Is There Such a Thing as Good Debt?

[@BrendanEvan]

I want to argue and talk about how much more you could make...but like Dave don’t want to be up at night. Peace of mind is literally priceless.

[@art_healing_marine]

100%

[@johndone8045]

U only have peace of mind when u are dead

[@BrendanEvan]

@@ElaineLoyd I’ve been really tempted by BRRR too. Just don’t want all the other things that come along with it. Hope you crush it in 2021 Elaine

[@robertlulek1634]

@@johndone8045 If you believed on the blood of Christ that’s true if not then you have no peace for eternity

[@davidrosenthal5795]

@@robertlulek1634 I have all the peace and don’t believe in any Organized religion. It’s pretty awesome.

[@cfoskeeter]

A relative of mine had a successful business back in the 70's in the oilfield industry. There was unlimited work and his business was bringing 20% to the bottom line. He and his partners paid off all loans and expanded only with cash, while friends in the industry were telling them to borrow at 9% and make 20. They didn't, and when the bottom fell out of the industry, they were able to weather the storm. Their friends were not so lucky.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Wow. Just goes to show that whatever you think will go to plan, won't.

[@ahmadwarwar8061]

🧢

[@BrokTheLoneWolf]

Yeah no.

[@haroldgarcia9267]

That’s when sophisticatedd investors come in place and buy those businesses extremely cheap with debt, where the interests are so low that only Armageddon could hurt them 💁‍♂️

[@CreativeMonsterx]

Probably one of the best videos out there about debt. Being at peace is the real goal. I never realized that.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Debt is a psychological issue first and foremost. I love how Dave highlights that. Mathematics is important, but it cannot explain the behaviours and mindset that led to debt in the first place.

[@yamamancha]

I'm glad Robert called in. This is the most calm I've ever seen Dave be on this subject. Great video.

[@jenniturtleburger3708]

Haha

[@bradwilliams4921]

Excellent call. I’ve often wondered that and in the past it really mattered to me but these days I am unemployed and broke and my only debt is medical debt that I plan on eventually paying off but for now, in the words of George Strait, “I ain’t got a dime but what I’ve got is mine...”.

[@Faith-un7ns]

Lol 😂 Exactly!

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Hope your situation has improved, Brad.

[@ethanclark1083]

I've been listening to Dave since I was 15 years old now I'm 22. A Few months ago I got my first high paying job out of college. My current financial situation is no debt, paid off truck(worth $2,000), $8,000 in bank, bachelors in Computer Science, and $1,000 in index funds. I'm completely independent from my parents except for my cell phone bill which I will soon get in my name. I became this successful while taking very little risk. I'm now saving over 1,700 a month at 22. I'm only saying this because of all the people in the comment sections arguing with Dave Ramsey about how high risk, and high reward is better then low risk and low reward. Or these people are saying that a 8% rate of return any given year is a virtual guarantee which is ridiculous. People keep saying how dave only went bankrupt because he took 90 day loans which was WAY risker then what ever investment that they are thinking of But all investments are risky. 90 day loans were much more common back then because there was a virtual guarantee of being able to refinance. I'm not saying that mutual funds cant be somewhat safe but the biggest risk in having mutal funds and in debt isn't that the fund will do bad long term its that you'll need money in the short term especially since you have debt, and guess what recession are liking to hurt your person finances, your ways to generate money, and your investments all at the same time which only amplifies the risk.

[@aolvaar8792]

I graduated in 1980, at 22 years old, and took my first job, $100K/yr + $30K bonus. A Chevy Silverado cost $8500, a new house in the suburbs cost $50K Government bonds were 16.75%. I bought silver at $3.86/oz I sold the the Silver for $13.56/oz and took a two year vacation to knock out bucket list items(My Dad said, the best time to not work is in your late 20's or early 30's). I was about to go back to work, when the Government bought back their bonds. Two more years vacation. When I retired SS says I have 9 years of $0 in my best 35 years. My wife and I are retired on a large survivorable pension. My youngest is not yet in school. The best training in Life is many years of NO income. Manage money.

[@hmj8469]

Everything you said (except you didn't indicate what job you have) is great news. If you do in fact have a good career (stress on the word 'career') in your field of study then you've got it made. Computer Science is a great field with so many possible career choices. Clearly you've learned at an early age to say no to yourself when tempted to buy things you want but don't need. You are living within your means, and socking a lot of money away. My suggestion would be to get your take home pay to make money for you - max out your ROTH IRA every year, max out 401k's, etc. A house is basically forced savings with a so-so return. You make your money going in - don't overpay for a house. Rates are incredible so save up for a 20% down payment, get a 15 year mortgage. Fast forward 20 years you should be a millionaire.

[@samjordan8800]

@Ethan Clark One more thing. Look into cyber security. There is a 1 million+ person shortage of cyber security specialists in that industry! Once you are good, you will ALWAYS be in demand and command a massive salary. Or you can do like one friend of mine who specialized in computer networking did: find a good paying job that's part-time hours but pays full-time income and have a 4-hour a day job and get to *live your LIFE* !!!!

[@angryarkie1642]

Ethan Clark risk must be compared to risk tolerance and risk capacity.. without risk, no one could retire. In your 20s, your best interest would be to max out investments and celebrate down turns.. that’s high risk capacity. Risk by itself means nothing.. risk in terms of terms of time, tolerance, and capacity is what is the primary factor in success and failure.

[@abrahamflores2566]

You are not wrong in the way you are handling things and I wish you success. The issue we have is that Dave takes his extreme situation and applies it to everyone. Everything in life has risks and we need to be responsible with those risks. Dave eliminates the reposabilty part and assumes everyone is an alcoholic. Ill conitue to leverage real estate responsibly where my rental income is twice my mortgage. Netting 30k a year in income and appreciation. All while having 12 months liquid cash for emergencies. That's how you handle things. Notice how Dave has never mentioned he was doing 90 day loans... thats for a reason

[@tomdrummy4984]

No debt is peace of mind, or, being at peace. For many that is not a “normal” way to live because they don’t know anybody that has that. Like Dave says........”be weird”.

