6 Money Traps The Middle Class Is Falling For

[@beth3535]

Today at noon I’m heading to the bank to pay off my mortgage. That’s the last loan I’ll carry for the rest of my life. Yippee

[@savanah1407]

Congratulations!

[@Dieselman6.7]

Wow that’s amazing I hope to get there one day!! Congratulations you won!!

[@rachelcrossen8136]

Congrats🎉🎉 that is a huge accomplishment !!

[@Silverdragon517]

Congratulations

[@tahannac.286]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations!!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@brandonb7120]

No student loans, no car loans, no keeping up with the Joneses - but I do have an air fryer that I love.

[@ehren5347]

I love my air fryer.

[@mysticquetzal87]

same 🙌

[@muzerhythm2242]

🎆Yes! People laugh at my older car, and I don't have the brand new tech...I smile to myself knowing "I don't have to worry about repo man, and nasty calls and letters from collections." 😁

[@CYCO1631]

The Air fryer pays for itself quickly. It's cheaper to buy wings at the grocery store, and air fry them at home, then it is to get them as part of Pizza night delivery. Tastier too!

[@ehren5347]

@@CYCO1631 I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way. I feel that the wings are better too.

[@barttfisher]

Very clear and helpful. thanks! I'm working extra to keep my ROI flowing into my mortgage payment. it's the last piece of debt i have and i'm a bit overeager to see it gone. Any index fund or stock tips to help that get done?

[@PennyBergeron-os4ch]

It’s a good time to buy in on the market, so seize the opportunity to purchase stocks on sales.

[@FinnBraylon]

I think stocks will plummet further before actually experiencing steady growth and there are still quite a few stocks that makes for a good buy this season, you just have to do your research, but to be on the safer side and not second guess your market decisions, I’d suggest you reach out to a proper investment manager for guidance, they’re better equipped at understanding market patterns/movements and adjusting portfolio to match up with these market trends.

[@HildaBennet]

my portfolio is down over 23% j and It’s been that way fsince 2022 and I really could use professional help, I’m close to retirement. have you worked with an asset manager before and could recommend any?

[@FinnBraylon]

She's known as ’SONYA LEE MITCHELL. One of the finest portfolio managers in the field also widely recognized. Just research the name. You’d find necessary details to work with and set up an appointment.

[@HildaBennet]

Thank you for sharing. I just scheduled a phone call with her. She seems proficient considering her résumé.

[@freedomring3022]

the biggest trap of all .. listening to broke unsuccessful people tell you how to be wealthy and successful

[@chrisvarelabenitez4690]

Yup, stay off the Instagram & silly media bs

[@Candisa]

Exactly! I did some stupid stuff with money because my parents never showed me what goes in saving and keeping money. When I got in trouble they bailed me out instead of teaching me how to get out of it. I always thought they were successful because they could spend large amounts of money, ran their own business, could help me out anytime if needed... until I realised they were just lucky financial idiots. If they'll live long (now in their 70s) they will run out of money despite having low monthly costs and living more frugal than people their age with their business history should have to... Yet they tell me I am doing things wrong for paying off my mortgage and investing, because they always kept their loans until the end and kept their money rotting away in savings accounts. They don't even realise how close to being broke they are, they even think I'm after their money whenever I bring up the subject and say I'll be rich when they die because I will inherit their house (a 1958 energy hog in a part of town that hasn't been fancy since the 1980s anymore, which I'll have to sell to pay the inheritance taxes and their funerals).

[@LindseyHarvell-vc4ez]

Yup it’s always a sisters boyfriend lol 😂

[@roarrman]

1) Student Loans 2) Auto loans 3) Buying too much house 4) Trying to Game the credit card system 5) Get rich quick traps 6) Keeping up with the joneses

[@Brownaut1993]

It's literally timestamped in his vid. This comment's pointless

[@devereauxjnr]

I started stacking to SAVE wealth. I've always been the type of person to spend my entire paycheck. I hate having money just sit in the bank. I am under pressure to grow my reserve of $950k. before I turn 60, I would appreciate any advice on potential investments.

