The Ramsey Show Highlights $135,000 in Student Loan Debt and Only Making $17 an Hour?
Jan 9, 2026
Brett calls in, sharing his staggering $135,000 in student loan debt while earning just $17 an hour. With a wife in a low-paying healthcare job and a hefty combined debt, they're seeking financial guidance. The conversation dives into the challenges of increasing income, including Brett's pursuit of an A&P certification. Dave warns against taking on more debt for a master's and stresses the urgency of finding better job prospects to tackle their financial woes. It's an eye-opening discussion about prioritizing career paths over costly education.
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Young Couple's Debt Snapshot
- Brett reports they have about $160,000 total debt, with $135,000 in student loans and $24,000 in car debt.
- He explains his wife has a Bachelor of Science (emphasis in biology) and works at St. Luke's making about $17 an hour.
Deployment, Guard Service, And Career Plans
- Brett explains he just returned from deployment, earned about $70,000 in the last 10 months, and is in the National Guard.
- He plans to get an A&P certificate to pursue jobs paying roughly $30–$40 an hour.
Don't Finance A Master's Without ROI
- Dave Ramsey warns against taking on more student debt for a master's degree without a clear, higher-paying career path.
- He tells them to raise household income first and then aggressively pay down existing loans.