[@Giorg189]

In my country, being "in peace" means you're dead.

[@kefkapalazzo1]

you can have debt and have peace of mind if your assets heavily outweigh your income generating debt

[@tompain2751]

@@kefkapalazzo1 True.Howeer,the people who need this most have a negative net worth.

[@kefkapalazzo1]

@@tompain2751 that's like not telling a 3rd grader algebra exists

[@johndone8045]

U only have a peace of mind when u are dead

[@SimpleFitNurse]

This is a wonderful explanation, one that I was struggling with personally. Thank you.

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

There’s something to be said about having no debt. You can focus on taking on more lines of business in peace. Peace is the keyword, Financial Peace.

[@Faith-un7ns]

Ayawrxsti you didn’t listen to a word Dave said. Go back and listen closely to what he is saying.

[@johnnyb33good21]

Debt is a powerful tool you can use to build wealth buying cash producing properties that's going to take you higher financially than a traditional job, stocks & 401k ever will. If you want the big reward you have to take the risk.Success isn't found in avoiding anything that could go wrong. If i never used debt I would have never been able to buy my 1st 4-Plex for $211,311 (it's now worth $385,000) or my 2nd 4plex or the 6-unit apartment building and 1acre of vacant land zoned for Multi-family I'm under contract on now. And I'm gonna use construction financing to build additional apartment units. There's definitely risk involved but you can mitigate that risk. Imagine the financial power that comes from owning a large portfolio of cash producing rental property that appreciates in value while the tenants pay your loan down for you. Imagine using someone else's money to fund this portfolio aka the banks money with 30yr long term fixed low interest rate debt, then taking the wealth you created and spending those same dollars over and over to buy new properties. With each new property starts a new wealth-building cycle. Soon you end up with a powerful wave, carrying you to Financial Freedom. I get what you're saying about the peace of mind though but if you compare the traditional no debt path vs using good 30yr long-term, low interest rate fixed debt that you outsource to your tenants. The person using debt prudently will come out way ahead. Either way both paths will work and are better than not saving and investing at all

[@Faith-un7ns]

Johnny McKeon not to mention that a lot of people who owned businesses have already lost them.

[@UncleSwell707]

Exactly bro

[@wtk6069]

Debt sometimes becomes a necessary evil, but the thing about necessary evils is that even though they are necessary, they're still evil.

[@AndrewIGoode]

Great analogy. Wow I'm going to use that. Perfect way of phrasing it

[@seuny]

I can't see where its necessary except a house

[@julianvelazquez914]

seuny college, assuming you’re getting a profitable degree such as engineering, MD, architecture.

[@ONLY1KUDWE]

@@seuny Then you see where it's necessary lol

[@seuny]

@@julianvelazquez914 my degree was a complete waste and not what am doing now.

[@luzbellaguirola5068]

I love this! No debt is truly a piece of mind. I’ve been watching other KZbin channels talking about good debt, but they aren’t mentioning the risks of having debt. Thank you.

[@NiceOCGuy1981]

Exactly, no such thing as good debt.

[@ohgin12345]

​@@NiceOCGuy1981of coz for losers like you. If my rental property generates more rental income then the interest or even my rental income, is it a good investment? Btw I consider my cc debts good debts. Something you can never comprehend

[@DrDre007100]

As a numbers nerd like myself, we tend to not focus on risk analysis appropriately. It’s refreshing to hear Dave’s common sense explanation on it.

[@jannemyllyla1223]

I like Howard Marks's definition of risk: “Risk means more things can happen than will happen.” So taking possibilities off the table reduces risk, in this case, the possibility of loan getting called. You don't need much math or modern portfolio theory to understand the concept. This also means with investments that making a good decision will still lead now and then to a bad outcome - and vice versa good outcome may sometimes be the result of a bad decision.

[@duneme]

I’m pretty sure a Loan CANNOT be just called at Random on ANY loan!

[@jannemyllyla1223]

@@duneme Other things can happen at random and cause default.

[@dkgong]

Graham Stephan has left the chat.

[@brettkrcelich9010]

Graham hasn’t been investing long enough to determine his staying power. He has 10 yrs underneath him and those 10 years were on a rebound from 08. So everything he touches is profitable. He has single, no kids and has himself to take care of. Graham has a lot of debt in real estate and if something happens he will feel what risk/debt feels like. He is going a great job but when adversity hits and it will only then will we see how he handles his finances.

[@andrewbaker4652]

@@brettkrcelich9010 Yes Graham has a lot of real estate debt, but he makes most of his money online and buys a lot of stocks too. Even if all his tenants stopped paying rent he would be fine. Debt and leverage are fine as long as you fully understand the risks involved and what you are doing. If you know that, they can be used to increase your returns. The problem is that most people either don't understand the risks, don't understand what they are doing, or get too greedy. This is why Dave is right for 99%+ of people. There is the occasional exception who can make it work, but it is usually not worth it.

[@brettkrcelich9010]

Andrew Baker so we agree....

[@hauvkuabyang7467]

@@brettkrcelich9010 Graham makes a great point in that Dave’s method only really works for the everyday millionaire who wants to retire with a million or so by the age of 70 and retire. Dave’s methods are age 20 were very risky too his loans were different than what Graham suggests.

[@kylegross1081]

The one thing ppl sometimes forget is that the income can go away but the debt doesn’t. I know what you’re saying tho

[@jimmeyer9075]

I learned no dept has no consequences . My risk is how much I can make saving. Knowing you can pay cash for something you need eliminated the underlying anxiety of purchasing something you want. At 60 years old I get up to go to work because I want to , give because it makes others better, and end each day with fulfillment.

