, it's to replace your income of something where to happen to you for those that rely on your income.

So, that's a spouse, kids. So, what we talk about is getting 15 or 20 years in a term life policy. So, that, after those 20 years are done, you've been following the baby steps.

You've paid off your house. You've been investing for two decades. You have enough in your nest egg and savings where you're self-insured, meaning the policy could end

and you have enough to cover your family if something were to happen. So, that's the simplest answer at what point in your lives are you self-insured? When you could drop the policy and if you were

to cope today, God forbid,

“your family would be just fine living off of your”

time in accounts and savings. All right, I love it. And so, Zander, by the way, great place for people to go. We had a young guy in the pre-show

was asking about his 34 years of age. He's saying I'm single. Do I have to be single? Do I need insurance? And I told him, go get a quote online

because you'll find it's much cheaper when you're young and healthy. Yeah. And a lot of you know that as you get older and there's health conditions,

it becomes more difficult and more expensive. And so, this is something really affordable especially compared to a trash insurance we call whole life, permanent life insurance. Term life is a fraction of the cost

you want to aim for 10 to 12 times your annual income. And then you're spouse. Aim for 10 to 12 times there income. And if there's stay at home spouse,

you need at least a half million dollar policy

because you got to hire Mary Poppins to replace everything they do. Yes, I would say even more for stay at home spouses. We stay half a million,

it depends on your kids. Yeah, that's the base. And your household expenses. Absolutely. So, and Zander is great

because they go and shop multiple companies. You're not just looking at one. And so, that's the one once I use. But it's great because they price it out. You get to see the prices of everything.

You get to pick it and it's wonderful. So, it is so inexpensive. It's some of the saddest calls that we get on Ramsey Show if someone is passed away as spouse has and they call it.

And that spouse, you know, even if it was a stay at home parent, stay at home mom and she has to go back into the workforce because they have nothing and she, the kids. And it's just heartbreaking.

So, and sometimes we have it through there. They have it through their employer. And they go, "I don't need it on my own." I go, "How much is through your employer?" They go, "50,000?"

Go, "Well, that'll cover him for a year if they're lucky." You need 10 to 12 times your income and it needs to be outside of your employer because your employment can change. So, Zander.com is a place to go.

This is the Z for all of you. And I've been around over 99 years. We've been with them for 30 years at Ramsey. Fantastic people. Tell 'em.

We sent you. They'll take great care of you. While we're here in Charlotte, I thought I'd get some fresh air and hit the streets to find out how people

are handling their money. What does finance a success look like for you? Not paying attention to the price of things.

You'll get to stake first, price second.

Maybe I'll skip the appetizer and cocktail. Stick to the rib eye. You skip the appetizer. You've got enough safe for retirement. You've got an emergency fund.

Yeah, short-term focus, but also having a long-term vision of you don't want to run out of it. And you want to be able to not work for the rest of your life. I haven't peace of mind.

Having a retirement fund that will allow me, and my family to have some fun at the end of the day, and to kind of pass on generation of wealth. No debt, except for maybe the only debt

“I think you should probably carry is your mortgage.”

Are you there? Yes. How long have you been consumer debt-free? 20 years? Yeah.

To be able to have free time, not based on my effort. So without you doing anything? Yes. Me, time.

You've got all the time in the world. Yes. Having enough to feed myself. Yeah. It's just satiated.

So low expectations. That's the key to financial success for you. Satiations on the floor. Wow. Okay.

How about you? You have to pretend that money isn't real. It's pretty impossible to live by yourself, but I think that success to me is being able to live on your own. Being able to travel when you want,

and being able to raise a family. I think those are two things that I value right now. The freedom to take a day off and not have to worry about, you know, do I have enough PTO?

Do I have enough saved up that I don't need to worry, I don't need to worry about anything. Can I go get my nails done? Can I have breakfast? That kind of thing.

So live your life. Take the day off and not go. I can't miss that paycheck. I want to know how many single people I have. Oh, that's fun.

Oh, shut up.

Okay. Now I didn't expect this. Single people stand up for a second. Oh. By the way.

Oh, my goodness. They're looking around. What is happening here? Hold state. Why didn't they sit down?

Right here. Do you too know each other? Just met tonight. Can I ask you a question, sir? Huh?

How old are you? Yeah. It was a very clear question. 58. You look fantastic, by the way.

Ma'am.

I would never normally do this.

But how old are you? 56. That's serendipitous. What else would you all like to ask? That's it.

What baby step are you on? You've got to, you've got to. You know what? The rest of you could sit down. Everybody else sit down.

You two stay up. This is excited. Oh, my. All right. Are you a baby steps million in it?

Just hang with us. All right. You're in baby steps seven. You're in seven. Oh, my gosh.

Here's what that means. They don't need each other's money. They don't need each other's money. They don't need each other's money. This is what we call an even plain ground.

How would you, I'm just, this is getting the next level. This is exciting. How would you describe your personality be brief? Fun and energetic. Yeah.

Easy going. Yeah. Excuse me.

How would you describe your personality?

Type A, boring, certificate. What is it, certificate? Yes. Yes. I like that.

I like it. Are you okay? Are you okay if I do it just a couple more fun? I'm okay. Are you okay if I do it just a couple more fun?

I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun.

I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun.

I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. I'm okay if I do it just a couple more fun. But if you guys you know talk amongst yourselves during the show.

“If you want to go out Ramsey Solutions will pay for your first date.”

I love it. All right you can be seated. This is great. Well done.

Yeah okay so you all are asking us questions throughout the night and we love that.

But we thought it would be fun. We were talking with the team. We were talking amongst ourselves. We thought what if we flipped the script a little bit. And we asked you all some questions.

So this is like you know we're going to see what you all think about some stuff. You guys it up for that. Okay now this is for the brave people. Right we're looking for the big personalities. We're willing to share some stuff with this okay.

So and you're going to yell it out from your seat. Yeah you might. So we're going to have to be patient with each others. You yell out. So is your hand?

We'll call you. So we're going to start with a fun one. What's the dumbest thing? You have ever done with money who wants to share a dumb thing. Kind of a stupid.

Right here is a hand. All right so. Search the end up and project it. No no no no. I don't stay there.

You're not coming here. We have security. You'll get taste. No just you're going to yell out. Take your approach.

All right go ahead. Snap. Snap. Snap on tools. I thought he said snap.

Like so did I.

“I was like that's a rather refreshing beverage.”

How much money did you blow on? So that's fine. What was dumb about snap on. Start now. Obviously I had no tools starting out when I was 16.

And from 16 to now I had probably $50,000. How old are you now? So 16 to 22 you dropped 50 grand on these snap on tools. And you're still in debt. I'm close to being paid off.

Nice. Close to being paid off. Love to hear that. Thank you sir for sharing your dumb. You're about to pay the tools off.

And are you making good money with said tools? Oh yeah. How much? 31 now right now. 31 dollars an hour.

Like 64 grand or so. And what do you do? Do you do? Do you do? Do you do?

Do you do? Do you do? Girlfriend. Oh there's you. Taken ladies.

He's taken. All right. Okay thank you sir. That's good. Who else has got a?

Do we want another one of those? That's okay. When we got one of brown. I was definitely in the last year.

“I went into 20 to $1,000 for debt for ex-boyfriend because.”

Yeah. Just dump for an ex-boyfriend. This feels like a mic. This feels like a mic. Oh my god.

This requires. This requires follow up. Right here man. He's coming to you. We're going to we'll figure it out.

Oh bring it to you. Oh that's a service. Do you all my pass in the mic? Okay. Oh my god.

