The Ramsey Show

Episode: We’re $100K in Debt and Living in a Camper
Date: February 4, 2026
Hosts: Ken Coleman & George Campbell (with guest appearances by Dave Ramsey and Andy Irwin)

Overview

This episode of The Ramsey Show dives deep into real-world financial dilemmas faced by callers—most notably, a young couple living in a camper grappling with over $100,000 in debt at just 22 years old. Through a mix of practical advice, tough love, and empathetic coaching, Ken Coleman and George Campbell walk listeners through the steps to regain control over their finances, break free from the cycle of debt, and build a life of intentionality and hope. Noteworthy segments include tackling huge vehicle debts, navigating family support dilemmas, dealing with high-interest loans, and more. The episode also features a candid interview with Andy Irwin and Bart Millard about their new film, "I Can Only Imagine 2".

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Camper Debt Crisis: Travis in Huntsville, Alabama

(Begins ~00:51)

• Situation: Travis, 22, and his wife are $100,000 in debt (truck, camper, wife's car), make $70,000/yr, live with 2 kids in a state park camper, and pay no rent due to volunteering.
• Breakdown:
  • $75k truck (now $60k owed, $1,200/mo payment, worth $36k—$24k underwater).
  • Camper: Owes $23k, worth ~$10k ($13k underwater).
  • Wife’s car: $16k owed.
• Main Dilemma: Completely underwater on the truck/camper and unsure how to escape while housing their family.

Advice:

• Immediate Focus: Get $1,000 in emergency savings (“Baby Step One”).
• Sell Assets: Explore selling the truck first since it’s no longer needed for travel, even if it means taking out a smaller loan for the difference to clear the title.
• Housing Plan: Consider safe, affordable rentals or living with church/family temporarily; don’t trade financial freedom for “free” but depreciating housing.
• Work Hard: Travis may need multiple jobs to expedite the debt payoff.
• Key Quote:

  “You’re essentially paying $1,700 right now for rent, because the trailer, truck, and camper are sinking.” —George Campbell [05:25]

2. Parent PLUS Loans vs. Credit Card Debt: Marie in NYC

(Begins ~10:24)

• Situation: Marie asks whether to continue early Parent PLUS loan payments or divert funds to $7,200 in credit card debt, while managing a mortgage and a small car loan.
• Advice:
  • Make only minimum payments on the Parent PLUS loans until they’re required, to avoid ballooning interest.
  • Focus excess payments on credit cards (debt snowball method), then car, then student loans.
  • Pausing investing during this period is advised.
• Motivational Boost: Marie is making ~$110k working two jobs; George and Ken encourage her to stick with it, aiming for debt freedom in 18–24 months.
• Notable Quote:

  “The steps are simple, but the work and the sacrifice is hard.” —Ken Coleman [19:24]

3. Helping Family Without Enabling: John in Charlotte, NC

(Begins ~21:44)

• Situation: John and his wife want to help her financially struggling mother and sister but worry about enabling vs. truly helping.
• Coaching:
  • Only help if recipients request assistance and display readiness for change.
  • Don’t invest in solutions (e.g., paying for childcare) without commitment on their end.
• Notable Quote:

  “Until they are at a breaking point... I don’t know that they’re ready for it yet.” —George Campbell [27:11]

4. First Apartment Fears: Jonathan in Fairfax, VA

(Begins ~28:01)

• Situation: New RN with ~$90k income, living at home, considering $1,500/mo rent vs. continuing to stay with parents.
• Strategy:
  • Rent alone would be ~25% of take-home pay—a reasonable ratio.
  • Explore roommates to cut costs.
  • Don’t let fear of change prevent progress toward independence.
• Fun Banter:

  “It’s scary to fly the coop, Ken. He’s comfy.” —George Campbell [31:06]

5. 25% APR Car Loan Disaster: Kathy in Minneapolis

(Begins ~33:06)

• Situation: Husband refinanced to consolidate debt, got 25% interest on $17,000 for the car, and did not communicate the decision.
• Advice:
  • Attack this crisis aggressively: spouse should take whatever extra jobs necessary.
  • If possible, use a credit union to refinance at a lower rate, but likely not feasible due to bad credit.
  • Sell the car if/when possible and resolve underwater situation; minimize future financial emergencies with stronger teamwork.
• Notable Quote:

  “It’s not one thing. It is death by a thousand cuts that got us there.” —George Campbell [41:52]

6. Rebuilding After Scams & Divorce: Sabrina in Atlanta

(Begins ~44:55)

• Situation: 54-year-old single mom, lost retirement savings in a scam perpetrated by ex-husband, sold home, is starting over with moderate savings but some debt.
• Steps:
  • Pay off credit cards ASAP.
  • Use CD maturity to pay off car; free up cash flow.
  • Use remaining savings as emergency fund.
  • Invest for retirement with realistic timeline (likely into late 60s).
  • Seek professional help to grow her organizing business.
• Empowerment:

  “Why don’t we call this a new slate and say this is post-ex Sabrina. She’s starting a new chapter.” —George Campbell [49:17]

7. Risk & Job Cycles: Brandon in Oklahoma City (Oil & Gas Income Swings)

(Begins ~54:40)

• Situation: Cyclical layoffs in oil/gas make Brandon hesitant to use savings to pay off $70k total debt (~$40k in savings).
• Advice:
  • Debt is the bigger risk, especially when tied to property collateral.
  • Use savings to pay off as much debt as possible (prioritizing those tied to property), then hustle to rebuild the emergency fund.
• Notable Quote:

