If Nothing Changes Your Money Won't Change | March 26, 2026

This episode of The Dave Ramsey Show, hosted by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruz, opens with the philosophy that "normal is broke and common sense is weird" and introduces the EveryDollar app for budgeting. The hosts tackle several listener calls covering a range of financial challenges.

The first caller, Ben from Charlotte, North Carolina, seeks advice on combining finances with his wife of two years, explaining that his wife fears losing control and that her parents' divorce (where her mother tried to take her father's money) has created trust issues. Dave and Rachel encourage Ben to delve deeper into his wife's specific fears and emphasize communication and the "oneness" aspect of managing money together. The next caller, Jack from Houston, is a 20-year-old college student making $100,000 a year building custom show trucks. He asks if it's acceptable to take on debt for a business property instead of renting, or if he should save cash. Dave strongly advises against taking on debt for business property, recommending he continue to save cash, and suggests that his business management degree will provide valuable long-term knowledge.

The show then features a segment on the importance of term life insurance and long-term disability insurance through Xander, highlighting the need for 10 to 12 times one's income in coverage and income replacement if unable to work. They also mention Ramsey Smart Tax for simple tax situations. Oscar from Orlando, a 20-year-old with a 21-year-old wife and a baby, presents a dire financial situation with $20,000 in high-interest debt (including a 27% car loan) and $8,800 in cash, while making only $2,600 a month and living with his in-laws. Dave and Rachel urge him to use his cash for a debt snowball, keep a small emergency fund, and drastically increase his income with extra jobs to get out of debt quickly. They advise cutting up credit cards and developing a long-term career plan, recommending Ken Coleman's book, *Find the Work You're Wired to Do*.

Finally, Matt from Fort Worth, Texas, shares his frustration with his 60-year-old mother who has $40,000 in debt but laughs off his attempts to help her become "gazelle intense" to get out of debt before her planned retirement in three years. Matt and his wife successfully followed the Baby Steps and want their mom to experience the same success. Dave and Rachel advise Matt that he cannot force his mother to change; he can only offer guidance. They suggest he have one final conversation with her, stating he will no longer bring it up unless she asks for help, and that he will never financially bail her out.