The air was thick with shock on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show as Dave Ramsey and financial advisor Rachel Cruze fielded a call from a Massachusetts father contemplating divorcing his wife for financial gain. The caller proposed the drastic measure to save over $100,000 on out-of-state tuition for their younger child.
According to the caller, the family had one child in college in Massachusetts and another looking at schools out of state. The parents owned a second home in the state where the younger child planned to attend school, prompting the idea of divorce to establish residency there and save on tuition costs.
Ramsey and Cruze were quick to express their horror at the proposal. Ramsey shut down the idea firmly, emphasizing that manipulating the system for financial gain was not advisable. Cruze pointed out that the teenager likely hadn’t asked for their parents to consider such drastic measures.
The hosts’ incredulity continued as they discussed the implications of the caller’s question. Ramsey’s blunt response of “dude, you’re weird” encapsulated their disbelief at the suggestion brought to them on the show.
The cost of higher education was also highlighted, with in-state tuition in Massachusetts significantly lower than out-of-state rates. The need for families to explore all options for education affordability was underscored.
In a world where financial decisions can have profound emotional consequences, the choice to prioritize savings over the sanctity of a family unit left Ramsey and Cruze, and likely many listeners, bewildered and unsettled.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.