[@jimmeyer9075]

A simple statement to a common thought process. Poor people don't save. They spend. .if people learned to save in a investment knowing they will never spend a dime and only live off the growth they would realize the true meaning of saving.

[@BadMannerKorea]

No debt does have consequences depending on the situation.

[@PaulBunyun]

No debt absolutely does have consequences. Mortgages are easily the best example. It's not a coincidence that the largest debt in the US is easily mortgages - these smart, rich folks figured it out long before us.

[@JessicaHicks]

I love how Dave say thanks for the discussion, but there was really him talking. I would have loved the caller to talk a bit more to here an actual conversation on this topic.

[@ericcalabrese8716]

Dave Ramsey doesn’t give advice on becoming wealthy, he gives advice on being independent.

[@motoryzen]

Which from tried and true life experiences...most often is a direct resulting correlation to becoming wealthy. The less risk you have in life...the faster and more consistent your growing success will be to becoming wealthy..

[@phasepanther4423]

​@@motoryzen You're missing the point they're making. Dave isn't about making you wealthy. He's about making you safely able to retire wealthy. And risk is definitely something that can ruin any plan. But any risk provides an opportunity to make more if you can completely survive it. If you survive a housing crisis with properties under your name, when the housing market starts doing well you're 10 steps ahead. Dave Ramsey is the best advice for the average person (from what I have seen). But there are better alternatives for those able to adapt better to financial changes.

[@motoryzen]

@@phasepanther4423 " Dave isn't about making you wealthy. He's about making you safely able to retire wealthy. " (facepalms) no kid..YOU missed the core point. When you DON'T owe anyone ..a da mn thing...ALL of your income is FREE to go where YOU want it to go aside from daily, weekly or monthly bills. You lost the argument before it began. ANY ..time..you introduce certain risks.... there is ALWAYS the chance the debt-loan vendor can .." CALL ' the da mn loan., dumb @$$ How the f#$k do you think Dave LOST all his millions he made in his mid to late 20's? DUH. History and experience will always trump you id iot kids' " well I can do it faster this riskier way because I'm young and I think I know better ..and my feelings..so waaa..there "... nonsense It's not rocket science. If your ego wants to let your fingers talk, that's your problem...not mine. Move on.

[@matt.108]

Dave is leaving out the fact that he used 90 day loans. That are super super risky. Not 30 year fixed rate mortgages that are not that risky because if the real estate value goes down the bank can’t just call the loans due.

[@LenaBelleMusic]

I need Robert Kiyosaki and Dave Ramsey to debate.

[@DonovanWilson-fw2fy]

If you want to be rich and miserable, listen to Robert Kiyosaki. If you want to be rich and happy, listen to Dave Ramsey

[@bluestreak711]

@@DonovanWilson-fw2fy Kiyosake does make one good point over Ramsey being that inflation and shrinkflation is very real. Buying gold and silver is much better than holding onto federal reserve notes that shrink in value.

[@danhenry2162]

R.k will get old man angry

[@joefilms2775]

Both men have good schools of thought. But generally if you want to have some wealth and have peace of mind then go with Dave. If you are slimy and shrewd, just wanted to break new grounds all the time with no contentment and no assurance of peace of mind, then go with Robert. Different schools of thought fits different groups of people.

[@TheFamilyONetwork]

Dave is not going to deviate from “No Debt” no matter how nicely it’s asked. It’s all about risk mitigation for him. Debt = Risk and he’s got PTSD from it. I think his critics don’t get that, not this newbie caller but in general. So Dave is consistent if nothing else.

[@MR3DDev]

I think is more for his demographic aka people who can't control themselves with money.

[@carolea7158]

Also, that's his signature so to speak. If he deviates from it he'd be harming his brand.

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

@@carolea7158 Good point.

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Good point.

[@justinacase2623]

Dave ain't broke either! And 100 percent of foreclosed properties had what? Say it! A loan!!!! which allows people with cash on hand to walk in and pick up for pennies on the dollar!

[@billschlafly4107]

My 15 year mortgage is my enemy. The stock market is our friend. I attack my enemy while I give to our friend. Keep your life balanced.

[@ihadtotaketheredpill]

FRIEND??? Come on they will sell you out if the hedgies are losing money. Aka Robinhood. The house is a better investment than the stock markey tbh

[@joaquimrodriguez8961]

I agree. But some folks have a hard time with balance.

[@nunyabidnes6010]

@@ihadtotaketheredpill lol no. 😂😂😂

[@BabyGators]

@@ihadtotaketheredpill where do you live where you can make 10% average annual appreciation on a primary home after expenses?

[@nass5964]

If you never owe anybody for anything you can live and save simple . Wish I was 20 and believed this .

[@electrified0]

Emergency funds are important. I think an important point missed by your answer is that he said he could only pay down "a big chunk" of the debt, not all, which means he is not eliminating the risk by doing this. In fact, he could find himself in an even worse situation since paying a chunk of a mortgage does not eliminate his obligation to make a monthly payment. If he already has an emergency fund to cover his debts for a 6 month stretch, he should absolutely tackle the mortgage over investing, but if he skips the emergency fund step and just dumps it all into the mortgage he could find himself needing to take a 2nd mortgage in an emergency.

[@angryarkie1642]

For some clarity: Dave got in trouble in the 80s for taking out 90 day loans with no call provisions when legislation changed in real estate investments.. so the bank called THOSE loans.. not mortgages.. which have call provisions.

[@justinacase2623]

Most loans have a call option. No bank will expose themselves to risk. I had a drug house in my neighborhood foreclosed on by contacting the mortgage company. They took immediate action to protect their interest! The house was auctioned off and is being remodeled. Don't forget Proverbs 22-7

[@blackworldtraveler3711]

You left out the insane credit card use.

