A $96,000 Debt Load Makes Concert Tickets an Unaffordable Luxury

Rachel from Indianapolis still owes $96,000 in debt. At a payment rate of $3,500 a month, she is roughly two years away from being debt-free. This financial position made the purchase of tickets for the Backstreet Boys' Into the Millennium residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas unaffordable. Dave Ramsey, co-host of The Ramsey Show, told her during a 'Baby Step 2' debt-elimination phase, it would be inconsistent with his program's teaching to spend on a luxury experience. Kevin Richardson, a member of the Backstreet Boys, saw a viral clip of the conversation and contacted Ramsey's team. Richardson provided free tickets for Rachel and and a guest. Dave Ramsey provided the travel costs for the trip. Rachel's debt payoff timeline remains roughly two years.