[@MrGravity304]

When people have money, they spend it. And some people spend more money when they have more of it. If you want to improve your financial management, you should consult with a financial advisor.

[@NotyourBusiness-urto6]

@@MrGravity304 Very true , I diversified my $400K portfolio across multiple market with the aid of an investment advisor, I have been able to generate over $900k in net profit across high dividend yield stocks, ETF and bonds in few months.

[@carolynrose1816]

@@NotyourBusiness-urto6 Where can I find this Advisor?

[@NotyourBusiness-urto6]

@@carolynrose1816 credits to NICOLE DESIREE SIMON, one of the best portfolio manager;s out there. she;s well known, you should look her up

[@carolynrose1816]

@@NotyourBusiness-urto6 Thanks for the info, i found her website and sent a message hopefully she replies soon.

[@lindadorman2869]

More middle-class traps: buy now/pay later, payday loans, layaway, zero down programs.

[@magicdaisies5242]

I got caught up in payday loans and nearly ruined my life. I was stupid to think you paid them back in parts and not on the next payday so was stuck in a loop. Thankfully I'm out of that and I have an emergency fund so will never need them again.

[@anelly93]

Those are more broke/low income traps.

[@ericmoore418]

$38,000 paid off. It really was not that bad to pay it off. Just live like a college student for awhile. People give up so easy.

[@rennaway8728]

George, while I am a big fan of your angle on modernizing and simplifying the Ramsey message for a younger generation, I do feel that some of your advice is a bit tone deaf to what the majority of folks are feeling and experiencing right now. Instead of sitting down and doing the modern math, it seems Dave and friends just say “work harder…” which is easier to say when you are already a millionaire and all of your anecdotal feelings and data is from an era decades passed. Let’s paint an example, and I will even use above average salary numbers to make an even stronger point: pretend a couple makes 115k per year gross (more than the average). They follow Dave’s advice and invest 15% of their income for retirement (which many experts say is not even enough anymore), have no debt, and after insurance, 401k/benefits and taxes let’s say they take home 5,600 a month… using your 25% rule of thumb, they would only be able to afford a $1,400 a month mortgage (including property taxes and insurance) on a 15 year fixed… EVEN at a 30 year fixed, they would basically have to put over 50% down to afford even a 320k home… and the median home price is 388k or so… Furthermore, there are very few starter homes in the US near anywhere that pays a decent wage that have homes priced at 320k without basically being a knockdown shack. Dave’s advice would be to move to another state or area, but then the jobs in those areas pay less which basically makes it a wash, OR you are commuting 2 hours each way making your car costs eat up the savings difference… again a wash. Also, Dave is against remote work, so the idea of “just move somewhere affordable” seems to run counter to what he preaches as you would need a new job, which pays less since it’s a lower cost of living area. Is it Dave’s contention that every single person must be a doctor or entrepreneur or engineer in order to afford a 2 bed 1 bath and maybe be able to retire one day? I would like to see more acknowledgement of this from you, as you are the future of Ramsey and I think acknowledging these challenges from folks like yourself is the first step in being able to bring about change.

[@LoveOnTheEdge1705]

Another trap we fall into is overpaying for day to day things like groceries from a particular grocer chain.

[@LoveOnTheEdge1705]

@@cjjohnson7095 Ouch!!! That's hurtful.

[@cwhitty05]

*COUGHS* Whole Foods *COUGHS*

[@markbeiser]

@@cwhitty05 But that black truffle Gouda cheese! 😋

[@10RRASK]

Pro tip: if your sticky hand is no longer sticky, rinse it off under the faucet, let it air dry, and it’ll be like new.

[@brandymeidl7126]

Honestly, I'm so used to being frugal now it's becoming a way of life. It's ok to buy nice things! Gives me time to think if i really want them. I think that's a good thing! Gives me peace to pay in cash and not rely on debt. Be in the driver's seat. ☺️

[@DJSliick]

Also, a trap could be when the middle class make more money (like getting a raise), they spend more money still living paycheck to paycheck.

