The Ramsey Show Highlights – "We Have Nothing Saved For Retirement"

Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Ramsey Network Team
Guests: Amanda (caller), Financial Advisor (Rachel Cruze), Life Coach (Dr. John Delony)

Episode Overview

This episode centers around Amanda and her husband, a couple in their early-to-late 40s who find themselves with little to no retirement savings after unexpectedly having a baby later in life. The Ramsey Network hosts offer practical, step-by-step advice on catching up with retirement planning, reallocating priorities, and emotionally embracing a new chapter in life—all while navigating the economic pressures of parenthood. The tone is compassionate, optimistic, and solution-oriented.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Amanda's Situation: New Parents With Little Saved ([00:11]–[01:14])

• Amanda, 42, and husband, 48, became first-time parents after 17 years of marriage, having previously decided against children and not prioritizing savings.
• They have no consumer debt except for a mortgage, $30,000 in savings, and dual income history but little retirement planning.
• Amanda shares:

  “I feel like I am at ground zero and I have no idea what to prioritize and where to start to give us a fighting chance at not only retirement but just, you know, solid financial stability while raising this baby in this crazy expensive world.” ([00:41])

2. Income, Expenses, and Current Assets ([01:17]–[01:49])

• Amanda is now a stay-at-home mom; her husband earns $90,000/year.
• They owe $130,000 on their home, with about $300,000 in equity.
• No consumer debt; $30,000 in emergency savings.
• Financial Advisor affirms their emergency fund and zero consumer debt as positive starting points.

3. Retirement Catch-Up: Numbers and Scenarios ([01:49]–[04:05])

• Rachel Cruze runs retirement projections using an investment calculator:
  • Saving $1,000/month at 10% return, starting at age 48 until 67, yields ~$676,000.
  • Doubling to $2,000/month grows to ~$1.3 million.
• Rachel emphasizes starting now and being a bit aggressive:

  “If you guys start now, I think you will end up being fine... There’s still hope. It’s not like you guys are doomed by any means.” ([03:17])

• Advises against selling the house for retirement funds:

  “You’re just robbing Peter to pay Paul.” – Life Coach ([04:18])

4. Action Plan: Immediate Steps ([04:10]–[04:43])

• Map out the plan with a Ramsey SmartVestor Pro (retirement planning professional).
• Open a Roth IRA for Amanda’s husband and a Spousal Roth IRA.
• Check for a 401(k) and available company match.
• Start systematic, monthly investment contributions, focusing on 15% of income.

5. Embracing a New Chapter: Letting Go of Regret ([05:16]–[06:58])

• Dr. John Delony offers crucial emotional guidance:

  “The couples that I see do well are the ones that, oh, we have a baby at 42 and 48...who can put a period at the end of that old life and not try to reclaim what was, but to rebuild something totally new... The ones that are trying to live this life but keep...dragging it behind them, man, it just becomes such a weight.” ([05:41])

• Rachel supports the notion of forward-focused re-creation:

  “If you’re carrying what you wanted or what you thought would be, then your creativity...just stops there. It doesn’t allow you to...creatively change up what we want.” ([06:37])

6. Emotional Reality: Adjusting to the New Budget ([07:12]–[07:38])

• Investing $2,000/month will feel like a loss initially, compared to freely spending in the past.

  “They’re going to feel broke because 2000 bucks a month that they used to just blow on whatever, is going to go into an account for future them... Feel that feeling. And then just go do the next right thing.” – Life Coach ([07:20])

• Rachel notes that compound growth will soon outpace the principal, underscoring the power of starting now—even if late.

7. Final Encouragement: Start Now, Focus on Growth ([07:38]–[08:26])

• Success is possible even starting late—time and compound interest are allies.
• Opportunities may emerge, such as discovering an employer’s generous 401(k) match.
• Rachel wraps with optimism:

  “It’s all about creating this new life and this new future and these new goals, which is what Amanda and her husband are doing. So we applaud you guys. Amanda, we are cheering you on.” ([08:26])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There’s still hope. It’s not like you guys are doomed by any means.” – Rachel Cruze ([03:17])
• “You’re just robbing Peter to pay Paul.” – Dr. John Delony ([04:18])
• “The couples that I see do well are the ones that...can put a period at the end of that old life and...rebuild something totally new.” – Dr. John Delony ([05:41])
• “Feel that feeling. And then just go do the next right thing.” – Dr. John Delony ([07:34])
• “The growth starts to outpace the principal so quickly when...starting as early as possible—that’s on your side. It really is.” – Rachel Cruze ([08:17])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Amanda shares her story: [00:11]–[01:14]
• Review of finances/assets: [01:17]–[01:49]
• Retirement math & projections: [01:49]–[04:05]
• Should they sell the house? [04:10]–[04:18]
• Action steps—IRAs, 401k: [04:26]–[04:46]
• Emotional adjustment & living forward: [05:16]–[06:58]
• “Feeling broke” and future focus: [07:12]–[07:38]
• Compound interest & next steps: [07:38]–[08:26]

Conclusion

Amanda and her husband, despite starting retirement savings “late,” have a promising path forward with discipline, professional advice, and a mind shift toward their new family reality. The hosts deliver tough love with hope, urging listeners in a similar boat to begin now, focus forward, manage emotions, and creatively build a meaningful next chapter—financially and personally.