[@angryarkie1642]

Azzo you mean they used legal provisions via civil forfeiture to stop a criminal organization from using the property to commit crimes.. yeah they can do that.. doesn’t change the fact that a bank can’t just call your mortgage.

[@angryarkie1642]

BlackWorldTraveler I was keeping it relevant to the topic but yes there is that too.

[@jeremyjeremy8795]

Angry Arkie the bank can call the loan anytime they want to, just like a landlord can give you 30 days notice and say get out. They don’t do it often with primary residence homes unless you do something stupid. Investment properties are another ball game

[@topcomment3816]

*Caller:* “I believe there is good debt.” *Dave:* “Let me tell you about the bad debt that I once had.” 🤦‍♂️

[@alexc5369]

Dave's debt would have been considered 'good debt' though, as it was used to attain an income producing asset.

[@topcomment3816]

Alex Campili You could not be more wrong. Do your research. He was playing around with high interest, high risk, short-term revolving debt to flip properties. He was dumb enough to play with rattlesnakes and then was surprised when he got bit. I use low-interest 30 year loans to buy cash-flowing real estate, and I get sick and tired of Dave comparing my investments to his.

[@shutupandeatasmr4498]

Top Comment how are you cash flowing a property when you used a loan to buy it?

[@topcomment3816]

Shut Up And Eat!! ASMR I have 42 rental properties that collect just over $34,000 per month. The principal, interest, tax and insurance for all properties is $15,350 per month. So you tell me. How am I cash flowing?

[@bobbyhill601]

@@topcomment3816 Majority of people that listen to Dave Ramsey's principle have a very little understanding of wealth building. If you can cash flow and at the worst break even on your real estate investment, there is no reason to not take out the mortgage.

[@danielajo8092]

The title should have been, should I use my stock investments to pay off mortgage debt?

[@Corpsecreate]

Answer is no

[@erikrohr4396]

@@Corpsecreate I agree.

[@BboyDaquack]

@@erikrohr4396 yeah I agree with ramsay on money things. But this ain't one of them. I think it's clear his past was real bad. But it wasn't cuz he just had risk. He was also massively over leveraged and took on too much risk. There is a way to balance risk.

[@erikrohr4396]

@@BboyDaquack You Sir, are a reasonable man.

[@Corpsecreate]

@@erikrohr4396 E(Market) > E(Debt) and Pr(E(Market) > 0 | t >= 10) > 0.99 so it is a pretty easy decision

[@miketheyunggod2534]

You can lose your house even if it’s payed off. Try not paying your taxes and see who takes your house.

[@calebgaddi1428]

For most people paying off debt is a great idea but it is not for everyone. If you leverage debt properly, it can be highly beneficial.

[@PaulBunyun]

Most of these people don't take into account leverage. Sure you can invest 100k into an 8% index fund and hope for the best. But if you can take that same 100k, purchase a 500k home in a State with good average rate of return % on properties, you then have a 500k asset that could go up 5-6% per year (or potentially even more). This is multitudes better mathematically.

[@Commando303X]

I don't dislike this video, but I do feel that a conversation about what risk is would be a valuable appendage.

[@WOok2a]

That's like saying always walk to where you want to go. Sure, walking is safer, but sometimes it's okay to take a light jog down the street. If I'm going next door, perhaps a bit of a stride won't wear me out. If I'm going somewhere far away, I'd definitely choose to walk. If I need to get somewhere close, fast, I'm definitely sprinting. It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. But definitely don't start a 5k on a sprint.

[@highvalleycowboy1]

One thing I’d like to talk to Dave about is his opinion on taking on debt in the form of a commercial mortgage versus signing a five or seven year commercial lease for a building. One is debt the way most people think about it except you have an asset tied to it. The other is a form of debt, but no asset tied to it. It’s like renting. You signed a rental contract. And if you pull out of that you owe money. It’s the same as debt.

[@TrevForPresident]

Glad to have the one-one-ones with Dave and the callers again.

[@ohalexosti63]

I like that Dave explains that even if it makes "sense" the value of "financial Peace" is worth more that the risk off that extra income from a "gamble"

[@ohalexosti63]

CashFlow 101 unless your Dave Ramsey and already have your "reward"

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

YES.

[@fredsystra7584]

Basically he is saying most people are stupid and don’t know what there doing and will waste there money which he is correct. But if you know how to leverage your money into cash flowing assets you can be extremely wealthy in a short amount of time. What Dave is saying is don’t do that because most people aren’t smart enough to understand how the world works. He is correct.

[@ohgin12345]

​@@fredsystra7584see justifying his stupidity again

[@TheCapnMorgan]

Tbh im with Stephen Graham on this one. I think debt and leverage is fine if you know what you’re are doing and are on top of everything.

[@rudysalas9138]

Oh i loved this explanation from Dave. Couldnt have said it better.

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

ABSOLUTELY GREAT QUESTION! I REALLY wish Dave wouldn't have talked over the caller so much because he sounded educated and had good questiosns that he wanted to ask.

[@1.5Koreans0.5American]

Interesting video as always. Thank you for sharing 🙌👍

[@markanthony2133]

I agree with you Dave. Thank you.

[@lvluptoaverage52]

I don’t think people get. Yes all of you saying I can do this I can do that and it works but what happens when it doesn’t. Life is not a sprint is a marathon let’s take it slow have low risk and make it at the end. If 100 people try risky situations and 100 the safer routes how many risky will make it and how many won’t compared to the safer route. Small example my wife and I got a house. We could have done up to 500k no problem but I told her we should go for a 200k house because if she lost her job or anything happened to me or her the other person could pay the house payments no problem. In the case that nothing happens we will be done paying our house in about 5 years. Then we can upgrade with very little risk.

[@johnnyvegas4583]

Your next step to wealth would be to realize the 200k house is just fine, you don't need an upgrade even after you pay it off. Now take all that cashflow and roll it right into investments and you'll be financially independent MUCH sooner.