  “You’ve been afraid of the wrong things.” —Ken Coleman [62:27]

8. AI in Tax Preparation: Carol in Denver

(Begins ~66:46)

• Situation: Carol wonders if she should allow her accounting firm to use AI (some parts overseas) in tax planning.
• Advice:
  • It’s becoming standard for firms to use AI to streamline admin work.
  • Ask pointed questions about privacy/security; choose a provider you trust.
• Notable Quote:

  “If you’re not comfortable with it, just go. ‘No, thank you.’” —George Campbell [68:56]

9. Inherited Home—or Debt Solution?: Stephanie in Detroit

(Begins ~69:53)

• Situation: Considering whether to keep/renovate a newly inherited lake house that’s not ideally located (would commute, out of school district), while also living in a trailer and carrying $60k in debt.
• Advice:
  • Reverse engineer the decision: If you wouldn’t buy it now, don’t keep it.
  • Use the proceeds to erase debt, fund a down payment, and set up for future stability.
• Memorable Moment:

  “For those reasons, I’m out.” —George Campbell (Shark Tank style) [75:25]

10. Retiring Early: Ryan in Salt Lake City

(Begins ~87:42)

• Situation: Wants to retire at 40; makes ~$210k/yr, 2 kids, minimal savings (paid off debt recently).
• Plan:
  • Get entirely out of consumer debt.
  • Build up an emergency fund.
  • Invest at least 15%, then increase to a brokerage after the house is paid off.
  • Caution: FIRE “retire early” enthusiasts often get bored or underestimate true costs.
• Notable Quote:

  “There is this built-in desire, in our spirit, in our soul, to make a contribution.” —Ken Coleman [95:17]

11. Film Interview: "I Can Only Imagine 2"

(Begins ~107:57)

• Guests: Andy Irwin (director), Bart Millard (MercyMe frontman, producer)
• Discussed the challenge of making a sequel, themes of overcoming adversity, and how the song “Even If” inspired the story arc.
• Fun Fact: Some scenes filmed at Ramsey’s campus, with Dave Ramsey’s voice cameo.
• Memorable Moment:

  “Life is messy… it’s learning to live with grief or stress or worry and gratitude at the same time.” —Bart Millard [115:50]

12. Other Notable and Uplifting Moments

• “Death by a thousand cuts” theme—many callers realize their big debt hole came from a series of small, manageable decisions gone wrong.
• Honest reflection on family and children’s quality of life vs. hyper-saving for retirement (Trent in Idaho, starting at [119:05]), arguing for balance and intentionality.
• Celebration: Promotions of ways to celebrate debt-free milestones, including Ramsey cruises and events—a lighthearted moment between hosts, [97:36].
• Consistent Ramsey Takeaway: Use intentionality, patience, and sacrifice—not shortcuts—to break free from debt and reclaim your future.

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• “You’re essentially paying $1,700 right now for rent, because the trailer, truck, and camper are sinking.” —George Campbell [05:25]
• “The steps are simple, but the work and the sacrifice is hard.” —Ken Coleman [19:24]
• “It’s not one thing. It is death by a thousand cuts that got us there.” —George Campbell [41:52]
• “Why don’t we call this a new slate and say this is post-ex Sabrina. She’s starting a new chapter.” —George Campbell [49:17]
• “You’ve been afraid of the wrong things.” —Ken Coleman [62:27]
• “For those reasons, I’m out.” —George Campbell [75:25]
• “There is this built-in desire, in our spirit, in our soul, to make a contribution.” —Ken Coleman [95:17]
• “Life is messy… it’s learning to live with grief or stress or worry and gratitude at the same time.” —Bart Millard [115:50]

Timestamps of Main Segments

• Camper Debt & Housing: 00:51 – 09:01
• Parent PLUS Loans vs. Cards: 10:24 – 19:19
• Helping Family Member Dilemma: 21:44 – 28:01
• First Solo Apartment Anxiety: 28:01 – 33:06
• Refinanced Car Loan at 25%: 33:06 – 41:29
• Single Mom, Post-Divorce Finances: 44:55 – 53:09
• Cyclical Oil Industry & Debt Risks: 54:40 – 64:26
• AI in Tax Prep: 66:46 – 69:53
• Inherited Lake House Decision: 69:53 – 75:17
• Retiring at 40 Reality Check: 87:42 – 96:09
• Film Segment: "I Can Only Imagine 2" 107:57 – 117:26

Ramsey Principles Highlighted

• Baby Steps: Emergency fund, debt snowball, pause investing, then aggressively attack mortgage and invest more.
• No shortcuts: Hard work & sacrifice is required; selling depreciating assets often makes more sense than holding on.
• Communication in Marriage and with Family: Addressing decisions together prevents isolation and financial fumbles.
• Intentionality: Drifting equals average results; winning with money is the fruit of active, intentional planning.
• Quality of Life Matters: Don’t let the “savings rat race” prevent a fulfilling present for your family.
• Community & Accountability: Regular reminders that financial freedom = peace of mind and options, not just “retirement”.

Tone & Style

• Warm, yet direct "tough love" Ramsey advice.
• Hosts mix humor with real talk, empathetic listening, and motivating encouragement.
• Stories of struggle meet hope—whether facing a $100,000 truck debt, a 25% car loan, or rebuilding after a scam.

This episode provides powerful, step-by-step financial wisdom for anyone dealing with debt, risk, or tough financial life transitions—along with inspiration to keep going, no matter how hard the journey feels.