This Couple Makes $150K and Feels Broke—Here's Why Following Dave Ramsey to the Letter Might Be Backfiring

Core Insights - A couple earning $150,000 annually feels financially strained despite being debt-free and having $185,000 in retirement accounts, highlighting a paradox among disciplined savers [1][2] Financial Situation - The couple brings home $8,250 monthly, maintains a fully funded emergency fund, and follows Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps program, yet questions their financial habits [2] - Monthly spending includes $2,800 on groceries and general expenses, with $1,200 allocated for groceries and $1,600 for gas, restaurants, and activities [3][4] Community Reactions - Reddit community members pointed out the couple's spending habits, emphasizing that they are not "broke" given their substantial monthly expenditures [4] - The couple spends $660 monthly on sports programs, totaling approximately $14,000 annually, which is viewed as a luxury expense conflicting with their financial freedom [4] Mortgage Considerations - The couple's $2,387 monthly mortgage payment accounts for about 30% of their take-home pay, leading some commenters to argue that they are not truly "debt-free" due to this significant obligation [6]