Podcast Summary: The Ramsey Show

Episode: How Do I Get My Boyfriend To Step Up and Make More Money?
Date: February 18, 2026
Hosts: Ken Coleman & George Campbell
Network: Ramsey Solutions

Overview

This episode of The Ramsey Show focuses on callers facing a wide range of financial challenges—from credit card and student loan debt to relationship dynamics impacting money and career. The hosts offer actionable advice rooted in the Ramsey Baby Steps and no-nonsense accountability, often weaving in humor and tough love. Key themes include prioritizing urgent needs, increasing income, maintaining financial boundaries in relationships, and striking a balance between long-term goals and immediate responsibilities.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Caller: Ashley – "How Do I Get My Boyfriend To Step Up and Make More Money?"

Timestamps: 10:28–19:52

Context

• Ashley and her boyfriend just had a baby. Ashley earns $145k/year in tech, boyfriend is a car salesman who's not making sales.
• Ashley pays all the bills. Rent increased to $3,000/month after her boyfriend moved in; daycare also costs $3,000/month.
• Concern: How to afford expenses and prompt boyfriend to contribute.

Main Insights and Advice

• Ken and George quickly focus on Ashley’s financial situation independent of her boyfriend. Ken hammers the point that her boyfriend is "dead weight," and she should make plans assuming he won't change. He advocates for dumping him if he's not willing or able to step up:

  "He shouldn't be your boyfriend...He's dead weight right now." (Ken, 14:18)

• George reframes the boyfriend's lack of contribution:

  "It sounds like he's about to be a stay-at-home dad if he doesn't come up with income quick. Would you even trust him with that role?" (George, 12:59)

• Hosts push Ashley to reduce expenses via roommates, alternative childcare, and aggressive payoff of car debt:
  • Roommates could cut rent significantly.
  • Alternative to institutional daycare: consider local retired grandmothers or shared nanny arrangements to reduce childcare costs.

  "We're trying to give you real solutions here…between a roommate and an awesome grandmother in your community, that's slashing your cost in half." (Ken, 17:56)

• General message on relationships and money:
  • Don’t ignore your gut on trust.
  • Design your financial plan to thrive independently.

Notable Quotes

• "Rule number one: Don't have a baby with someone you wouldn't trust to watch your child." – George (13:08)
• "You have to craft a plan forward with or without him, and right now it's without him." – George (18:51)

2. Caller: Nancy – Filing Bankruptcy?

Timestamps: 00:40–09:01

• Nancy is considering bankruptcy due to $25,000 in credit card debt; separated from husband, special needs child at home, income fluctuates ($1,000–$3,000/month).
• George advises never to file bankruptcy for that amount, especially if she intends to get a home loan to flip houses in the future.
• Prioritize the Four Walls: food, utilities, housing, transportation before any credit cards.
• Increasing income is urgent—find more contracts, consider other brokers, or look for a remote job with stability.
• Community is key: Seek local support (church, friends) for childcare or assistance.

"It's okay for you to raise your hand and say, I need some more help." – Ken (07:45)

3. Caller: Chelsea – Paying Off Debt Before 0% Balance Expires

Timestamps: 21:21–29:56

• Chelsea has $6,000 on a 0% balance transfer card until October, and $4,100/month income.
• Hosts recommend dividing the debt by months left, targeting $1,000/month to avoid a 29% APR penalty.
• Emphasize strict budgeting, side hustles, and cutting non-essential spending (i.e., dining out).
• Always get on a zero-dollar month for nonessentials; gamify the process.
• Effort plus Sacrifice is the formula for success.

"If you just do those two things, you will be successful." – George (28:31)

4. Caller: Sarah – Husband's Income & Mindset Issues

Timestamps: 53:06–62:55

• Husband is about to be laid off from ministry job earning $45k; family has high debt (student loans, mortgage, parent PLUS loan).
• Sarah wants to avoid daycare for their young children, is launching her own business, but hasn't made income.
• Ken is blunt: They need more urgency and effort from both spouses— "letting life happen" is not a plan; they should consider all income options, potentially relocate if it helps with family support and childcare.
• George calculates that only with a significant income jump (to $100k combined or more) will they pay off debt in a reasonable timeframe.
• Emphasizes cooperation, sacrifice, and urgency in times of financial distress.

