Running a successful small business one year and drowning in debt the next—that's the harsh reality facing Ashley, who called into The Ramsey Show with a story that shows how quickly things can unravel. Her consulting firm, which helps charities repurpose furniture and assets through partnerships with universities, corporations, and school districts, was thriving until January. Then everything changed.
When $2.5 Million in Revenue Vanishes
Ashley explained that her business was doing well until funding cuts and policy shifts slammed nearly every aspect of her operations. "I was bringing in over... I grossed 2.5 million, and this year I'll be lucky to—" she started, before co-host Ken Coleman jumped in to get specific numbers on her immediate crisis.
The financial strain became overwhelming as she laid off employees, paid out benefits, and tried to cover mounting bills—all while her husband and business partner were hospitalized. The debt picture is grim: she owes one vendor $60,000 and is 140 days overdue. Vehicle debt totals around $90,000. Credit card debt adds another $80,000. That's roughly $230,000 in obligations with revenue essentially gone.
The Survival Plan: Pause Everything
Coleman and George Kamel didn't sugarcoat their advice. This wasn't about tweaking the business model or waiting for contracts to return. "The fix here is you got to bring in some income now," Coleman said. "Sell everything, get a job."
Kamel was equally direct: "This business needs to pause right now if you can't get contracts and both of you need to get full-time jobs doing other things or four side jobs each in order to cover the bills during this storm."
It's tough advice, especially for someone who built a multi-million dollar business. But when you're 140 days behind on payments and the revenue stream has dried up, survival trumps entrepreneurial pride.
Other Financial Crisis Stories
Ashley wasn't the only caller facing a financial meltdown. Rachel from Eugene, Oregon, reached out after her husband's construction business collapsed, leaving the family with over $90,000 in debt and just $25 in their bank account. With three children and another baby on the way, Dave Ramsey urged immediate action: find local work now and prioritize absolute essentials like food, utilities, and mortgage payments.
Then there's Toby, a 27-year-old caller who's $14,000 in debt and recently homeless, asking whether bankruptcy made sense. Ramsey's take? The money problems are symptoms of bigger life challenges. His prescription: steady work, sobriety, and finding mentorship to rebuild stability from the ground up.
These calls paint a picture of how quickly financial stability can evaporate—and how the path back requires hard choices and immediate action rather than hoping things improve on their own.