The Ramsey Show Highlights We Use My Dad As A Bank And Owe Him $71,000
Dec 13, 2025
A caller shares her dilemma after receiving a $60,000 down payment for a house from her father, who now wants it back with interest. The discussion delves into whether his financial support is loving or controlling, highlighting the complicated family dynamics at play. The hosts suggest ways to navigate the repayment while preserving family relationships, emphasizing the importance of clarity in financial matters and the potential risks of leaving issues unresolved. This episode blends heartfelt insights and practical advice in a relatable family money saga.
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Family Gift That Felt Like A Loan
- The caller's father gave her $60,000 five years ago as a down payment and wrote a gift letter.
- Verbally he expected repayment or for it to be taken from her inheritance, and the family treats him like a bank.
Gifts Mixed With Conditions Create Ambiguity
- The father mixes annual gifts with conditional expectations, creating confusion about intent.
- That ambiguity lets him both give and exert control through money.
Get Terms In Writing Or Forgive Via Estate
- Ask the father to put the repayment expectation in writing and consider having the debt formally forgiven as part of the inheritance.
- Get terms clarified now so the relationship can move forward without an unresolved financial shadow.