So let me send her some.

And then she gets with a debt beat guy.

I probably got emotional like three times as being here because I'm just thinking about how like I don't know. Talking to their business like. I made a mistake. It was a expensive one. You move forward.

But long story short debt free. Boyfriend. Last year had a really good job. Making like 15,000 a month. Then lost my job.

And it was because of our relationship. And took out $22,000. So for debt. To help him.

“I remember the first thing was like he needed me to buy a fidgerator for one of his homes.”

One of his homes plural. But he was too broke to afford. Three of them. And because he has a real bad addiction problem. And I was just trying to help him.

Well not help him with the thing. But help him through the addiction because he made so much money. He would make like. 14, 20,000 a week and just spend it between like drugs gambling. Yeah.

I'm so sorry. I'm not. I'm not. Yeah. So much.

Yeah. It's over. And I'm just like. Are you working to pay off the debt? Or do you still have?

So I worked at the casino. I hadn't worked in six months. And I still been knocking out debt. And so like that. And so hopefully I just talked to my old managers.

And hopefully for the summer. The kids get out of school. I go back. Yeah. Let's go.

Just to get back on track. Can I share and you want to take something? Yeah. You've done it before.

How much debt did you pay off the first time?

I paid off 20,000. Okay. So what's 2000 more? You got this. It's just like.

“You got a guilt and shame in the baggage room.”

This is a point. Yeah. Because I'm like, wow. I was just right there and just ready to just. It's okay.

And I was making. I think like decent money. And I love my job. And so it's just like. Hey listen.

No more shame tonight. So. Hey. Look at me. No more shame.

No more shame. No more shame. You're good person. Thank you. Who loved a guy.

And you got sucked into a tough situation. And you've learned from it. You paid off 20 to of 20 before. You can pay off the 22. Everybody in this room is completely behind you.

Are you guys behind your. Yeah. You got this. Good job. All right.

Do we have another fun question, George? Do you have a flip to script? Yeah. I want. There's some.

There's some crazy people out here.

So here's what I want to know.

There's a crazy thing you've done to pay off that.

“The thing that you would tell someone and they're like, I'm sorry.”

You did what now? Now keep it family friendly. We're a family show. We got to be able to air this on YouTube. Yeah.

That's right. I want to know what something you did that other people would kind of had to have a head tilt at. Anyone sell a horse. Could you sell the horse?

Yeah. I could be what you sold. What you did. Life's so wise. Maybe.

I saw something sacrifice. Raise your hand. Right back here. So we have a stand up and just stand up and give us real loud. Like big old voice.

Somebody else's horses before and after work. Yeah. Let's go. So you were a horse babysitter. That's okay.

That's pretty good. Anybody crazy like wacky stories of getting out of debt. You did something to pay off debt. There was a girl we talked to and she would do all of her. She would blow dry her hair in her apartment hallways.

So she'd have to pay for utilities. I'll get into the hallway. Like things like that. Anything crazy. Make in your own soaps.

Yeah. Okay. I got one. We need a little. We need to introduce a little more tension into this room.

Oh boy. Give us a argument that you had about money with your spouse or your partner. Anybody got the what's the last argument you had over money. Look at everybody clamming up. Anybody.

Right here. We got one. Oh, I like I see that answer. Is this spouse here? Yeah.

Hold on. We're getting the mic. I got a feeling. Are you guys together? Are you guys together?

What was the argument? Combining finances. And. Did you want to or not, too, sir? I'm wanting to.

Oh, oh. Wanting. A present. Present. Sounds like the argument hasn't been settled or maybe it has been settled.

But, ma'am. Let's go ahead. This one's to be corrected. Ma'am. What's the story?

Ma'am. I see you. You know we can see you, right? She thinks that the post is hiding her. I'm going to step out here.

Go ahead. Put the mic over there. She said no. No to the mic. Yeah.

That is your right, ma'am. Thank you very much. All right. Well, sir. Based on that response.

I don't like your situation. You're going to have to keep casting vision. Okay. So let's bring this back. We get this call a lot on the show.

And we're having a little fun with you, ma'am. You're a great sport. But this is a real tension. We get to call all the time. Let's talk about the dynamic.

What's going on? We don't need to know their situation. But we kind of know what's going on. This is a big deal, George. Rachel, what's happening here?

I found there's several reasons for it. And usually the person wants to combine hasn't done a good enough job asking questions to dig into those reasons for them to feel seen and heard to go, oh, I actually understand why you feel that way.

It was scarcity or there was trauma or there was a divorce. And my parent or friend wasn't safe because they had combined finances. And it put them in a precarious situation. The more you can ask questions and dig, the more you can get to some empathy and understanding. And then they need to be asking you.

But why are you wanting to combine finances? What is the upside here? And there's a given take there. It's a dance and it usually takes people a while to get there. It's not a single conversation.

“And I think what's hard too is when people hear combined finances.”

They're thinking just the numbers. The tactical side of it, we're going to combine accounts and do a bunch together and that's it. And they missed the real benefit of it. Like when you really do when you combine finances, you are combining on so much of your life. You are saying ultimately, I am yielding with this person that I've chosen to spend my life with.

And I'm going to choose to do this part of my life that kind of feels vulnerable. And especially if you get married later, which I understand that. You're used to paying bills the way you pay them. You do your budget the way you do it. I mean, it's just you are you have your thing.

And then this other person comes in. And it's so different. It's so hard because you would just be easier if we just were still on two separate tracks. And I still love you and it's fine. But what you miss is that connection point that happens from a vulnerable standpoint to say,

No, I really am combining every part of me in this this place that feels so scary. I'm actually going to say, yeah, we are going to become one.

And it's amazing to me how many, especially debt free couples we get.

And they say constantly how their marriage is better. They're like, you know, you saved our marriage and we're thinking, we didn't teach a marriage class. Right? Like, this was the way we were talking about. We're talking about money, but money is a very, very vulnerable place. And it's a very revealing place in our lives.

Like, even when you look through scripture, you know, what the Bible says about it, it's speak so much to who you are as a person.

“So not only do you miss out on knowing that part of your spouse when you don't combine money.”

But also you miss actually grafting together a life where you're like, yeah, this is our household and we're going to run it together. You miss that when you're when you're running to separate lanes. Technically, it's a well for multiplier when you combine finances. And you're going to the same direction and set it going well.

That's her money. And I don't know what she's got going on. That's her business. Well, that's where a lot of this financial infidelity happens. Versus the transparency, which causes you to feel more connected, which causes you to build trust, which is the foundation of a relationship.

And so I would encourage anyone to try it. Unless you have good reason not to. And we've had those calls. You say no. That addiction.

And if there, yes, there are some big red flags in a relationship that it is not safe for you to. And we totally understand that. But for the other run in the most couples. Yeah, do it. I'm reminded about how much fun it is to be in the room with people.

We're in the show and in the studio in Nashville. We don't get to see you. This is so much fun. I just want to take a quick moment. We can't do the Ramses show live to without our friends at Fairwins Credit Union.

They're so awesome. Such a great partner for the Ramses show. I just want to say thanks to whatever nameless executive gave us the green light for this. We're very thankful for that. So give them some love.

Love Fairwins. They're awesome. [Applause] Next box in Luke. We're coming to the mic.

There we are. [Applause] So high folks. How are you? We're doing great.

We're from Concord, North Carolina, just north of here. The home of NASCAR. That's right. No these things. Rachel, did you know that?

Did not can. Thank you. You know she didn't know that Charlottes the Queen City. I had to tell her that too. Can is like our old man.

