Dave Ramsey Says You're 'Stupid' If You Buy $44,000 SUV When You Make $85K A Year

Core Insights - Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey emphasizes that financial troubles often stem from a lack of basic math before making purchases, affecting individuals regardless of demographics [1][2] - Successful individuals plan ahead and consider long-term outcomes, while those struggling financially often focus on monthly payments rather than overall affordability [2][3] Financial Decision-Making - Ramsey criticizes the tendency to make impulsive purchases, such as buying a $44,000 SUV on an $85,000 salary, highlighting that such decisions are unwise regardless of payment method [3] - He advocates for proactive financial management, suggesting that individuals should take control of their finances rather than react to situations [3][6] Impulse Spending and Debt - Many young adults earning around $30,000 accumulate significant credit card debt due to impulsive spending on non-essential items like dining out and vacations [5] - Ramsey points out that common financial issues are often preventable through discipline, as credit card debt typically results from numerous small purchases rather than a single large expense [6]