Ah, one could dream...
But they can't do that because then no one would vote for them. They have to participate in this class warfare to say "see it's not your fault and your bad spending habits or your relationship with money. No, it's these evil billionaires."
Politicians dont actually want to solve the problem. They just want to look like they are solving the problem.
Caller: We paid off $582,000(half a million dollars+) in debt.
Dave Ramsey: $582,000? Goodness. How long did that take?
Caller: Ten years.
Dave Ramsey: And what was your household income during that time?
Caller: Between $65,000 and $114,000 a year.
Dave Ramsey: So you didn't become debt-free because you suddenly got rich.
Caller: No. We just got serious.
At first, we tried to cut corners and do things our own way.
But we were still fighting about money.
Eventually, we committed to the plan.
We started budgeting every month.
We used the cash envelope system.
We had the hard conversations.
And then we kept doing it.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Dave Ramsey: That's the part people don't want to hear.
Caller: Exactly.
There's no secret.
Just boring consistency.
Dave Ramsey: Half a million dollars in debt doesn't disappear because of motivation.
It disappears because two people decide to keep showing up for ten years.
Caller: We had seen what financial hardship could do to a family.
We didn't want that story for our kids.
Dave Ramsey: So what's it feel like now?
Caller: Free.
Dave Ramsey: $582,000 paid off in 10 years while earning between $65,000 and $114,000 a year.
That's what happens when discipline sticks around longer than excuses.
🚨 He has $45,000,000.
She has $3,000,000.
And they're trying to figure out a prenup.
Him: She's got $3 million. I've got $45 million. Should we have a prenup?
Dave: Yes. In your situation, absolutely.
Him: She suggested slowly moving some of my separate property into community property over time. Maybe 5% a year.
Dave: There's no reason to do that.
Him: She wants to feel like we're building something together.
Dave: Then don't focus on splitting the assets. Focus on splitting the growth.
Him: What do you mean?
Dave: You leave with what you entered with. Your $45 million is yours. Her $3 million is hers. Then decide how the growth from this point forward gets shared.
Him: That sounds reasonable.
Dave: The goal isn't to create a roommate situation where you have to decide who pays for the mustard in the refrigerator.
Him: Right.
Dave: The goal is to protect what you built before marriage while still building a life together after marriage.
One of the smartest lines in this conversation:
"You leave with what you entered with. Then you share the growth."
That's a much healthier discussion than arguing over who owns what.
@InvestsDad That is a painful day for sure, and I think it comes much sooner for boys.
Although it is less and less a priority for my girls, so far, they still think of me before they head off for school.
Parents & Future Planners: Is a 529 Plan Still the Ultimate College Savings Hack in 2026? With college costs skyrocketing (and trade schools, apprenticeships, and even K-12 options now in play), every family with kids needs to talk about 529 plans. These aren't your basic savings accounts—they're powerful, tax-advantaged vehicles that have gotten even more flexible with recent updates. Here's the latest breakdown:The Core MagicTax-free growth & withdrawals for qualified education expenses (no federal income tax on earnings if used right).
Contributions grow tax-deferred, and qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free federally.
Many states offer deductions or credits on contributions—huge win for residents!
2025–2026 Game-Changing Updates (One Big Beautiful Bill Act + SECURE 2.0)K-12 boost: Starting January 2026, you can withdraw up to $20,000 per year (doubled from $10k) for qualified elementary/secondary expenses at public, private, or religious schools.
Expanded K-12 uses (effective mid-2025): Now covers more than just tuition—think curriculum materials, books, tutoring, standardized tests, homeschooling supplies, and even certain educational therapies.
Trade & career credentials: Funds can now pay for vocational programs, apprenticeships, certifications (welding, plumbing, CDL, CPA, bar exam prep, cosmetology, etc.), including tuition, fees, books, and equipment. Perfect for non-traditional paths!