[@Defy_Convention]

Lifestyle inflation

[@twiga7318]

I just got my student loan forgiven because I worked in public service for years. If I had to do it again, would go to community college instead. Student loans are not worth it anymore.

[@jacqjacq5920]

This Jones ain't broke... baby step 7!! Thank you Ramsey team, and you too George!❤

[@Mrcool202]

George is so talented and is giving such good advice. My wife and I have been debt free for 2 years (house and all) and we spent 4.5 years on the Ramsey plan and beans and rice. You can do it and the peace of mind is worth all the blood, sweat, and tears it took to rip off the chains of debt. You can do it!

[@spvimagery3527]

How does it feel?

[@Mrcool202]

amaz-balls@@spvimagery3527

[@Matys1975]

You will actually live longer if you eat beans and rice 😂

[@robbiethornton-peek7485]

It feels great. Debt free including mortgage for over 3.5 years. @@spvimagery3527

[@aliciaeasterwood]

Air fryer is legit! I use it daily. The housing is definitely hard to overcome with the comparison trap. Praying God daily to keep focus in alignment of His will.

[@markg999]

Id say a big trap is middle class falls into lifestyle creep. They get raises and make more and end up just spending more as they get older.

[@allaboutroofing2]

Being house poor for about 5 years in the beginning was the best "mistake" I ever made. Everyone tried talking me out of buying a house at 20 years old too, but again, it worked out exceedingly well for me. I now own a 800K home outright at 45 and just bought the house next door.

[@suhwateezea.214]

Nice playa

[@jacobstrouble6631]

You only get 1 homestead exemption. Jokes on you.

[@KarinaMattis--]

Thank you this. ive been stocked.

[@allaboutroofing2]

@@jacobstrouble6631 jokes on me how? I have two paid off homes and one pays $2400 hundred a month in income and is appreciating. I could sell both and do a 1031 exchange for a 1.5 million dollar home and not pay any taxes. Get bent.

[@suhwateezea.214]

@@allaboutroofing2 what's a 1031 exchange?? That sounds very interesting. Something good came from that troll

[@bigcahuna42366]

#7 - Eating out half of your meals instead of eating at home. Most middle class can afford to eat out every now and then, but not frequently. Middle class people in the 50s and 60s did not eat out anywhere near as much as the middle class does now. Put that air fryer to good use!

[@beth3535]

Not eating out at all can be a painless way to save when you need to in a limited amount of time.

[@han1218]

Eating out is the biggest tax Americans pay, compared to most other nations in the world, who barely go to restaurants, unless it’s cheap fast foods or special occasions.

[@barnabusdoyle4930]

There is merit to getting a 30 year mortgage and then sending in payments for a 15 year payoff. That gives you a little bit of extra flexibility in case something big happens like loss of job or work hours.

[@PureOptic]

Absolutely. Locking in a 15-year mortgage means you have to make those payments, at a minimum, for the next 15 years. That will absolutely make you house poor. Doing a 30-year gives you flexibility when life throws a curveball, and if you make the same payments as a 15-year, you accrue no additional interest. The idea of renting for 3-5 additional years to get a bigger down payment to make the 15-year mortgage work is actually horrible advice, since it keeps you out of the mortgage for longer and means more money is getting dumped into rent. And nowadays, rent will cost you the same, if not more, than the mortgage, making it even harder to save for the down payment.

[@deecali]

This what we have been doing for the last 10 years. We do one extra payment a year at a min. 4 years to go and that’s living in California and in a very expensive area. The baby steps work.