[Laughter] Okay.

He always on the Ramses show is like from the Motor City.

Detroit. We've got Alan Collin from the Big Apple. Jason's guy. He loves it. So he's like the Queen City.

I do. I do all the good. I have a little history of our friends. We're going off. We're off track.

We are here for you. Back to our friends from Concord. What's your question? All right. So this is my 18 year old son Luke.

I'll be graduating high school in just about six weeks. All right. Luke. Good. [Applause]

And my question is as a parent.

“How do you steward your growing children well without micromanaging their disposable income?”

And just a tiny bit of context. We are huge Ramsey fans. Luke has been working since he was 14.

The role from paycheck one was you say 50 percent.

You can spend 40 percent and you give 10 percent. So he has a lot of disposable income. And I feel like he makes purchases that from my perspective are excessive. And yet I don't want to micromanage him as his mom. Yeah.

Well, you kind of sort of answered your question in that last statement. You are a mature, successful adult who has to be his mom. He is an 18 year old boy with God bless you. Your frontal lobe is still developing. Yeah.

And he appreciates that. So I think that from my perspective is the part where you're going to have to release a little bit.

I've got a 20 year old in college in Chicago who literally can't keep money in his account longer than 17 seconds. And then I've got a middle son who has three grand in his account and won't spend it on anything. And then I have a daughter who's 17 who's just like the 20 year old. So one of the things that I've had to just as a dad to learn is I can teach.

I can show and model. And then I can console when they're broke. And so my oldest in my youngest, I, and this is not my wife's natural path. She wants to do what you're doing. How can I help control and do all this kind of stuff?

And it's really wonderful. But I have found that my 20 year old is beginning to learn the value of money because of the allocated money he gets versus his job, his part-time job. And when he's broke and he calls me, I just go, "Me and that stinks, buddy." [ Laughter ]

And now it's kind of a joke and at first it made him mad.

Now he kind of gets it and now the calls aren't even coming in. And he is finding a way. And so I think in some ways you've done a wonderful job. And you've got to let that young man figure it out.

“And I think the best teacher in life is failure.”

Luke, I'm curious, what set expenses purchases are you buying that your mom would say is excessive? Like an iPad or a cologne. [ Laughter ] Had phones, pens?

Anything. Is that within the 40% that's kind of allocated here? You can get closer than Mike Luke. Yeah, that's in the 40% yes. Mom, what are you wanting to do with the instead of the iPad and the cologne?

Those don't seem outrageous to me. No. The iPad? [ Laughter ] He gets it.

[ Laughter ] Can loves a cologne. I like to smell good.

I'm not going to lie to you.

Yeah. Well, it's like I would not spend as much on perfume or cologne as he did. And it brought him great joy. But I was thinking, oh, that's a lot of money. And we had different upbringing.

I grew up with very, very little. And I've done pretty well for him. I think the deeper concern I have is I don't want him to be purchasing those items to impress others. And what I sometimes hear, and he's such a great kid, is, hey, I just got this cologne. And here's how much it costs.

Does he's talking to his friends? And I'm like, if you love it and you want it, then purchase it. But not for the praise or the affirmation from others. And I think that's very fair. Because that is a contentment loop that only though can be broken by you.

Look. I mean, honestly, that's something that can't be learned up here. That's something that's going to happen. So I'm a spender like you. So I feel yeah.

So a question I ask myself a lot is before I make this purchase.

“I think if nobody sees this purchase, do I still want it?”

So the idea of how much of my motivation is for others. Or for affirmation, whatever the thing is. But if nobody was to see it, how much of this is just for me? Because back to our point of like rolling the eyes of like the kids birthday party or whatever it may be. Right, people are going to value different things.

And people are going to say, I'm like, I would never spend the X on a car.

I would never spend the X on a car. I would never spend the X on a car. And that's, it's not a moral, but that's people with they value. And that's not necessarily wrong. But if there is a belief that this thing is going to make me happy.

Or what I get from it, if I impress someone with the price tag, right? But that example she just used, yeah, you'll be a rat in a wheel for the rest of your life running and getting nowhere. And if the newness of stuff is what funds your happiness. Again, there will be deep discontentment for the rest of your life. And you'll be chasing the wrong thing and the finish line keeps moving.

You think if I just could have this, I can get that. Or if it moves this way, you know, I got to catch up to this. So that's something though that I think is learned through life experience.

“I hate to say it, but I think that's a spiritual exercise more than anything.”

But the math side, George, of the investment side, right? If you actually invested some of this money, what that turns into is pretty astronomical. And I know you're already saving a lot, Luke, which is great. And where are you saving exactly? Is it in a savings account?

Savings account? Okay. What's your end game here? Are you wanting to build wealth and have some autonomy and freedom as a young man? Yes, absolutely.

And do you see investing as a path to get there? Yes, absolutely. Well, let's crunch the numbers for you here. You're a young man, 18. You got all the time in the world on your side.

And you have time to fail. You got time to make mistakes. But if you just went, hey, you know what? What if I instead of buying that next dude ad, I instead put that in a Roth IRA because you're earning income?

I have not. No. All right.

I'm going to show you using our investment calculator.

Can we do his real numbers? I'm going to use your real number if you're willing to give it to me. Like savings or what? Yes, you have nothing in retirement now. No investment accounts.

How much can you put away a month into investing? I don't know the exact number on that. Can you put 500 bucks away? Yeah, absolutely. That seemed like a low number to you.

You were like, absolutely. It's nothing. What do I say? Hold up, mom is kind of going. Well, well, what I would say is the big purchase that

will be coming soon is a car. And we're going to do 50/50. And we've talked about it won't be a brand new car. And there's, you know, there's reason because he has $15,000 saved. Wow.

He's not, yes. Yeah. But he's not getting a $30,000 car to start.

“So I think he would need to, I think probably about 200 to $300 a month”

would be good because it would be coming from his disposable income because he's also going to be going to college. He's got short-term goals too. Yes. So you're going to split the difference.

We're going to go $250 from age 18 to age, let's say 60. All right. That's like an early retirement for most of America. 18 to 60. You put 250 bucks away until Roth IRA.

And make that an on auto.

Do where you never saw the money.

It left your account when that paycheck hit. You don't have time to spend it. Here's what you'd have. Almost $2 million in that one account at 60. If you just did that, that's if you never got a raise.

Never put in more than that. And that's tax-free withdrawals if it's in a Roth side. Because you used after tax income to invest it. So that's like take home pay. Think about it that way.

Yeah. That's a pretty good life at 60 without really doing much. You sort of had it on auto. And 250 bucks for you is a drop in the bucket with you with the money you're already making at 18.

Think about how good you're going to smell then. Oh, yeah. It's going to have your own Cologne company by then. Yeah. So I just rub money all over your face.

“I think you got to think about the opportunity cost a little bit.”

And again, your 18, I spent every one of my paychecks at 18. So he's doing astronomically well. So I think it's less about his spending issues. Yes, we need to dig into the mode of in contentment. But I think, mom, there's some control issues.

There's some scarcity stuff that you might need to unpack too. So I think there's work on both of your parts to sort of get to the consensus that he's fine. He's doing better than most adults in America. I'm much less worried about him. And mom, you have done a great job with this young man.

Give this to the audience. You guys are awesome. All right. Up next, we've got Bailey. Let's welcome Bailey to the mic.

Hi Bailey. Hi. Where are you from? Charlotte. Charlotte.

What's your question? My question is, do you think it's good to invest in real estate now? Or should I wait until it goes down further? Go down further? Yeah, like if the market goes down further.

