'Buy My Kids Christmas Gifts Or Pay Off Debt?' – Young Dad Of 3 Asks Dave Ramsey If He Should 'Sacrifice Their Happiness' Christmas Morning?

It's that time of year again. Holiday tunes on the radio, twinkling lights everywhere and a hefty dose of pressure to deliver the "perfect" Christmas. But what happens when you're juggling debt, young kids and the harsh reality that you're barely making ends meet? That's where Joshua found himself when he called into The Ramsey Show. 

In a video posted in December titled, "Buy My Kids Christmas Gifts or Pay Off Debt?", Dave Ramsey and his co-host daughter, Rachel Cruze, didn't hold back.

At just 24 years old, Joshua – a medically retired military veteran – shared a tough predicament. "We ran into some financial hardship … and with Christmas coming up, I have three young children. I'm wondering, should I sacrifice their happiness Christmas morning to continue to pay off this debt?"

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On paper, Joshua's situation looks tight. With $1,800 in credit card debt and $4,000 in collections, plus a family of five to support, his question wasn't unreasonable. But Dave Ramsey and co-host Rachel Cruze didn't sugarcoat their advice.

"Absolutely, you need a job," Dave said point-blank. Joshua, currently in school full-time, explained he was studying business administration with a focus on project management. His plan was to complete his degree without working for the next four years. Meanwhile, his wife stays home with their three young kids, including a newborn.

That plan didn't fly with Dave. "I worked 40 to 60 hours a week while I was going to school," he reminded Joshua. The bottom line? While education is important, it can't come at the expense of providing for your family.

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Joshua mentioned he's earning around $6,000 a month from his military pension, but as Dave pointed out, "You can save up the money for Christmas by working during this month." The advice? Start driving for Uber, delivering with Grubhub or picking up any available gig.

Rachel chimed in with a mom's perspective, reassuring Joshua – and every parent out there – that Christmas doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful. "Kids are so low maintenance," she said. "Go so cheap … they just want the experience of opening gifts."

She also shared a personal anecdote: "We spent all this stinking money on Christmas and Uncle Mac went to the dollar store, spent 20 bucks and was the biggest hit. All kids care about is opening something!"

Dave added with his usual wit, "The newborn doesn't even know it's Christmas. Feed them, change their diaper and they're a happy puppy."

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Beyond Christmas, the real focus was on Joshua's long-term plan. "You only need $5,800 to be debt-free," Dave emphasized. "You could have that by March." He urged Joshua to keep working after the holidays, balancing his job with his online classes to dig out of debt and set his family up for financial success.

And for parents everywhere, Rachel left a crucial reminder: "Your kids want you. The stuff doesn't matter. Create experiences, not expenses."

Joshua's story is a wake-up call for anyone feeling the pressure of the holiday. Christmas doesn't have to come with a price tag you can't afford. Whether delivering pizzas or picking up extra shifts, there's always a way to make it work without sacrificing your financial health. And remember, your kids will cherish the memories you create far more than the stuff you buy.

So this year, keep it simple. Ride bikes, bake cookies or hit the dollar store for a garbage bag full of joy. Your wallet – and your kids – will thank you.

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