[@obliviouspirate]

A 3-6 month emergency will give you flexibility in case something big happens like loss of job or work hours. A 15 year fixed mortgage will save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest

[@SmilingSynic]

The notion that a new car "plummets" in value by some 60% in the first five years is now laughably outdated. It used to be true but is now a myth. Quality new cars like a Toyota Corolla or a Honda Civic (or even a Hyundai Accent or Elantra) hold most their value in the first five years. Indeed, I have seen used cars two-three years old with over 40,000 miles go for more than the new one I bought in March--for the exact same model! The problem is that the COVID lockdowns and supply chain issues have skewed the market. Many people now cannot afford a new car and lack the good credit to get one even if they wanted to, so they have to buy used. It is simple supply and demand. High demand and less supply mean that used car prices, even for less than stellar models, are not dropping like a rock like they did in the past. It is really hard to find a good quality used car at a good price any longer.

[@IMDR3W]

I live for these videos. You’re the man George!

[@mark.daniel]

But … did the turtle get to eat the strawberry 🍓?!?? I NEED TO KNOW!!!

[@carlaritchie331]

One financial trap I see is "unlimited spending" on anything "for the kid(s)". Outrageous childcare choices, the best of everything with no reasonable limits. Always the newest electronic gadgets, fashions, all the extravagant "wants" fulfilled, new cars purchased for each child, high cost out of state college choice for average run-of-the-mill degree, etc. The entitlement is assumed when there is no effort/contribution from the child expected, no wait and save approach, instant gratification for unnecessary things. Example, I knew a girl who got a new prom dress but the prom was canceled due to covid so that new dress was never worn, then the next year purchasing another new prom dress happened! The old one just wouldn't do.

[@lonestarrk9308]

That Cisco hold music is fire.

[@peace-a]

I know someone who withdrew $14k from her 401k to get weight loss surgery in Mexico a few years ago. She got the surgery but then gained all the weight back🤦🏻‍♀️

[@stevenyia2778]

😳

[@janettouvell9966]

So sad… I know the struggle

[@rickyaz8640]

There are no obese old people. If she doesn’t lose the weight she won’t need the 401k

[@dm96177]

So many people are financing plastic surgery. It’s INSANE!

[@Gchildwarrior]

Mega oof

[@elizabethsaviteer8279]

"Is that simple, and it's that hard" so true! Thanks for another great video!

[@bejit10]

Enjoy your segments, George. Although I have heard the same material a thousand times, you have a unique funny creative way of presenting financial topics that keeps me wanting more. Keep up the great work!

[@desco7628]

Lok

[@McWrisk]

That’s the point, repetition is key.

[@veronicas8315]

I agree, even when it’s a repeat I listen and even rewind just to laugh. I really enjoy the humor with the facts

[@CYCO1631]

Money Trap of the Middle Class: Using, or utilizing financial gifts poorly. My wife and I are on baby step 4. I'd like to think we achieved this all on our own, and entirely without help, but part of what got us there, is that we were given a moderate sum... not huge, but a chunk of change as a Christmas gift several years ago. We could have just gone and bought a new TV, new furniture, etc. and blown through all that $ on 'stuff' we didn't need. Instead, it went towards paying off our car, putting a larger down payment on our home, and expanding an emergency fund when the debt snowball was finished. Years later, we received another gift as part of an estate settlement... but because we were smarter then, we can then use that $ to expand savings goals, to invest, to give some, and maybe to have a little fun.

[@laurenkaylor2369]

That is so true!

[@gullepomp]

be realistic when buying a house, be able to pay it with one income because life will happen.

[@jenniferreynolds3232]

Middle Class Trap: Subscription Services.

[@andresp.1774]

These videos are great! Nothing like financial freedom.

[@Yo_soy_Annna]

I appreciate all of your insight, and I enjoy your content so much. Also, thanks for the Bible verse 🔥

[@TalesOfNalstoneTeam]

I'll send this to someone I don't like. Just to trigger them... Also, did all those things. Didn't work guys. 7 baby steps got us further than all of those things I've done combined. So yes, tried and proved.