What evidence are you seeing that that's going to happen? I'm not. I'm just wondering your opinion. No. Yeah, I'm not trying to hang you up on that.

I just wanted to know if you were reading something or what you're sourcing to feel that way. I don't think that that's going to happen. You might have some bubbles in certain areas. But by and large, how old are you? I'm like student age.

Great. That's a range. I love that.

“You should go for Congress with that answer.”

I'll vote for you. Thank you. I'm student age. Okay. George, what do you think about Rachel, what do you think about your investment is Mr.

Real estate? Yeah, I want to know from you where have you heard this? Oh, thank you. Oh, this is a really good plan. And I need to do this.

My parents and some my teachers in school. Interesting. The college or high school. High school. Okay.

Great for you. So where is the urgency coming from for you to own real estate? No, I'm just trying to like, I'm just curious about the topic and I'm trying to plan ahead. Okay. I love that.

Really really.

So we always say to invest in real estate when you're a baby step seven, which means you are

completely debt free including your primary residence, completely debt free. You're investing into retirement 401ks, Roth IRAs, or being smart about retirement from that perspective 15%. And then above that you can be investing more in baby step seven. And some people choose to invest more in the market.

I have like a brokerage account or an index fund or a mutual fund. It'll put their money in. Some people put their money in real estate. And so the key about real estate investing specifically. So there's the flip side and then there's the buy and hold.

And the buy and hold strategy is that you want to buy low. So you'd find a short sale or a foreclosure. So we're going to put some cash in it all with cash. So we are all cash at this point. And then you hold it and you hold it for 20 plus years.

And then when your kids are graduating high school and going to college, you got to fund college.

They take that equity fund their life.

Do what they want with or they keep it generation. Whatever that looks like. And then there's the flip side and the flip side is again, you buy something. Really inexpensive. It's really inexpensive.

And you put some cash into it, fix it up, sell it for a little bit more. That's a little bit more of a job. I would say that's more of a part time job people have versus the holding. And the the hold strategy, if you will. So there's kind of two ways to do it.

But that would be after yes, I would say after you're out of. If you're going to college or trade school after all, that's paid for. After you have a primary home for yourself. And that's paid off in all of it. But it is a great strategy.

It is a later in the steps for us. But it's a great technique.

“All of the social media trends that are like you need to own 19 properties by the time you're 25.”

And here's why. And here's a course to sell you on it. Avoid all of that noise out there. And the noise that it's just passive income. You don't have to do anything.

It's not a big deal. You just do it. And then you get money. No. You don't.

You deal with people. You deal with renters. You deal with contract. You are in it. It's not just passive.

And honestly, you don't make as much as quick as you would sometimes even in the market.

The real estate market and the stock market sometimes are at odds with each other. So sometimes you can make as much just investing. And not doing anything versus putting all your effort into real estate. But I come to a real estate family. My husband loves it.

My dad loves it. So I am. I love. I do live real estate. But sometimes.

Could just be easier just to invest. To be honest. That's what George loves George loves. I know plans on owning investment property. No.

Thank you. I can't be a landlord. Look at me. I was going to take me seriously. You're certainly not going to be able to kick anybody out of their house.

Oh, sure. They could take me in a fight. But it's a great question.

I love you're thinking about this.

Well done, David. Thank you. Our next question is brought to you by our friends at YReFi. If any of you out there or watching on YouTube and listening. If you've lost control of your private student loan payments.

Your financial progress is stalled out. We get it. But this is where YReFi comes in. You love our partnership with them because they help borrowers. Explore refinancing options with payments.

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May not be available in all states. How about that? George came all everybody leaves. It's an alley you. There it is.

They don't even want to clap for you. They're so used to you doing it. They're impressed that I can spell a five hundred one. Cheap applause, cheap applause. Next, our next question is brought to you by YReFi.

Where's Megan? Let's welcome Megan to the mic. There we go. Hi Megan. Hey.

Where are you from? I'm from Shelby and North Carolina. Shelby, North Carolina. What's your question? So I have an opportunity to pay off $30,000 in debt.

I'm about working two jobs. For like 10 to 12 months and I can get it all paid off. But I'm a single mother of two boys. So I'm trying to weigh if it's worth it to pay it off. And that short of a span of time, or if I should try to spread it out.

What is your concern? Is it the boys and being with them? Yes. How old are they? 8 and 11.

“Who would watch them when you're working in hustling?”

My mama. Your mama? Yes. So they would be in tremendous care, yes or no? Yes.

Extra-gram on time? Yes. They're not concerned with it. But I'm concerned that they won't express that it's bothering them. I'm not around.

Yeah. Have you explained to them that you're in a journey to pay off debt? Have you had that conversation? Obviously in context with an 8-year-old and 11-year-old? Yes.

I have. But I don't really think they understand the gravity of it. Yeah. Well, if you're not around as much, they might start to pay attention to it. Yes.

I'm going to say it's your call. But if it were me, I think there's an awesome story in it. And I think if those 8-year-old boy, that 8-year-old boy and 11-year-old boy seem mama working so hard and they begin to see that mama's tired. Mama, why are you working so hard for you?

Yes. Let's explain what I'm doing. It may not all completely stick, but I think that that intense timeline will take you to another level as a single mom because you're a hero. And I say, go for it, the boys are going to be fine.

They don't appreciate time like you do. And I do think your mama heart is going to be the hardest part of it and being bone tired. But I vote for do it for the story. You know what I mean? It's like, the things that we press through and the things that shape us are the things that

are really hard.

“But I think whatever you decide to do, you know, I'm in favor.”

That's my thought. What do you all think? Rachel, what do you think?

I mean, I would say number one, you can set it, but you're incredible.

Any single parents that do this, that is unbelievable what you do day in a day out. So here I say that. It is such a feat to raise kids and at those ages. Those are exactly what I have kids, the exact ages. And it's just so I'm exhausted.

You know what you mean? And to do it day in and day out by yourself, you're incredible. Absolutely incredible. So they're seeing that. Yes, give around the falls honestly.

It's.

“I think there's a entire chance the story they tell when they're older is my mom worked”

or tail off her family and not my mom wasn't around when we were kids. Yeah. I don't say it's going to affect you. You already said it. You said it yourself.

It's going to affect you more than it affects them. I mean, honestly, I and I mean, my, my dad, which I know is a different situation. But I mean, he, he was gone a lot.

I mean, up until I was probably middle school building and doing and teaching and

traveling and working. I mean, it was, it was constant. And I remember to appoint that he set us all down because he was going on a, on a book tour for the first book. I remember he set us down and he, it was this big family meeting and it was so heavy.

And he was like, I'm going to be gone. And I think it was like close to 45 days to do a big book tour. And I'll be honest. I remember thinking, well, okay. I like, okay.

So it's not that they don't care about you. But genuinely, I think if they're with someone that they love. It's going to just, it's going to be harder. It's going to be hardest on you. So I think if you can get through it, I would for 10 months.

“If you were saying 10 years, I'd be like, no, for 10 months, I think you can do anything.”

And forever, ever, amen, the weight of debt. Those change, it's gone. The change, it's gone. Completely.

And you have changed your family tree.

When we talk about changing your family tree, that's it. They're not only watching it, but they're going to experience a freedom from their mom that you're about to give them. And it's, it's going to, it's going to completely affect their life. And I think there's something about that intensity.

And you just knock it out in 10 months. I, I would say do it, but I also say with as a mom, you make the best call for you in that. Okay. Megan, we got to fun a little award for you. Okay.

Okay. So you come on down. I'm going to tell the audience what we're giving you. We're giving you the rice and beans award right here. It's real.

