Dave Ramsey, age 64, is more than just a voice on the radio—he’s a financial titan with a net worth of $200 million as of 2025. Interestingly, about $150 million of that net worth is tied up in real estate investments, showing that Ramsey doesn’t just talk the talk—he walks it, too. Known for The Ramsey Show, his best-selling books, and his famously tough stance on debt, Ramsey has helped millions get their finances in order. But his journey hasn’t been without setbacks, lawsuits, or controversy. So how did a man once bankrupt become a multi-millionaire and household name in financial advice?
How Did Dave Ramsey’s Financial Journey Begin?
Ramsey was born on September 3, 1960, in Antioch, Tennessee, and got a head start in the world of finance thanks to his real estate developer parents. He attended Antioch High School, where he played ice hockey, then went on to study finance and real estate at the University of Tennessee. By the mid-1980s, he was killing it in the real estate game—he built a $4 million portfolio by 1986. But when new banking regulations hit in 1987, his loans were called in, and just like that, Ramsey lost it all.
In 1988, he filed for bankruptcy. That brutal financial crash would become the foundation of everything he teaches today.
What Sparked the Creation of The Ramsey Show?
After his bankruptcy, Ramsey began offering financial counseling at his local church. His practical and biblically-influenced guidance caught on fast. By 1992, he was co-hosting a small radio show in Nashville called The Money Game. After his co-hosts left, he rebranded it as The Dave Ramsey Show, which later became known simply as The Ramsey Show.
Now heard on over 500 radio stations across the U.S. and Canada, the show is a massive platform. Listeners call in with everything from credit card debt to mortgage questions—and Ramsey answers it all with direct, no-nonsense advice, often laced with Christian values.
What Are Dave Ramsey’s Core Financial Beliefs?
Dave Ramsey is not a fan of credit cards. In fact, he downright despises them. His go-to advice is all about living debt-free, using the “debt snowball” method to pay off loans from smallest to largest. He pushes people to ditch their credit lines, stick to cash-only budgets, and build emergency funds.
But not everyone agrees with his style. Critics argue that Ramsey’s philosophy doesn’t account for income inequality, medical emergencies, or the financial realities of many modern families. His investing advice—which leans heavily on stock market growth and long-term mutual funds—has also been labeled outdated by some financial professionals.
What’s the Deal With the Timeshare Exit Team Lawsuit?
In June 2023, Ramsey found himself in hot water after a group of listeners filed a $150 million lawsuit against him. Why? Because he had heavily promoted a company called Timeshare Exit Team on his show—a company that ended up being accused of fraud. Although the company (now Reed Hein & Associates) shut down in 2021 and settled a lawsuit for $2.6 million, angry listeners claimed they were misled and defrauded, partially because of Ramsey’s endorsement.
Has Ramsey Solutions Faced Any Backlash?
Yes—and not just once. Ramsey’s company, Ramsey Solutions, has been accused of discriminatory labor practices, especially regarding personal lifestyle choices. In 2020, one employee was reportedly let go for coming out as lesbian, while another filed a lawsuit for being fired after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. Both cases sparked public debates about company culture and ethics.
Things got even messier during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramsey Solutions came under fire for allegedly ignoring safety protocols—holding packed in-person meetings and staying open despite positive cases. One former employee even filed a federal lawsuit claiming he was terminated for trying to take basic COVID precautions.
Where Does Dave Ramsey Live—and How Much Is His Real Estate Worth?
Ramsey’s real estate game is as serious as his financial advice. His real estate holdings are valued at around $150 million, making up a major chunk of his total net worth.
Here’s a quick look at some notable properties:
- In 2008, Dave and wife Sharon purchased 5 acres in Franklin, Tennessee, for $1.5 million. They paid in full—no mortgage.
- A year later, they completed construction on a massive 13,545-square-foot mansion. The property was listed in 2021 for $15.45 million and ultimately sold in August that year for $10.2 million.
- Just weeks later, the Ramseys bought a 7,000-square-foot estate in College Grove, Tennessee, for $3.75 million—all cash once again.
Clearly, Ramsey practices what he preaches—living well below his means and always steering clear of debt.
What’s His Family Life Like?
Dave Ramsey is a family man through and through. He’s been married to Sharon Ramsey for decades, and the couple has three children: Denise, Rachel, and Daniel—all of whom work for Ramsey Solutions. He even co-wrote the book Smart Money, Smart Kids with his daughter Rachel, helping parents raise financially savvy children.