[@BasicDefense]

Not a fan of student loan forgiveness, but if I had a choice I'd rather have my taxes go to U.S. student loans instead of a pedos pocket. Ukraine, or gender studies in Pakistan

[@zeynubshaikh]

MLMs are money traps that only benefit the few. My parents have thrown more than $500,000 at Amway. And still no ROI 🥴

[@slidegirl9166]

That sounds dreadful!

[@ojg386]

Live on less on what you make. I just want to live comfortable life and debt free and I AM. To God be the glory.

[@Stefan-wg5vr]

I like your format, similar to Andrei Jikh and Stephan Graham. Is like a younger form of Dave Ramsey show.

[@Goodiebar18]

The housing market median home is 400K show me a 15 year mortgage that’ll be under 1600/month? Lol 20 year old single wide trailers are going for over 300K

[@kyjahnsmith3685]

That’s what I said. It’s extremely unrealistic for a mortgage payment to be 25% of the average persons income. I think it should be no more than 30-35% but 25% isn’t realistic

[@om617yota8]

I'm in baby steps 4 and 6, and still make a car payment - I just pay it to a separate "vehicle" account at my bank. Maintenance, repairs, and replacement vehicles come out of that account.

[@elizabethadahl]

I do this too!

[@jaythaxton2386]

You are in babystep 2!!

[@om617yota8]

@@jaythaxton2386 Did you read the whole post?

[@DavesShop]

Why should we forgive any student debt these people got their education and should pay for it. No socialism in the USA

[@IntuneGames]

Props for the Cisco hold music opus no. 1

[@panzer_TZ]

Sorry, but I'm still trying to figure out how you're supposed to find a decent home, in a decent neighborhood, within an hour of your work in any proper major city with a mortgage(INCLUDING Taxes, insurance, and HOA) at no more than 25% of take-home pay, on a 15-year mortgage, at current interest rates. The math ain't mathing.

[@digitalpacs]

Just got to make more money and a bigger hustle or marry a girl that is a doctor. Problem solved.

[@jdmecarr]

Guilty of a car loan. We just got a new family car. We currently only have our house mortgage and car loan for debt. No credit card, solid emergency fund, building up our retirement fund, saving up for the kids' college funds (we have a 7 yr old and a 1 yr old). On our mid-30s and I can't wait to get out of debt (we're expecting to be done witb the house in 5 yrs) so we can max out our retirement.

[@somethingsaboutmary3134]

Sooo we bought a house last year and at the time it was about 30% of our takehome pay. Then I got pregnant with our third. Long story short I’m not going back to work until the baby is older and our mortgage is now 50% of our takehome BUT we have no other debt, we own three dependable vehicles, and I’m staying home and budgeting and making it work! We’ve been following Dave’s advice for 12 years and wouldn’t look back. It’s not easy, it’s not what everyone else is doing, but you’ll be so glad when you look back and realize you made some life changing decisions.

[@jill9606]

He’d probably still say to sell it

[@kj7653]

You and your family have put your priorities where they should be. You will all benefit from your decision.

[@ZoeiiZiZZles]

debt free except for my house ❤

[@KJ.392]

Thank you George. Loving your KZbin channel. Keep up the great work. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@martyi398]

One of the reasons that car loans have increased besides inflation is the vehicle's that most folks are buying and the dealers are pushing are the High trim level models, yes the cooled seats are great especially if you live in Florida or Arizona although to get the cooled seats you have to purchase the top 2 trim levels in most cases, which are packaged with a lot of options most folks don't care about at a premium of $5,000 or more, hope you enjoy the cooled seats!

[@JWalton314]

Why not approve of househacking? It seems to follow the "Live like no one else so you can live like no one else" rule. Sacrifice today by living with roommates or renting out to tenants to significantly increase your income so in the future you can better afford your own place. If it's the fear of them not paying then don't get a place that you can't afford or do your due diligence on your tenant/roommates.

[@richsamuel2922]

Whelps we know who Uncle Dave is passing the torch to.

[@Bullets4Bucks]

You will blow Dave outa da water in subscribers if you keep it up

[@jonnickerson8459]

Great job as usual, George, I am always encouraged to save when I listen to you.

