Rachel Cruze Reveals If She’ll Follow Dad Dave Ramsey’s in-State College Rule When It Comes to Her Own Kids (Exclusive)

Rachel Cruze, daughter of renowned financial expert Dave Ramsey, has shared insights into how her father’s principles on money management have influenced her upbringing and continue to shape her approach as an adult. Through her various roles at Ramsey Solutions—including hosting her show, “Smart Money Happy Hour”—Cruze offers a unique perspective on practical finance that resonates with modern audiences.

Dave Ramsey is widely known for his stringent financial advice, particularly his emphasis on avoiding debt. His philosophy encourages individuals to select their educational paths carefully, considering options that either minimise or eliminate the cost of higher education. This means prioritising in-state schools or community colleges, an approach that shaped the choices made by Rachel and her siblings during their college years. All three children attended in-state institutions in Tennessee, which played a significant part in their family’s financial strategy.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Cruze discussed her aspirations for her own children’s education and revealed how she intends to uphold her father’s financial guidance while acknowledging the realities of today’s competitive college admissions landscape. She expressed a strong preference for encouraging her children to choose in-state education, highlighting the financial return on investment (ROI) of such choices. Cruze remarked, “I think I would push in-state just because the ROI on another state school versus… We’re in Tennessee, so the University of Tennessee, for instance.”

Despite her intentions, Cruze admitted to grappling with the increasing competitiveness of college applications. Reflecting on the possibility of her children securing places at out-of-state institutions, she noted that should her kids not be accepted into their desired in-state school, she would reconsider her stance. “They have college funds, and we will be able to afford for them to go out of state,” she explained, while also expressing hopes that her children’s academic performance would enable them to secure in-state spots.

Interestingly, she posited that her father might be more averse to the idea of his grandchildren attending competing SEC schools from a sports perspective rather than a financial one. “If they go to a competing SEC school as the University of Tennessee, it probably hurt his football heart more than his financial heart,” she quipped.

Cruze’s reflections on her own upbringing highlight a misconception surrounding her father’s financial discipline. Many envision a household steeped in rigid financial rules, however, she insists this was far from the truth. “I think people really assume that we grew up in a really legalistic, money household,” she stated. Instead, she recalled a much more balanced approach, where financial education didn’t dominate their everyday lives.

One specific area where the Ramsey family’s values were evident was in how they handled the purchase of cars for their teenagers. Cruze explained the concept of the ‘401 Dave Plan,’ which required each child to contribute half the cost of their vehicle by working and saving their money. This programme not only instilled a sense of responsibility but also taught them valuable lessons about budgeting and financial planning.

Cruze’s insights into her father’s money philosophy translate into a guiding mantra for many: “Live like no one else, so later you can live and give like no one else.” This ethos encourages individuals to make sacrifices today so they can enjoy greater financial freedom in the future.

However, not all of Cruze’s spending habits align with her father’s frugal teachings. She noted that her choice to drive a Tesla is a source of playful tension between the two. “I love my Tesla, and he does not get it. He thinks it’s a waste of money, he thinks it’s stupid,” she revealed. Despite her father’s perspective, she remains unabashedly proud of her electric vehicle and how it aligns with her values of sustainability.

Rachel Cruze’s journey showcases the balance between upholding traditional financial wisdom and adapting to contemporary challenges. As she navigates her role as a mother and financial educator, her experiences provide valuable lessons for both her followers and her family.