[@Faith-un7ns]

Johnny Vegas this is where I’m at right now. House almost paid but this house has long stairs with no bedroom and bathroom on main floor, don’t think it’ll be good when we’re old. But if I move property taxes and expenses will cost me more of my retirement money later. Don’t know what I’m going to do yet.

[@JonFontana24]

@Joel Reyes @Johnny Vegas Did the same, think that's the smartest route, especially with the current economic situation. Plus with the interest front loaded it can save you a good deal the faster you pay it off. Personally think the interest saved would still out perform most indices over the short term. Then you could use the cash saved to DCA into positions, which would probably mean by that time you'd be buying after the dip. Plus peace of mind and owning an asset like a house outright allows for more then enough opportunities down the road.

[@lvluptoaverage52]

Maria Puccio you can always sell when market is good or just rent it and use that money plus what you make to pay another house faster.

[@lvluptoaverage52]

Johnny Vegas true. It all depends how our life looks in the future. My side job that I enjoy and want to do when I retire is dancing my wife wants to teach piano once she retires. So a bigger house might be what we need it all depends how we improve economically.

[@brettkrcelich9010]

Dave makes a great point about staying out of debt regardless of rate. If interest rates are so low then the theory would be to finance everything, correct? 3% mgt rates, 0% new car loans, 0% insert product here. So if you finance everything due to low or no interest rate then you will be in debt without the ability to save. I agree that paying cash and staying out of debt so I can capture the full rate of return on my investment. I prefer to not owe anyone anything.

[@freekbassa]

You conveniently leave out the fact that by fiancing things you free up cash to put towards higher-yielding investments. There's such thing as a discount for lack of marketability and having your wealth tied up in illiquid assets can immediately make that portion of your portfolio worth 10-30% less than its market value.

[@vamsiprasanth]

Once u pay off debt and save for investment, the real estate properties would have appreciated 4x times and no way you can save the amount to invest even though you paid off debt.

[@rajbeekie7124]

Yes, there is good debt. The trick is not to overleverage yourself. It is important to have a cushion to soften the blow when there is a downturn. College debt is great if it in keeping with employment prospects. If you are really good in pre-med school, then taking out $200,000 in debt is solid. Now, if you struggled in pre-med, them taking out tons of debt is stupid. Taking out $200,000 to become a school teacher is also stupid. Your debt should not be over $40,000. Taking on debt to buy a $200,000 home with a salary of $50,000 is stupid. A $150,000 is fine. You get the point. Don't over-leverage yourself ad all will be well.

[@bradleymaravalli2851]

Much needed reminder. Thank you!

[@JB-kx9bx]

I'd say the only debt that can be good is a mortgage for the house you live in so long as its a small enough percentage of your income. It depends on your situation, if your job might relocate you to a different city buying a house might be a bad idea.

[@ohgin12345]

Funny you never even consider the cost of your house

[@bobwoodward3237]

Great Explanation !!

[@RichardWalls]

Used wisely and responsibly, debt can be a great tool, particularly to buy assets that offer a return on investment. Unfortunately, it's used irresponsibly more often than not.

[@jdb2002]

While Dave would rather you pay for a house 100%, he knows that's not doable for the majority of his listeners. So he won't yell at you about a mortgage, as long as it's a 15 year mortgage, with the payments no more than a quarter of your take home. And he also advises 20% down to avoid PMI

[@jdb2002]

@Online Complainer Cash flowing college is Anthony O Neil's department.

[@Rodrigo_Gatti]

In a way debt is like alchohol. It can be fun to giggle around your friends in a party, but if you go too far, you may end up with a drinking problem.

[@jeanlenor1858]

Dave doesn't know this fact. Its his way or be broke. He is so wrong.

[@jdb2002]

@@jeanlenor1858 Worked for me. I'm following the Baby Steps, and in a better place now than when I started 3 years ago.

[@TimDEagle]

Yes. Most people cannot rent a place to stay while saving to pay a house with 100% cash, so get a mortgage. That's the low hanging fruit, there are other good debts... like leveraging for assets (can be bad too, of course). Credit card debt if you pay off every month to increase credit score IF you have the discipline to not overspend.

[@Convexhull210]

Leveraging = more risk. Risks constantly change. You don't have certainty by leveraging money long term

[@XFizzlepop-Berrytwist]

Okay, but if for example you had 500k, and you could get 5% on that 500k. Thats 25k a year, that could cover a mortgage payment, and supply a low level income/Living lifestyle. If you spent the 500k immediately it would be gone.

[@JamesJamersonIsAGod]

Absolutely! Dave’s point is if both your business and stocks suffer at the same time for the same reason (recession, etc) your up a creek. And even if everything does pan out it adds a ton of stress to your life. He sticks to his guns on this topic mostly because people truly are idiots and WAY over leverage themselves. Obviously a few people do it quite well. And others over leverage and are successful because the risk event just happens to not show up when they are most exposed.

[@XFizzlepop-Berrytwist]

JamesJamersonIsAGod Right, I’d like to ask Dave’s opinion on if someone had 500k and could get 5%, should they get a mortgage if that was their retirement was all they had, like say they just rented all this time, so no house.

[@RomilCPatel]

@@JamesJamersonIsAGod There are ways of hedging a stock portfolio, to mitigate risk.

[@michaelwoods4495]

What he never says is that he financed all that early real estate with short-term callable debt. What did they teach at UT about matching maturities when he was a finance student? One of the main things I learned, which was one point my committee grilled me on in my thesis defense, was that one. If your assets are illiquid like real estate you can't have callable loans. Other than that omission, though, I like having no debt just as he says.

