• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Drowning in Debt? Dave Ramsey's Advice for Lightening the Load

BySUZAN CLARKE
June 02, 2010, 11:49 PM

June 3, 2010 — -- Dave Ramsey is a high-octane personal finance guru who advises people on how they can get out of debt.

His advice is simple: Come clean, cut up your credit cards and take back your life.

In a segment that aired this morning on on "Good Morning America," the radio talk show host revisited nine people who had gotten his straight-talk advice about their debt troubles last year, checking up on them to see how they were doing.

When Ramsey met with them in January 2009, he learned that they collectively owed more than $260,000 -- not including their mortgages.

Inspired by Ramsey's advice, they've paid off more than $140,000 of their debt -- despite divorce, illness and the daily challenges of sticking to strict budgets in a tough economy.

Ramsey shared additional tips for people who want to get out of debt:

Click HERE to see Ramsey's answers to six viewers' questions about how to handle their finances.

Put all your available resources into paying off debt. People in debt should keep an emergency fund of about $1,000. All other extra funds should be devoted to paying off debt, Ramsey said.

Up Next in News—

How Apple's new leasing program works: Details

July 29, 2026

New video released in shooting of Chiefs offensive coordinator's wife

July 29, 2026

Ex-husband testifies in trial of mom accused of killing her 3 children

July 28, 2026

Wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator allegedly shot by son at home, police say

July 27, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News