This is a, a blast up where real rice, real beans. Haven't been cooked yet. So you just, you just give those to the boys. And you explain what you're doing. It's your favorite.

Rice and beans. Rice and beans is my favorite. We're made for this. I had no idea. Hey, is this a single mama bear who's crushing it?

Let her know how we feel about her. Let's go. Yeah. How about that? That's so good.

“Who knew that the rice and beans award was going to go to her?”

And she was, I had something better. Something more bougie for you, girl. Well, now I wish I had cooked them. No, no, no, it says she went out to cook them. I didn't cook them.

So fast. Okay. Next. Next question is from Raquel. Raquel, where are you?

Come on down. Well, right over here. Give her some while while she gets to the mic. I got to say, the ladies are leading the charge tonight. Where are the men?

Where are the men asking questions? By the way, now the reminder. Are there any couples that need this esteemed panel of judges to get in the middle of something? Go see Katie. She's waiting.

Raquel, hi. Hi. How are you? I'm good. Where are you from?

So me and my fiancé are reached the engaged. We just moved up from West Palm Beach, Florida, here at the Charlotte. Okay. Fantastic. What's your question?

So my question is, in this new journey that we have together moving together being engaged, the conversation of finances have definitely come up. So we grew up drastically different opposites definitely attract. And my relationship with money just in regards to what my family is like is very drastic than what his family is like and what he's used to and was exposed to.

And I think that a lot of people that I talk to in my day to day life have the same type of reservations when it comes to money in that talk in general. So I guess my question is layered. What would you say would be something that we can actively do to align our thoughts about money and what would you give as in advice to new couples trying to start their life together?

Okay. So let me ask. How did he grow up? Give me a picture of him and then you. So we can kind of see what we're working.

Yes. So my family, I come from an immigrant household. I grew up in Florida. And you know, my mom was very good with money with what she had. She was very good with budgeting.

But on the other side, I had a grandma and a family, my dad's side who made a lot of money. But did not do well managing it.

and a lot of misguided and so I'm not going to lie. His family, however, they grew up in Columbus, Georgia. I'm a stay at home mom with a hardworking dad and he from what I understand.

Their family saved a lot of money, always had something the emergency fund.

Budgeted really hard, but still gave themselves those little luxuries of Thanksgiving vacation and things like that. But they were always financially conscious. Okay. So what's the tension point then?

What do you feel like is that point of tension? Yeah. There's no tension per se. It's just like a mindset thing for me. I guess I had scarcity.

Would you say for you? Yes. Yes. Yes. More scarcity.

He's more abundance. You're more probably, I don't want to say stress. I don't want to put words in your mouth. But you're very aware. Know what's going on.

And he's like, it's going to be okay. We're fine. No. Okay. So tell me.

So give me. Give me more.

He has a scarcity mindset.

And being it as exactly. So because of the way that I grew up, I guess I don't really know like what's a good point. Like how much is too much frugality and how much is like too much overspending. So I'm still in my personal finance journey trying to figure out what a happy medium is. So you're kind of an agnostic.

And then he, you're just kind of like, I'm not sure about this whole money thing. Yeah. And he's just like tight, so tighty squeaks. Yes. He's cute.

It's very different. Our dynamic. I want to give ourselves a little luxuries in life. But he would definitely squeal over the $2 chipotle. Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

“That's why I feel like we got to bring the tightest person.”

I know in the conversation. George Cameron. Welcome to the party, my man. This guy won't pay two bucks for anything.

I just think it's a rip off.

I'd rather go make guacamole at home at that. Oh, boo. That was a flex, you just wanted to know that you know how to make guacamole. I don't, but I could if I wanted to. So okay.

So speak, speak to her from his perspective, because you get that. Yeah. My wife to this day is like, hey, man, can we not do this frugal game right now to save a buck? But it's just, it's a, I find it enjoyable for me. So I don't bring her into it.

It's, you know, under her business. She's saving money. She should be happy. But I do think there's a level of this is their personality style. Yeah.

And that part won't change. And then there's an alignment on the values and goals. And that's the part you guys need to focus on. Not the minutia of, hey, he wants to be frugal in this area. Now, the more it affects you, and the more it's detached from the regality of your financial

situation. If you guys are multi millionaires, and he's like, we can't afford this. That's a different situation than had rather not spend money on that. That's not a priority for me, but you can get the guacamole. Yeah.

That's where I'm going. You get to, as you guys step into marriage is being aligned with the values and the goals. And over time, you will be doing better financially. So right now, he may have good reason to have a scarcity mindset because he doesn't have his family's money.

Right. Right. He's starting a new chapter for on his own. Here's what I'm feeling. I just want to throw this in there.

“So I think because you're, we called you in a fun way and agnostic.”

Because you just kind of figure out what is my money values. Yeah. Because you love him. Because you guys are going to do life together. I think it could be great to lean into him a little bit for a while.

Yeah. And kind of go, okay. And then the easiest way, and George, I want you to weigh in in Rachel too. But I'm sitting here listening going, I think it would be great if you really got serious about budgeting. Mm-hmm.

Because the more clear and disciplined your budget is, if you want the $2 guac, and he goes, because of how he's wired and the environment that he grew up in, which is all real and totally okay. Yes. You have a budget and you can grow in mind him. Hey.

It's totally in there. Am I right? Yeah. Absolutely. Because I think there's the high level tactical, which may just take care of itself honestly.

So since you guys are engaged, I would open up a checking account together. And I would put some money in for the weddings and expenses coming up. And you guys start to practice. What does this feel like to start doing money together? Yeah.

And do a mock budget of both of your salaries. You know what you make? Okay. Let's just for fun. Let's make a household budget.

What this is going to look like. Here's mine. Here's yours and like play a game. Bring them both together. Like how close are we with this?

Yeah.

“Because that's going to say, that's going to, from a high level, honestly may actually eliminate.”

Some of this, when you guys are working together on a plan and you're being very specific about where the income's going. So that's big. Yeah. And the number two I would say is opposite to tract. And I know this in my marriage can same, same with you and Whitney.

I have learned to lean into Winston's strengths and he's learned to lean into mine. So you're both a gift. You both bring something to the table that the other person needs.

Good. Yeah.

So big on the saving and and excel sheets.

“But honestly, I look at that now as a wife and I'm so thankful.”

I feel taken care of, honestly, that I'm like, thank you for taking care of that stuff. Because it does it gives me a level of peace and then if it weren't for me, he would have no fun in life. Exactly. I bring the funds. You know what I'm saying?

You know what I mean? I bring the fund. And so I feel like we're a lot alike. Yes. As a token of friendship to my new friend over here, I have an award for him.

I have an award for her. This is perfect. Oh my god. Ladies first of me. Okay.

Okay. I'm going to give you my award as your free spirit. You're like me. Thank you. And yes, it is.

I want to give you a little, a little bottle of shampoo. And we're going to give it to her for both of them. So George, you, okay. The same one. All right.

I have for your fiance, the frugal camel award. I got this from Goodwill. So you see now I didn't even spend full price on this. Yeah. So give this to him as a reminder that it's okay to be a little bit, you know,

resourceful with your money as I say. I like how you a glammed cheap up. I just thought I wanted people to know. I like I appreciate that. I wouldn't have bought that on my own volition.

I know you would not have.

Oh, he would have never paid good money for that.

He would have a try to barter for it. And then ask Ramsay solutions to pay for it. That's how that went down. Thank you again. Yeah, you're awesome.

Give her some more. Thank you for sharing. Congrats. No.

