Caller: I’m 70 years old and want to retire by 80. A company wants to lease 45 acres of my family farmland for a solar farm, and I’m wondering if it’s a good idea.
Dave Ramsey: I’d be very cautious. If the company goes out of business, you could be left with outdated solar equipment that’s expensive to remove.
Caller: They say the lease will provide income for 30 to 40 years.
Dave Ramsey: The problem is that the lease ties up your land for decades, making it harder to sell or pass on to your family. It could also become a burden for your heirs.
Caller: So what would you do instead?
Dave Ramsey: I’d consider selling a smaller portion of the land maybe 10 acres and investing the proceeds to generate retirement income. That gives you cash to retire while allowing you to keep most of the property in the family.
Caller: So you wouldn’t sign the solar lease?
Dave Ramsey: Not based on what you’ve shared. I’d rather have flexibility, liquid investments, and avoid locking up your land in a long-term agreement.
Caller: My wife and I are facing a $1.4 million debt crisis. We took out a bridge loan at 10.99% to buy a new home, and now the loan is almost due.
Dave Ramsey: What’s holding things up?
Caller: Our old house is under contract, but the buyers can’t sell their home, so the deal has been stuck for over 40 days. If it doesn’t close soon, we could face foreclosure
Dave Ramsey: First, don’t panic. Update your listing to “active/contingent” or “accepting backup offers” so other buyers know they can still make an offer.
Caller: Should we cancel the current contract?
Dave Ramsey: No. Forty days isn’t unusual in this market, and your current buyer is still your best chance. At the same time, call your lender immediately and negotiate an extension on the bridge loan
Dave Ramsey: Stay proactive, keep the current deal alive, and increase your chances of finding a faster buyer if one comes along.