I’m Living in My Car, What Should I Do? 

Is so sad that people are saying this is “normal” in the US. It talks more about a family values crisis in this country more than an economic thing. I grew up in Mexico, and there will always be a spare room at a house from an aunt, a cousin, a family friend, someone. But family will be there when someone has not even a roof over their head and will get help to get on their feet. I cant even imagine someone living in their car. I feel bad for this dude, he just sounds lonely. Loneliness is a scary epidemic in the US.

During the recent ‘Great Recession’, one of my coworkers got into a horrible financial bind and for at least 6 months, he’d return to our company at about 8 pm to spend the night. He was fortunate that there were showers, a locker room, washer/dryer, an outfitted break room (fridge, microwave, dishwasher), and even a ‘bed’ to use in an operating room to use. He was divorced, but never missed his child support. One of our coworkers sat down with him and taught him how to budget his expenses, including where to trim unnecessary spending in order to begin saving money. Many of us knew he was living there in off hours, including weekends, but nobody reported him to management.

Retired hospital RN here. He could get a job in a major medical center with his skills. The pay would be better. Once he acquires the hospital skill set he could also do PRN work at other hospitals as his schedule permits. The hospital pay in a major medical center and benefits package on top of the ability to move around to other skill sets with paid training would help. Additionally, in a major medical center with large parking lots you could blend right in and keep a low profile.

I started living out of my vehicle/office to pay off debt. Rents ridiculous. I’m now able to put $3000 a month towards the debt. Goals to buy land, park an RV on it while building my dream home. It’s possible.

"I'm living in my car". Ramsey - "Sell the car".

No kitchen, not even a refrigerator or microwave. His income is going to food. Sad part is, he is probably being extremely frugal within his options, but thats the problem: no truly frugal options.

As a doctor, I do not agree with telling people to work 60 to 80 hours a week, weekends and nights. I do wonder if some of these personalities have had to do that, perhaps a few but not necessarily those who were able to enter these jobs through known networks if you know what I mean. If you don’t take rest, you will get sick and then that will cost you more money.

This is the kind of caller they need to call back every 2 weeks for a few months to check in and help. First set up his budget together, then look at cutting expense and then improve his living situation

Our system is so screwed up. It's near impossible to get out of a hole when you're doing everything you can to make money at your job (and the opportunity is there), but struggle with intense anxiety and trauma that affects your performance and can't even get the help needed because it takes money for therapy. Taking a 2nd or 3rd job next to your full time job when you can hardly even make it at your current job is definitely not good advice. If you're physically and mentally capable of performing your job, then there's really no excuse. But I'd love to know Dave's advice for how to go out of a hole when you're stuck with no $, mental struggles, no help, and no home. That's the spot I'm in and it's pure hell

It's never a popular thing to tell people to stop paying your credits cards, but that's what you should do if you're living in a car. You're bankrupt. Take that $500 (or however much) a month and survive. Nobody ever says that though, you need to know when/where that break even is before you're sleeping in the streets. Like, seriously. At that point you're one ignition problem away from a world of hurt. Once you reach that sub-tax level where paying them doesn't make any sense, you're in the cash only zone, buddy. Time to reboot. It's either that or you might end up talking to a flashlight at 2am about credit cards.

Ten years ago, $18 an hour would have had this guy living well. Our system is broken.

With rates not as subsidised in ’24 and our mortgage still as high as 6.56%, we seek alternatives to maximize savings without an RV move or taking a loan. I’m seriously contemplating the latter.

I’m sorry but am I the only one who thinks that these “hosts” are out of touch with normal modern day society? All their advice is terrible. Remember when they used to say work hard work over time and you’ll get to where you you wanna be? No longer true

I had problems at home too, to the point of been desperate to move out, but I couldn't afford it. So what I would do was wake up a bit before 6am, go to the gym, shower there and everything, then go to work, then go to the mall and to the library, read books, and not come back until 9 or 10pm. Then the pandemic hit and I had to stay home, it was hard, but we all had to talk our probems out, learn patience, kindness, tolerance, etc.

I’m starting to question these Ramsey personalities. It’s always the same advice….sell the car or work more hours. First of all, I would’ve said screw the credit cards, go find somewhere to live. He sounds very young. I’d tell him to join the service or sign with a trucking company. They pay for the CDL license, training and board.