[@Convexhull210]

I can count the number of times I've had conversations with ignorant or bozos who think leveraging debt is a wise idea because it works for some people. It's really quite sad the number of people who really think borrowing money as a model is sustainable or necessary to make you rich.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@Convexhull210 Do you think that they believe this because they look at millionaires and billionaires who have used this technique?

[@Convexhull210]

@@Musicienne-DAB1995 perhaps but most millionaires and billionaires I guarantee you didn't get rich by doing this. Look at Ramsey's study. 78% of millionaires are self-made. They started from scratch which means they saved and invested long-term.

[@gilagarden]

Peace > Money!

[@srdjr6760]

I have disagreed with Dave on this point in the past but he explains his position very well here. I still disagree with his position on paying extra on a mortgage instead of investing more but great explanation here.

[@cman8798]

Maybe I missed his point but why is a mortgage bad again? I wonder if he owns all of his properties free and clear. I rich get wealthy by leveraging debt, so what is the difference if an individual does this.

[@eatpigsnot]

Dave owns everything free and clear. he never borrows money, he always pays cash. Dave is teaching financial peace and there is no peace with debt. Given certain conditions a mortgage does not have to be stupid awful debt, but it is always more secure to have a paid for home than have a mortgage. the rich get rich and stay rich not by leveraging debt but by being debt free

[@tmurrayis]

That discussion was Golden. Thank you Dave.

[@The3rdTower]

Dave Ramsey’s advice is for poor and middle income people.

[@perryholeman2650]

Agree. Not for sophisticated investors who no how to manage risk with diversification and liquid EFTs you can sell in 5min if you see a 5% correction and want to bank profits.

[@dariofigueroamorales7948]

You should said average people

[@johnnyvegas4583]

This video sums up Dave's philosophy on debt. He knows you can theoretically make more if you invest instead of paying off a lower interest loan, but he's dead on when he says people are ignoring the risk aspect of that equation. For the same reason, people buy US Treasuries that yield 1% instead of high yield junk bonds that yield 7%, the difference is risk.

[@marcoseesmarcoshares]

The short answer: *There is NO good debt.* There can be “acceptable debt” ie a mortgage - a debt where as you pay down the loan you build equity on the property. But it’s best to payoff all debt and stay far away from it going forward.

[@alexc5369]

Exactly, here people always that their tenants pay their mortgage for them, but wouldn't it be better if their tenants paid them?

[@karaayers2867]

@@alexc5369 a freaking men. My business is debt free, thus i get to keep much more $ than the other guy that has payments on his truck, tractor, skid steer, excavator. That means I can sleep better when times are slow.

[@Faith-un7ns]

Kara Ayers exactly, and I don’t understand how people rave over a low interest rate when they are 100’s of thousand in debt. Isn’t it better to have no interest rate and collecting interest on your money.

[@BadMannerKorea]

Yes there is good debt. Revolving debt is one example of good debt.

[@freekbassa]

@@karaayers2867 Means your business is far from its optimal capital structure and by introducing debt you could probably grow and increase value at a much quicker rate...

[@Tictokshorts]

I love this guy Dave Ramsey is the Man!!!

[@jorgecevallos3225]

Great advice! Exactly what I think.

[@twilde3754]

Well said Dave!!!

[@samuelburr7262]

I can see his point but I have a 0% credit card with a couple hundred on, but then I have a secure savings account which makes 3% (in today’s market, not bad) with a few thousand in, as there’s no risk for the gains I may as well carry on gaining the 3% which will be guaranteed and then when the 0%period ends in 2021 pay it off. I think that makes more sense than what Dave is saying

[@thesnyderteam-lasvegas6614]

My 30 year fixed 3.25% mortgages on a few rentals that cash flow cash flow $700/month after PITI is good debt. Dave’s constant example of his loans getting called is because he didn’t have 30 year fixed loans. He had risky debt.

[@connorgurgone345]

Yea he had 90 day notes.

[@lobsterstrange]

@@connorgurgone345 what are 90 day notes? And caused the banks to take it back

[@Joel-bh5xd]

This Dave guy is like a recovering alcoholic when offered a drink: he’s scared of it. Good debt is usually when you buy an asset that appreciates in value over time (like a house). As you said, you need good terms on this loan and you need to pay the monthly fee easily.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@Joel-bh5xd But you will not own that asset until you have repaid the debt, so you are in a position of subservience to the banks. Your house can grow in value without debt.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

How much would those rentals cash flow without debt?

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

People always neglect to include closing costs and commission fees. That blows your "spread" out of the water.

[@meggrotte4760]

Actally The paperwork for that is already being processed Although i've had my loans for twenty years, almost i've only been paying for 12 I had to do what the few things. Illness an employment finding a new jobIllness unemployment finding a new job. I start working in August

[@zvaults4168]

There are quite a few grey tones between 0% risk and the massive amount of risk Dave took in his 20s. I would keep the mortgage, even refinance it if you want to (interest rates are awesome right now). Don’t waste your money by paying tax on cashing in those stocks.

[@art_healing_marine]

The keyword is PEACE It gives you peace

[@Teamshmo]

Just because there is risk doesn't mean it is bad. Lower risk usually means lower rewards and higher risk usually means potentially higher rewards. Factors like time I think are more important. If you had $100k in cash back in 2008 when everything crashed it would make a lot more sense to put all that money into the stock market when it was record lows instead of paying off your house. However, that same scenario in 2007 before the crash is when you have to think more about risk. If the stock market has been doing record numbers year after year it has a higher chance of crashing than it does doing well in the near future.

[@cfoskeeter]

I think the caveat here is that this guy has the cash to weather a storm. The risk is when you don't have the cash on hand to handle when things go south. This guy could go on as he is doing, and IF things got bad, then he could use his stored up investments to get by. But, I also understand the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you don't have to write anyone a check at the beginning of each month.

