How Dave Ramsey Is Aiming To Help Americans Amid a Growing Debt Crisis
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Americans are drowning in debt. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, total U.S. household debt rose to about $18.59 trillion in the third quarter of 2025 and that’s where Dave Ramsey, CEO of Ramsey Solutions, comes in. Known for his no-nonsense money advice, Ramsey has been helping countless people get back on track with their finances for years through his podcast, radio show, books, social media and EveryDollar app, which is relaunching January 8.
The redesign draws on 10 years of user feedback and behavior data to address consumers’ money habits in innovative ways and Ramsey explained why budgeting tools are essential at a time when many Americans are struggling to stay afloat. Below is Ramsey’s advice and how it can help Americans through tough economic times.
Also here are seven Ramsey money moves you should try.
Focus on Your Own Finances — Even in a Tough Economy
With soaring prices, a high cost of living and money concerns weighing on households, Ramsey said people often get caught up in focusing on forces they can’t control, such as interest rates, inflation and the broader economy. But real financial progress starts much closer to home, according to Ramsey.
“Affordability is on everybody’s mind right now, but regardless of what’s going on in the economy, it’s important to focus on what’s going on in your own house,” he explained. “When you’re feeling stuck, the very first step is to get on a plan and stick to it and that’s exactly what millions of EveryDollar users have done.”
Ramsey said the past decade has led to what he calls “real financial transformation,” pointing to user data showing more than $3.5 billion in progress in 2025 alone.
“That’s not luck,” he added. “That’s people getting intentional, changing their behavior and taking control of their money.”
Tap Into Financial Resources Available to You
For many Americans, their paychecks aren’t cutting it. Daniel Ramsey, president of Ramsey Solutions, said although people are making significant efforts to get their money in order, they’re struggling to see progress.
“People are frustrated and while they’re working hard, they still feel like they’re falling behind,” he explained. “When you have a plan and you start to see progress, you realize change is possible and that’s where everything starts.”
Methods such as coaching and personalized guidance are increasingly important for helping households improve their financial habits and the app will now offer them.
How Ramsey’s Pieces of Advice Can Help You in 2026
While tracking expenses is helpful, guidance and support is also needed to make lasting changes when it comes to managing money.
“Ten years ago, we designed EveryDollar to help people get control of their money with easy-to-use budgeting, but the market’s changing. Budgets matter, but budgeting alone won’t change your behavior,” Daniel Ramsey said.
“People want to do more with their money, and families are feeling real economic pressure,” he added — noting that methods like coaching and personalized guidance are increasingly important for helping households improve financial behavior.
Dave Ramsey gives a tough-love approach to handling money and is looking ahead to helping even more Americans. By 2030, Ramsey Solutions aims to help people achieve $20 billion in financial transformation through EveryDollar, including debt repayment, savings and charitable giving.
“It’s not just a number — it’s real hope for millions of people,” Daniel Ramsey said. “While challenges remain, the focus on practical tools and intentional habits shows that meaningful progress is possible.”
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