I lived in my car for a month, keep payments up, get Planet Fitness membership. Police patrol Gym parking lots to protect people living in the parking lot. During COVID there were 31 cars every night there. Volunteer in the evening at a your local soup kitchen - washing dishes for food is not a bad deal. Volunteer at a local food bank. Deliver food on Friday through Sunday for money to pay for car insurance -- car insurance more important than a roof over your head now. Churches provide plenty of free meals. I can eat every day for free if I needed to. Refuse to make more debt and get out of this right and you will never ever go in debt again. If you must rent a room. Do your best.

Living in his car, fast food will easily eat through $1,000 a month

There are a ton of people that abuse government assistance programs, but this guy right here is who it is meant for. He’s not looking for any handouts, working full time and taking ownership of his actions. I’m sure there is some assistance he could apply for. This is what are tax dollars are meant for and who they should go to.

He currently works sterlizing dental instruments? Has he applied to hospitals to work in their operating rooms' sterlizating department? He would make more money, and if he works extra he can sleep in one of the many call rooms for surgeons. Most hospitals have decontamination, sterlization and processing departments. Hospitals are always looking for people for these positions. He will make more money working nights. Even more at a level one trauma hospital. Always able to get overtime. Normally 10-12/hour shifts.

what is sad is 18.00 an hour is a pretty run of the mill wage even today. I get that people need to work overtime to get ahead... but you shouldn't have to work overtime just to make ends meet. That is disturbing.

I say screw the debt for now. Get a roof first.

I wish the best for Kenneth.

Love how these guys say yeh your wage isn’t enough you need to make more. 😂😂 like geez I think he realizes that or he wouldn’t be calling you asking what he should do. This whole just get a better job response is so stupid like I’m sure if he could find a 30hr job that easily he would have jumped on it yesterday. These guys are so out of touch

Dude living in a car has a better grasp of his finances than 80% of the callers on this show

I did it for 2 and a half years in phoenix az. No fun yet I gave me a big boost.

I've lived in a car before when I fled abuse (it's a horrific nightmare but staying in a safe part of town in a car can actually be safer than a bad part of town in a house or apartment, never mind the cost of keeping a place), the idea that everything is going straight into just into survival after the debt payments is entirely realistic even if a person is going out of their way to not over spend...of course I did have insurance somewhere in that budget when I was doing that.

Bless this guy, he seems like a good man.

This broke my heart lord be with this man and help him with his situation.

they're so compassionate, i love them for that.

Never done it. But don’t feel ashamed for living in your car. You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

Wow poor kid. Brave to be on his own by choice! If he gets through this, nothing will stop him!

Houston? Kenneth my man, get yourself a job in one of the huge hospitals in the Medical Center. Can you work in the instrument room/sterile processing? Go on the night shift so you get to park in a parking garage. If you play it right, keep your mouth shut, and be smart, you can sleep, and bathe in the hospital. (People do this.) You can keep some food in the department fridge IF your lovely coworkers don't eat it. I would recommend where I work because they are as clueless as rocks, but I can't put the name on here. It's say-ain't something. There is an apartment complex on the rail line that runs into the Medical Center.

Gym membership, gas, meals, car note, insurance, laundry, might be where he's spending his paycheck.

$1000 on payments. The rest is the car payment and basic cost of living. I don't think he will ever live in a house again. $18 even with overtime wont be enough.

He can work another 30 hours weekends & nights. If I was in that situation I’d be working 80 hours a week minimum

I feel like they didn't help this guy out much. Rachel is pretty useless in most cases as she just spouts out her dad's steps from the book each time. I think people will be surprised about how many people are living out of a car these days, especially in big cities like Houston where Kenneth is. With that said, there are so many job openings right now where employers need people to do basic tasks and simple show up when they are scheduled to work. If you can do that at this point, you may be ahead of half of the workforce at fast food restaurants and big box stores. Kenneth really isn't helping himself out if he is just sitting around on the weekends. $14k in debt is a lot, but at least he isn't carrying $100k in student loans like some people do.

Should ask him where be eats. Living in his car, he doesn't have anywhere to cook and prepare food. Frequenting fast food places twice a day will eat up (no pun intended) what is left of his paychecks.

Eating while living out of a car can be expensive. I'd bet that's where a lot of the other 1k is going.

