Will Dave Ramsey's baby steps work in 2026?

12/26/25 - Friday

December 26, 2025

👋 Hey friend,

We finally recorded the episode so many of you have asked for:

“Will Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps Work in 2026?”

We get into why each step exists, what still works, what needs updating, and what we personally found helpful (and not helpful) when we used the Baby Steps ourselves.

Because the reality is… the world is different now.

Inflation. Interest rates. The cost of existing.

And yet, people are still trying to follow a framework written for a very different economy.

⭐ A Quick Highlight: Baby Step #4

If you’ve already listened to the episode, you heard how riled up I (Jen) got talking about baby step 4.

“Invest 15 percent of your income for retirement.”

A solid idea… but the logistics matter.

One of the biggest issues we see?

Entrusting your life savings with someone who is not bound by a fiduciary standard.

Commission-based advisors, while cheaper upfront, are 10x more expensive over the long run.

But we get it, fee-based advisors are pricey. The great thing is you don’t need one right away!

We talk more about that in the episode, but one thing we forgot to mention is how fintechs are helping people take control of their investments, for FREE.

💡 Example: Capitalize!

Capitalize is a fintech company that helps you roll over old 401(k)s into an IRA you control, with no fees, no complicated paperwork, and no pressure to work with a financial advisor who may not be aligned with your goals.

In a Baby Step 4 world, that control matters.

  • You get to choose your investments.

  • You get transparency.

  • And you keep more of your long-term growth in your own hands.

If Baby Step 4 is on your radar for 2026, Capitalize can make 401(k) rollovers a lot simpler. **

Cut the stuff that quietly drains your money

Starting with your wireless bills! Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plans are 50% off right now, so you can get 3, 6, or 12 months of premium wireless for just $15 a month.

We’ve used Mint, and the service has been just as reliable as our old provider, but at a fraction of the cost.

All plans include high-speed data and unlimited talk & text on the nation’s largest 5G network, and you can bring your phone and number with zero contracts or nonsense.

Save on your phone bill with Mint Mobile. 👇🏼

Inside the Episode

We cover:

  • What still works about the Baby Steps

  • Where people get stuck (and why it’s not their fault)

  • What we’d update for 2026 and beyond

  • How to approach debt and saving without guilt

  • Why flexibility > rigidity when money gets unpredictable

And we do it with kindness, nuance, and the honesty we all deserve.

Listen now — you’ll walk away with clarity, not confusion.

⏳ URGENT: 90-Day Debt Free Fast Track Closes Jan 1

If this episode brings up frustration, stuck-ness, or the feeling that you need a fresh start… you’re not alone.

And if you want real traction on your debt payoff in 2026, this is your window:

90-Day Debt Free Fast Track enrollment closes on Jan 1.

After that, doors shut so we can fully serve the new cohort.

This is the program that helps you:

★ Build a spending plan you can actually follow
★ Break the shame spiral around budgeting
★ Create momentum with your debt
★ Finally feel in control of your money
★ Start the year calm, prepared, and supported

If you want the new year to feel different, not because you hope it will, but because you built it that way… don’t wait.

💛 Final Thought

Dave Ramsey opened the door for a lot of people.
But you get to decide what pieces to keep, what to adapt, and what to leave behind.

This episode helps you rebuild the parts that actually work.
Fast Track helps you build the life that works for you.

We’re cheering for you — today, tomorrow, and all of 2026. 💛
Jen + Jill

**Means this is a sponsored or affiliate section. We may earn a small fee or commission when you choose to try one of our sponsor or affiliate partners. But opinions are still 1000% our own.