[@guillermorivas7819]

Scarface movie Hey, Tony. Remember when I told you when you first started working for me, the guys that last in this business, are the guys who fly straight. Low-key, quiet. But the guys who want it all, chicas, champagne, flash... they don't last." It's the same concept. Those who win the lottery, make quick money, have a hard time keeping it due to a lack of discipline.

[@anniec3438]

Another trap- luxury handbags

[@saradeaton687]

Stanley mugs

[@dougkratz5269]

Using actual cash to buy a car from a car dealer was one of the funniest and most satisfying transactions ever. Just walked in and laid down a fat envelope full of 20's and said "don't ask". Is the turtle still trying to eat that strawberry???

[@TheyRiseBand]

Wow, that must've been a shady dealership -- they usually require a cashier's check or wire transfer.

[@dougkratz5269]

@@TheyRiseBand it was a trade-in at one of the big names. It was a $2,500 car. They just wanted to move it

[@kebha6308]

None of this keeps you stuck in the middle class. The disctintion between someone who's net worth is $400 and someone who's net worth is $4,000,000 is much smaller than distinction between either and a billionaire or a true capital owner. Stop dividing the working class.

[@TheSatterleeTeam]

Home equity line of credit is a trap for most people

[@WhimsyWendy]

@2:33 LOL I just had to replay them collectively smacking their own foreheads because it's hilarious,

[@cassidy745]

Love it, always! Next time you say “no” you have to show Grogu in his protection droid, IG-12 slamming the no button over and over 😂 Great job to your team too-killing it all around!

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

3:30 My PITI is $1,446 per month. I like to pay $1,900-2,000 per month. My take-home pay fluctuates, but is usually $3,600 per month. (This seems slightly off as I make $31 per hour.) Anyway, I don’t feel pinched house poor. I have intentionally decided to spend as little money as possible and put as much money as possible on my mortgage.

[@pensacola321]

I am retired and I got about $2,000 back from my credit cards last year. Of course no interest or annual fees. It was a winner for us.

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

That’s at least $100,000 on your credit card, maybe more. You might spend less if you used cash, or a debit card.

[@lbailey325]

Last year save $ 4,000 on a vacation from rewards. I got a signed up bonus of $1,000 and 5% back on first quarter. Paid all my insurance for year for three cars, house insurance, life insurance and umbrella in that quarter. Total cost was $ 5,000. Use our sinking fund to paid all the insurance on the credit card. Travel credit for this transaction was $250.00 cash back for 5 minutes of my time.

[@julsh9776]

Credit card is a bonus if you pay it on time and if you use it for necessities only. In our case, our credit card rewards us with free flight tickets. A credit card is not for everyone.

[@dapperlink]

🤣 I’ve meditation danced to that hold music sooo many times (while my wife wasn’t in the room, cuz I’ve told her forever I don’t dance 😁). Anyone know the name and artist? Want it on my phone.

[@sixtynineelephants2403]

I live in that town where an abandon house costs $1M. I’d have to save $750k down payment to fit within these payment parameters. 😢

[@BriceWilson]

Yes, thanks to inflation, it is possible for you to become a millionaire. You just won't have the "Millionaire" lifestyle you're picturing.

[@Davefitz04]

George where did you get that Jean jacket!!!! I want it!!! George stylin on us and think we wouldn’t notice

[@Annointedxx]

Did the turtle eat the strawberry? 🤔

[@roolyfe]

I wish you guys would talk more about how men can find love 💕 when you’re dating! Thanks George!

[@RedBeardedBuilder]

Love the Videos George! Bringing the Ramsey principles in short Funny videos! Keep ‘em coming Sir!!!

[@generalandmemeaccount3467]

Does anyone know the name of the on-hold music George played? Shazam doesn't work for it unfortunately, lol.