This guy needs a trusted competent adult to look at his situation and advise him. I think he can get out of this without moving in with relatives. I'm picking up a vibe from him that makes me think that is not a good option. I wish him luck!

Ive done it. Go to a gym parking lot and look half the lot at night is people sleeping in their vehicles. Welcome to America.

Finally the normal people are calling.

The hosts do not seem equipped handle this

You’ve got this man, it’s gonna be a hard season. But I also understand the pride and horrible emotional baggage from family. I work 3 jobs now, I berly manage. But you do what you gotta do man! I’ve had hard seasons too, good seasons aswell! This too shall pass, but for now. Survive and get through this!

This was so bad advice!! Sad to freaking see! He needs to stop paying the credit cards until he is stable and has a roof over his head. He is one car breakdown from being in the streets.

The thing we always overlook with credit card debt is what did you spend it on? It’s a question that’s rarely asked, because we just accept that people spend too much until they basically can’t borrow anymore. It’s almost funny that we live in a system that even allows it to happen!

Right now my friend lives in a car. I tried to make him move here but he loves it. I think he makes 45k a year. He is in his 3rd year living like this and he plans to live 7 more to get about 300k saved up. He is 27 but 7 more years of that i think it will be very bad for his health...too bad i cant make him change his mind.

I lived out of my car for two years. The beauty of divorce and child support.

The missing money is probably for eating food out.....unless he's cooking in the car.

Rents are out of control.

Dude try and join the military if you can. F this trying to scrape by. I feel for this dude.

Its sad that $18 is not enough anymore. The number 1 thing, is people dont budget. They spend spend spend and say whered alll my money go. He probably could save a lot with just naming every dollar. Car insurance is such a scam, required by law, but would be the least of my worries until i get on my feet.

lots of ppl live in their cars. good luck man - I hope it works out for you

I’ve been living in my car for 8 years it’s been a good life I save a ton of money and I travel a lot. This isn’t bad

That's really cool that George asked about his safety!!!!

There was a new guy, maybe late 50s, at my job that was homeless. I would catch him in the bathroom brushing his teeth, and he had a big box on top of his jeep where he put clothes. From his story his kids kicked him out, and he was so grateful for getting the job. We had a big locker room where he would stay at night. He was also telling me how he was about to get assistance with getting his apartment..but i haven't seen him in a while, hope he's ok.

I feel like theres some details l missing...😐

I imagine a lot of that $1,000 is going to food. Hard to cook without a kitchen. I work out of a truck every day and stopping for lunch is very expensive.

Kenneth if you’re reading this. You’ll get through this

Yeah... They need Dave, back... This wasn't cutting it, to be honest.

Drive Uber, plus work your job. I’d rather live in my car? Wow, what’s going on at that house? I hope he gets the help he needs.

Some people choose to live in their cars and they enjoy it. They do it to save a lot of money. There are worse things in life to have happen to you. I'm glad ge actually had a car to be able to retreat to.

A homeless shelter may be a good start. Some have programs to help find an additional job, you're given meals, bed, showers, laundry, and programs for each individual.

Hope this kid makes it! Definitely needs to increase income. stop paying on any debts. ask family/friends/non profits for temp shelter to save up, pick up side hustle. do whatever you can to ramp up savings. Wishing the best for this person!

Call got too real too quick. Ramsey people weren’t ready for it lol. There’s more Kenneths out there in the world. Hope they can figure it out asap.

It's so sad that in America, even with a full-time job, you can't afford rent.

If he's also eating fast food to survive, that gets expensive. I bet that's where a lot of his excess money is going. Inflation is a mess.

Living in your car is not cheap. You can easily spent a $1000 on food and gas in a month

Whatever you decide to do...DON'T SELL THE CAR!

Wish Dave was there. They gave him copy paste advice and no emotional support like Dr. Delony. If he reads this: 1. Write how much debt, and expenses. 2. Call repeatedly or show up in person to a fast food joint. Get the job, cover shifts, let the manager know you really need hours. Most male managers I had love to abuse your time, BUT also have a good heart and will work you like a race horse if they see you want it. 3. Finish paying off that debt in the card by buying food at Walmart (I’m talking canned chicken, bread, hot sauce, and water.) you’ll also get free food if you work in fast food. 4. Once you’ve used ALL that extra money from expenses and reducing costs, save up a quick deposit. 5. Move into a shared room 6. Don’t fukn ever use a credit card again. You suck at them. 7. Begin paying off that car, and you’ll look back on this one day and see you can handle anything in life!

