The Ramsey Show – "Your Financial Comeback Starts Today"

Date: October 20, 2025
Hosts: Ken Coleman & George Campbell
Special Guest: Bear Grylls

Episode Overview

This episode of The Ramsey Show focuses on the theme: No matter how deep in financial trouble you are, you can start your financial comeback today. Ken Coleman and George Campbell (filling in for Dave Ramsey) field live calls from listeners facing pressing, often emotionally charged, money problems. Through practical advice, tough love, and humor, they demonstrate how anyone can take control—and start the journey toward financial peace. The episode features real-life debt struggles, budgeting challenges, family and career crossroads, holiday spending anxiety, and an inspiring conversation with Bear Grylls about faith, resilience, and purpose.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tackling Overwhelming Debt – Small Steps, Big Change

• Theme: Facing seemingly insurmountable debt is daunting, but breaking it down and controlling every dollar gives hope.
• Example:
  • Keith from Portland, OR (01:07–08:37):
    • Truck driver, ~$70k/year income, $80k student loan debt, $22k car loan, $3.5k personal debt, supporting his mother.
    • Irregular pay and feeling stuck, not paying even student loan interest.
    • Hosts recommend: Take control of every dollar, find stable/increased income, and attack debts smallest to largest.
    • Quote:
      • “Very simple formula: use EveryDollar, get control of your money, and then go make more money. Those two simple things change your life.” – Ken Coleman [08:37]
    • Gifted career assessment and budgeting tool for practical next steps.

2. Balancing Family, Work, & Finances

• Caller Paul, Knoxville, TN (10:29–20:19): Recently laid-off, new government job with great benefits but low salary. Balancing family time vs. financial pressure.
• Advice & Discussion:
  • Temporary side gigs are a Band-Aid; root issue is long-term income needs.
  • Both spouses may need to work, even in a homeschool setting.
  • Emphasis on solving the math problem first to reduce stress and improve family presence.
  • Quote:
    • “You’re not going to be present with the family until you solve this math problem.” – George Campbell [17:23]
• Budgeting Challenge:
  • $10,948 in non-mortgage debt resulting in $700/month payments.
  • Once debt is gone, cash flow problem will dramatically improve.

3. Holiday Guilt & Giving Strategies During Debt Payoff

• Aaron from Little Rock, AR (21:23–30:44):
  • Single mom, 3 kids, juggling 3 jobs, paid off $5k debt in 2 months; worried about Christmas gifts while still $29k in debt.
  • Quote:
    • “How much of this, if you can be honest, is out of just guilt for, like, what they’ve been through?” – George Campbell [24:38]
  • Discussion:
    • Kids value experiences more than pricey gifts.
    • Set realistic, equal budgets (suggested: $100/child).
    • Creative ideas: family outing, meaningful small gift, or collective big gift (e.g., a used PlayStation they all share).
    • Teach generosity—kids choose a gift to give to someone else.
    • Quote:
      • "Kids don’t understand the concept of what a thing costs." – George Campbell [24:11]
      • “Get mad at the debt… not at yourself.” – Lexi, debt-free guest [112:14]

4. Using Savings to Attack Debt & The True Cost of Car Loans

• Natalie from Sacramento (43:43–52:11):
  • $12,500 in savings, $87k in debt (credit cards, two student loans, $44k car loan).
  • Advice:
    • Reduce savings to $1,000, throw all extra at debt (Baby Steps).
    • Strong recommendation to sell the newly purchased, underwater car to free up $667/month in car payments.
    • Quotes:
      • “Imagine I just started giving you $1,000 a month. That’s what selling that car will do for you.” – George Campbell [47:28]
    • Focus on dreams (adopting, moving out of state), not the temporary comfort of an expensive vehicle.

5. Passive Income Myths as a Student & Planning for Grad School

• Gabe from Pittsburgh (53:43–63:14):
  • 1st-year nursing student, $30k saved, wants to generate passive income.
  • Hosts bust the “mailbox money” myth: passive income is rarely truly passive and often risky, especially for young savers.
  • Focus instead on stacking cash for future grad school costs (projected $100k needed to avoid debt).
  • Quote:
    • “You’re going to take a step forward and three steps back if you graduate with $200 grand in student loans.” – George Campbell [61:26]
    • Use high-yield savings, resist lures of crypto/single stocks.