[@victoriao8838]

25% of your take home pay may not be realistic even for studios in high cost of living states like California & New York

[@Mike-zf7lo]

Here we go again with the "don't wait on the gubment to forgive your loans" argument. George and the other Ramsey personalities are only half right. I'm not saying you shouldn't get ready to pay them back but to pay them off now is potentially a $10-20k mistake if they get forgiven a month after you write that check. What I do is still pay my loans every month, and actually overpay on them, but into a high yield savings account. I owe $174k and right now I have $160k sitting in that account making 3.75% interest so I get about $500 a month on that money. Whatever the government decides to do over the next few months, cool, I'll write them a fat check at that time and still pay zero interest on my loans. I'll be completely paid off in August without forgiveness and next month with forgiveness (I'm eligible for $10k). If they extend the pause again like they have for the past three years, then that money can keep sitting there and growing until they figure out what to do, but for all intents and purposes I'll be debt free by then. You know how I did that? By aggressively paying them off over the past 3 years and throwing the majority of my salary at them just like Dave recommends. But the key is it's still my money, making money automatically, and fully liquid/instantly accessible/safe, while all this craziness settles itself out. Now, the people who stick their fingers in their ears and shout "la la la la la" hoping they'll never need to repay their loans ever again and have zero plans to do so, then I 100% agree with George/Dave on this one. Dave has also spouted the moral obligation to repay your loans and I suppose if that's how you feel, then sure, pay them back now and be "honest" but my take is that the government already takes 1/3 of my paycheck every month so I have zero qualms about cashing in on a minor gift from Uncle Sam, which for my debt load, is just a drop in the bucket. I used to be fully on board the Dave train, and his methods are good for certain people. If you want to be smarter with your money and maximize your potential, I strongly recommend giving the Money Guy a whirl on KZbin.

[@jonathanwilliams3240]

Pretty much the exact same method, mindset, and influence from TMG here! Saved up almost $140k in an HYSA at 4.54%, and I can slap all of it plus free interest on principal in August, or even have the option of holding on to it a little longer depending. Getting rid of the high interest grad school debt before interest is charged again is a really nice option though. The forgiveness would basically waive my 20k of low interest undergrad debt if it goes through, which would be nice, but not depending on it.

[@antillie7]

This is basically what I am doing with the mortgage on my house. While there is nothing wrong with doing things this way IMO you have to realize that most people can't do this no matter how much they might want to. Debt you can pay off at the drop of a hat isn't nearly the same sort of risk as debt that you can't because at that point you are talking about opportunity cost instead of risk. (Assuming you keep the money in something safe and highly liquid.) But I agree, better to let that money earn something in a HYSA, CD, money market fund, or whatever until the courts decide the fate of the forgiveness program. Then when the decision is made you can act accordingly.

[@JeanValjean875]

I would add that inflation reduces the difficulty of paying off your loan. Given that there has been no interest since COVID, your student loan has actually gone down in *inflation adjusted* dollars. Yes, there is some upside to high inflation.

[@albertotorres_1]

Thank you for relying on the word of God not many will use it.

[@brandhark7935]

Be intentional with your money!

[@theforeignerinamerica1817]

Expensive house and car you can’t afford. Worst money traps. And credit cards

[@crismartin5150]

Loved your video, Todd loved it too! He said OMG he loves The Knack, that’s my favorite album by them. Respect George! 👏🏻💿

[@ianklein3045]

Where in the hell are you going to find a house cheap enough to yield a monthly payment of $1650 on a fifteen year mortgage in 2023?

[@justincolvin]

Best Ramsey personality content by far! Great work

[@ryankiel4895]

That's fabulous! I will be there in a year and a half. Give us the details - what was the original amount and how long have you been paying on it?

[@UshankaFire]

The get rich quick traps are a parasite to middle class, with so many people taking advantage of folks on social media. Solid advice, bullet proof. Some other traps are subscription services (how many do you need to watch something?), and constantly eating out.

[@kylesnyder9452]

Air fryer squad represent!

[@jaddeus81]

I also think health insurance keeps people broke as well.

