Episode Overview

Title: Can I Use the Cash I Saved for Taxes On A Purchase I Can Write Off?
Podcast: Ramsey Everyday Millionaires
Hosts: Dave Ramsey, Dr. John Delony
Aired: September 5, 2025

This episode tackles the age-old small business dilemma: Should you spend money to reduce your tax liability, or simply set aside enough to cover your tax bill? A caller named Roberto seeks advice after a business windfall, asking whether he should use money saved for taxes to buy a company vehicle as a write-off or just pay the taxes. Dave Ramsey and Dr. John Delony break down the decision with practical wisdom, common pitfalls, and their trademark candid advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Caller’s Situation ([00:09]–[01:12])

• Roberto explains he’s receiving a $45,000 payment for company contracts.
• He expects to owe $13,000–$15,000 in taxes and asks if he should use that cash for a business vehicle (a potential tax write-off) or just pay his taxes as planned.
• He notes occasional use for a company vehicle (hauling equipment).

2. Immediate Advice: Pay the Tax ([01:11]–[01:39])

• John Delony: “I’d write a quarterly check.” ([01:11])
• Dave Ramsey agrees: Directly paying taxes is clean and responsible, avoiding trouble with the IRS.

3. Debunking the “Tax Write-Off Myth” ([01:21]–[02:52])

• Dave and John discuss the flawed logic of generating an expense only “to save on taxes.”
• Dave Ramsey:

  “It’s a false choice when people say, well, I’m gonna create another expense in order to lessen my taxes.” ([01:39])

• They stress buying a depreciating asset (like a vehicle) just to lower your taxable income doesn’t actually benefit most small business owners.
• Dave recommends caution: “Be smart… sock it away for the taxes.” ([02:52])
• John Delony elaborates: Only at massive income levels would complex investment and tax strategies potentially outweigh simply paying your taxes; for the average business owner, straightforward is best.

4. Handling Unexpected Income ([02:52]–[03:19])

• Dave walks through the wisdom of setting aside all the estimated taxes, then letting your CPA adjust later if expenses lower your tax bill.
• Dave Ramsey:

  “The point is, it’s all sitting there, right?” ([03:37])

5. Final Take: Buy What You Need—With Profit ([03:49]–[04:07])

• Roberto floats buying a smaller, used vehicle (not a $40–50K truck, but maybe $15–18K).
• John Delony:

  “Well, you got the cash to do that on your own.” ([04:04])

• Dave Ramsey:

  “Use the $30,000 you’re going to take home in profit, and take a piece of that and go buy that truck.” ([04:07])

6. The Overarching Message

• Don’t play games with the IRS—it’s never worth the risk or stress.
• Pay your taxes honestly and responsibly; if you have the cash, buy business assets based on necessity and affordability, not just for a write-off.
• Leave advanced tax games to those with bigger numbers, robust systems, and excellent advisors.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dave Ramsey:

  “It’s a false choice when people say, well, I’m gonna go create another expense in order to lessen my taxes.” ([01:39])

• John Delony:

  “I’m going to have a sleep tax. I’m going to know there’s not a chance the government’s going to come for me at the end of the year.” ([02:28])

• Dave Ramsey:

  “The juice isn’t worth the squeeze on that.” ([03:37])

• John Delony:

  “Well, you got the cash to do that on your own.” ([04:04])

• Dave Ramsey:

  “Use the $30,000 going to take home in profit, and take a piece of that and go buy that truck.” ([04:07])

Important Timestamps

• 00:09: Roberto lays out his tax dilemma and asks about buying a company vehicle to “write off.”
• 01:11: John and Dave’s initial advice—just pay the tax.
• 01:39: Dave’s “false choice” argument debunking the write-off myth.
• 02:28: John’s “sleep tax” moment, advocating peace of mind over risky tax maneuvers.
• 02:52: Dave’s recommendation on setting aside the tax money and adjusting later if needed.
• 03:37: Dave reminds listeners not to play tax games; John agrees.
• 04:04–04:07: Closing advice—buy assets if needed with profit, not as a tax strategy.

Tone & Takeaways

The hosts’ classic directness shines—frank, practical, with a hint of humor. Dave and John urge small business owners to avoid trying to outsmart the tax system with unnecessary purchases: Pay your taxes, keep things simple, and buy your business assets for real business needs, not just because “it’s a write-off.” This no-nonsense counsel is invaluable for entrepreneurs tempted by tax myths.