“I think we have a couple can by the way.”

Well, I'm excited. But before we go to our next question, I want my favorite things in a live audience. I like to scan the crowd. Just get a feel. What's happening?

And I noticed that our single friend next to you, sir, has left her seat. Oh. Oh, she's up to ask a question. Rachel's helping me out. I thought, what did you do?

Did you like swing an arm around and then got uncomfortable? I mean, I practically set the table for you. It's okay. Things are good. There she is.

It's Grace, our single friend from the front row. Grace. Thank you guys for coming to the Charlotte to come to us so that we can ask the questions. You're such a good sport, by the way. Thank you.

My question is how to let the gazelle rest. I started this journey back in 2016 on when Davis here for a smart money tour. I was one of the volunteers. And that's when I got, got really sucked into the cult. I drank the cool light.

So I was, the gazelle intense for about five to six years, finally got out of dance.

So I got to zero. I was not in the negative anymore. I got to zero. I switched careers and cash flowed a electrical debris. And then now that I am working in having so much fun with what I do as my career,

the gazelle is still running. I do not spend money and I look for coupons. If I go to 7/11 and the soda pop is a dollar or not. I won't pay for it because I won't pay for 99 cents. I'm too far that way.

Which had an extra frugal camel for you back. One question too late. So let me dig on that.

“So let's just, for everybody know, what's your future look like financially?”

Your retirement, your all set, you look beautiful. Don't have anything to worry about. Is that correct? Yes. Mark military.

So that's always there. Thank you for your service. Great. Thank you. And then I have back to work.

I just love it so much. But it all goes 100% goes into the 401k, 457b, HSA, I already. What are you worried about? What are you worried about from your past, financially, that worries you? Because I think that the source of this is fear.

It is. I know. What is it? What are you afraid that's going to happen? Be as specific as you can in their zero judgment on what you're about to say.

Just let it rip. What are you afraid of? That I will end up as my mother. Oh, there it is. Describe how your mom ended up.

We grew up on a farm. Three channels. No cable. So we thought we were very poor. But then in the 80s and 90s, the advent of housing developments.

We kind of realized that we weren't poor. Mom just liked to sew. She liked to cook from scratch. But after my mom and dad divorced. She didn't have a lot of money.

But she didn't aspire to a lot. She was very simple woman. But when she got cancer. You don't want to send anybody to a facility that takes Medicaid.

So you don't want to end up as a financial burden to somebody.

Exactly. I don't want to end up like that.

“What would have to be true based on your financial situation right now?”

What would have to happen for you to be a financial burden in your old age? What would have to happen? For me to be a financial burden? You're not right now. You're not going to be.

So I'm saying what would have to happen for you to have no money to take care of yourself and someone else? What would you have to do? I'd have to crick-o. Yeah. What are the -- and -- and -- sure.

It's great. And what else would you have to do? Yeah. You have to do that. Right?

That's what we call it. It's not a trick question. I'm painting you into a corner to see that it's a zero percent chance of you squandering what you have saved. True or false? True.

So you're free. There's a much higher chance when you pass, you will have millions and millions sitting there that you can't take with you. That's the goal. That's what I'm saying.

“I think we need to re-adjust our goal here.”

Now, obviously you're single. Do you have any fingers? Right now she is. Someone's going, hey. I'm doing my best part.

I'll tell you that right now. It's trying. So yeah. Are there any people in your life that you would even leave the money to? I would leave it to organizations like for disabled veterans.

Wow. That's beautiful. Do you mind sharing? Do you mind sharing right now? What you have in retirement?

What do you have? What's your next egg right now? For five years, I've managed 275. Let's be fantastic. Way to go.

And you have zero debt? No. And you're crushing it. Are you an electrician? Building inspector.

Building inspector. Okay. So you're doing very well.

We're always going to need building inspectors.

You know who can't do building inspections? AI. Come on. Let's go. Amen.

So you're in great shape. How old are you? Can I ask? 56. That's right.

We do. Okay. So do you have a specific dollar amount in mine that you're wanting to get to for retirement? No. You don't.

Okay. So I would have somewhat of a goal. Because you have 275. That's great. Okay.

But also you're going to want to want more for retirement. So I would plan out sit down with a financial advisor and just say hey, what's the number I need to shoot for? And all that is is a goal. Okay. This isn't an identity thing.

It's just an idea of hey, I have to get to this place. So that's going to give you some healthy motivation to know. Am I being cheap here or there? I don't know. But you have something you're actually shooting for.

And then the second thing is when you start to get to that place, you know money is so funny.

It can be such a part of bondage for so many people. And on one end people spend they go deeply in debt and money becomes an idol to them. Because it's just like, oh my gosh, it's all they think about because they're stressed on one end. Because they've made bad decisions with money. And then you have people on the other end of this spectrum where money takes up as much mental calories as people over here.

But they have it. And it's actually stolen their freedom. You're not free.

“That's what it feels like automatically you are.”

So that's the piece from an emotional standpoint. I would want to start working on of what is causing that fear. I know you said your mom and all of that. But but really like from day in day out, what is going on in me? That's causing me to live life like this.

Because from a spiritual perspective, there's a level of bondage that has to be broken. And so that I think a goal is going to help you, genuinely. I think I think shooting for something where you feel safe. Of like a number of like I know this feels this feels good. As you get to, but then there's an emotional piece too.

Because if you're not careful, that number you're going to get to. You're going to be like, ah, it's not enough. I got I got I got I need some more in that finish line moves and you stay in that for the rest of your life. So, so yeah, I would be thinking about that and asking yourself some of those questions of what can cause me to be free to live life with an opening. Because some people that are not I'm not saying this is you.

Because you're a very generous person the way you've served in your life in your action. So I don't want to paint you in this corner, but some people that live life like this. They're not they tend not to be generous people. They have a harder time giving as well. So that open-hand mentality is so important with money.

But I don't think you have that problem because of everything you just laid about your life story. I don't want to say anything. And you have a paid for house, yes? Oh yeah. What's the house worth?

Three, maybe? Out the county? You're going to be fine. Because 56 in my book is young. You know what I'm saying?

And you know what I'm going to do something for Grace. We got a little something.

We never know what we're going to give.

But stuff do you guys have? I got a lot of stuff back here. I got a lot of stuff. Sir on the front row? Pay attention on what I'm doing.

Grace, come on down. We have some flowers for you. [Applause] You're so sweet. You're awesome.

Give it up for Grace one more time. Okay. James, can I call an audible? Do you trust me? Okay.

Can Rachel call it? Well, let's be honest. Rachel's been talking to what she wants.

“Rachel, why don't you tell everybody what you were telling me in my ear?”

I like this.

Because we love a settled debate.

It's one of our favorites. And so I saw a couple's hand over here that said they would volunteer. Is this for a couple's debates? Is this true? Yes?

Where are they? They're right here in the front row. Stand up and head to the mic. We're about to set up to play. Yes.

That's what we want. Thank you, James. Our favorite oscillator. What we want. This is what we have come here for.

This is our thing. I don't know why you all are here. I know why we're here. It's the saddle at a bit. No, I can.

Okay. This is fun.

We want to know what your name is.

Let's start with the man. Your name? Jessica. Jessica? I didn't enjoy.

And what? Coin or a Joel? Joel? Yeah. I'll go with Joel because I'll butcher the other one.

Okay. And where are you guys from? Mexico. Mexico. No way.

Thanks for coming. Okay. Somebody set it up. What is the debate that you want this esteemed panel of judges to weigh in on? So we have a sort of combine our finance.