"You're letting life happen to you instead of happen[ing] to life." – Ken (60:06)

5. Caller: Jessica – Single Mom, Domestic Violence Survival, & Next Steps

Timestamps: 43:20–51:14

• Jessica is newly single, left a domestic violence situation, has $20k debt (mostly student loans), relying on a two-year housing assistance program.
• Considers returning to school for dental hygiene (~$100k tuition at a trade school vs. ~$15k at community college).
• Ken & George urge immediate focus on employment, not more school or debt:
  • Any available income (cleaning houses, retail, etc.)
  • Keep four walls secure, focus on childcare within limited means, only return to school when stable.
• Jessica is resourceful and resilient—coaches encourage her to remember her capability.

"This is something that's doable. It's not demeaning. It's safe. Go start knocking on doors. Talk to everybody that'll listen." – Ken (51:03)

6. Baby Steps Millionaire Feature: Eric from Sioux Falls

Timestamps: 106:47–115:30

• Eric, 44, and wife now have net worth of $1 million (house, 401k, IRAs, $150k cash).
• Started with $50k income, now up to $200k; both bachelor degrees.
• No wild spending—Levis, Honda/Toyota vehicles, straightforward lifestyle.
• Inherited $90k, would have rather not needed it.
• Their method: "Just start. Live off a budget. Pay yourself first. Use the baby steps."
• Both hosts highlight how ordinary, steady habits—versus drastic gambles or luck—lead to financial success.

Other Notable Segments

Debt Confessions & Accountability

• Callers routinely expose how mindset or emotional issues (guilt, fear) sabotage financial progress—hosts dissect, reassure, and sometimes sternly challenge these beliefs.
• Example: John (65:16–74:15) is working three jobs but can't seem to get ahead. The issue is not income, but failure to budget—every dollar needs a "job" before it hits an account.

Realistic Budgeting and Expense Cuts

• Repeated emphasis on following a real, tracked budget—not just planning for one and ignoring it.
• Lifestyle creep, not income, is often the main barrier.

Notable Quotes

• "Rule number one: Don't have a baby with someone you wouldn't trust to watch your child."
  — George (13:08)

• "You're letting life happen to you instead of happen[ing] to life."
  — Ken (60:06)

• "Effort plus sacrifice is what I think is a really powerful combo."
  — Ken (28:08)

• "This is not a forever season."
  — George to Nancy (06:49)

• "What we focus on, our brain then goes and takes pictures of it... focus on the right stuff and watch good stuff happen."
  — Ken (104:00–104:26, on the power of focus)

Top Takeaways

Actionable Ramsey Principles from this Episode:

• Do not file bankruptcy for manageable personal debts.
• Prioritize urgent needs ("four walls")—food, housing, utilities, transport—before paying lenders.
• Increase income creatively: side hustles, second jobs, leveraging skills for remote or flexible work.
• If a partner or spouse is dead weight financially and relationally, do not build your plan around them.
• Budget fiercely; challenge every expense, and track spending daily.
• Avoid lifestyle creep; focus on needs vs. wants, especially in tight seasons.
• Use the "debt snowball" method for paying off debts—smallest to largest for momentum.
• Take responsibility for your financial mess, no matter how you got there.
• Emphasize support networks and community, especially for single parents in crisis.

Resources Mentioned

• EveryDollar App (for budgeting and paycheck planning)
• SmartVestor Pros (advisors)
• Ramsey Baby Steps Framework
• Debt payoff calculators and budgeting tools at ramseysolutions.com

This episode balances empathy and urgency—and delivers clear, memorable financial guidance for listeners at all stages of their money journey.