Roth IRA rollover: Unused funds? Roll up to $35,000 lifetime into the beneficiary's Roth IRA (account must be 15+ years old, with other rules). A brilliant retirement backup.
ABLE rollovers made permanent for families with disabilities.
Contribution Power MovesNo annual contribution limit, but treat contributions as gifts: In 2026, $19,000 per person ($38,000 for couples) without gift tax issues.
Superfund option: Front-load up to 5 years' worth (~$95k individual / $190k couple) in one go.
Lifetime limits per beneficiary are high (often $300k–$500k+ depending on the state plan).
Anyone can contribute: grandparents, family, friends.
Intricacies to Watch: State variations matter: Not every state conforms to the new federal expansions (K-12/credentialing). Pick your home state's plan for tax perks, or shop others for low fees/better investments. Check performance and costs!
Non-qualified withdrawals: Hit with income taxes + 10% penalty on earnings (but scholarships allow penalty-free adjustments).
Financial aid impact: 529s are generally parent assets (favorable FAFSA treatment), but timing withdrawals strategically helps.
Investment choices: Age-based portfolios or custom ones—growth early, conservative later.
Beneficiary flexibility: Easily change to another family member if plans shift.
Bottom line: A 529 is more versatile than ever—college, trade school, K-12 support, or even retirement pivot. But success depends on choosing the right plan and staying updated.
What’s your 529 strategy? Do you have one open for your kids?
Grandparents contributing?
Planning for private school, trade paths, or straight college?
Any horror stories or huge wins with state plans?
Drop your questions, experiences, or which state plan you love/hate below Let’s crowdsource the best tips for 2026! Tag a parent who needs this.
(Always consult a tax/financial advisor—rules can have nuances by state and situation.)
#529Plan #CollegeSavings #FinancialPlanning #ParentLife #EducationSavings
@FranWalsh73 Fantastic breakdown of what really goes into the numbers of paying off your house early... not to mention the risk, job security, and peace of mind involved.
The right house at the wrong price is the wrong house.
If you're looking to buy a home this summer, stand strong and don't let the market rush you into a decision your budget can't back up.
A great agent will help you find a house you love at the price that's right. Get in touch with one my ream recommends: https://t.co/ZBB1jJZfBb
🚨Almost 70% of Americans don't have $1,000 saved for an emergency. Let's fix that today. 🚨
Building a $1,000 emergency fund in under 3 months sounds daunting, but let's break down the math.
To hit $1,000 in 90 days, you only need to find $11.11 a day. 🤯
Here are 4 small, totally painless ways to hit that goal before the season changes:
✂️ 1. Slay the "Vampire Subs"
Audit your credit card statement right now. Cancel 2 subscriptions you haven't used this week (streaming, unused gym, forgotten app trials).
Current Score: ~$30/mo saved ($90 total)
📦 2. The "3-Item Flip"
Look in your closet, basement, or garage. Find 3 decent items you haven't touched in 12 months and list them on FB Marketplace or eBay this weekend.
Current Score: ~$200 total
☕ 3. The "At-Home" Challenge
Swap the $6 daily coffee and $15 takeout lunch for home prep just 3 days a week. It doesn't mean giving up what you love, just pacing it!
Current Score: ~$60/week saved ($720 total)
🐕 4. The Micro-Hustle
You don't need a grueling 2nd job. Walk a neighbor's dog twice a week, do a couple of food delivery runs on a Friday night, or sell a digital template online.
Current Score: ~$40/week earned ($480 total)
The Bottom Line: You don't have to do all of these. Combine just two of these methods, and you will easily smash the $1,000 goal in less than 90 days. 📈
What is your favorite weird or small way to save an extra $10 a day? Drop it below! 👇
#PersonalFinance #MoneyTips #EmergencyFund #FinancialFreedom
The Right to Bear Arms — the insurance policy for the Bill of Rights and the great equalizer of society.
— Dru Koester, Candidate for Senate District 41, Helena