6. Complex Family Money Dynamics

• Nicholas in Washington (65:34–67:36):
  • Paying family cell plan as others “joke” about not paying their share.
  • Hosts: Set boundaries; don’t allow yourself to be the doormat (“Draw a line… I’m out.”).

7. Merging Lives and Assets Before Marriage

• Joseph in Los Angeles (67:51–74:14):
  • Both partners have significant real estate assets/debt.
  • Guidance: Combine finances post-marriage, pay down debt, simplify by selling off excess properties.

8. Buying Classic Cars as an ‘Investment’?

• Joel from Fairfax, VA (76:19–84:39):
  • Considers trading in a paid-for car for a classic muscle car as a “growing asset.”
  • Strongly advised against it for retirement planning: classic cars are costly hobbies, not secure investments.

9. Young Adult Ready for the Next Step but Tempted by Risky Shortcuts

• Jeremy in Dallas, TX (85:48–94:26):
  • College grad, $50k saved, job offer out of state, wants to skip renting for a mortgage (possibly with girlfriend’s mother as co-buyer).
  • Hosts: Hard “no” to buying with anyone but a spouse. Rent, get established, stack more cash.
  • Quote:
    • “You’re considering buying a house with your girlfriend’s mom? This is next level stupid.” – Ken Coleman [90:51]

10. Debt-Free Success Story: Lexi’s Journey

• Lexi from Melbourne, FL (106:22–115:44):
  • Paid off $56,569 in student loans in 1.5 years earning $120k as a project manager and side gigs (Uber, dog-sitting).
  • Sacrificed social life, but now experiences peace: “It feels like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders.” [113:45]
  • Key advice: Forgive yourself, make debt the enemy, stay laser-focused.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We don’t gift when we’re resentful… This is not the spirit of giving.” – George Campbell, on family plans and boundaries [66:25]
• “I’m going to challenge you. Maybe we need to change that homeschool rhythm because if she is an able-bodied working adult in the house and you guys are in the position you are, this is about a better life.” – Ken Coleman, on shared family contribution during tough times [16:40]
• “Life is bigger than a vehicle. We can always get another car, can’t we?” – George Campbell [50:27]
• Bear Grylls on His New Book (32:32–42:10):
  • “If this is true, it changes everything–in all our lives, in all interactions, for all time. So it’s like that—I stand behind. This is, if it is true, this is the greatest story ever told.” [39:57]
  • “Preach the gospel of Christ every day, in all places, to all people, at all times; where necessary, use words.” [36:39]
  • “So many people know the nativity or the crucifixion… but no one’s ever written the story of Christ as a short, punchy thriller.” [34:12]
  • “You’re an amazing mom regardless of a thing you buy them. Right?” – George Campbell [24:55]

Important Timestamps

• Financial Comebacks & Debt Snowball | 01:07–08:37 (Keith)
• Family vs. Finances | 10:29–20:19 (Paul)
• Holiday Spending & Guilt | 21:57–30:44 (Aaron)
• Bear Grylls Interview | 32:32–42:10
• Should I Use Savings to Pay Debt? | 43:43–52:11 (Natalie)
• Passive Income & Student Questions | 53:43–63:14 (Gabe)
• Combining Family Assets | 67:51–74:14 (Joseph)
• Classic Cars & Retirement | 76:19–84:39 (Joel)
• Young Adult Homeownership Temptations | 85:48–94:26 (Jeremy)
• Lexi’s Debt-Free Scream | 106:22–115:44

Episode Flow & Tone

The episode maintains the Ramsey Show’s signature style: honest, solution-driven, and encouraging (with direct, sometimes blunt advice and plenty of light banter). Throughout, Ken and George balance empathy for callers’ struggles with accountability and actionable steps, making the episode as entertaining as it is educational.

Final Reminders from Hosts

• “Remember, there is ultimately only one way to financial peace, and that is to walk daily with the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus.” [125:49]

For Listeners:

• Resources Highlighted:
  • EveryDollar app (budgeting)
  • Ramsey Baby Steps Plan
  • Free Budgeting 101 Workshop
  • Ken's Career Assessment
  • Bear Grylls’ new book: The Greatest Story Ever Told

Takeaway:
No matter how dire your financial situation, today is the best day to begin your comeback. Get mad at the debt, take control dollar by dollar, and move forward with clarity, hustle, and hope.