[@rolandfor]

Make a show on how can I avoid paying federal taxes!? Thanks

[@aolvaar8792]

$98K - $24K standard deduction - $4K (15% SS exemption) = $70K 4 children child tax credit= $8K, $0 taxes Retired, 4 minor children, ~$100K , No taxes Not to mention the $24K the children get for being children of a SS retiree.

[@absw6129]

I think it totally depends on the amount of debt, interest on said debt and expected returns from the investment. Obviously more leverage = more risk. That doesn't mean some leverage can't ever be necessary depending on the project. It's all about the risk:reward ratio. Dave seems to lean more on the side of almost zero risk. Some people will go to the other extreme with 20x leverage. Isn't there a happy medium to be had?

[@selurrekos]

Peace is the magic word

[@wilsonw7956]

Never thought of it that way. Thanks Dave!

[@bobwoodward3237]

Yup, Yup, Yup, Yup 😂😂😂

[@gerardlead9321]

Attempting to build wealth with debt is building a house of cards 🤷‍♂️

[@mattcollins4550]

Not if it is done correctly and you don't overleverage.

[@RomilCPatel]

gerard lead Don’t over leveraging and hedge your investments

[@gerardlead9321]

Matt Collins don’t attempt to defend the building of a house of cards. House of cards definition - an insubstantial or insecure situation or scheme.

[@tomm8025]

Once again wrong answer for the current situation. Dave doesn't like to change his answers regardless of situations. He would have to change the literature that he has been pumping out for decades. Easier to just find reasons to defend the same idea. What Dave leaves out, is that when HE was playing with margins of debt vs investment returns he was not getting HISTORICAL low rates on his LONG TERM debt. That "risk" he refers to is substantially lowered because of how low a 2.5% debt rate is and the long term performance of the markets. Thus, at 2.5%, the risk is essentially eliminated. Dave himself has plenty of videos where he talks about the market being a stable investment long term. Also, notice his 12% return rate on the market (which he always uses unless it's not to his argument) was lowered to 10% NOW to minimize the benefit of what the caller wants to do and SHOULD do. At 2.5%, the debt is actually getting cheaper as time goes. Inflation averages will likely outpace his long-term rate, thus not only is he paying future dollars that are deflated in value (essentially costing him less), but the money he invested grows. In fact, if inflation outpaces 2.5% in the future, the caller will payback less money than he actually borrowed because those future principal payments will be worth less than what he borrowed today or yesterday. Additionally, what Dave leaves out in this phone call, the TYPE of loans he took in his day. He had debt that was called, not traditional mortgage as this guy has. Dave was essentially "leveraging" his investments and got bitten when the markets shift and he did not have the money to pay off the properties. This in addition to the fact that he didn't have historical low rates. So sorry Dave, wrong answer! This is long-term debt vs long-term returns, and investing will crush a 2.5% mortgage rate and the longer it goes the more stable the risk becomes and will nearly be eliminated. YES, the rates charged and earned do affect the "risk". You give me a 2.5% mortgage rate, ESPECIALLY if a younger person, I am in no hurry to pay that off. If I invest that money I would have thrown at the debt, I'll have money to pay off that loan should my circumstances change. The compounding effect of the additional monies and returns where the investments exceed 2.5% long-term will be SUBSTANTIAL! I sincerely hope this caller goes with his own idea an what he knows is right and ignores Dave's advice. He will be much better off long-term!

[@freekbassa]

Always have looked at Dave as a budgeting and common-sense guy. Anything more sophisticated than a 300 level finance course is better left to someone else.

[@tomm8025]

@@freekbassa - Yes, I am beginning to see him as nothing more than the "getting out of debt" guy. Except he wants to insist on a one size fits all approach there as well and use the much less efficient SLOWball-snowball method that simply cost people a lot more time and money before they are debt free. He cites psychological ASSumptions onto everyone simply because that was how his brain worked. At this point he is simply more interested in defending a product already written (30+ years ago) than actual give sound financial advice. The money coming in may be affecting his decisions, not want is good for the individual.

[@joshjohnson9406]

But you can quantify risk. It doesn’t always mean the risk dilutes the spread.

[@bhupesh0111]

I respect Dave and agree with him on most of principles..risk reward is so very important Dave got greedy when he was in his 20s. I'm 41 and I started in investing single family homes when I was 25...today I own 1.2 Million clear paid off equity in real estate of my portfolio valued at 1.6M...my renters paid it all for me Had I waited to buy real estate in cash I would have bought it when I would have turned 60

[@justinacase2623]

My GF hit 5000.00 on a slot machine in Vegas on a five dollar wager. Sometimes people get lucky.

[@bhupesh0111]

@@justinacase2623 yeah u r right..I got my equity built up in 16 years not in a one night stand at a casino

[@aolvaar8792]

@@bhupesh0111 You got lucky I'm looking at a 6bd, 3bth 4000 sqft on 5 acres, former Airbnb. The owner bought for $400K in 2019, currently bleeding ~$2500/mo State rules prevent him from making money (14 day quarantine). Judicial foreclosure State, with 9 month redemption rights This person was Not lucky

[@JohnnyJackson746]

No debt is not good and youll never convince me otherwise

[@hollyb6885]

I don’t understand how a bank can call your loans when you’ve signed papers with the terms, and the terms are that you will pay it off over 30 years?

[@angryarkie1642]

They can’t.. Dave got in trouble in the 1980s after real estate investment legislation changed and he did 90 day loans to flip houses.. the bank called those loans. Mortgages have call provisions that legally prevent that from happening.. he usually neglects to include that in most of his stories.

[@hollyb6885]

@@angryarkie1642 Thx for the info. I thought something was missing

[@angryarkie1642]

Holly B you’re welcome! Always scrutinize folks that offer “the answer” to problems.

