Episode Summary: "I Cosigned My Ex’s Motorcycle And He Disappeared"

Podcast: The Ramsey Show Highlights
Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Dave Ramsey & George Kamel
Guest: Annie

Main Theme

This episode centers on the financial and emotional consequences of co-signing a loan with a now-absent ex-boyfriend. Annie, the caller, seeks advice after being left solely responsible for a $10,000 motorcycle debt when her ex disappeared. The conversation evolves into a broader discussion about managing household finances, debt, and marital money dynamics.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Fallout of Co-signing

• Annie's Situation: Years ago, Annie co-signed a motorcycle loan with her then-boyfriend. She sold her bike, but he hasn’t made payments on his, and she has no idea where he or the motorcycle is.
  • "I had an ex boyfriend years, about five, six years ago. And we got motorcycles. I sold mine. But we co-signed for each other...he hasn't made a payment. I don't care about my credit. But they keep calling and they're like, it's a binding contract." (Annie, 00:06)
• Legal Reality: Dave underscores the gravity of co-signing, emphasizing that Annie is fully responsible for the debt regardless of her ex's actions or whereabouts.
  • "It doesn't matter where that motorcycle is, and it doesn't matter if he's dead or alive. You owe that debt. That is exactly what co-signing is." (Dave, 00:44)

2. Annie's Financial Picture

• Current Income & Expenses:
  • Annie is retired with a monthly income of $1,600 from her pension, not enough to cover her bills. She relies on her husband’s additional $3,000/month, though their finances are not truly combined (01:36–03:15).
• Additional Debts: Annie estimates around $20,000 in total debt, including the motorcycle and several credit cards (04:23–04:40).

3. Marital Finance Dynamics

• Money Management: Annie manages the household bills, while her husband contributes his income to her account, but they maintain some financial separation.
  • "I take care of the bills and he just puts money in my account, so I take care of all the bills." (Annie, 03:01)
• Advice on Alignment: George and Dave advise Annie to seek greater financial unity with her husband, starting with open communication and honest inventories of their finances.
  • “I would really love for us to get aligned financially. I would love to be in a situation where what’s yours is mine and mine is yours. And that we really are a unit on this.” (George, 04:44)

4. Practical Steps for Moving Forward

• Immediate Actions:
  • Have an open, non-confrontational finance discussion with her husband.
  • Begin by journaling all debts and accounts, and invite her husband to add his items—aiming for transparency and teamwork.
  • Use the EveryDollar app to build a joint budget and create a get-out-of-debt plan.
• Dealing with the Motorcycle Loan:
  • Accept the remaining debt as her responsibility and add it to her list; ignore the ex and focus on her own recovery (07:16–07:59).
  • Explore settling the debt with the lender for less than the full amount since it’s a very old loan (07:59).
    • "If you can scratch up $3,000 and call him, say, hey, listen, I don't know where this guy is. I don't know where the bike is. He's an ex. I'll give you three grand if you can call this debt paid in full and clear from your credit and move on with your life, emotionally and financially." (Dave, 07:59)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Why Co-signing Is So Risky:
  • "That is exactly what co-signing is. It's you taking on that debt because they don't trust him to pay. And I think they were wise." (Dave, 00:44)
• Financial Intimacy in Marriage:
  • “Tonight is just the night to say here’s what I’m afraid of, here’s what I’ve been feeling, and here’s…I would just like to have this intimacy with you where we’re one on one with our, with our money.” (George, 04:44)
• Let the Ex Go:
  • "This is a mistake I made. This was the part I played. Forget all about him because he's somewhere eating a sandwich. He is not thinking about you, and he clearly doesn't care about his finances." (George, 07:16)
• Hope and Encouragement:
  • "We're rooting for you, Annie. Hang on the line. We're going to get you hooked up with EveryDollar." (Dave, 07:59)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:06] – Annie explains her situation and the vanished ex.
• [00:44] – Dave emphasizes the legal implications of co-signing.
• [01:20] - [03:15] – Annie and hosts discuss current finances and household budgeting methods.
• [04:23] – Annie reveals the true extent of her debts.
• [04:44] – George lays out step-by-step advice for financial teamwork in marriage.
• [07:16] – George and Dave provide actionable, emotional closure and practical advice about the old motorcycle debt.
• [07:59] – Dave suggests settling the debt for less, if possible.

Tone and Language

The episode is empathetic, practical, and direct—balancing tough financial truths with encouragement. The hosts encourage Annie (and listeners) not to dwell on past mistakes but to take clear, stepwise action toward financial freedom and marital unity.

Actionable Takeaways

• Never co-sign a loan unless you're willing and able to repay it in full yourself.
• In relationships, strive for budgeting transparency and teamwork—financial intimacy is key.
• When facing overwhelming debt, take an inventory, prioritize, and seek settlements when possible, especially for old debts.
• Use tools like the EveryDollar app to guide step-by-step budgeting.
• Let go of resentment toward individuals who’ve abandoned their obligations; instead, focus on controlling your next steps.

For listeners in a similar predicament, this episode provides both a wake-up call about the risks of co-signing and a roadmap to regaining financial control, with a strong focus on partnership and practical budgeting.