Since we came here to the US, but there's some money that was before or things that just had like a house and yes, some savings or some stocks that we haven't combined. So we were last week in cosmil and we were having just like some tension and discussions about it. So I don't know who wants to do what? Let's give us the two positions.

Yes. So I would like to know how can I better show her that. That she trusts me, maybe. Oh. So what do you want to do, sir?

What is the position? What do you want to do? That you would like her to trust you with? Just a fully combined finance on everything. Just not finance, but everything.

Everything. Everything is ours. Love your heart. Okay. So Jessica, I mean the guy is emotional.

What a heart Jessica, what are you concerned about? And by the way, not judging you. What are you concerned about? What are your fears or disagreements on this?

“So my, I'm not sure like, or what's the best way to bring that money here in the relationship”

because we are thinking maybe to buy a house. But I have like around 150k and we could bring that money into the house. But I'm not sure if that's good for the relationship. Why, okay, let's stop right there. What would be, what do you think that money and combining things?

How would it harm your relationship? Because probably he will feel like the house is mine or something like that. Our pause, sir. Joel, will you feel that way? No.

[ Laughter ] I mean, I think it's, um, whenever we have these discussions, I hear that she wants to take care of her parents or help them. And this is where I think at some point, I don't know if she feels that I'm not supportive to help her parents.

Uh, we can, we come from different backgrounds. My, my parents are retired. They have no, uh, they don't need any help. But on, on her and more like a scarcity background. And I think this is also like, we get emotional.

Is, is he on target in that your fear is if we combine money, I will lose control of my desire to help my mom and dad. Yep. Okay.

“What do you need to hear from him tonight to alleviate that fear?”

Like he will be supportive with my desire to help them. And we can make a plan or something like that.

to her right now about that concern?

Yeah, I would say that, um, as for now, we have maybe supported them the best we knew before just with money. But now I think we can support them with a plan with experiences or even saving some that we can manage for us and for them. That in the future can help with the, with the diseases that they might have

or they are not planning and we are forcing it. But I think writing a plan and really allowing to that will be helpful and then in 10, 15 years or whenever the money is needed, we have it. And it's a better manage that if we just give it to them.

“And then my fear is that they might not use it in the best way”

and we can help better with it. Just do you understand his concern on that piece? I care it at some point, but also I'm not sure if maybe just like not like a big amount, but something is more that we can give them now. And then, are they in need just to cut right now financially?

Yes, I know. Are they asking for money from you? No. Okay.

So what's causing you to say, we have to give some money.

I need to be helping them now. What is that? I think it's more because I will let them to have experiences or going for that I have now and they don't have. So you feel guilty because of everything they've done for you

and yet you're living a better life than them. And so you want to sort of pay it back paid for that sense. Are you guys ready to settle this debate? Yes. I know that I am, but I want to make sure.

Are you? I am. I want to be a judge. Get the gap a lot. Hold on a second.

Oh, my leg. Oh, my lord. Oh, my lord. What is our prop budget? This is wild.

It's not powdered. All right.

Am I going first or last?

I feel like you have to go first now. I feel like not the wig. I feel like I have so much credibility with this and this that it might sway your decision. But I'll go first.

We have different definitions of credibility. But continue. I did notice that both Jessica and Joel went from crying to laughing. So I think it did its job. Okay, I think it's very simple.

I heard his heart immediately. He wants you to trust him that he's for you. And if he's for you, he's for your parents. I hear your concern as well. But I also hear that Joel saying,

I'm not sure that my in-laws, your parents are the best ones to handle a large sum of money. And so if we commit and he's committed to writing a plan out to take care of them, but you use the money, it's your money, and you support them.

I think it's a great plan.

“I think it's hearts even better than it's plan.”

So I rule in favor of Joel. Really? That's all I get. I get it. Can I have the gavel?

Oh, yes. Thank you. I want the wig. No, no. You don't use good.

I'm fine. I'm fine. My vote is, I would combine everything, shocker, I know. But I would combine everything.

I think he needs to hear from you that you choose him over your parents because you've chosen to get married. And that man loves you a lot. He loves you a lot. And he's going to take good care of you.

You guys are together. We're going to make a really great team. And I think out of the teamwork, we get to build a life together. And that looks like whatever you guys want.

That's the beauty about being adults as you get to make decisions.

“So together, do we want to buy a home to get there?”

Do we want to take her parents on a trip every year with us and include them? And fly them where they need to be for the kids. If you guys have kids in the future, like what does that all look like with the money that we have together? So on that basis,

I think I'm more in favor with Joel. Wow. All right. Oh, no. Sorry.

Hold on. It's not real. It's not real. Joel, I want to make sure you see it. The object is to hit this with that.

I missed it. Okay. I'll end with this. I definitely agree with what they've said. But I think that the heart of this.

Joel is he's rightfully so worried that this is going to turn into entitlement from your parents.

And he truly wants to help them. He loves these people. And I think he wants a plan to make them independent. Not because he doesn't want to support them. But because he actually believes in their autonomy to live their lives without needing you.

And I think that is a noble goal. So I do think you should combine finances.

“But I think you should create boundaries around what this looks like to support your parents.”

Maybe even a deadline. And not just for ever, we're going to write checks to them. And that's going to be the priority over our relationship because at the heart of this. The lack of combining finances has created a chasm in your marriage. There's a gap right now where you guys can't be fully together.

And it's not a money thing. It's an emotional thing. It's an intimacy thing. And I think that supersedes the help to your parents.

And I think you guys are an amazing couple.

You will figure out the boundaries and how to do this the right way. But I think combining those finances will actually free you just more than you think. So I rule in favor of Joe. But hey, hold on. Oh, a parting gift.

I like the gifts. How about the alcohol? We've got a nice bottle of Josh some bread. You too need to crack this bottle tonight and start the written plan. All right, there it is.

There you go. You guys are awesome. Thank you guys. You're great.

“What's the dumbest thing you've ever done with money?”

The bottom car I probably shouldn't have. What car was that? It was just a Chevrolet Camaro. Whenever I first started investing, I definitely just threw money at some meme stocks that didn't pay off. So I learned pretty quick.

But a car and then the car went bad. It got frustrated and sold it. And then me and my wife were with one car for seven years. If you had to cover a thousand dollar emergency, how would you do it right now? Credit card.

I would pull out of savings or phone friends. So you have the money in savings. That's good. Get money out of my emergency fund. You have one.

How many months of expenses do you have? Three months of expenses. Honestly, I have a really good village. So I can lean on that if I don't have it. Speaking of drinks, you guys know a little something about drinks.

Smart money out of the apio. Yeah, Rachel created a whole show where she gets to drink on the clock. Pretty much. No, no. Smart money out of the area was created because I was like wouldn't it be fun if me and George got to sit down and chat like we do is friends.

Have a cocktail talk about things going on. It's great. But part of smart money out of our one of our partners there is fair ones credit union. So we're going to give them another shout out because they are amazing. And I know we've talked about them tonight.

But fair ones is a such a great partner with Ramsey because when you are using your money and you are having to interact with banks and banking institutions. Having someone on the other side of that that is so helpful that knows that you know they are for you in your journey with the baby steps. That's everything. Absolutely. And I mentioned that smart bundle earlier.

It's got a fee free checking account. High yield savings account. That Ramsey branded debt is normal. Be weird debit card. And you can have up to 10 savings accounts.

They created this just for our fans because we know that y'all are nerdy. And you like to have sinking funds for the trip and for the car and for all these different things. So they actually change their product to serve you guys better.

“And that's why we love this partnership.”