[@justinacase2623]

Read the fine print! They can and will to protect their interest! Don't listen to these broke chumps on here being Dave haters! No bank will allow themselves to not protect their depositors or shareholders. My late wife worked in the mortgage industry for 20 years, they will absolutely call your loan. It's not their first option. If you don't think Proverbs 22-7 is not true, rude awakening coming your way.

[@olliessurfgear]

Thank you, Dave 👍

[@Tonyrg1988]

theres no such thing as good debt for someone who doesnt having spending under control

[@MrAniruddhajog]

Thank you Dave Ramsey sir... Love and Respect from India. 🙏🏼

[@CTRCHOICE]

That Robert sounded like the author of rich dad poor dad.

[@vdoggydogg3922]

Dave's experience is totally different. The caller is not flipping homes like dave was.

[@yusuf.alajnabi]

Great advice from Dave so true.

[@JoshuaLlamaLlama]

Right, I get that foreclosure is a risk; what about the risk of depreciation on cash? What do you do with the small amount of money you DO have without leverage to increase wealth? The most common answer I get is to invest in Assets. Items that appreciate instead of depreciate. But valuable property requires loans, as does education. Very few true Assets seems available to the average American right now. Especially in high cost of living areas where our families live. I am 600mi away from family and the lack of support is litterlly killing me from stress.

[@Fc9ers]

unless someone in the family is sick, i aint getting into debt

[@abrahamflores2566]

Question for dave, why did you take out loans that could be called? Why didn't you take out regular mortgages in your 20s rather than 90 day loans? 90 days loans is an extremely risky way of leveraging debt....my conventional loans on my houses cannot be called because I don't deal with loan sharks.

[@adamzoubi96]

Awsome video!

[@ShortCrypticTales]

and to be honest now would be the perfect time to do exactly what dave told this caller to do at the end

[@sbranham314]

I dont think the banks can call your loans like that anymore

[@sbranham314]

@@justinmusic1296 they used to be able to but there are newer laws and regulations that make it a lot harder

[@inertiaforce7846]

So are you saying that there is such thing as good debt since banks can't call your loans like that anymore?

[@sbranham314]

@@inertiaforce7846 yes there is good debt especially if that debt is putting money back in your pocket

[@inertiaforce7846]

@@sbranham314 What do you consider good debt? Is a mortgage good debt?

[@sbranham314]

@@inertiaforce7846 a mortgage can be good debt. Let's say your mortgage payment is 1500 and you are renting out the place for. 2000. You may have 250000 in debt but you have a 500 a month cashflow putting money back in your pocket. Not to mention principal paydown as well as any appreciation that may happen while you own said property. I recommend doing research and check out Robert Kiosaki and other KZbinrs. There is so much excellent information out there for free to get educated about finance.

[@zunedog31]

Dave will always take the most risk averse path. Most people do just fine assuming calculated risk and many benefit greatly from it. MOST people benefit from their rental properties, MOST people benefit from their 401ks, MOST people benefit from buying over renting. SOME people will get wiped out by banks calling notes, 2008, or 2020. But this is largely a result of outsized risk on their part.

[@RomilCPatel]

Exactly, Dave doesn't seem to understand that you can hedge that risk out.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

@@RomilCPatel He does. And he compares that to the value of not having the risk in the first place.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Dave is not against getting a mortgage, as long as you choose the shortest term with the lowest cut from your pay packet. Nor is he against renting. However, there is no obligation to *remain* in debt, just because you have it. You can live without it-- and it's better in the long run.

[@brandonb5818]

Can we just have more Dave Ramsey rants and teachings?

[@adolpholiverbush5867]

If you have the cash to pay it off but choose not to for that spread it eliminates your risk. But most people with debt don't have the cash to pay it off if that horrible day came the loan was called.

[@duneme]

I’m sorry but, I disagree with Dave here BUT, it depends on the Person and the conservativeness of the person! 1. Consumer Debt is never good! 2. Same for Cars, Student Loans, Bla, bla, bla! 3. Put 15% Down and I only Hold Investment Debt! 4. Have your investment by Cash Producing not a stupid thing like Land! It should produce Monthly CASH! Rental Houses and Commercial Property are good examples! 5. If you buy in Cash only! Either you have a lot of cash in the bank as you save up for that next investment or you are looking for an investment property at the wrong market time! Of, you aren’t buying an expensive enough asset or (I think I could go on forever!)

[@DrDre007100]

He just destroyed Robert kiyosaki’s whole business idea on how to get rich lol

[@LDT7Y]

(borrows $100k) Yay! I'm rich! ; D

[@suttsd]

Not seeing how it was destroyed. His loans got called in the 80ies I have never heard of banks calling mortgages in recent times

[@joseromero81]

He’s actually friends with Kiyosaki. They still disagree, tho.

[@russmonte7072]

Then how did Robert retire at 47 a multimillionaire while 9-5rs retire at 70 with right around 1 million dollars only. Not everything is as black and white as you make it.

[@erikrohr4396]

For those of us who don't make money with books and radio shows, rental property mortgages work out pretty well.

[@skinykeny]

Good explanation

[@backcountyrpilot]

A 60% loan at 5% against a rental with a solid lease and tenant at an 8% CAP is is good debt.

[@superturtle64]

I'm 25 and have no kids, so I choose to go the relatively riskier route of investing in individual stocks vs. paying off debt. The difference between my situation and Dave's is that I don't have an insurmountable amount of money leveraged, and my debts (student loans and a

[@MrTmenzo]

You're dreaming if you think congress will forgive all student loans if Biden were to win.

[@RomilCPatel]

the doge They will be forgiven by inflation

[@CyranoDeCorveau]

Well, it can still be right. I pay 0.5% in my remaining mortgage and can get 2.5% on a completely risk-free fixed deposit (risk-free in the sense that I would only lose the money if both the bank and the state of Germany would go broke). I don’t see any flaw in the logic of rather binding up the value in the fixed deposit than paying back more of the debt.