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'We End Up Going From Crisis To Crisis,' Ramsey Says As 36-Year-Old With 2 Kids Juggles $3.2K Monthly Income, $1.9K Bills And A $16K Car
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 14:16
Financial Situation Overview - A single mother from Lexington, Kentucky, named Charlotte, struggles financially despite working two jobs, earning approximately $3,200 monthly while managing inconsistent child support [1][2] - Monthly debt payments total around $1,900, which includes a $560 mortgage, indicating a tight financial margin [3] Debt Breakdown - Charlotte's debts include $16,000 for a car loan, $16,000 in student loans, $6,000 in medical bills, $3,200 for braces, $1,600 from a cruise, $700 for tires, and $200 for a mattress [4] - The accumulation of these debts has made it challenging for her to stay current on bills and start an emergency fund [2][4] Financial Advice and Recommendations - Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey emphasized that Charlotte's financial situation requires major changes rather than minor adjustments, suggesting that selling her car may be necessary due to affordability issues [6] - Ramsey pointed out that Charlotte has been living on the financial edge for a long time, which has contributed to her current stress [5]