What advice did Dave Ramsey give the Ohio man with a $60,000 bonus?

Ramsey advised the Ohio man to use the $60,000 bonus to pay off the $50,000 in student loans he and his wife currently hold, calling the student debt "stupidity" that must be eliminated.

Why does Ramsey recommend the Ohio man pay off student loans before mortgages?

Ramsey argues that student loan debt is a unique liability that accrues significant interest over time, even at a moderate 5% rate. Paying off the student loans quickly will free up valuable cash flow and eliminate a monthly fixed cost, which he believes is more important than the interest rate on the couple's 7% primary mortgage.

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Ramsey to Ohioan: Pay Off $50K Student Loans Before Mortgages with $40K Bonus

Q: What sequence did Ramsey suggest the Ohio man follow to become debt-free?

Ramsey advised the Ohio man to follow this sequence: 1) Pay off the $50,000 in student loans, 2) Tackle the smaller $80,000 mortgage balance on their rental property, and 3) Refinance the larger $240,000 mortgage on their primary residence at a lower rate.

16 Nov

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Summary

Ohio man receives $60K bonus, has $50K in student loans
Ramsey advises paying off student loans first before mortgages
Ramsey calls student loans "stupidity" that must be eliminated

Ramsey to Ohioan: Pay Off $50K Student Loans Before Mortgages with $40K Bonus

As of November 16, 2025, an Ohio man is weighing how to best spend a sizable $60,000 bonus he recently received. However, financial expert Dave Ramsey is urging him to prioritize paying off the $50,000 in student loan debt he and his wife currently hold.

Ramsey argues that the man must "get rid of the stupid student loans" first, as they represent a significant drag on his finances. He advises the Ohioan to follow a specific sequence: finish paying off the student loans, then tackle the smaller $80,000 mortgage balance on their rental property, and finally refinance the larger $240,000 mortgage on their primary residence at a lower rate.