Podcast Summary: The Ramsey Show Highlights

Episode: Why Would You Work With A Known Con Artist?

Date: September 14, 2025
Hosts: Dave Ramsey, Christian (co-host), Caller: Chris

Episode Overview

In this poignant episode, Dave Ramsey and his co-host Christian advise a caller, Chris, who finds herself in a dire financial and personal situation after allowing her sister—described as a "con artist"—to start and operate multiple businesses under Chris’s name. This decision led to significant debt and legal implications that threaten Chris’s future, especially as she prepares to become a single mother. The hosts break down the consequences, challenge Chris to take decisive action, and offer empathetic but firm counsel on possible next steps.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Chris’s Predicament: How It Began

• Chris’s older sister started a business under Chris’s name and LLC ([00:06–00:21])
  • Chris consented to this as a "favor," believing it would help her credit.
  • Dave Ramsey questions why her sister didn’t just use her own name.
• Revelation: Chris describes her sister as “a bit of a con artist” who wanted to avoid having too many businesses associated with her own name ([00:37]).
• Christian’s blunt reaction: "What does that say about you? To work hand in hand with a known con artist." ([00:54])

2. Fallout and Legal Liability

• COVID-19 Loan Abuse: During the pandemic, Chris's sister took out $122,000 in loans using the LLC and spent the money on personal needs, not business operations ([01:16–01:41]).
• "She has been fraudulently starting LLCs, taking out debt against that to then spend personally." — Dave Ramsey ([01:41])
• Outstanding Debt: The loans have grown with interest to about $135,000. Chris is personally liable since everything is in her name ([02:02–02:27]).
• Christian highlights the legal seriousness: "There's a legality there too, because it's completely..." ([02:21])

3. Pattern of Problematic Business Practices

• Chris’s sister has run several businesses under Chris’s name: retail shop (candles), barbershop/salon, possibly even a construction business ([03:04–03:20]).
• None of the businesses are currently operating ([03:28–03:32]).

4. Reflection on Decision-Making

• Chris explains she was persuaded by her sister’s claim that it would help her credit and make it easier for her to get loans in the future ([03:52–04:07]).
• Dave and Christian challenge Chris directly, shifting the focus to her responsibility and future decisions.
  • "Tell us about you and what would cause you to agree to something so, like, clearly bad." — Christian ([03:34])

5. Urgent Recommendations and Emotional Impact

• Action Plan: Dave lays out that the only solution is for the sister to refinance the debt and LLC in her own name, but both hosts doubt the sister’s willingness or ability to do so ([04:13–04:45]).
  • "You're on the hook for 130 grand and you have to pay that off." — Dave Ramsey ([04:41])
• Christian points out the relationship is deeply damaged:
  • "You may as well fight to the death... because your relationship's ruined anyway." ([04:45])
  • "The fact that she conned her own sister is disgusting." ([04:52])
• Dave sums it up with conviction: "First of all, it's despicable. So this relationship didn't exist. It was transactional. And she used you. That should make you angry." ([05:00])

6. Chris’s Situation: Maternal and Financial

• Chris recently stopped working as a server due to pregnancy and lacks both income and support from the baby’s father ([05:10–05:28]).
• She is moving in with her mother to reduce living expenses ([07:28–07:39]).
• Additional debt: Chris carries approximately $65,000 in student loans for a degree in communications and Spanish business ([06:30–06:52]).

7. Paths Forward: Hope and Practical Guidance

• Christian urges Chris to confront her sister and appeal forcefully:
  • "You need to come down with me to the bank...If not, you're effectively trying to ruin my life." ([05:41])
• Dave empathizes with Chris’s challenges as an expectant single mom and underlines urgency.
• Christian encourages Chris to look into jobs related to her language skills, such as interpreting or translating ([07:04–07:13]).
• The hosts gift Chris a free session with a Ramsey financial coach ([07:49–08:14]).

Memorable Quotes

• "What does that say about you? To work hand in hand with a known con artist."
  – Christian, [00:54]

• "She has been fraudulently starting LLCs, taking out debt against that to then spend personally."
  – Dave Ramsey, [01:41]

• "You're on the hook for 130 grand and you have to pay that off."
  – Dave Ramsey, [04:41]

• "The fact that she conned her own sister is disgusting."
  – Christian, [04:52]

• "This relationship didn't exist. It was transactional. And she used you. That should make you angry."
  – Dave Ramsey, [05:00]

• "You need to come down with me to the bank... Otherwise, you are effective—that means you’re effectively trying to ruin my life if you don't do this."
  – Christian, [05:41]

Important Timestamps

• [00:06–01:09] – How Chris’s sister started the LLC and the nature of the “favor”
• [01:16–02:21] – Details on the loans, misuse, and Chris’s liability
• [03:04–03:32] – The range of businesses attempted and their fates
• [04:13–04:45] – Dave and Christian on the only real solution
• [05:10–05:40] – Chris’s current situation as a single mom
• [06:30–07:04] – Discussion of Chris’s student debt and career prospects
• [07:49–08:14] – Offer of a free financial coaching session

Episode Takeaways

• Hard lessons in trusting family: Even those closest to us can inflict financial and emotional harm, and “favors” can have disastrous consequences.
• Legal and financial ownership: If your name is on the business or loan, you bear the ultimate responsibility.
• Self-advocacy: When in crisis, it’s crucial to confront the person responsible and to fight for your own future, however difficult.
• Seeking help: Even in overwhelming situations, reaching out for professional advice and support can be a first step toward regaining control.

Overall, the episode serves as a stark warning about mixing family and finances carelessly—and offers hope and practical steps for those facing financial disaster.