Dave Ramsey on Making the Dream Car a Reality

October 25, 2026 - 10:24

This week's installment of down-to-earth personal finance advice from Dave Ramsey and the Dave Says column.

A reader wrote in asking whether it is wise to buy a dream car while still carrying debt. The reader explained that they had wanted a specific vehicle for years, had saved some money for a down payment, and felt torn between treating themselves and staying disciplined with their budget.

Ramsey's response was direct. He said the dream car should wait until the buyer is completely debt free and has a fully funded emergency fund. Until then, the vehicle is not a reward, it is a risk. A car payment on top of existing debt slows down every other financial goal, from paying off the house to building real wealth.

He suggested a practical middle path. Drive a reliable used car that gets the job done, keep saving, and pay cash for the dream car later. Ramsey noted that people who wait and buy with cash often enjoy the purchase far more, because there is no lender in the picture and no monthly burden hanging over the keys.

The broader point was simple. Dreams are worth pursuing, but they should be funded with patience rather than borrowed money.