Stop Funding My 401(k) When I’m In Debt?!
Say goodbye to debt forever. Start Ramsey+ for free:
Visit the Dave Ramsey store today for resources to help you take control of your money!
Did you miss the latest Ramsey Show episode? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Get all the highlights you missed plus some of the best moments from the show. Watch debt-free screams, Dave Rants, guest interviews, and more!
Want to watch FULL episodes of The Ramsey Show? Make sure to go to The Ramsey Show (Full Episodes) at:
Check out the show at 4pm EST Monday-Friday or anytime on demand. Dave Ramsey and his co-hosts talking about money, careers, relationships, and how they impact your life. Tune in to The Ramsey Show and experience one of the most popular talk radio shows in the country!
Ramsey Network (Subscribe Now!)
• The Ramsey Show (Highlights):
• The Ramsey Show (Full Episodes):
• The Dr. John Delony Show:
• The Rachel Cruze Show:
• The Table with Anthony ONeal:
• The Ken Coleman Show:
• The Christy Wright Show:
• EntreLeadership: …(read more)
LEARN MORE ABOUT: 401k Plans
REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation
HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing
HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing
Stop Funding My 401(k) When I’m In Debt?!
Saving for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial planning, but what happens when you’re drowning in debt? Many Americans are facing this dilemma, as they try to balance saving for their future with paying off their current financial obligations. This conflict has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of continuing to contribute to a 401(k) retirement account when in debt.
On one hand, financial experts argue that saving for retirement should be a top priority, regardless of any outstanding debt. They emphasize the importance of taking advantage of the tax benefits and employer matching contributions that come with a 401(k) plan. Additionally, starting early and consistently contributing to a retirement account can greatly impact one’s future financial security.
However, some individuals believe that prioritizing retirement savings over debt repayment is not the best decision. They argue that high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, can quickly accumulate and become difficult to pay off if neglected. By redirecting the funds that would have gone into a 401(k) towards debt repayment, they argue, one can reduce the overall financial burden and achieve a more stable financial footing.
The debate surrounding this issue has also brought to light the fact that each person’s financial situation is unique. While some individuals may have manageable debt and feel comfortable continuing 401(k) contributions, others may be struggling and in need of more aggressive debt repayment strategies.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to continue funding a 401(k) while in debt should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It’s important for individuals to weigh the benefits of retirement savings against the burden of debt, and consider factors such as interest rates, employer matching contributions, and long-term financial goals. Seeking advice from a financial advisor or debt counselor can also provide valuable insights into making an informed decision.
In conclusion, the debate over whether to stop funding a 401(k) while in debt is a complex and personal one. While saving for retirement is crucial, it’s equally important to address any outstanding debts in a responsible manner. By carefully evaluating one’s financial situation and seeking professional guidance, individuals can make informed decisions that serve their long-term financial interests.
I wonder how often and where this couple eats out for meals, how often they are buying new clothes and what brands they are shopping. A look at their budget would likely find quick win solutions for them.
At 400k, that guy has a lot of money to do both. There are limits to how much he can contribute to his 401k. The rest is to pay off debt.
It's 100% mathematically impossible to save for retirement while in debt.
I spent years paying off debt while NOT investing. I wish I would've continued to invest. Now I'm behind in my retirement. I disagree with Dave on this.
No. I'm going to get my match Dave.
400k? Dude what are you doing, well you're cars and house go drive for uber or deliver pizzas 😀
If they don't want to sell some of their expensive toys to cover this debt, then maybe they can get a PT job driving Uber or Lyft, delivering pizzas, dog walking or baby sitting. What they should not do is stop contributing to their retirement accounts.
I will always be thankful to Dave for helping me to win. However, I did not follow this one point. When we were at this crossroads, we were not earning $400k, but we nonetheless had a high enough top marginal tax rate to warrant continued tax-deferred investing. Then consider the company matches and the math is just overwhelmingly in that favor.
What about the taxes?
What do they do for a living? WOW!
This is mind blowing advice. Wow.
You can tell Dave really wants to tell him to keep funding the 401k but it doesnt match the formula he tells ppl to follow. I appreciate his consistency but dang…
As others have said, and as I have said in previous calls on this subject, I would never drop below the company match to 401k. Over 20,30 years, that amounts to a lot of money.
investing while in debt is like brushing your teeth while eating
Legend says that the Romans kept investing in their 401K (Caesar Romulus matched their contributions) right up to the collapse of the Roman Empire. It’s about compounding interest after all.
Questions not asked: Do you get a company match on your 401k contributions? What are the interest rates on your debt? How much are you contributing to your 401k?
Most likely, interest rate on the vehicle is low (0% – 2.5%). S&P is up about 17% year-to-date. A company match is 50% – 100%. You do the math.
Dave is joined at the hip to his "baby steps" and anti-debt dogma. He twists himself into a pretzel trying to come up with a reason to discontinue the 401k contributions and finally comes up with "you need to experience pain". LOLOLOLOL
My question is, why does this guy have debt with such a high salary, does not make sense.
It's a behavior thing not a math thing. I loved that Dave acknowledged that the caller would be alright either way, but could be even better off if there is sacrifice, and shifting comfort.
If you can at least contribute the match % it's free money for down the road.
This dude a joke
They make $400k, they can do lots of things. The debt is not ruining their lifestyle or impeding their living situation.
What about SELLING THE RV AND THE CAR?!?!
I finally went full Dave instead of Davish Feb. 2020. Stopping the 401k match was tough, but I was debt free in a year, now my emergency fund is fully funded and I am investing 15% and working on paying off the house.
It does not make any sense at all; how much does it put in the 401k?
It’s not even about his income, it’s his income to debt ratio
TBH is not 400k, they probably get much less after taxes, that being said they can pay that pretty quick
i would venture to guess he could pay off his debt today
I would never stop investing in your retirement. I'd rather cut out vacations, going to restaurants and buying gifts. Fund your retirement and pay off debt.
Welcome to the Maybe Steps. Dude should just get the heck out of debt and be done with it.
What’s a 401K ?
Nope, can't stop wont stop
if you make 400k a year why do you even have debt? I make 50k and manage to stay debt free and still contribute to my retirement.
How can I listen to the show live?
This is one of the only places I deviate. I’m getting that match
I wished he would have asked them where the rest of their money is going! Must be an insane mortgage.
well 400k, minus taxes on someone that high income, probably 250k net, people who make 400k usually buy expensive houses, so their mortgage could be 3k a month.
Dave wanted to tell this guy to continue investing in his 401k. But he can’t. Because it goes against his basic, blanket principle’s that he preaches to
the masses. Finance isn’t one size fits all.
A rising tide lifts all boats.
Ramsey advice is kind of stupid, his question should be: what the rate of interest on car and rate of interest on heloc, which one has higher interest paid that one first aggressively. His saying to stop putting in 401K, that’s not good. There’s are way better option than 401K but in this case, keep investing in 401K, and pay min on lower apr and paid way more on higher interest item.
We completed baby step 1-3 all while continuing to contribute to our 401k. No doubt it was the best plan.
Love the plaid shirt. Hope it’s pearl snaps
One thing I will never agree with Dave on. It's literally turning down free money if your company matches it.