Should Your Girlfriend Pay Off Your Debt? | Ramsey Solutions

The Principle of Not Paying Off Dating Relationship Debt

• 🚫 Do not pay off dating relationship debt; this is something to do only when married.
• 💡 The principle is to avoid mixing finances before marriage, as it can complicate relationships.

Long-Distance Relationship and Financial Strain

• ✈️ The caller is in a long-distance relationship (Canada to Switzerland) and wants to pay off $35,000 in debt to afford more frequent visits.
• 💰 The caller earns approximately $85,000 gross annually and aims to clear the debt before next summer.
• 💸 The cost of a flight is about $1,600, and the girlfriend has visited before.

Realigning Expectations and Support

• 🤝 The suggested approach is to communicate that while the debt is important, the caller believes it's their responsibility to pay it off.
• 🗣️ Support from the girlfriend would be her visiting the caller while they focus on debt repayment.
• ⚠️ Accepting the offer to pay off debt could fundamentally change the relationship dynamic.

Dangers of Co-mingling Finances Before Marriage

• 💔 Co-signing loans or buying property with someone you're not married to can lead to significant problems if the relationship ends.
• 🏠 An example is given of a man who bought a house with his girlfriend; upon his death, his share went to his mother, creating an unwanted partnership.
• 🚗 Another example involves co-signing a car loan, where the girlfriend kept the car after the breakup, leaving the caller responsible for the debt.

The Importance of 'Begin With the End in Mind'

• 🧠 Applying Stephen Covey's principle means considering all potential negative outcomes before making a financial decision.
• ⚠️ This proactive approach, termed 'nightmare killing,' aims to prevent future problems by anticipating what could go wrong.
• 🌱 Successful people often learn from failures and don't assume everything will work out perfectly.