Bro. F the credit cards. If you have some credit left use that for living expenses. When u save up enough for apartment do a bankruptcy, wait as long as possible for this. Forget the debt. Get out of your car

Pay rent BEFORE anything else.

Life has gotten very challenging

"Where does the other thousand go?" "I have no idea." I think we just found the problem...

How much is gym? I hope your car is reliable and good mpg. Wagon Hatchback would be easier to sleep in too. Restaurant job has food perks. Working at the gym instead of paying for gym gets you showers.

I lived in car 🚗! America is a nightmare

Join an electricians apprentice program. Next yr, he will make 120k and laugh at this.

Wow that poor kid living in car is better than familyx

I’ve done it a few times and honestly it’s not that bad. If you can figure a few things out and have the right perspective. For one thing, a car is more of a shelter than the human species had for thousands upon thousands of years. And it’s more of a shelter than many people in our world have now. Join planet fitness. Many of them are 24 hours and you can shower and chill out there even if you don’t feel like working out that night.

I watch for the entertainment factor or to learn something new. I don't get either of these when these two are hosting together.

Living in a car is fine if safe-ish. Calling the credit card company and asking for lower rate and freeze the line of credit. Getting a side gig or two is very important. Planet fitness is good option for shower, water, etc. is nice.

Roof, lights, water, food are priority credit cards can wait

I wonder what Dave would have suggested, he do ? maybe Dave says he moves back with parents, and picks up so many part time jobs that he’ll only be at home long enough to shower and then off to the next job.Let credit card’s payments go so he can take out car insurance immediately . Save the $1000 dollar emergency fund, and then start the debt snowball. Sound about right ?

These 2 have never been close to this situation, look at them floundering to give this poor guy some decent advice.

Hey Kenneth, living out of your car and don’t know where your money goes, but we’re up against a commercial break. Hope it works out for you!

Gosh i feel for this guy.. seems SO lost about how life works smh ... how do you make 2k a month and NOT know where wjere the other 1k is going. High school kids know this elementary stuff yet this "adult" doesn't know jack. Hence sadly living in his car. I dunno why and how so many Americans just dunno the basics of life. Like wtf did you do in high school for 4 years and not learn much?????

Nothing was asked about alcohol/drug use. "I won't enjoy the situation with family"..seriously....the dude needs a place to park the car, sleep, shower and cook his OWN food. Cancel the gym membership, use the money to buy rice-and-beans. That other $ 7:59 1060 they he has "no idea" about is going towards junk food, and bottled water. HALF of that, paid as rent, with family will help him get out of this. Dog walking, door-dash, retail jobs, do anything to keep himself away from his "family". Just going back to sleep, cook and eat, and shower.

I would work 16 hours a day if i lived in a car with no other major responsibilities.

It's a hole that many people never get out of, many of those take the drug route at this point. I hope he finds his way through this.

Takes home $1060 or more every 2 weeks and has debt obligations of $850/month. Should have about $1450/month left over for food, fuel, auto insurance, and gym membership. Says he doesn't know where it's going, but my bet is marijuana or alcohol, and it's probably the reason he doesn't want to live with family.

If I am living in my car then credit card companies are SOL. Also why not move in with relatives and stay gone most of the day if they are toxic. Only go there to sleep and shower.

Rachel just quiet cause this doesn’t even register to her.

These numbers don't make sense. Credit card bills of 500 taking half his monthly income? And the car payment he has $200 left over. 30k is plenty for his situation.

I am concerned that there is addictive behavior on his part, or financial abuse and exploitation from an outside source.

Dude, you have a car. Sign up for Uber eats or spark or roadie. Make deliveries make money then you go rent your own apartment. Learn how to build your credit then save and invest. From living in your car to a millionaire in 10-20 years. I did it you can do it. You don’t need to call Dave!

There are more and more people living in their vehicle these days. It is not that uncommon, unfortunately.

ramsey logic - living in your car? get a 3 jobs and work 180 hours a week and invest in mutual funds, pay everything in cash!

I wish my car came with a bathroom

The fact you don’t know where your other check is going… & you lied about your auto accident history is insane 🤦🏾‍♂️

Living out of the car is a great way to tackle debt

He’s doing the right thing they don’t understand