[@Candisa]

Who wants to see a video of George trying to eat a burger with 2 patties, hashbrown, egg, bacon, and veggies?

[@nickkazmierczak5965]

Stay away from my air fryer

[@walmartman31]

No debt other than our mortgage and we are trying to pay that off in

[@justincaldero5174]

You got this! Were 28 and are planning yo knock it out the same time frame. We will see you when you do your debt free scream!

[@justincaldero5174]

​@Louis Clark makes sense from a mathematical stand point. Personally, I'll take the peace of mind owing nobody anything will bring me :D

[@IrisP989]

What state are you in? 2.35% is great. How did you get that? Our interest rates on our houses are 2.99% and 3%. We are in CA. We are also not paying the houses off early.

[@justincaldero5174]

@@FinancialGuyLou I completely understand! My brother is always suggesting I do the same exact thing.

[@CYCO1631]

Goodonya mate! Baby Step 7 by age 35! Wish I could get there, but it would involve Doc Brown and a time machine I haven't figured out how to invent.

[@jaddeus81]

Lottery tickets keep the middle class broke.

[@stevenyia2778]

Tax on the poor

[@Scooterp82]

House hacking is a bad thing? A get-rich scheme? Real-estate investing is a bad thing?

[@Fatal_7]

The middle class is and has been eroding for years, it goes way beyond these so called “middle class traps”. This just touches the surface.

[@donaldlyons17]

Yeah but they can sell more by ignoring the overall tread and just focusing on what they can control. They are not trying to be honest they want other to buy a solution from them....

[@Fatal_7]

@@donaldlyons17 the point I was making was that as time goes on, the term “middle class” in itself doesn’t make sense/ doesn’t exist/ is quickly going away. In regards to this video, sure, average people can follow these steps to avoid getting into debt but to say these are “middle class traps” doesn’t make sense.

[@han1218]

These traps are exactly why the government can play the people by making everything loan based, further increasing prices for everyone because of an artificial purchasing power that is inflated by debt. The more people are willing to take debts the easier it is for universities to keep tuition high. People voting Democrat also make the problem worse, as democrats love giving public money away to universities who already make a profit.

[@kidlo2050]

Im a Jones but im not broke😂

[@jonsmith9728]

lets not forget MLM's, affiliate marketing, and E-commerce, while sure one might make alittle extra it's not going to replace your 9-5

[@IgorLisx]

How about $1,490/mo carpayments 😂

[@Girasoles]

George!! You are the best channel on the Ramsey network right now!! Keep up the great work!!

[@MaritsaDarman]

Here’s a trap: private equity firms purchasing rental homes is wiping out the middle class

[@SLangel18]

That turtle 🐢 so cute

[@flohough1870]

Your videos should be part of a mandatory class for high schoolers. It is sad that we don't teach kids how to do basic budgets, etc. It's left to the parents many times who are totally clueless as well. I love your videos, even though I'm in good financial shape and have done a lot of the things you talk about, I frequently pick up a tip here and there that is useful.

[@hersheyskwertz9315]

Universal life insurance. Friend 1 asked people about business and investing opportunity ideas and friend 2 chimes in with universal life insurance policies which then triggered me to copy and paste the link of “why whole life insurance sucks” video in the comment thread and friend 2 blows a fuse and throws out every excuses he’s been taught to say about why someone might need whole life while saying it’s a good investment from one side of his mouth while the other side he says it’s not one he recommends…. What?!?!? Then he proceeds to blow up my messenger with all about why universal life insurance is good for people. I then told him to compare a term and a whole life policy and asked him why I wouldn’t take the term and he just runs back around in circles. Professional scam artist. Gave me a headache just trying to understand his argument.

[@morgan_kemp]

Another great, witty, and articulate vid, George! That tortoise clip and ur reaction was adorable 😅😌🙌

[@nuggz4424]

45 million borrowers chose to take on the debt. Why do i have to pay for others poor choices?

[@CHIEF_503]

The VA and Navy federal has the best “please hold” music