Dave Says: Nothing can make you happier…or scare you more

Dear Dave, My wife and I recently learned she’s pregnant. She’s about to begin her second trimester, and we’re both really excited. There is a bit of concern, though. During a detailed ultrasound, the doctor found an issue that might mean our baby could need minor surgery soon after delivery. Financially, we’re in Baby Step…

ByDave RamseyOctober 15, 20250Comments

Column Education Faith News People

Dave Says: Giving is always in season

Dear Dave, My husband and I have already started putting money aside for Christmas. Recently, we were talking about what we might get our six-year-old twins, when we decided we want to make sure they experience the giving side of Christmas this year, rather than just receiving. What are some good ideas for making sure…

ByDave RamseySeptember 4, 20250Comments

Column

Dave Says: It’s not a joint venture, it’s a marriage

Dear Dave, When my wife and I got married, she had about $70,000 in savings and I had a lot of debt. We bought some property from her parents to build a home on, and she made a 20% down payment on the land from her savings. We’ve paid off some debt, and she has…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffMay 31, 20230Comments

Column

Dave Says: Just pile up money, and go do it

Dear Dave, I plan to buy another investment property with cash in the next year or two. Currently, I have $83,000 sitting in a high-yield savings account at 4% interest. My goal is to save another $50,000 to $70,000 in the upcoming months. Right now, 4% is good, but I want to make sure I’m…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffApril 25, 20230Comments

Column Real Estate

Dave Says: pay off my home, or buy a rental?

Dear Dave, I’m going to sell a rental cabin I own, and the sale should bring me about $388,000. Should I take the proceeds from the sale and use it to pay off my home and other debt or use the money to buy another, similar rental property where I could collect about $1,500 per…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffMarch 28, 20230Comments

Column Real Estate

Dave Says: Tips for a first-time homebuyer

Dear Dave, I’m 20 years old, and I’m planning to buy a home in the next year. Besides having a 20% down payment, what other tips do you have for a first-time home buyer? Also, is there anything I need to guard against when it comes to buying a house? Jacob Dear Jacob, I’m glad…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffMarch 24, 20230Comments

Column

Dave Says: Combine… everything

Dear Dave, I live with my boyfriend, and we have a baby together. I brought debt into the relationship, and I’m using your debt snowball method to pay it off, but he is debt-free. We have quite a few shared expenses that we split 50-50, but that means we are constantly reimbursing each other. Should…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffJune 14, 20220Comments

Column

Dave says: Teach them, don’t enable them

Dear Dave, My younger brother and his wife did their taxes last month and learned they owe $15,000 to the IRS. I love them both, but they are extremely irresponsible with money. I know they have a lot of credit card debt, too. I am debt-free, including my home after following your plan, and would…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffApril 27, 20220Comments

Column News

Dave Says: Focus on the debt first, then save and invest

Dear Dave, My husband and I have paid off all our credit card debt, and we are following your Baby Steps plan. We still owe about $40,000 on two cars, and our combined income is around $150,000. Since we have a good income, we were thinking about finishing our emergency fund and contributing to our…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffApril 13, 20220Comments

Column

Dave Says: The idea’s the same

Dear Dave, I own a small business. How much should I have in a business emergency fund when my annual sales are around $100,000? Currently, I have two months of expenses set aside. Theresa Dear Theresa, Generally, I like the idea of small businesses having about six months of expenses on hand. That kind of…

ByMHO Newsroom StaffApril 5, 20220Comments