They even cut international transaction fees on their cards. But that happened after they saw one of my videos where I said make sure your debit card doesn't do this. So they said let's adjust everything to serve the Ramsey fans in an incredible way. So if you want to check that out just go to fairwinds.org/Ramsey to open up that smart bundle and start to introduce this new bank to the mix. And I think you'll quickly find you want to start doing more and more with them.

Yeah, they're app is easy to use, they're interfaces easy, they're customer services incredible. When you open it they call you the next day on the phone just to make sure everything. So I mean it really is they're incredible people and they have an incredible product when it comes to us that you have to use your debit card every single day. And so having fair winds on your side is so huge. So again, go to fairwinds.org/Ramsey and shared by the NCUA.

I love it. By the way, real quick question. How's my hair look after having the wig on? Is it all right? Oh, it's good. So yeah. I don't want to be distraction. I'll remain silent.

Thank you, George. This is really, really fun. George, you got you calculator ready? Why do you assume that I have my calculator ready? And yes, I do. Because we talked about it earlier.

It's ready. It doesn't, yes, I do.

And it's ready. So here's what we're going to do.

We're going to have a fun group debt free scream. How does that sound? Is that sound fun? But we're going to do something kind of kind of neat. So here's what we want you to do. If you have become debt free in the last 12 months.

Would you stand? Just stand wherever you are. That's consumer debt free. If you didn't the mortgage too, that's great. It's fine.

If it does not have to be the house, right, George? Yeah, exactly. So they're standing up there. That's exciting. We got a few more.

Okay. So. Yes. Everybody stand. I want to make sure everybody's up.

Because this is a key part of the thing. Is everybody up? Oh, look. I'm looking. Okay. Great.

Okay.

Now here's what we're going to do.

And I'm going to start on the right side of the room and work my way over.

“And what I want you to do is yell out how much you paid off.”

George is going to add it all up. And we're going to see what has happened. Collectively to pay off debt in the last 12 months. And then we'll do a group debt. Appreciate it.

All right. I'm not ready. Let's start up here. Because I saw. How much?

Two hundred sixty five. Two hundred sixty five. Strong. That's strong. That's strong.

That's strong. That's strong. Wow. Amazing. Anybody else up there?

Yes, sir. One seventy five. One hundred seventy five thousand. It's our man again. Okay. Fantastic.

And after you give me your number, you can sit down if you want. But we're going to ask you stand back up. But you can rest. Right here with the clums and shirt on. Yes.

One thousand five hundred. One thousand five hundred. That's correct. We love it. We love it.

Okay. Right here. Twenty seven thousand. Twenty seven thousand. Nine.

I tell you what we're going to do. It was hold a pause. So we can move a little quicker. I love your spirit. But we got to move quickly.

I want to get twelve thousand. Okay, great. Two hundred ninety thousand. In the back. All right here.

The couple right here. Two hundred fifty thousand. Behind them. One fifty. Okay.

Excellent. Maim all the way in the back row. How much? Three thousand. I love it.

Okay. Are you all three together? Just you two. Okay, yell it out. Three eighty ish.

Okay.

“George, I don't know how you're going to calculate that.”

My phone can handle it. Okay. Next to them. Yes, ma'am. Two hundred thirty three thousand.

Two hundred thirty three thousand. Okay. And anybody on this? Okay. Now this couple right back here.

Yes, sir. What? Sixty six. Sixty six thousand. Right here.

seventy five. Right here. One hundred fifty thousand. Right here. hundred sixty eight.

hundred sixty eight thousand. Thirty nine thousand. Thirty nine thousand. Did I miss anybody? Okay.

All those people stand back up. Can I add? You can. Before we do that, let's. Let's get a total, George.

What do you have?

About two point three million dollars.

Wow. Nice. Okay. And you got a fun idea? Yes.

That's a lot of hard work. Okay. I want everyone who is debt free. Consumer debt or mortgage. Regardless of when you paid off to stand up.

So you can be part of it. Join this amazing. If you are debt free in the room. Look at this. Stand up.

Everybody on. Okay. This is fun. Amazing. George, would you like to do the honors?

The count of down. You would be in the honor. You guys know what we're doing. George will count you down. I mean, this is from your guts.

Because you worked hard. And we're so proud to be in the room with all of you. You all are heroes. You've changed your family tree. George, count them down.

Let's hear a group debt free screen. All right.

We've got two point three million dollars paid off.

And the last 12 months in this room alone in Charlotte, North Carolina. And dozens more have become debt free standing up following this plan. Count it down, guys. That's your debt free screen. Three.

Two. One. Yeah. Three. One.

Yeah. Three. One. One. That is incredible.

That is incredible. That doesn't put on a pep in your stand. And we don't have time to go around and get everybody else's amount. But 2.3 million is just a drop in the block. Just a few years.

So proud. Hey, listen. You all are great. Before we sign off. I just want my colleagues a word of encouragement.

“What would you share with people no matter what baby step they're in?”

They're here for a reason tonight. They're here to be intentional George. What would you share? Well, you know, I see a lot of headlines. I see a lot of scary stuff.

I see a lot of doom and gloom out there. And yet in this room, there's just a beacon of hope. And you guys are not immune to it. You've lived through it. You've sacrificed.

You've had trials and tribulations. And yet you're on the other side of it. And that I think is one of the most inspiring stories American. He's to hear right now. And you guys are living it.

And I'm so proud of all of you. So thank you for being here. So good. Amen. George.

Yeah, I would say regardless of where you are in the baby steps. And some of you are maybe starting baby step one, right? And all of this. And then you just saw everyone who has paid off debt. And the numbers are just outstanding of those of you that just stood up.

But I would say regardless of where you are, the secret is you.

And I think you know that. And you know what you want different in your life. You get to make decisions to change that. What you don't like about your life. You get to make decisions to change that.

And I feel like we're in a room of people who are willing to do that.

and emotional side of spiritual side.

And you guys are so engaged.

“And you are not letting this topic ruin your life.”

You're getting ahead of it. And you're saying, you know what? I'm going to be in control. And we're going to change the things we need to change. And that takes a lot of courage.

So we love you guys so much. We love doing this show. And we love being able to see the faces tonight of those of you that listen. So we love y'all. Yeah.

That's so good. [ Applause ]

I'll just duck tell off a raise.

I think she said it. You all did it.

“You know, we talk about controlling the controlables.”

And I'm looking at a roomful people. No matter what their story. No matter what their circumstances. No matter what their background. No matter what their environment was.

It's some point you made a decision to control what only you could control. And you changed your life. Some of you are in the process of changing your life. And you are the answer. We aren't the answer.

We're just cheerleading you on. Coach and you up. But you are the difference. And I want to share that no matter what happens later tonight. Or in the days or years ahead, whatever comes your way.

You've won in a major area. And you control what you can control. Don't worry about DC. Don't worry about your governor's office. Don't worry about what your neighbors are doing.

You live the life that you want to live. And you can because you've done it to this point. So we're so honored to be with you all. I do want to do one thing. I do want you all to join me.

We have an incredible crew that came from Nashville.

Our headquarters. An amazing team from James Childs to our live event team. To our Ramsey network leadership. Ramsey network crew.

“If you're on the crew, would you stand up for just a second?”

Because I would love. We can't do this. It's going to change so many lives. And we can't do this without them. So would you all join us?

And thank you, man. [ Applause ] Hey, you guys are great. On behalf of our entire team, Dave Ramsey, Georgetown, Rachel Cruz.

Thank you all for being with us. We love you so much. Goodnight, Charlotte. Thanks, guys. Have a great night.