Chicago woman learns her husband is $80K in debt — Dave Ramsey says her ‘marriage will be over' in 6 months
'I am at my wit's end,' she told Dave Ramsey on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show.
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Andie's husband has yet to offer a good explanation for the debt. In fact, he's still eyeing lavish new purchases, like a $4,000 sofa, while suggesting debt consolidation will be an easy fix for their problem.
'I don't know how else I could guide him besides saying it's a bad idea,' she said.
She'll need to figure it out quickly. Ramsey explained that the problem goes well beyond money and could be even worse than Andie thinks.
"I predict in six months your marriage will be over," Ramsey said.
The couple has been together for about eight years, and married for the last year, but Ramsey told Andie 'you're operating like roommates.'
'He's acting like a free agent just running around over here. You can't tell me if I buy a couch, and I'll do whatever I want to do, and I may or may not tell you. And that's destructive, isn't it?'
While Andie's problem is severe, financial infidelity is very common in American households.
In fact, 28% of married Americans admit to hiding big purchases or debt from their partner, according to a recent survey by Western & Southern Financial Group. Many couples start off on the wrong foot, with over a quarter waiting until after marriage to discuss how much debt they have.
Potential signs of financial infidelity include unexplained late payments, unfamiliar statements or receipts hidden away, a hesitation to discuss financial plans or a partner insisting on separate and undisclosed accounts.
Forty percent of respondents in the survey said they would end a relationship over financial dishonesty. That could very well be the end result for Andie.
'It's not about the money. You guys need to go to marriage counseling this week, or your marriage is going to end,' Ramsey advised.
Ramsey Show cohost John Deloney encouraged Andie to speak from a place of vulnerability rather than judgment. Instead of telling her husband, 'This is a dumb idea,' she should say, 'I'm so scared about our financial future.'
That shift may prompt her husband to truly hear her fears instead of tuning her out.
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He also advised the couple to conduct a full money audit to determine their total debt and rebuild trust.
You won't know how to make a plan 'until you both sit down and pull credit reports and you have real data in front of you,' he explained — adding that she needs independent information because she cannot trust him right now.
Experts also suggest several practical steps for couples grappling with financial infidelity:
Open dialogue: Schedule a weekly 'money meeting' to review your budget.
Joint budgeting: Get a budgeting app and set spending limits for each category.
Accountability partners: Have a neutral third party like a financial coach or mutual friend review monthly statements, so both parties remain honest.
Professional help: If conversations turn hostile or one partner remains secretive, marriage counselling or financial therapy can offer structured guidance.
Rebuild trust: You can establish shared goals such as buying a home, paying off debt or saving for retirement, then track your progress together.
While Andie thinks the best solution might be selling everything non-essential and living minimally — even in an RV — to tackle their debt head-on, her husband is reluctant.
'Why is it so difficult to get rid of material stuff?' she asked, her voice breaking from frustration.
Andie's husband suggested some of the debt covered expenses the couple incurred while he was off work due to an injury. The hosts, however, suspect a more serious problem such as addiction may be at play.
Whatever the truth may be, Ramsey advised Andie to push forward, because eventually the feelings of betrayal will become too great to bear.
'I do know that when people reach a certain point, the switch flips, and you can't get them back,' he said.
If you are in a similar situation, understand that financial infidelity doesn't have to signal the end of your relationship. You can make joint decisions and seek professional help to progress together as a team.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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