The Ramsey Show Highlights: "You're Not Even Making Six-Figures, Dude"

Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Ramsey Network
Description: A daily ten-minute dose of life and money advice featuring experts like Dave Ramsey, Rachel Cruze, and others.

Introduction

In the episode titled "You're Not Even Making Six-Figures, Dude," Shelby reaches out to The Ramsey Show seeking guidance on financial arrangements within her romantic relationship. Her boyfriend, who earns approximately $85,000 annually—just over double her $30,000 income—prefers maintaining completely separate finances, a stance that raises concerns about their future together, particularly regarding marriage and family planning.

Listener’s Concerns: Shelby’s Dilemma

Shelby shares her apprehensions about marrying her Australian boyfriend after a year of dating. Key points from her situation include:

• Income Disparity: Her boyfriend earns around $85,000, while she makes about $30,000.

• Financial Independence: He insists on keeping finances entirely separate, despite owning his first home.

• Prenuptial Considerations: He has suggested the possibility of a prenup, adding to Shelby's feelings of insecurity about their financial future together.

• Emotional Impact: Shelby feels “gross” and “not safe” considering the financial dynamics proposed by her boyfriend.

Notable Quote:

“I just feel not secure maybe marrying and having kids with somebody who feels, you know, finances should be 100% separate.” — Shelby [00:25]

Experts Weigh In: Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey’s Insights

Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey delve into Shelby's concerns, analyzing the implications of maintaining separate finances in a committed relationship.

1. Understanding the Reasoning:

   • Rachel Cruze questions the underlying reasons for Shelby’s boyfriend wanting to keep finances separate, probing whether it's due to past experiences like his parents' divorce or insecurity over income disparity.

   Notable Quote:

   “Did he give you reasons why he wants to keep it separate? Is it because of the amount he earns? Is it something that happened in his past?” — Rachel Cruze [00:52]

2. Potential Red Flags:

   • Rachel Cruze emphasizes that a desire for financial separation may reflect a broader reluctance to fully commit emotionally and financially, signaling potential future issues in the relationship.

   Notable Quote:

   “If you want to keep yourself from me, and you are, financially, when he's living like this, there's gonna be other parts of our marriage that are going to be in that exact same formula.” — Rachel Cruze [02:29]

3. Risks of Financial Secrecy:

   • Dave Ramsey warns that separate finances can lead to resentment, scorekeeping, and even financial infidelity, where one partner may develop spending habits unbeknownst to the other.

   Notable Quote:

   “It causes financial infidelity down the line because you have no say or transparency into what he's doing with money.” — Dave Ramsey [05:01]

4. Importance of Unified Financial Goals:

   • Both experts advocate for joint financial planning as a foundation for a healthy, trusting relationship. They suggest that merging finances fosters unity and shared responsibility, essential for navigating life’s challenges together.

   Notable Quote:

   “It's a covenant. I see it as something bigger than me. And we're entering into this, and every part of our lives, we're combining.” — Rachel Cruze [04:23]

Navigating the Conversation: Strategies and Solutions

Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze offer practical advice for Shelby and listeners facing similar dilemmas:

1. Open Dialogue:

   • Initiate honest conversations about financial fears, goals, and the underlying reasons for preferring separate accounts.

2. Counseling and Mediation:

   • Consider financial counseling or couples therapy to address and mitigate fears related to money management within the relationship.

3. Gradual Integration:

   • Propose a trial period of shared finances, such as a joint account for discretionary spending, to build trust and see how both partners adapt.

   Notable Quote:

   “If you love him, keep pressing in on it. Let this be a... good kind of litmus test to the relationship and how much your opinion matters.” — Rachel Cruze [09:00]

4. Future Planning:

   • Discuss scenarios like one partner staying home with children or changes in income, ensuring both partners feel secure and respected in their financial roles.

Conclusion: Weighing the Relationship’s Financial Compatibility

The episode underscores the critical role of financial compatibility in romantic relationships. Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze highlight that differing views on money management can strain the relationship unless both partners commit to transparency, unity, and mutual respect. For Shelby, the advice centers on not overlooking these red flags and using them as indicators of the relationship’s potential longevity and harmony.

Final Takeaway:
Maintaining separate finances in a committed relationship may seem beneficial initially, especially in cases of income disparity. However, without open communication and shared financial goals, it can lead to deeper emotional and relational conflicts. Building a unified financial strategy is essential for a thriving, long-term partnership.

Notable Quote:

“Create your free every dollar. Budget today the simplest way to budget for your life.” — Dave Ramsey [09:27]

Note: This summary focuses solely on the substantive discussion between Shelby, Rachel Cruze, and Dave Ramsey, omitting promotional segments and non-content sections as per guidelines.