The Ramsey Show Highlights

Episode: My Pregnant Ex Is Taking Advantage Of Me (Financially)
Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Dave Ramsey (with co-host Jade Warshaw)
Caller: Elijah

Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, Elijah calls in to seek advice on managing the financial and relational complexities surrounding his pregnant ex-fiancée. After a short engagement and their breakup, Elijah finds himself caught between wanting to support the mother of his unborn child and feeling financially manipulated. The hosts, Dave Ramsey and Jade Warshaw, offer practical and tough-love insights on boundaries, legal responsibilities, and the importance of getting courts involved in child support matters.

Key Discussion Points

Elijah’s Situation: Relationship and Financial Entanglement

[00:02–02:31]

• Elijah explains he was engaged, but his fiancée ended it after expressing doubts. They discovered she was pregnant around the time of the breakup.
• Despite Elijah’s attempts to reconcile for their child’s sake, she ultimately left, moving out with the help of another ex.
• She currently seeks significant financial support, wants to raise the baby alone, and is not open to shared custody.
• Elijah has been giving her support beyond what was originally agreed, mostly out of concern for her and their unborn child.

The Ex’s Financial Landscape

[02:31–03:05]

• Elijah confirms his ex has two other children, each with different fathers; Elijah would be the third.
• The ex is currently only receiving child support (when paid) and lives with her grandmother rent-free.

Candid Analysis by Dave Ramsey

[03:05–05:36]

• Dave’s Assessment:

  • Dave expresses compassion but is blunt: "You've dodged a bullet ... She is taking advantage of you." [03:05]
  • He clarifies that this is not someone Elijah should attempt to settle down with, highlighting the complexity and lack of stability in her life.
  • Dave focuses on separating emotional obligation from practical responsibility: “What you have a responsibility to is child support.” [05:36]

• Jade’s Probing:

  • Asks Elijah to honestly assess whether he contributed to the relationship breakdown.
  • Elijah references minor household annoyances (e.g., playing an audio Bible late at night), but nothing major or malicious.

Memorable Banter: The "Bible Argument"

[04:09–04:45]

• Dave pokes fun at the reason the ex left: "So you're right next to her listening to the Old Testament. I'd be pissed, too." [04:31]
• Jade adds levity: "Not you listening to the Bible. Come on." [03:51]
• Together, they underscore that the cited disagreements seem petty and not grounds for such a dramatic split.

Navigating Support & Legal Boundaries

[05:36–09:21]

• Dave’s Advice:

  • Stick to the originally agreed support amount unless she violates the agreement.
  • Be wary of her repeatedly asking for more: “She doesn’t have this control over you, man.” [07:17]
  • Stop additional support beyond what was agreed, and let a judge determine the official child support amount.

• Jade’s Nuanced View:

  • Advises looking up local child support standards, noting support during pregnancy is sometimes expected, and should reflect a fair percentage of income.
  • Emphasizes the baby’s wellbeing, suggesting her living situation (dependent on child support from others and rent-free with her grandmother) impacts Elijah’s child but warns not to be taken advantage of.

• Dave’s Final Word:

  • "She's a mess no matter how much money this guy... It's a country music song is what this is." [09:43]
  • He reiterates the need for legal clarity and emotional boundaries.

• Jade’s Closing Thought:

  • Reminds Elijah to be informed and weigh the baby’s needs, but not let guilt or manipulation drive his decisions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dave Ramsey:

  • “You’ve dodged a bullet ... She is taking advantage of you.” [03:05]
  • “This is painful, this is tough, but ... what you have a responsibility to is child support.” [05:36]
  • “I understand that your only commitment is whatever the fair and equitable child support number is. If you want to give more than that, you can. But she’s manipulating you right now.” [08:43]
  • "This is a country music song is what this is. This entire call is a number one hit." [09:13]

• Jade Warshaw:

  • “Did you do anything ... or are you completely innocent holding the bag?” [03:11]
  • “I'm thinking of the baby.” [09:50]

• Elijah:

  • Expresses the emotional struggle: “… it’s really hard to not kind of feel like I’m just sort of being taken advantage of.” [00:56]
  • Shares attempts to renegotiate support: “…she would continue asking for more … I kind of tried to switch to just, like, can you just let me know when you need groceries or something and we’ll give you specific amounts.” [06:44]

Timestamps for Critical Segments

• Elijah’s Summary of Breakup and Support Requests: [00:02–01:58]
• Hosts Clarifying Number of Dads and Background: [01:58–02:38]
• Dave’s “Dodged a Bullet” Comments: [02:38–03:05]
• Discussion about Relationship Dynamics ("Bible Argument"): [03:43–04:45]
• Advice on Setting Boundaries and Getting Legal Help: [05:36–07:58]
• Analysis of Fair Support Amount and Legal Guidance: [07:58–09:43]
• Closing Banter (Country Song Reference): [09:13–09:52]

Summary

In this episode, Elijah’s vulnerability and confusion about his financial and emotional responsibilities prompt candid, actionable advice from Dave Ramsey and Jade Warshaw. The hosts emphasize the importance of legal boundaries, warn against enabling manipulation, and recommend that Elijah only stick to agreed payments until a judge decides otherwise. While empathizing with Elijah’s concern for his child, they caution him not to get trapped in a cycle of guilt-based financial support.

The bottom line: Keep your word, establish clear boundaries, and let the court decide child support to avoid further manipulation or confusion. The story is a blend of heartbreak, responsibility, and the need for tough love—a “country music song” in the making.