'It's Going To Cost You Some Animals,' Dave Ramsey Says — Giving As Caller With $50K Debt Weighs Up Chickens, Dogs And Cats To Reach 'Zero Debt'

May 3, 2026 - 04:08

An Iowa woman called into a financial advice show seeking help with a difficult situation. She said she wanted to sell her mobile home and move her family, but felt trapped by $50,000 in debt and a large number of animals she owned. The caller explained that she had chickens, dogs, and cats, and was trying to figure out how to reach "zero debt" while keeping her pets.

The host, Dave Ramsey, did not hold back. He told her that if she wanted to get out of debt, she would have to make hard choices. "It's going to cost you some animals," he said. He suggested she sell or rehome the pets to free up money and reduce ongoing costs. Ramsey pointed out that feeding and caring for multiple animals adds up, especially when someone is already struggling with debt.

The woman seemed torn. She had hoped to keep the animals while still paying down what she owed. But Ramsey was firm, saying that keeping the pets was a luxury she could not afford right now. He advised her to focus on selling the mobile home, cutting expenses, and getting rid of anything that was not essential.

The call highlights a common problem for people in debt: letting go of things they love. Ramsey's advice was blunt, but he argued that temporary sacrifice leads to long-term freedom. For this caller, that might mean saying goodbye to her chickens, dogs, and cats before she can truly move forward.